Changes coming for Wickham

By TYLER FARDELL

With the release of a draft masterplan for Wickham this week, questions have arisen about the parking situation.

The masterplan will see Wickham become a central point for the city, as Newcastle City Council edge closer towards a shift from east to west for the centre of the city.

Around 12 hundred new homes and apartments reaching up to 20 stories in Wickham were included in the draft plan, exciting many local residents.

However, the development is likely to worsen the already bad parking situation, with some residents insisting parking in Honeysuckle is for 'locals only'.

The idea of having paid parking only in Wickham has been floated by the council.

However, no decisions have been made and the masterplan is still only a draft.

Proposed Wickham high rise
Photo source: Newcastle Herald

Bushfire Danger Period In Hunter Finally Ends

BY IAN CROUCH

Rural Fire Service volunteers in the Hunter are looking forward to spending more time with their families after a very busy bushfire danger period, which officially winds up today.

The RFS turned out to more than 1200 jobs in the Lower Hunter, including the huge Lone Pine fire at Port Stephens which burnt out more than 9,000 hectares over eight days, and the Racecourse Road fire at Cessnock which tore through just over 1,000 hectares

More than 500 volunteer firefighters battled those two fires assisted by 13 aircraft.

Royal Commission Wraps Up

BY IAN CROUCH

After more than 400 days of public hearings, the Royal Commission into child abuse, which focused heavily on the Hunter, draws to a close today.

A panel of six victims and abuse survivors will tell the Commission what they would like to see changed.

The Commission has looked at more than a million documents and has heard from 1200 witnesses.

The Commission will hand down its final report in December.

Police Investigate Attempted Robbery At Telarah

BY IAN CROUCH

Maitland Police are searching for a shirtless man who punched and tried to rob a defenseless man at Telarah.

A 24-year-old man was walking across Telarah Oval at about 8.40pm last night when he was approached by an unknown man.

He demanded cash before punching the victim in the face - the 24-year-old managed to run from the area and called police.

The alleged offender is described as being in his early 20's with a thin build, about 175 centimetres tall and was last seen wearing only black shorts and no shirt.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BREAKING! Emergency Roadworks Under Way At Hexham

BY IAN CROUCH

Westbound traffic on Maitland Road at Hexham is down to one lane as repair crews carry out emergency roadworks.

A car lost control and collided with traffic lights at the intersection of Sparke Street and Maitland Road just after 4.00am today.

Luckily, the driver wasn't injured however the traffic lights were badly damaged.

Motorists are being advised to exercise caution in the area.

Meanwhile, buses are replacing trains on the Hunter Line between Thornton and Telarah due to urgent track equipment repairs at Maitland.

Motorcyclist Injured In Adamstown Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a motorbike rider was looking behind him just as he was about to change lanes when he slammed into the back of a stationary car at Adamstown last night.

The accident happened just after 7.00pm on City Road near the Brunker Road intersection with a Kawasaki motor bike colliding with the back of a Mitsubishi which was waiting in a line of traffic.

The man in his early 20's ended up on the roof of the car.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with a suspected broken wrist.

Autopsy Rules Out Animal Cruelty In Kennel Case

BY IAN CROUCH

An autopsy report released by the RSPCA shows there was inconclusive evidence to prove that the oa Fullerton Cove boarding kennel was guilty of animal cruelty.

Jane's Pet Resort hit the headlines last December when the owner of a greyhound in their care accused the business of neglect saying the dog died from heat stroke and dehydration.

However, the RSPCA says the autopsy doesn't support the claims and the dog, Baron may have died from an infection instead.

'Baron' Autopsy Results Inconclusive Picture: theherald.com.au

Strike Force Officers Raid Hunter Homes In Search Of Guns

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are stepping up their investigations into this week's drive-by shootings involving bikie gangs in the Hunter.

The Herald reports officers from Strike Force Raptor raided six properties yesterday looking for guns.

More than 30 shots were fired into the Wallsend home of a Nomads enforcer on Tuesday night in the third gang-related drive-by shooting since Saturday.

A Nomads clubhouse at Muswellbrook was firebombed while three men have faced court over assaults at a Kotara gym and a hotel at Honeysuckle during a week of violent incidents between rival bikie gangs.

Regional Students Fed Up with Parking

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

Rural and regional students who are spending hours travelling to university are spending more time trying to find a park.

Parents and students have expressed frustration in recent weeks with the lack of available parking spaces for students at the University of Newcastle.

Parents believe enough isn't being done to support students making a long commute.

One parent stated it is not in the interest of the university to build more parking facilities due to the high amount of revenue raised from parking fines.

According to the Office of State Revenue, UON collected over $300,000 from parking infringements during 2016/17, doubling what they received in 2012/13 period.

UON believes they have implemented a number of strategies to assist students including an additional 500 parking spaces since 2015 and the smartphone app, RideShare.

