UPDATE: Young Girl Fights Off Abduction Attempt at Hawks Nest

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police believe two men were involved in an attempt to grab a young girl off the street late yesterday afternoon at Hawks Nest.

One of the men jumped out of a white Jeep SUV on Monterra Avenue just before 6pm and tried to drag the girl to the car, but she managed to break free and in the process allegedly scratched the man in the face.

The scratches present forensic opportunities and another clue which may help track down the culprit/s.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey says they can't say whether or not the 9 and 10-year-old girls are local, but they are still helping police with inquiries.

"The girls are well, they're actually still with detectives at the moment and there are significant resources being tipped into that Hawks Nest area as we speak just doing canvassing,"

"It is holiday time, I can't say if the car is a local car or if the car is from out of town so we've got a lot of work to do up there at the moment," said Superintendent Humphrey.

The man's described as being aged in his 40s, balding with grey hair, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

Police say in light of this incident and the ongoing investigations, parents and children need to be alert, not alarmed and practice stranger danger and if you do see something suspicious contact the police.

"Again I make that appeal, at around 6pm last night in Monterra Avenue at Hawks Nest, if there was, in fact, someone or someone saw a white Jeep SUV, I'm led to believe it was more of an older style but we are relying on a 9-year-old's description, they should contact the local police and let us know what they see," said Superintendent Humphrey.


EARLIER:

BY IAN CROUCH

A young girl has managed to escape the clutches of a man who tried to drag her into his car at Hawks Nest.

The 9-year-old was walking her dog with her 10-year-old cousin just before 6.00pm on Thursday  along Monterra Avenue when the girls saw a white Jeep SUV do a u-turn near Carmarra Crescent, with the driver pulling up in front of them.

Police say the male driver got out and grabbed the 9-year-old by the arm and started pulling her towards the vehicle, but she managed to break free and the two girls ran for help.

Port Stephens Police are investigating the incident.

The man's described as being aged in his 40s, balding with grey hair, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

Anyone who can assist Police with their inquiries is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Extradited From Tasmania on Child Sex Offences in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face Raymond Terrace court today after being extradited from Tasmania on child sex offences committed in the Hunter more than five years ago.

The State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad started investigating reports of a man in 2013 who was allegedly sexually assaulting a young girl who was known to him in on numerous occasions between 2009 and 2012.

It was a long investigation, when extensive inquiries failed to locate the man, an arrest warrant was applied for and granted in 2016.

The 48-year-old was arrested at Georgetown Police Station in Tasmania on Tuesday and was escorted by police to Newcastle Airport yesterday.

He was refused bail and charged with five counts of sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14.

Investigations are continuing.

Man Attacked During Terrifying Random Home Invasion At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

A couple have endured a frightening home invasion at Elermore Vale overnight.

The 63-year-old man and 61-year-old woman were asleep in their Orion Close home at about 11.00pm when they were woken by noises inside the house.

Inspector Michael Gorman says four unknown men then forced the bedroom door open and started attacking the man as he lay in bed.

"...one of whom we believe had some sort of weapon, possible a bat. The males have then run out of the premises and taken some electrical items with them when they've gone," he said.

The 63-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he is being treated for facial bruising and possible facial fractures.

Newcastle Interchange To Open Ahead Of Schedule

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government says work on the Newcastle Interchange at Wickham is ahead of schedule, with trains to start running from October 15 instead of November.

The Stewart Avenue transport hub will officially open on October 16, however the first train will leave the interchange at 1.44am on Sunday October 15, bound for Fassifern.

Empty trains will start running along the line from Hamilton in coming weeks as part of final testing.

Newcastle Interchange To Open In October

Fears Held For Missing Waratah Woman

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have concerns for the welfare of a Waratah woman who hasn't been seen in more than three weeks.

40-year-old Natalie Victorsen was last seen by her mother on Tuesday 5 September in Mayfield.

Police and Natalie's family are especially concerned because she suffers from a medical condition.

She is known to visit the Jesmond, Shortland and Waratah areas.

Natalie is described as being Caucasian with a fair complexion, brown hair and brown eyes and between 165 and 170 centimetres tall.