'Spirit of Anzac' Arrives in Newcastle

BY SARAH JAMES

A piece of history has come to the Hunter today, with the opening of the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience at Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

The week-long exhibition will display more than 200 artefacts from the Australian War Memorial, showcasing Australia's extensive involvement in World War I and how the war impacted the nation on the home front.

Newcastle marks the 22nd stop on the Exhibition's national tour. There has been a huge public response, with more than 24 000 people already registered to attend.

Major General (Retired) Brian Dawson said attending the event is a way to commemorate those who fought for Australia and lost their lives.

"Over sixty thousand Australians were killed in the First World War...and there wasn't a family who wasn't affected in some way," he said.

"This is a story which is part of the Australia story, and somehow affects us all even 100 years later."

Hunter couple's wedding anniversary turned into a much wilder time than they expected!

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Maitland couple were in lockdown in their hotel room on Daydream Island when Cyclone Debbie came barrelling through on Monday.

Reaching land just south of Bowen in Queensland as a category four system, Cyclone Debbie brought ferocious winds of more than 200 kilometres an hour and pelting rain.

Leanne and Wally Morris arrived on the island on Friday to celebrate Leanne's birthday and their 39th Wedding Anniversary.

The last thing they expected was to be caught facing the full force of a cyclone.

"It was a bit windy here for a couple of days from about Sunday morning and then Monday it was about 12 hours of just pure hell," said Leanne.

Path of Cyclone Debbie Image theaustralian.com.au

It didn't stop there with calm for about an hour yesterday "and then pure hell again for about another I'd say 10 hours until we came out the other side of the cyclone".

After a terrifying 24 hours, Leanne says the weather has calmed down considerably, it's still overcast and misty with only spitting rain and a light breeze, which has revealed the devastation around her.

"There are palm trees snapped everywhere, there's devastation up on the beach I can see, the walkway around to the end of the island is completely covered with dirt and tress and everything; so you can't walk down there, and we've seen the glass panels in a walkway smash through and glass went everywhere," said Leanne.

The couple are hoping flights will be coming into Hamilton island on Thursday so they can get home, but they aren't sure they will even be able to get a ferry off Daydream island with considerable damage to the island's jetty.

As of this morning, the hotel had power, but no water.

The cyclone was downgraded to a tropical low this morning but will continue to cross coastal and inland Queensland with heavy rain which could continue for 24 hours.

Drugs And Firearms Seized In Broadmeadow Raid

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face Newcastle Local Court court today on drug supply and firearms charges.

Police raided a home on Teralba Road at Broadmeadow yesterday morning and seized a shortened 12 gauge shotgun, two pistols, methylamphetamine (ICE), more than 1000 ecstasy tablets and what's believed to be a pill press machine.

Police say they also found a hydroponic set up in the garage of the home along with 41 cannabis plants.

A 44-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Waratah Police Station.

He's been charged with a range of offenses including the large commercial supply of a prohibited drug (ICE) and firearms charges.

BREAKING! Police Investigate Wallsend Shooting

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to reports of a shooting overnight at Wallsend.

Police were called to a unit in Longworth Avenue at about 11.30pm following reports of gunfire.

Firefighters were also called after a shot was fired into a gas main.

No-one was injured and police set up a crime scene.

It's not clear at this stage if the shooting is linked to a number of incidents over the past week involving bikie gangs.

Cancer Study Hits a Nerve

BY RACHEL STORER

Professor Hubert Hondersmarck and his team have made incredible discoveries in the field of cancer. 

A team led by University of Newcastle Biochemistry Professor, Hubert Hondermarck has found links between tissue regeneration, nerve growth and tumour development.

The study confirms which was once thought impossible - the nervous system is strongly involved in the onset and spread of cancer.

"What was shown in our lab and simultaneously in other labs is that the nerves are necessary to cancer," said Professor Hondermarck.

"Cancer growth did not occur if the tumour was denervated and does not metastasize," he said.

The phenomenon has been demonstrated by several teams around the world including Professor Hondermarck's in prostate, gastric, breast and pancreatic tumours.

This new research could be the future of the fight against cancer and Professor Hondermarck believes they can start to block the invasion of nerves in cancer to prevent growth.

"Now the challenge for the coming years is to translate into clinical practice and see if it works," he said.

One aspect that Professor Hondermarck found particularly interesting from the study was that the role of nerves in cancer progression is very similar to what is observed during regeneration.

"As we know, humans have very little regeneration capacity. If you take a salamander for instance, and they lose a limb or tail it regrows.

"In cancer, if there are no nerves, there is no regeneration in the tumour. We found that there are links between cancer and its ability to regenerate," he said.

This research has opened the door to potential development in diagnostic and prognostic tools for cancer.

Hospital waiting list nightmare

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson is calling on the government to put an end to cuts to the health sector, in an attempt to stop excessive waiting lists at hospitals.

An elderly couple in the Hunter have been waiting four years to see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist at John Hunter Hospital.

Each year they call the hospital to check they're still on the list, and each year they're given the same answer, 'yes you're still on the list'.

John Hunter Hospital Image dailytelegraph.com.au

"People in my seat of Paterson know, they're not silly, they know that either one, they can't get in to see their doctor, two, it's costing them more to do so, or three, they're waiting an extraordinary amount of time as we've seen up to four, five, and six years for some appointments for specialists and some elective surgeries and it's just not good enough," said Meryl Swanson.

Since speaking out in parliament, Meryl Swanson says the John Hunter Hospital have recruited an additional two visiting ENT specialists who will begin work in April which is a positive, but it doesn't solve the problem.

"This is just a symptom of a much bigger problem across out health care system. It's not just the John Hunter, its all of our public hospitals and people know that they're waiting longer and longer for elective surgery, they know they're waiting longer and longer for appointments," said Meryl Swanson.

"It's one of those things we just know this government has ripped funding out of".

Hunter bikie gang rivalry continues

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The rivalry between Nomads and Finks bikie gang members in the Hunter appears to be continuing, with a Nomads clubhouse torched in Muswellbrook overnight. 

Just after 1am this morning, emergency services were called to the Bridge Street address following reports of a fire.

The fire at the front of the clubhouse was quickly extinguished with minimal damage caused to the building. 

Hunter Valley Local Area Command officers attended establishing a crime scene with initial enquiries leading them to believe the fire was deliberately lit.

Anyone with information are being urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Action On Blackalls Park Bats

BY IAN CROUCH & JESSICA ROUSE

Blackalls Park residents who've been putting up with a noisy flying fox camp in their suburb are getting a helping hand from Lake Macquarie Council.

A management plan has been adopted to deal with the bats, with a more suitable roosting habitat to be created away from homes, although still on the same site.

"The plan contains a number of strategies and they're really looking to manage population on the site, they're not looking to move the population off the site and when we've looked at alternate locations where they would go, most of them would be quite problematic," said Ecosystem Enhancement Manager Simon Walpole.

"So what we're trying to do is manage them on site and reduce their impact on the residences".

Work is already under way to remove bush along the site's western boundary to create a buffer between residents and bushland.

The Blackalls Park Flying-fox Camp Management Plan was publicly exhibited late last year, and created in consultation with affected residents in order to achieve the best outcome for all involved.

Hunter Disability Provider Under Investigation Over Deaths In Group Homes.

Hunter based disability provider, Lifestyle Solutions has come under the national media spotlight following shocking allegations of abuse towards clients.

The A.B.C's Four Corners program revealed horrific cases of physical and sexual abuse taking place in group homes.

It's also been revealed four Hunter clients of the organisation died in 2014, with practice failures being blamed.

Deputy NSW Ombudsman, Steve Kinmond says a wide-ranging investigation is under way into Lifestyle Solutions.

"We saw enough evidence of significant matters that should not have taken place, to draw a line in the sand and to say we need a broad practice review as to the operations of Lifestyle Solutions," he said.

Deputy NSW Ombudsman Steve Kinmond Picture: abc.net.au

Answers needed on Barangaroo construction death

BY JARROD MELMETH

A phone call with the father of Tim Mcpherson who was killed on a construction site at Sydney's Barangaroo has prompted Labor Senator Doug Cameron to call for a coronial inquest into the workers' death.

The 32-year-old Maitland man was crushed and instantly killed by an unsecured large metal beam which was being transported on a barge near one of the city's main area of water traffic.

It has been reported that the Maritime Union of Australia was blocked access from conducting a safety inspection after safety concerns were raised at the construction site where Mr Macpherson was tragically killed.

The barge on which Mr Mcpherson was working at the time had been issued with a prohibition notice 10 months before the incident, after operating at Barangaroo without a certificate of survey, which shows that a vessel has been surveyed and meets the standards for construction stability and safety equipment.

The vessel - owned by Brady Marine & Civil -  was issued with a temporary exemption which, under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 vessels are exempt, if the vessel has had previous certificates which were not revoked or suspended; an application for a certificate of survey has been made; an accredited marine surveyor has surveyed the vessel within 60 days before or after the certificate of survey ceased to be in force; and compliance with construction and equipment standards that apply to the vessel have been considered

Mr Cameron said there are too many questions surrounding an entirely avoidable tragedy.

"Why was this barge allowed to sail from Brisbane to Sydney when it obviously did not comply with Australian Maritime Safety Authority requirements.

"Why was the barge allowed to operate for months without proper certification?

"And again, why was it issued with a temporary compliance that obviously was not up to scratch?

"These are the questions that must be answered and I just think a coronial inquiry is the way to go to get to the bottom of this.

"The basic safety breaches were clear and any building and construction site around the country in that condition should be shut down," Mr Cameron said.

Interview with Doug Cameron here: 

Tim Mcpherson and Labor Senator Doug Cameron.

New Hope For Empire Hotel Site

BY IAN CROUCH

It's hoped the long-vacant Empire Hotel site in Newcastle West will soon be developed.