If you've seen Natalie, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Woman Natalie Victorsen

Young Girl Fights Off Abduction Attempt At Hawks Nest

BY IAN CROUCH

A young girl has managed to escape the clutches of a man who tried to drag her into his car at Hawks Nest.

The 9-year-old was walking her dog with her 10-year-old cousin just before 6.00pm on Thursday  along Monterra Avenue when the girls saw a white Jeep SUV do a u-turn near Carmarra Crescent, with the driver pulling up in front of them.

Police say the male driver got out and grabbed the 9-year-old by the arm and started pulling her towards the vehicle, but she managed to break free and the two girls ran for help.

Port Stephens Police are investigating the incident.

The man's described as being aged in his 40s, balding with grey hair, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

Anyone who can assist Police with their inquiries is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shoal Bay Beach Closures

by MATT JOHNSTON

Swimmers on the Tomaree Peninsula are warned that Shoal Bay Beach is currently closed. A storm-water drain was blocked, which caused a waste-water to spill into the ocean.

NSW Health and the Environmental Protection Authority were notified, later putting up no swim signs. Environmental officers are on site monitoring the situation.

Hunter Water has since stopped the backup of waste-water, meaning conditions should start to improve before too long.

As of yet, there is no information on when the beach will re-open.

Photo - VisitNSW

Holiday traffic collisions

by TYLER FARDELL and MATT JOHNSTON

The Hunter Westpac rescue helicopter has reportedly airlifted two patients to John Hunter Hospital, following this morning's crash along the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek.
A 9-year-old boy was trapped in one of the vehicles but has since been freed by emergency crews. He and the 37-year-old woman also being airlifted are both in stable, non-life-threatening conditions.

Meanwhile, there's been another accident at 12 Mile Creek along the Pacific Highway, one kilometre north of Bucketts Way. Southbound motorists are using a small access road parallel to the highway to get around the collision and one northbound lane is closed.

Currently, there are no further details. For traffic updates visit https://www.livetraffic.com/

Photo - Surf Lifesaving SA

Future for Liddell Power Plant

By MATT JOHNSTON

After weeks of heated negotiations that went all the way to the Prime Minister’s office, AGL has finally announced its plans for the Liddell power plant’s future. They’re sticking to their commitment to close the existing facility, which is slated for closure in 2022.

While it is “technically possible” to extend the life of the 45-year-old power plant, AGL Chairman Jerry Maycock argues “the costs of doing so in a way that ensures that the plant is even moderately reliable are certain to be substantial”.

The Shadow Minister for Energy Adam Searle says Labor supports the proposal to install a raft of new energy technologies at the site to make up the energy and jobs shortfalls. It’s hoped the mix of energy production options will ensure the region’s energy security going forward. “Energy security for NSW will depend on having a diversity of energy sources, not putting reliance on ageing infrastructure.”

While the replacements for the coal-fired plant aren’t yet set in stone, it’s expected renewables, batteries, gas, and upgraded coal will all play a part in keeping homes and businesses powered. “This announcement will give security to existing employees and offer them high-quality jobs for decades to come”, says Adam Searle.

“It gives certainty to staff that work at the Liddell power station, it holds out the prospect for new employment for more people when it comes to the creation of the new generating capacity, but also it provides for energy security.”

AGL's Liddell Power Plant - Photo: The Newcastle Herald

On Track for a Faster Train from Newcastle to Sydney

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It might only be a trial, but Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is confident a new fast train from Newcastle to Sydney could be permanent.

Starting in November, the trial will see Novocastrians slash 26 minutes off the train trip from Newcastle to Sydney by taking out stops at Cardiff, Fassifern and Eastwood.

Once the new Wickham Transport Interchange is finished the new service will leave at 5:03am, replacing the 4:40am service.

It'll stop at Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Morisset, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Woy Woy, Hornsby, Epping and Strathfield both ways. 

Scot MacDonald says they've been working on this one for a while and is really pleased the Transport Minister has agreed to the trial.

"The approach that I think has worked here is saying to the Minster, look we don't have to lock anything in, we don't have to have a permanent change at this stage, but at least lets have a trial and see how it goes and as I say I think they'll be a good demand for this." 

Coming back home from Sydney will be quicker as well, 11 minutes will be trimmed off the trip from Central to Newcastle on the 3:45pm train.

The government says the trial was part of the $1.5 billion More trains More Services Program to improve the network, and even better everyone likes a sleep in, no matter how small.

"I think it's terrific for people to not have to get up quite so early, it's still an early start obviously, but I think its what people in Newcastle have been calling out for," said Scot MacDonald.

Port Stephens Teacher Charged With Alleged Sexual Grooming

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An employee at a school in Port Stephens has been charged over alleged child grooming offences.

Investigations under Strike Force Minnamorra started in June to investigate a number of explicit messages and phone calls being exchanged between a female teacher and a male student in 2015.

Police will allege a number of phone calls and messages were sent between a 50-year-old employee and a 15-year-old male student.

Detectives also discovered a second student, aged 16, was involved in sending and receiving messages and phone calls with the same woman.

At about 3:30pm yesterday the 50-year-old was interviewed and later charged at Raymond Terrace Police Station with groom child for unlawful sexual activity, use carriage service to groom child under 16 years for sex and use carriage service to menace/harass/offend.

She was given conditional bail and will front Raymond Terrace Local Court on November 6.

The woman is no longer employed by the school.

Newcastle Transport Consultation in Wallsend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Residents are being urged to go along to an information session with Newcastle's transport operator this morning.

The consultation started at 9:30 at the Wallsend Plaza and goes until 12:30pm.

It comes after a string of problems with Keolis Downer underpaying works and cancelling a range of services, reportedly without any notice.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is very happy the operator decided to hold consultation sessions out in her electorate and is urging everyone to go along.

"Accessible and reliable public transport is a priority for many in Wallsend. Thousands of residents in the western suburbs rely on public transport to get to work and school every day,"

"It is important that Wallsend residents make sure that their voices are heard on this issue."

Operation Slow Down: Hunter Police Out in Force This Weekend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Operation Slow Down is in force this weekend from midnight tonight until 11:59pm on Monday the Hunter's roads.

Double demerits will be in place for speeding, mobile phone use behind the wheel, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Officers will be out in force in a bid to stop fatal accidents on the region's roads. This time last year, 94 drink-drivers were caught and there were 79 major crashes of which one was fatal and 11 were alcohol-related.

"People need to take responsibility for their actions and drive to the conditions especially on country roads. Speeding is the biggest contributor to fatal crashes in NSW, about 40 per cent of fatal crashes, and when you combine speeding with drinking, driving, taking drugs, distractions or tiredness all of those combined whilst driving are disastrous," said Chief Inspector Bruce McGregor.

We're being advised to allow extra travel time as well with heavy traffic expected on M1 with the upgrade between Doyalson and Tuggerah still underway, as well as on the Pacific Highway at Hexham and Raymond Terrace.

Chief Inspector McGregor says police just want all motorists to be safe on the road to give everyone the best chance of getting home in one piece.

"I'd just ask motorists to demonstrate patience, respect for other road users, be aware of things that can happen such as kangaroos or dangerous driving manoeuvres in front. Drive defensively, and plan your trip accordingly so you do have rest and sustenance."

Car Overturns In Bad Crash At Branxton

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital after a bad smash at Branxton early Thursday.

The 60-year-old was driving on the New England Highway just before 12.30am when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a power pole.

The force of the crash was so great, the car ended up on its roof hanging over the guard rail.

The driver was found barely conscious lying on the inside roof of the car.

He was taken the John Hunter Hospital by road ambulance in a serous condition.

Several People Rescued As Fire Engulfs Unit Block At The Hill

BY IAN CROUCH

Nine people have been rescued after fire engulfed a unit block at The Hill on Wednesday night.

Firefighters were called to the two storey public housing complex in Newcomen Street just before 8.30pm to find a ground floor unit well alight.

Several people were trapped in the units above as thick smoke and flames engulfed the building with residents heard screaming for help.

Dozens of firefighters from the across the city responded to the blaze.

A woman who suffered a cut to her hand and smoke inhalation was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The ground floor unit was destroyed while several units above sustained fire damage and were heavily impacted by smoke and heat.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious, with a 30-year-old woman arrested on unrelated matters.