The derelict hotel on Hunter Street was demolished in 2011 - at the time it was being touted as a site for a communications hub for emergency services - but this never eventuated.

The hotel closed in February 2003 and there have been numerous proposals put forward since 2004, when a 12-storey apartment development called Knightsbridge Towers was approved, which included retaining the heritage facade of the former building.

The Catholic Church bought the site in 2014 and now has had plans approved for a 14-storey apartment block including retail and commercial space.

Some of the units will be used to provide affordable rental accommodation.

Former Empire Hotel

The Empire Hotel In Its Heyday

Artists Impression Of Development Porposal

Newcastle Bikie Wars Escalate

BY IAN CROUCH

Three members of the Nomads motorcycle gang have been charged over two violent incidents in Newcastle.

A member of the rival Finks gang was allegedly bashed with a steel bar at a Kotara gym on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, two Sydney men were attacked at a hotel in Honeysuckle just after 7.00pm on Saturday.

A few hours later, several shots were fired into the Nomads clubhouse at Islington - although more than 10 people were at the Chin Chen Street clubhouse at the time,  no-one was injured.

Police arrested three men at the location.

A 26-year-old Branxton man has been charged over the Kotara incident, while two men aged 26 and 32 have been charged over the Honeysuckle incident.

Police are yet to lay charges over the shooting incident.

Roof Tiles Thrown At Police During Boolaroo Siege

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is under police guard in the John Hunter Hospital after a siege at Boolaroo overnight.

Police were called to a home on Main Road just before midnight after reports a man wanted on outstanding warrants was at the location.

They arrived to find the 30-year-old on the roof of the house.

It's alleged then man made a number of threats to officers before he started throwing roof tiles at them on the street.

Six people were evacuated from the house as officers continued to negotiate with the man.

He eventually climbed down from the roof at 2.25am and was arrested.

Police expect to lay charges over the incident.

Infamous Pasha Bulker Returns To Newcastle Under New Name

BY IAN CROUCH

One of the most infamous ships in Newcastle's  maritime history has quietly sailed into port overnight.

The bulk carrier, Pasha Bulker achieved instant notoriety when it ran around off Nobbys Beach in 2007.

The coal ship was successfully re-floated before being towed overseas for repairs.

It's since been renamed The Drake and the famous red hull is now black.

The carrier slipped into port last night - she's berthed Kooragang Number 5 berth and will be heading to China later today with a load of coal.

Crowds Flocked To See The Grounded Pasha Bulker in June 2007

The Pasha Bulker Today - Now Known As Drake

Police Smash Lake Macquarie Stolen Credit Card Ring

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested three people including a 16-year-old boy over a stolen credit card ring operating in Lake Macquarie.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Target Action Group searched a home on Ida Street, Charlestown yesterday and allegedly uncovered a large amount of stolen property, including credit cards, identification papers, cannabis seeds and methamphetamine.

A 23-year-old man is due to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with breach of bail.

A 25-year-old man from the Ida Street address is due to appear in Belmont Local Court in May charged with larceny and four counts of goods in custody.

And, a 16-year-old boy, also from the Ida Street address, will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act in relation to receiving and fraud offences.

The arrests follow a major investigation into thefts from vehicles and the fraudulent use of stolen credit cards in the Lake Macquarie area.

Japanese University To Set Up First International Campus In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed a Japanese university was the mystery buyer of the former Newcastle Court House.

The Herald reports Nihon University wants to turn the heritage-listed building into its first international campus.

It will include classrooms for up to 200 local and international students, a library and a 100-bed dormitory.

Newcastle was chosen for it's splendid environment and low crime rate, making it an ideal location for students to pursue their study and research in peace of mind.

Another factor was the time difference between Japan and Australia, which is only slight, and travel between the two countries doesn't involve extremely long journeys.

The Former Newcastle Courthouse

Hunter Priest Stood Down From Ministry

BY IAN CROUCH

A Hunter Catholic priest has been stood down from ministry after being charged with historical child sex offences.

It follows inquiries into allegations by a 46-year-old man who told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to child sexual abuse that he was sexually abused by two priests and anther man at Taree when he was aged between  9 and 12 in the late 1970's.

A 76-year-old Newcastle man was arrested at Waratah Police Station yesterday.

He's been charged with three counts of indecent assault on a male and has been granted conditional bail to face Forster Local Court on Wednesday 5 April 2017

Police say the man is a current serving priest in the Maitland/Newcastle Catholic Diocese.

In a statement, Catholic Bishop of Maitland/Newcastle, Bill Wright said the priest has agreed to stand aside from ministry and the church will continue to cooperate with NSW Police in their investigations.

Burst Water Main Cuts Supply To Newcastle's Western Suburbs

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT and IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water says a third party working near the Wallsend Bunnings Warehouse burst the underwater water main that connects to home in Fletcher and surrounding suburbs.

The bust was causing significant water pressure problems to the western suburbs of Newcastle.