Fire Crews At The Scene Of The Fire Picture: theherald.com.au

Nurses and Midwives Protest Missing Care Hours

BY SARAH JAMES

Hundreds of nurses and midwives at John Hunter Hospital have staged a rally during their lunch-break in protest of chronic understaffing.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has found patients missed out on nearly 7000 hours of nursing care between December 2016 and July 2017, breaching the Public Health System Nurses and Midwives Award.

"Under the...Award, public hospitals must provide a minimum number of nursing hours per patient each day, in most wards at John Hunter the minimum is 6.0 nursing hours, yet Hunter New England Local Health District failed to deliver it repeatedly," said NSWNMA General Secretary Brett Holmes.

This follows an audit conducted at Belmont Hospital which revealed the hospital is operating with less than the minimum number of nurses required.

Members of the NSWNMA say nurses and midwives have reached breaking point, which is ultimately impacting patient care.

"The level of understaffing at John Hunter cannot continue," argued Brett. "Our members are fed up with inadequate levels of patient care, the opening of unfunded and understaffed beds, forced excessive overtime, sick leave not being replaced, an excessive use of underqualified staff, missed meal breaks and unpaid overtime."

The NSWNMA are calling on Hunter New England LHD to employ more nurses as soon as possible to fix this problem.

Photo courtesy of Sarah James

Fill Up Your Tank Before the Long Weekend...

BY JESSICA ROUSE

If you need to top up your tank, you'd better do it before the long weekend as petrol prices are expected to rise.

According to the NRMA it's good news for Hunter motorists right now with Newcastle the 10th cheapest in the state to fill up, but not as cheap as Maitland which is the 8th cheapest.

NRMA Regional Corporate Affairs Adviser Helen Machalias believes we are quite lucky in the Hunter as far as price goes, but what happens after the long weekend is anybody's guess.

"So we expect that it will peak over the long weekend and then we'll just have to see what the prices are like after that."

The NRMA also stress that shopping around is the key to getting the best bang for your petrol buck.

"We encourage Hunter motorists to use the NRMA app to shop around because it allows you to compare petrol prices either along the route that your taking when your travelling or just in your local area," said Helen Machalias. 

As of this morning you could get Unleaded for 118.2 at the Rutherford Puma, or 117.9 at the Metro in Islington.

To shop around head to https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/App/

Image river1467.com.au

BREAKING! Two People Arrested After Police Pursuit At Cessnock

BY IAN CROUCH

Two people are in custody and another is on the run after a pursuit at Cessnock.

Patrolling police say they noticed a Hyundai being driven dangerously along Vincent Street at 3.00am on Wednesday, but the car sped off when they tried to pull it over.

The pursuit went for 10 minutes before it was terminated when the car disappeared into the bush of Racecourse Road.

A 4-wheel drive police vehicle found the car a short time later - two of the occupants fled, while the other was arrested at the scene.

A police dog located one man, while the search continues for the other.

Two men are now being questioned at Cessnock Police Station.

Woman Charged With Drug Offences After Vehicle Stop At Broadmeadow

BY IAN CROUCH

A 22-year-old woman is due to front court after police allegedly found drugs in her car at Broadmeadow.

Patrolling police stopped and searched a Hyundai Elantra on Everton Street at about 11.00pm on Tuesday.

It's claimed they found a quantity of the drug ICE along with cash and knives.

The woman's been charged with drug supply, dealing in the proceeds of crime and having custody of a knife in a public place.


She's been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 27 September 2017).

Ambitious Plan For Sports Centre Of Excellence Revealed For Newcastle West

BY IAN CROUCH

Concept plans for an ambitious sports complex at Newcastle West have been submitted to council for consideration.

The Hunter Academy of Sport has joined forces with a host of state government departments to put forward the idea for the Hunter Sports Centre of Excellence, with concept plans devised by EJE Architecture.

It's one of nine proposals being considered for a two hectare site of council-owned land at National Park.

The multi-million dollar plan includes indoor pools and playing areas including athletics, netball, basketball, croquet, lawn bowls and cricket.

However, it's unclear how the proposal  fits within the government's plans to redevelop the Broadmeadow Sports precinct.