The utility's spokesperson, Nick Kaiser, said service crews were at work to get pressure back to normal.

He said areas that were at higher elevation levels will not have their water pressure return to normal until Thursday evening, while low-lying areas were connected earlier in the afternoon.

While the main was repaired, Hunter Water was providing residents with fresh water free of charge to take home.

Pressure very slowly coming back 2 Fletcher area. Supply coming thru smaller main while break is repaired. Tricky repair as it's under water pic.twitter.com/q839Pcrb2i

— Hunter Water (@HunterWater) March 22, 2017

"Hunter Water sincerely apologises to all of those residents that are affected and we're working as hard as we can to get water back to them as soon as possible," Mr Kaiser said.

Original Story Follows:

Thousands of homes in Newcastle's western suburbs are without water due to a damaged water main.

Workers digging near the Bunnings outlet on Minmi Road accidentally hit the main water supply line to Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi and Black Hill.

Hunter Water crews are trying to fix the problem but it's not clear yet how long it will take.

Call To Ease Traffic Gridlock Around John Hunter Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling on the Health and Roads Ministers to do something to improve traffic gridlock at the John Hunter Hospital.

740 new car parks were added to the hospital campus in 2015, with thousands of extra car movements per day out of a single entry and exit location.


She believes the problem would be eased greatly if the Roads Minister ensured a full interchange is built as part of Stage 5 of the Newcastle inner-city bypass.


Sonia Hornery says the state government should also reinstate the free shuttle bus from McDonald Jones Stadium and the John Hunter to reduce  the number of people travelling to the hospital by car.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery

No Hunter Residents Caught Up In London Terror Attack

BY IAN CROUCH

Fears Newcastle and Hunter residents may have been caught up in the London Terrorist attack have been allayed.

The Foreign Minister says no Australians have been hurt or killed in the attack.

British police have confirmed the death toll has risen to five people.

The attack unfolded when a car was driven into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge before an officer was stabbed.

The attacker was shot and later died in hospital - about 40 people have been injured in the attack.

Julie Bishop says she's been in contact with UK officials.

"I understand the British police are treating it as a terrorist incident until other information comes to hand. I can assure Australians that to this point, no Australians have been identified as being involved," she said.

London Terror Attack Picture: uknews.yahoo.com

Woman transported to John Hunter after motor accident

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has transported a 58-year-old woman from Hinton to the John Hunter Hospital this morning.

The woman sustained head and spinal injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident around 8am this morning.

She is currently in a stable condition.

Cessnock Crackdown on Littering

By LAUREN KEMPE

Cessnock City Council is ramping up its current anti-littering campaign by allowing residents to report tossers in moving vehicles to New South Wales Environmental Protection Agency online.

Last year Adopt a Road groups collected 14.4 tonnes of waste in the Cessnock local government area out of 25, 000 tonnes across the state.

The new campaign means the EPA can issue fines of $250 to individuals caught or reported littering from a moving vehicle and up to $500 for corporate offences.

Cessnock Sustainability Officer, Trisha Donnelly says the movement will raise awareness, change behaviour and reduce clean-up costs involved in waste management.

“It is a big deal, we want our environment to look neat and tidy. We want to attract visitors to the region, and it’s just not a good look when the first thing you see when you drive into a town is litter on the roadside.

“Our campaign is to mobilize the community to report littering; to stand up and say ‘this is not acceptable behaviour in our community any more’. It’s a serious offence.”

The campaign is being pushed by the council following research that shows people are less likely to litter if they think someone is watching.

Residents are being encouraged to collect free car-tidy bags from Cessnock Library, Kurri Kurri Library and the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre to prevent littering.

Cessnock City Council in partnership with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency urge individuals who see someone littering from their vehicle to submit a report through registering at: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/litter/from-vehicle.htm

Photo Credit: www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

University of Newcastle welcomes Pro Vice Chancellor for Industry Engagement and Innovation

BY SARAH JAMES

Heralding Newcastle's entrance into the innovation age, the University of Newcastle has established the inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor for Industry Engagement and Innovation.

Stepping up to the role is Dr Sarah Pearson; an established leader in the global innovation community.

Part of Dr Pearson's role is nurturing Newcastle's potential to become a global hotspot for innovation. She will be responsible for establishing industry partnerships, encouraging entrepreneurship in the area and leading innovation hubs.
 Dr Pearson believes Newcastle's location, affordability and lifestyle will make the area attractive for future investment.

With 75% of high growth jobs being in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries, it is imperative that Newcastle adapt to this employment trend.

Dr Sarah Pearson

Body Found In Water Off Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

Police searching for a 23-year-old Newcastle University student missing since Sunday have found a body off the coast of Newcastle.

International student, Mohsin Awan was washed off rocks to the south of Nobbys Beach on Sunday night while taking a selfie with a friend.

Bystanders managed to rescue one of the men, but the other disappeared in rough surf .

Just before 8.00am today police located a body, believed to be that of the missing man, 1km off Newcastle Beach.