Newcastle Council Has Called For Submissions To Develop National Park Site

Low Resources Putting Hunter Paramedics in Danger

BY LAUREN KEMPE

The Health Services Union is calling on the state government to provide more protection for Hunter paramedics after another attack from a patient.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday morning, where a 19-year-old man allegedly bit a local paramedic on the arm, drawing blood.

New South Wales Police and two paramedics were called to a Muswellbrook home proceeding a concern for welfare report.

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes, says the Premier needs to seriously consider paramedic safety as a priority.

'It;s very simple. The Premier needs to stop quoting about a $5.4billion surplus, and start employing paramedics who can actually change peoples' lives, and resource the ambulance service to a level where paramedic safety can be guaranteed.'

The incident follows a similar attack at Belmont in April this year, where a man assaulted one paramedic and threatened another who were both assisting a pregnant woman.

Mr Hayes says these kinds of incidents are very common, and paramedics deserve significantly more protection.

'The ambulance service is grossly under-resourced, we say a figure of 800 - in fact, it's more like 1,000 extra paramedics that are required. It's really an important issue that needs to be consistently raised about paramedic safety.

'I think it is really important for the community to very clearly tell the government that paramedics need to be protected while they're protecting others.'

The 19-year-old male patient is expected to be charged with assault.

Image Credit: https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/vic-paramedics-highest-trained-lowest-paid

Family Concerned for Welfare of Missing Muswellbrook Man

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are looking for any information from the public to help locate a man who has been missing from Muswellbrook since earlier this month.

Frank Beckingham was last seen in the early hours of Friday 15 September.

The 48-year-old's disappearance was reported to local police the following day.

His family have concerns for his welfare, as it's understood his disappearance is out of character.

Frank Beckingham is being described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a slim build and shaved head. He has blue eyes, a goatee and a moustache with several tattoos.

The last time anyone saw him he was wearing navy blue track-pants and a brown jumper.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Frank Beckingham. Image NSW Police Force 

Newcastle Council Paint the Town Rainbow in Support of Marriage Equality

BY LAUREN KEMPE

Newcastle Council has announced their formal support for marriage equality.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will move a Mayoral Minute as one of the first business items of the new term at Tuesday's council meeting.

Council will also show support by putting up banners across the city, flying the rainbow flag at City Hall and displaying the 'yes' campaign on their official website and social media platforms.

Councillor Nelmes says, 'Newcastle has long led the way in the fight for social justice, fairness and equality so I'm hopeful that the City will take a strong leadership role in the fight for marriage equality for all Australian.'

Newcastle Labor Councillor Declan Clausen says it's vital the Council and community both support equality for the diverse scope of Novocastrians.

'We know that around ten percent of Newcastle's population identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, and it's absolutely critical that we stand up for their rights, and make sure those people feel included and welcome.'

The first meeting will also discuss planning a community event to advocate for yes votes.

The motion will build on Council's ongoing position in favour of marriage equality, with hopes the event will have a similar outcome to Islington's previous rainbow walk, acknowledging Newcastle's diversity.

Councillor Clausen hopes the actions of the council will inspire similar support from the rest of the community.

'Right now we're going through a fairly divisive postal plebiscite process because there's been a failure of action at federal government level. There's an opportunity for the City Council to stand up for the rights of all our residents.'

Image Credit: http://mentalfloss.com/article/28442/how-rainbow-became-associated-gay-rights

Singleton Takes on Soft Plastics Under New Alliance With Plastic Police Partnerships

BY NIKOLA JOKANOVIC

Singleton Council is ramping up its waste management strategy by joining with Plastic Police Partnerships to implement new recycling strategies and change community behaviours surrounding the use of soft plastics.

The partnership commences on Wednesday the 27th of September, with an official launch at the Council's Waste Management Facility on Dyrring Road at 10am.

Plastic Police Partnerships is a local engagement program which works with communities to promote sustainability and recycling.

A notable initiative of Plastic Police is collecting and recycling soft plastics such as shopping bags into outdoor furniture items, such as for local school yards - there are plans to roll out this recycling initiative in Singleton under the partnership.

Damian Morris, Council's Acting Director for Planning and Infrastructure, said the partnership is another step in the right direction for Singleton in their recent move against pollution and waste.

 "Singleton Council is achieving some great results in our approach to waste management, not least through the opening of the Burragan Recycling Shop last year and the introduction of the new garden organics collection service which is turning unwanted items into valuable resources and importantly, reducing what the community sends to landfill."

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore says the new initiative comes in response to community concerns over the appearance of plastic products in landfill.

"Long-term, we're hoping to reduce the amount of contamination in the recycling bins and to actually carry forward a productive use of the products, with items that can be made from the soft plastics so they're not just finding their way to landfill or not being productive at all."

Plastic Police works with community groups such as local schools.
Image from: Cross Connections Consulting,
http://crossconnections.com.au/plastic-police-partnership-story-by-samantha-cross/

Rebuilding Richi: Richmond Vale Museum Fight to Restore their History

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Richmond Vale Railway Museum has launched a fundraising appeal to raise money to help them rebuild after fire ripped through the area earlier this month.

Fire destroyed around 920 hectares of bushland on September 13, including a lot of the museum leaving behind an estimated $1 million damage bill.

But much of what they lost can't easily be replaced, including 2 kilometres of track between the main line and Pelaw Main, stainless steel passenger cars, a 100-year-old break van and at least 30 hoppers which were all destroyed in the blaze.

The fundraising appeal is through gofundraise.com.au called 'Rebuilding Richi' and Chairman Peter Meadows says they aren't sure exactly how much money they'll need but they know it will be a lot.

"The whole aim of the game is to finance the rebuilding of the track and the bridge. That's what we need the money for because it's just a massive job and we have to get something like, we need at least 3,000 sleepers so we're talking about a huge job and that's a part from anything else."

The volunteers hope the fundraising appeal will get the museum back up and running quickly. Over the years a lot of members have put their own money into various projects at the museum but when it comes to such a large scale rebuild, it's simply not the answer.

"We really need to have the place up and running within the next three months. It took us 30 years to build it, but I'm now 68 so I don't have 30 years left to do it again," said Peter.

The site has been closed off to both the volunteers and the public while assessments are carried out, and now it looks like there's a possible asbestos problem to be dealt with as well as everything else.

"The council is involved and we're going out today to talk to them about all of that site and when we can back on the site just to start the rebuild so at the moment we're dealing with an asbestos problem and that will be dealt with within a very short time," said Peter.

Peter and the volunteers are all forever thankful to the fire crews. Despite losing a lot of stock, the fire crews saved more than they lost. Crews managed to extinguish flames which got into the carriage shed and Peter says if they hadn't, they'd have lost everything.

"We are extremely grateful - yes we've lost some stuff but they did manage to save the buildings which was terrific. Thank you to everybody and the community in general for their support. The amount of support we're getting on emails, texts, etc. is just amazing so we're really very thankful."

A fundraising trivia night is also being held at Kurri Kurri Senior Citizens Hall on Saturday, October 28 from 7pm - tickets are available at $10 a person for teams of eight.

For more information, or to make a book, contact Graham Smith on 0408 333 604

To donate to the fundraising campaign head to  https://www.gofundraise.com.au/beneficiary/rebuildingrichi 

A Woman is Dead and A Young Girl is Seriously Injured after Horror Smash near Telegraph Point.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A woman has tragically died and a young girl has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition after a horrific smash on the Pacific Highway this morning.

Emergency crews were called to the highway near Telegraph Point just before 9am to reports of an accident where three vehicles including a B-double, two sedans and a utility collided.

One woman, the driver of a sedan sadly died at the scene.

The 6-year-old girl was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition with a suspected broken leg and possible pelvis injuries.

The Pacific Highway is still closed in both directions with diversions in place.

For the latest on the closures check www.livetraffic.com 

EARLIER:

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue helicopter attended a serious accident near Telegraph Point this morning where one woman tragically lost her life.

Emergency crews were called to the accident at about 8:50am.

Three vehicles including a B-double, two sedans and a utility, were involved in the serious accident on the Pacific Highway at Telegraph Point and emergency crews are still working to free someone who is trapped in the wreckage.