A report will prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Body Found Off Newcastle Beach Believed To Be Missing Man

Newcastle Police Defend Time Taken To Resolve Siege

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle's most senior Police officer says he makes no apology for the inconvenience caused to residents from the 17-hour siege at Tighes Hill.

People living around Henry Street were evacuated from their homes yesterday morning and forced sit at a nearby oval as officers attempted to negotiate with a 27-year-old man, which continued  throughout the night.

He eventually surrendered to police at 4.45am today and is expected to be charged over a triple stabbing in Sydney and two armed hold-ups in Newcastle.

Superintendent John Gralton says community safety is paramount when they're dealing with siege situations.

"There's certainly going to be disruption in the community, but we can't be held responsible for that and I make no immediate apology for that. What I do say is that we kept the community as safe as we possibly could during this operation, and that was what was forefront in our minds - is making sure that we affected the arrest of this violent individual," he said.

Superintendent John Gralton Prepares To Address The Media At Waratah Police Station This Morning Picture:Ian Crouch

BREAKING! 17 Hour Stand-off At Tighes Hill Ends Peacefully

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been arrested following a 17-hour stand-off with police at Tighes Hill.

He's suspected of stabbing three people at a Sydney gym on Monday nigh before robbing two service stations at Shortland and Sandgate.

It's also alleged he stole a black BMW owned by Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive, Bill Pulver before heading north to Newcastle.

The 27-year-old climbed down off the roof of a Henry Street townhouse at about a 4.45am and was taken into custody.

He's been assessed by Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Palliative care at an all time staffing low

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Cancer Council are pushing the state government for more palliative care doctors and nurses to meet the needs of the Hunter as well as regional and rural areas across the state, as the state falls far behind the national average.

'Our Stories' has been launched this morning as a part of the 'I Care for Palliative Care' campaign - a collection of personal accounts from those who are currently utilising palliative care due to a terminal cancer diagnosis, and also from those who've received care in the past.

The 2016 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found the use of palliative care services is increasing and as the population grow older, and live longer, this use will only continue to increase.

"New South Wales actually has the lowest level of palliative care nurses across all of Australia so we need to increase the number of nurses by 129 just to bring us up to equal level with the other states in Australia - we also need at least 10 more palliative care positions to bring us up to level," said Chair of Upper Hunter Cancer Action Network Sarah Lukeman.

Local Hunter members of parliament including Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, were presented with 'Our Stories' this morning, with the campaign also sent to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard in a push to put an end to the shortage of specialist palliative care services across the state.

"Newcastle itself has problems with people accessing palliative care, but its even worse in rural and regional areas so we've been really lucky today to have MP's from across the Hunter here including the Upper Hunter, where I live in Singleton, all pledging to advocate for more funding for palliative care,"

Sarah Lukeman also said "across the state over 8,000 pledges have already been made and for the Hunter and Central Coast we have almost 1,500 pledges so we hope with the Dungog relay coming up this Saturday that we will get over that 1,500 mark".

To pledge your support for the 'I Care for Palliative Care' campaign, head to http://www.canact.com.au/palliative_care_pledge 

V8 Supercar superstars visit Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

V8 Supercars superstars visited Newcastle this morning to inspect the circuit for this year's inaugural Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in November.

Drivers James Courtney and Scott McLaughlin were joined by Supercars CEO James Warburton at Fort Scratchley for a tour of the circuit with circuit engineers.

The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 will be the grand final of the Virgin Australia Supercar Championship for the next five years.

"We were here a month ago and did a similar sort of thing where we plotted out and worked out where we thought it should go, and its great to see something that you've been a part of the whole way growing and its all starting and all here, and it's fantastic," said James Courtney.

The race will give a huge economic boost to the region of more than $57 million attracting 81,000  visitors over the next five years.

CEO James Warburton with Supercars drivers and engineers at Coates Hire Newcastle 500 circuit this morning. [Image Cole Hitchcock]

Chichester Dam Overflow

BY RACHEL STORER

Chichester Dam supplies water to the Lower Hunter. Image: theherald.com.au 

After a very wet weekend in the Hunter, Chichester Dam, north of Dungog has overflowed.

The spill caused minor flooding in the area with no considerable damage.

After an extremely hot, dry summer the dam saw no increase in levels for 109 days.

The first day of Autumn saw the first bump to levels and there have been consistent rises since.

Nick Kaiser, from Hunter Water, said that Chichester dam rose from 65% capacity to 100% in just three days.

"It's been absolutely pouring buckets up around the catchment, which might not be good news for picnickers, but is great news for our dam levels," he said.

"The consistent rain has boosted our storage and now our total water storage, which is Grahamstown Dam and Chichester Dam, are currently at 82 percent."

Mr Kaiser says that Chichester is designed to spill and that the rain forecasted this week shouldn't cause any risk of flooding.

"There's no risk. More of that water is going to go back down and flow into the rivers. The good news is that we'll have more water flowing into the Williams River which we can then pump into Grahamstown Dam," he said.

Maitland Councillor Calls For New England Highway Fix

BY IAN CROUCH

Maitland councillor, Bob Geoghegan is calling for the heavy afternoon traffic buildup on the New England Highway at the Maitland station roundabout to be fixed as soon as possible.

The traffic queues coming along the highway from East Maitland often stretch back 800 metres, yet there are no traffic queues for motorists travelling to Cessnock from Rutherford and the city centre, as they both have priority over traffic coming from East Maitland.

He says it means motorists are using Maitland Park and Park Street as 'rat runs', then u-turn on Cessnock Road, sometimes choking the slip lane, so they can keep driving towards Rutherford.

Bob Geoghegan has suggested traffic lights at the roundabout as an easy fix, but Roads and Maritime Service haven't commented on the issue yet.

Maitland Councillor Bob Geoghegan Picture: Maitland Mercury

Woman Cheats Death After Being Swept Off Rocks

BY IAN CROUCH

The notorious Snapper Point south of Catherine Hill Bay almost claimed another life last night.

A 26-year-old woman was swept into the water while fishing off the rocks.

Her boyfriend threw a life ring to her which helped her stay afloat until she could be winched to safety by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue  helicopter.

She was flown to the John Hunter Hospital where she was treated for hypothermia and lacerations.

16 people have lost their lives along the notorious stretch of coastline between Catherine Hill Bay and Wybung Head in just 8 years.

BREAKING! Man Wanted Over Sydney Stabbings Robs Two Newcastle Service Stations At Knife Point

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have issued an urgent plea for public assistance to find a man responsible for stabbing three people in Sydney and two armed hold-ups at Newcastle Service Stations.

Police say the man entered a gym on Pittwater Road at Brookvale just after 8.00pm last night and appeared agitated and aggressive.

He approached  four men and a trainer, punching one of them before producing a knife and stabbing the three men.

The three men were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital - one has undergone surgery while the other two are in a stable condition.

The trainer escaped injury.

The man then fled in a stolen car.

Then, at about 9.45pm, the man entered the Metro Service Station on Sandgate Road at Shortland to fill the Black BMW with fuel.

It's alleged he threatened a 38-year-old female employee and forced open the cash register with a knife before fleeing in the car with cash.

About 10 minutes later he entered the Mobil on Maitland Road at Sandgate where he jumped the counter, threatening two male employees with the knife - he was handed some cash and got back in the car.

Officers responding to the armed hold-up noticed the car leaving the service station and gave chase but it managed to evade police.

No-one was injured during the robberies.

Police say the vehicle is a black BMW with the NSW registration number DKK 39Q.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 168 centimetres tall with a full beard and aged in his mid to late twenties. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a light coloured T-shirt.

Detective Acting Inspector Geoff Little from Newcastle Police says people should not approach the man but contact Triple-zero immediately.

"This fellow is armed and dangerous...he's stabbed three people and at this stage he's committed two armed robberies and we certainly urge any person with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers", he said.

Cessnock City Council want in on the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay

BY JARROD MELMETH

Cessnock City Councillors have unanimously supported an urgency motion to write to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and request that the Hunter Valley vineyards be included in the Queen's Baton Relay.

The Queen's Baton carries a message to the athletes of the Commonwealth from Queen Elizabeth II, which embarks on a journey around the world from Buckingham Palace to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, where the message is removed and read out.

Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent has welcomed the motion.

“This is a fantastic idea and a great opportunity for not only our residents, who would no doubt turn out in their thousands to support the event, but also to promote our wonderful region.

"When Cessnock was a part of the Sydney Olympic torch relay, it was such a great festival and showcasing of the vineyards and the tourist potential of the area," Mr Pynsent said.

Residents are being encouraged to nominate local batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

From left: Sydney torch bearer Jan Williams, Councillor Jay
Suvaal & Mayor Bob Pynsent.

John Hunter Hospital car parking fees to be slashed

BY JARROD MELMETH

A landmark decision by the NSW State Government will see a reduction in car parking fees for regular patients and carers at NSW hospitals including the John Hunter Hospital.

Currently, patients and carers at the John Hunter Hospital face fees of up to $3640 annually under the parking fee structure.

The announcement from the State Government was prompted by a petition of over 70,000 signatures and means car parking concessions will become available to more patients and carers, and those who must regularly visit the hospital will now only pay up to $1102.40 per year.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while this is a great win for the community, she would prefer all assets of public health be run by public health.

"This is what happens when you outsource provisions, the outsource group are there to make a profit, and they certainly do make a profit at the John Hunter Hospital.

“This announcement by the Government will mean a huge saving for some people who have really struggled to pay the excessive fees the John Hunter were charging," Ms Hornery said.

Ms Hornery also alluded to the removal of the free park and ride bus service from former Hunter Stadium to John Hunter Hospital in response to easing car parking woes.