There are multiple patients being treated including a 6-year-old girl who has been taken to hospital with a possible leg and pelvis fractures.

The highway is closed in both directions and diversions are in place.

For the latest on the closures check www.livetraffic.com 

Woman Tragically Dies in Serious Crash at Telegraph Point

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue helicopter attended a serious accident near Telegraph Point this morning where one woman tragically lost her life.

Emergency crews were called to the accident at about 8:50am.

Three vehicles including a B-double, two sedans and a utility, were involved in the serious accident on the Pacific Highway at Telegraph Point and emergency crews are still working to free someone who is trapped in the wreckage.

There are multiple patients being treated including a 6-year-old girl who has been taken to hospital with a possible leg and pelvis fractures.

The highway is closed in both directions and diversions are in place.

For the latest on the closures check www.livetraffic.com 

Police Chief Visits Hunter PCYC's To Discuss Strategies Targeting At-Risk Youth

BY IAN CROUCH

Assistant Commissioner, Joe Cassar is in the Hunter this week to meet with youth leaders and young people at Police Citizens Youth Clubs.

The clubs have been instrumental in turning the lives of at-risk young people around since 1937, giving them a safe and positive alternative to life on the streets.

A new draft NSW Police Force Youth Strategy outlines how police can help prevent young people from becoming victims of crime, prevent them from committing crimes and looks at ways to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Commissioner Cassar will visit the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle PCYC's on Tuesday before heading to clubs at Cessnock, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay on Wednesday.

He'll be discussing local strategies and programs and the impact they are having on youth in the community.

"The visit is great opportunity to engage with local police and youth to obtain feedback on their experiences. We also have Youth Liaison Officers, supported by Specialist Youth Officers in each local area command who develop strategies to reduce juvenile crime," he said.

Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar Picture: Illawarra Mercury

Newcastle Council Could See it's Youngest Ever Deputy Lord Mayor

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Council could see it's youngest ever deputy lord mayor when councillors meet for the first time tonight since the local government elections.

Labor Councillor Declan Clausen has put his hand up for the job, at just 25 years of age.

He says his experience on council over the past three years will be very useful in what is a hectic time in Newcastle.

"It's quite a busy time for the city and I certainly know there's an awful lot of work for our Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and I'd really like the opportunity to continue to work with her and support her in her role as the chief advocate of Newcastle,"

"I've been on council for three years now and across that time I've certainly been an active councillor, I'm on a number of committees and have sought to have been involved in some of the key decision-making across this last term. Since I've been elected to council its seen $2 billion worth of development applications approved for council for example," said Councillor Clausen.

The first meeting of the new look council will mostly involve introducing the new councillors to the chamber, and the Lord Mayor along with all of the Councillors will be sworn in.

Councillor Declan Clausen Image Australian Financial Review

Hunter New England Health Ordered To Address Nursing Shortage At Belmont Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH AND MADELINE TREVETHAN

An audit by the Nurses and Midwives Association has found Belmont Hospital is operating with less than the minimum number of nurses required.

The association has received complaints from staff who say they are having to cope with a heavy workload and excessive overtime.

General Secretary, Brett Holmes, says "Belmont Hospital failed to meet its minimum requirement for nursing staff for all but two weeks between January and August."

"The number of safe staffing hours is five hours per patient per day which hasn't been the case at Belmont."

The Industrial Relations Commission has ordered Hunter New England Health to fulfil the minimum number of staffing hours required under the award, with spot checks to be carried out until December.

Stolen Car Torched In Bush At Marks Point

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to Marks Point after a stolen car was dumped in the bush alight early Tuesday morning.

Crews were called to Naru Street at about 3.00am to find the car and bush ablaze near the airport.

It's taken them about 2 hours to extinguish the blaze, which burnt through about 1 hectare of bush.

Double Whammy Of Disaster For Elermore Vale Resident

BY IAN CROUCH

Just days after water from a burst high pressure main flooded homes at Elermore Vale,  one resident has been left homeless after a devastating fire.

Fire crews from Cardiff, Lambton and Mayfield West were called to the single level townhouse on Taurus Street at about 4.30pm on Monday to find the villa well alight.

It's taken them about an hour to douse the flames which caused extensive damage to the townhouse.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.