"People had no choice but to pay for parking at the campus and, in some cases, were forced to walk fairly significant distances in order to get to the hospital itself when they couldn't afford to pay the fees.

"It was well used, it was popular, it was safe, it meant people did not have to walk long distances just to get a car park. I would love to see that service reintroduced," Ms Hornery said.

The changes to car parking fees will come into effect as of July 1.

Image source: ABC news.

Teenager Critical After Cessnock Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager remains in a critical condition in the John Hunter Hospital after a crash at Cessnock.

The 18-year-old was driving along Mount View Road just before 1.00pm yesterday when his car left the road and hit a tree.

He was trapped in the car for an hour before being freed - he was airlifted to hospital by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter suffering multiple injuries.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter At The Crash Scene

BREAKING! Search To Resume For Missing Man Off Nobbys Beach

BY IAN CROUCH

A search will resume later this morning for a man who was swept into the ocean off Nobbys Beach last night.

Emergency services were called to the beach after two 23-year-old men, both believed to be international university students from Pakistan, were swept off a rock face into the water at about 7.00pm.

Bystanders managed to pull one of the men to safety - he was treated on the beach and allowed to go home - however the second man could not be located.

Officers from the Newcastle Local Area Command, Water Police, Surf Lifesavers and the Hunter's Westpac rescue helicopter commenced a search for the man, but this called off at 9.40pm due to hazardous conditions.

The search is set to resume at 7.00am this morning with the assistance of Volunteer Marine Rescue and Newcastle City Council Aquatic Coordinators.

Hunter Mines to be reviewed for rehabilitation's.

BY DANIELLE RIES

The State Government is reviewing mining rehabilitations policies and processes, including management of final voids, in the Hunter region following concerns about the long-term environmental impacts on the mining industry.

The future of thousands of hectares of land will rely on rehabilitation projects to try and replicate other mining rehabilitations projects which has resulted in the revegetation of significant areas.

Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association Vice President John Krey says the government needs to start looking closely at their priorities when it comes to the mines.

"The government should stop granting licenses for open cut mines. The government now should be looking at preserving whatever is left of the upper hunter valley for agriculture, tourism and grape growing".

John Krey also explains that the land will not be of any use without a rehabilitation.

"If the mine areas are not rehabilitated, you have moonscape right through this part of the hunter valley. You can't grow anything on it, even on the rehabilitated stuff. You can't grow crops, all that good farming land that they will be digging up to get coal for will be unusable.

"The regulations should be such that the voids will be back-filled and properly rehabilitated, and that the area of bare ground should be kept to a minimum and the rehabilitation to the followed up right behind the areas of excavation and mining".

State Government is looking to review Hunter mines for rehabilitation.
Image- Newcastle Coal Mines website

Motorists advised to be safe in Wild Weather

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

With four deaths on Hunter roads in the last 48 hours, motorists are being urged to take greater care when driving especially in the wet weather.

Forecasts for extreme wind and rain this weekend are a concern for Chief Inspector, Bruce McGreggor who says people need to be vigilant and stay safe on the roads.

"I'd just like people to drive to the conditions," he said.

"At the moment with the rain that's falling and the gloomy skies, certainly have your headlines on, reduce your speed to what you're comfortable with where you can stop quickly. Be courteous to other road users. Don't take unnecessary risks."

He says recent accidents on the road are very concerning.

"We have these unfortunate accidents that have been occurring where people are driving onto the wrong side of the road and colliding head on with other vehicles," he said.

"It appears that inattention is a factor there and people aren't driving with due space between vehicles to slow when required."

According to the Chief Inspector, the Hunter is leading the state in road fatalities for 2017.

"At the moment in northern region, we've had 24 deaths on the roads so far this year and that's far too many. We want to reduce it and I'm asking for assistance from the motoring public."

Motorists are advised to exercise more caution on the roads. Image: [https://madovermarketing.com/2016/07/31/chevrolet-is-creating-awareness-around-road-safety-in-the-most-innovative-way-ever-2/]

Severe Weather Warning Issued For Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter is in for some wild weather today.

A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for damaging winds thanks to a cold front moving across the Tasman Sea.

It's likely to bring a strong southerly change with wind gusts reaching 90 kilometres per hour along the coast most likely this morning and afternoon.

The system is also likely to produce heavy rain and thunderstorms later this afternoon and tonight.

Couple Attacked By Dog At Morpeth

BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly couple are nursing soft tissue injuries after a sickening dog attack at Morpeth.

The couple in their 70's suffered bite wounds to their arms and chest as they bravely tried to fight off a white Pit Bull in Princess Street at about 6.30pm.

The dog was roaming the streets with another brown dog.

Police have praised the efforts of two members of the public who came to the aid of the couple and followed the dogs until police arrived.

Officers were forced to shoot and kill the Pit Bull after it charged at them as they tried to corral the animal in a nearby front yard.

Police are yet to speak to the dog's owner who faces prosecution under the Companion Animals Act.

Listen to entire interview with Acting Inspector Mitch Dubojski: