University of Newcastle Hosts Family and Community Strengths International Symposium

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Experts are gathering at the University of Newcastle today and tomorrow for the 3rd Family and Community Strengths International Symposium

One hundred delegates from around the world will take parts, and look at issues such as family violence, economic and structural change.

The two-day conference will allow academics, practitioners and policymakers to learn from each other in an attempt to facilitate change.

Professor Alan Hayes says a key factor of the event will be exploring support options for families.

"We're facing much more complex problems these days, and in many cases, they're entrenched and inter-generational," he says.

"The sorts of supports that can be offered to families and the ways in which we can mobilise community strength is extremely important."

Professor Hayes says it is important to hear from other nations to combat these problems.

"Most nations are really starting to struggle with this, and the discipline of family studies is starting to emerge in countries like Indonesia," he says.

"We're all facing the challenges, but if they're not addressed through effective supports to families and communities, they risk becoming exacerbated and entrenched."

$2 Million Upgrade To Merewether's Clarke Grandstand

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Clarke Grandstand at Merewether's Townson oval is set to receive a two million dollar upgrade in September.

The redevelopment will cater to both spectators and players, including new public amenities, a top-floor glass pavilion and a new gym.

Council will contribute $1.5 million to the project, with the remaining $500 000 coming from the Merewether Carlton Rugby Club.

Board member John Davis says the current facilities are in urgent need of an upgrade.

"At the moment, we're operating from the old pavilion, which is probably nearly ninety years old I think- it's in bad repair, it's small, it doesn't comply with regulations- it has all sorts of issues around its use," he says.

"So this alternative adaption of the Clarke Grandstand really addresses all of those issues in a very economic and rational way."

Mr Davis says the redevelopment will be appreciated by the whole community.

"It is a ground that is used intensely, both for rugby union, for rugby league, for cricket, so it certainly gets a lot of use," he says.

"There is no doubt that it will provide probably one of the best viewing situations for rugby in the Hunter Valley."

Mr Davis says the upgrade is a positive step forward for the club, with it being around fifty years since any revamps.

"We think it's the only sensible solution to the facilities on the ground and it's a very economic one as well," he says.

"By adapting the grandstand that currently exists we're saving a lot of money."

New plans for the grandstand.

Officer bitten after brawl at Merewether pub

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Two men are being accused of assaulting police following a brawl between patrons at Merewether's Prince of Wales Hotel.

Around 8:30 last night, a 23-year-old man and a 52-year-old man allegedly began fighting other patrons, before being ejected from the premises.

Police then arrived and attempted to arrest the pair after they refused to provide their details, however, the men resisted, assaulting a senior constable, who was bitten on his thigh.

The senior constable also sustained injuries to his thumb and elbow and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

The younger man will face Newcastle Court today, while the other has been granted bail and will appear on Thursday.

Safework NSW: Safety Blitz

BY KYLE CARROLL

Safework NSW is launching a year-long blitz across the state including the Hunter cracking down on unsafe construction businesses.

It comes after the number of falls from heights reported to the regulator has more than tripled in the past 5 years.

On March 8, 20-year-old Brayden Asser fell 6 metres after stepping through a hole in a roof at Mayfield East and tragically died in the John Hunter Hospital.

“Safework NSW has identified falls from heights being the number one killer in NSW on construction sites,” HIA executive director Craig Jennion said.

New fines have been put in place by Safework NSW to prevent unsafe behaviour on construction sites from occurring in the future.

These new regulations give Safework NSW the power to issue on-the-spot fines.

“These fines are up to $3600 for corporations and $720 to individuals for any breaches of these regulations,” Mr Jennion said.

Further information regarding responsible occupational health and safety solutions is being provided by HIA with a special event this Wedensday the 2^nd of May at Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow NSW. 

For more information head to www.hia.com.au/events. 

Construction Safety: Top Priority. Image: Valewood Electric Inc.

Jets Fever: Record Crowd Expected

BY KYLE CARROLL


UPDATE:

Just three minutes after tickets went on sale to the general public, Ticketmaster closed sales with all allocations full.

There are reports fans lined up outside the Newcastle Ticketmaster office were left disappointed, with not a single person served before online sales filled up.

12pm:

With only an hour to go before general public tickets are set to come on sale, Jets fans need to be ready if they wish to get a seat.


Allocations were exhausted within 40 minutes of opening at the Football-Family presale this morning.


20,000 members also snapped up their tickets on the first day of pre-sale released on Sunday completely selling out.


This prompted the FFA to bring the release of the general tickets forward 24 hours.


With a saleable capacity of 30,000 tickets, it is clear to expect it to sell out sell out fast with less than 10,000 tickets remaining.

Packed:Tickets are expected to sell out for Saturday's Grand Final. Image: Reddit

Nelsons Plains Road Black Spot Being Fixed

BY IAN CROUCH

Work is under way to improve safety at a notorious road black spot at Nelsons Plains.

A roundabout is being built at the intersection of Seaham Road and Raymond Terrace Road.

There have been 26 crashes at the intersection in the past six years, with 16 of those resulting in injuries.

Work on the $1.8 million roundabout is due for completion in August.

Its hoped a Roundabout at the Seaham Road and Raymond Terrace Road intersection will cut the crash rate. Picture therherald.com.su

Three Injured In Head-On Smash At Myuna Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Three people have been taken to hospital after a head-on smash at Myuna Bay.

A Holden Commodore and a Mitsubishi Wagon collided on Wangi Road at about 9.30 yesterday morning, blocking the road for several hours.

A man driving one of the cars suffered suspected spinal injuries, while a woman driving the other vehicle sustained a suspected broken ankle.

A 12-year-old girl was treated for neck pain.

All Three were taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

Three Injured In Head-On Smash At Myuna Bay Picture nbn news

Newcastle To Host A-League Grand Final

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter is in grip of Grand Final fever after the Newcastle Jets qualified for the A-League Grand Final.

The international football community is still singing the praises of Jets young gun, Riley McGree for his freakish scorpion kick which leveled the scores during Friday's 2-1 win over Melbourne City.

Saturday's decider will be held at McDonald Jones Stadium after Melbourne Victory scored an upset win over competition front-runners, Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Already, 20,000 tickets have been sold to members of both clubs.

The Football Family pre-sale opens at 10 this morning, with tickets for the General Public going on sale from 1pm.

Some Of The 19,000 Fans Who Turned Out For Friday's Semi-Final Win Picture:Fairfax

Driver charged over Salamander double-fatality

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death following a double fatality at Salamander Bay two weeks ago. 

On Friday, April 13th, police and paramedics were called to the intersection of George and Soldiers Point roads where they discovered a Mazda 3 hatchback had veered off the road and hit a tree.

A 34-year-old man died at the scene while another 29-year-old man didn't survive the rush to hospital.

Two other 31-year-old passengers, both males, were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver will appear at Raymond Terrace Local on June 4th to face two counts of drive manner dangerous; dangerous driving occasioning death; cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle and negligent driving occasioning death.

AGL announces $400 million gas-fired plant

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Plans for a 252-megawatt gas-fired electricity plant near Newcastle have been unveiled today by AGL.

The $400 million project will consist of 14 reciprocating engine units capable of generating 18 megawatts of energy each, with construction set to be complete sometime in 2022.

AGL is currently assessing sites for the project, but it's expected to be located near the energy giant's Newcastle Gas Storage Facility in Tomago.

Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has expressed concerns the new plant will not make up for a 1600 megawatt defecit created by the closure of Muswellbrook's Liddell coal-fired station.

Mr Frydenberg is still pushing for AGL to sell-off the ageing site to Hong Kong-based rival, Alinta, before it shuts down in 2022.

However Managing Director and CEO of AGL, Andy Vesey said the company is committed to filling the void leftover while also supporting Australia's transition to renewable energy.

"It's a three-phase plan which, at its completion will have reduced the impact of the closure of Liddell - providing NSW with reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for decades," Mr Vesey said.

He said AGL has given the government seven years' notice and now wants to push forward with the first phase of the NSW Generation Plan.

"This is a plan which [the Australian Energy Market Operator] reviewed and said if implemented," he continued, "will eliminate the impact of the closure of Liddell."

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said the NSW government is looking forward to receiving a development application for the program soon, as it aligns with their future energy goals.

"The Berejiklian government has been one of the early adopters of the National Energy Guarantee," Mr MacDonald said.

"...This is what we've been looking for; it's saying to the market, if we give you the guidelines and the certainty you can go out there and make that capital investment that we're looking at here."

The Newcastle project comes in conjunction with a similar 210-megawatt gas plant in South Australia and a collective 653-megawatt renewable focus through wind farms in Queensland and NSW.

Stage One involves the Tomago plant announced today, an efficiency upgrade to the Hunter's Bayswater Power Station and an agreement for AGL to offtake 300 megawatts of solar capacity from the Sunraysia Solar Project by Maoenang Australia.

Stages Two and Three involve further projects necessary under commercial and industrial demand, and are subject to Board approval.

A similar AGL station under construction in South Australia. Image: SMH. 

Nightmare at Maitland Roundabout Ignored

BY SAM ISAAC

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP has criticised the Berejiklian government for ignoring the traffic congestion problems and safety issues at the Maitland Train Station roundabout.

Jenny Aitchison says she is "deeply concerned that there will be a fatality on this stretch of road or someone will die waiting for assistance as the ambulance is stuck in traffic."

The traffic congestion surrounding the roundabout is well-known and a concern to commuters, delivery people, transport workers and emergency services.

Jenny Aitchison says she "had a report from some of the community recently that they've been on that congested part of the highway going westward a number of times when ambulances have been trying to get through there and that's just completely dangerous".

She believes an overpass built at the site in September 2016 has done little to remedy the situation.

The MP claims the Berejiklian government has paid no more attention to the issue, but still spending over $2 billion on stadiums in Sydney.

Jenny Aitchison is in talks with the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Hon. Melinda Pavey MP and the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, Maritime and Transport, Kevin Anderson MP as well as the RMS to work on the issue.

Autistic Boy Sets Fire To Family Home At Metford

BY IAN CROUCH

A Metford family is counting the cost after their home was destroyed by fire .

Fire crews were called to the single storey brick and tile home on Eucalyptus Crescent just after 5.00pm yesterday to find the house engulfed in flames.

No-one was injured.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious, but Police say it appears a young Autistic boy who lives there set fire to his home.

Meanwhile, Crews have extinguished a fire at a Nelson Bay cafe early this morning.

Patrolling police noticed smoke issuing from the cafe in Magnus Street just after 4.30am.

Firefighters were quickly on scene and discovered a deep fryer had been left on, with the blaze confined to the rear kitchen area of the shop.

Time To Vaccinate As Flu Season Approaches

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

As the flu season rolls in, Hunter residents are encouraged to protect themselves and their community by getting this year's flu vaccination.

A nightmare season in 2017 saw more than two hundred and fifty thousand Australians impacted by the virus and more than a thousand flu-related deaths.

Diabetes Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners are emphasising the importance of immunisation for those most at risk, with diabetics and people over 65 years old facing an increased risk of severe infection or death.

Changes to the Government-funded immunisation program sees the addition of two enhanced vaccines for over-65s and the beginning of free flu shots for children aged between six months and five years old. The flu shot is also free for patients with diabetes.

Hunter Primary Care Clinical Director Dr Lee Fong says right now is the ideal time to see your GP to receive the jab as it works most effectively in the first three months following vaccination.

Dr Fong also wants residents to remember that getting vaccinated doesn't just benefit individuals, but helps to keep the entire community safer as well.

More information on eligibility for free flu shots can be found online here.

Image source: TripleM

Calls For Increased Police Resources Following Maryland Robbery

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery will write to Police Minister Troy Grant to request more resources for local police services following an armed robbery at Maryland Tavern last night.

The latest in a string of robberies saw four armed men enter the venue just after 10:30pm, threatening staff before making off with a sum of cash. They were arrested a short time later.

Extra patrols in Wallsend have had a positive impact on the community in recent months, but Sonia Hornery says local police are struggling with a lack of staff and resources.

The MP says last night's work was down to the quick work of police officers but suggested the result could have been different had the officers not been nearby.

"You can imagine if the police are responding to a crime in Stockton and they need to respond to a major assault in the Maryland area, that's a long way for them to travel."

This is not the first time Ms Hornery has contacted the Police Minister about this issue, which she believes isn't being taken seriously.

"Over the last several rounds of allocations, the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie commands have been granted negligible staff increases while the area continues to grow in population," Ms Hornery said.

"I call on the Minister for Police to take a long, hard look at the Government's police staffing and resource allocation priorities."

The four men involved in last night's robbery were scheduled to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.

Image source: abc.net.au

Labor MPs deliver survey results to Keolis Downer

BY LIAM CALLISTER

The Hunter’s Labor MPs are today delivering the results of a survey into the Newcastle Transport system to bus operator, Keolis Downer.

It comes after Keolis last week announced some changes will be made to key routes on the timetable, however, the MPs believe more consultation needs to be carried out to meet community demand.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says she's been calling for greater consultation for a year now.

"And just last Friday, the Government boasted that they'd had 300 responses from the community as part of their review.

"Collectively, we've managed to gather five times as many, which just goes to show that people will engage with an issue if you're genuine about seeking out their views."

Yasmin Catley says the MPs were inspired to ask the community for feedback after Transport Minister Andrew Constance "boasted" about asking 300 Novocastrians to review the network. 

The MPs have gathered 1500 responses and are hoping the information is filtered back into Keolis Downer for changes set to take effect in July. 

Hamilton Bus Depot. Image: Flickr. 

Four Men Arrested After Armed Robbery At Maryland

BY IAN CROUCH

Four men have been arrested over a terrifying Anzac Day armed robbery at a Maryland hotel.

It's alleged the group armed with a baseball bat, a knife and a tazer entered the Maryland Tavern on Maryland Drive after closing times at about 10.30pm and threatened the manager and two staff members before fleeing with a sum of cash in a black Commodore.

It's alleged the group also took personal items from the staff including a woman's handbag.

Officers noticed the car on Frederick Street, Glendale a short time later and began a pursuit which ended in Rayford Street, Warners Bay.

Four men aged 24, 25, 26 and 30 were arrested with the assistance of the Dog Squad - two were taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment of bite wounds.

All four have been charged with robbery in company whilst armed with an offensive weapon and have been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Toronto foreshore development a boost for economic tourism: Mayor

BY JARROD MELMETH

A prime piece of waterfront land at Toronto could soon be the home of a commercial, tourism and residential hub after Lake Macquarie Council voted to prepare a development application at Monday nights meeting.

No confirmed details are available yet, but the development is believed to be as high as four to six storeys which, exceeds the two storey limit under the current local environment plan.

The land has been earmarked for decades with council purchasing property along Bath Street since the 1990's, for what Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says is for economic tourism.

"Last night it was council taking the next step and deciding to do a feasibility report. We have just recently spent $4 million on the streetscape in Toronto. A number of our town centres have not reached their potential and Toronto is one of them that needs an economic boost.

"We can see that people want to visit Toronto but we do not have enough accommodation for those people and this is a perfect opportunity to progress through the plans to provide that very necessary target for visitor tourism," Ms Fraser said.

The Coal Point Progress Association said in a statement "the issues around lack of community space, growing population, lack of public awareness and protection of the foreshore received little comment from the councillors, who appeared focused on the tourist population and not residents."

The vacant land between Bath Street and Victory Parade which could soon
be the home of the proposed development. Photo: Google Maps.

Hillsborough Road Upgrades

BY ARIANA GATTI

Work currently underway along Hillsborough Road in Warner's Bay now has a date set to be completed, by late June.

Around $4 million has been allocated to complete the upgrades over the next few months, with the aim to improve pedestrian safety around the area.

The changes are long overdue after the fatal accident involving young school-girl, Jade Frith, in 2016 resulting in her death.

Suspected plans will see a new set of traffic lights near the current main round-about along the road, with the induction of wider footpaths and installation of extra traffic lanes.

Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison, is expressing her concern for traffic congestion through each connecting road of the main round-about, causing driver frustration.

"There's also the issue of traffic congestion along Hillsborough Road. This pedestrian safety measure does not account for traffic build-up", she says.

"I'm really hoping, that in the future, there will be a set of traffic lights replacing what is currently the round-about".

The work will provide safer crossing measures for the general public, to prevent accidents of all calibres around the busy area.

Image sourced: https://www.theherald.com.au/story/3877856/tributes-flow-for-teenage-swimming-champion-jade-frith/

Dawn Service attendees urged to consider public transport

BY JARROD MELMETH

If you are one of the 55-thousand people expected to attend the ANZAC Day dawn service at Nobbys Beach on Wednesday, you may want to consider public transport.

Authorities are urging people to consider the free park-and-ride service from McDonald Jones Stadium to Queens Wharf departing every five to 10 minutes return from 3:30am to 12:30pm.

President of the Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch Ken Fayle said the service will commence at 5am.

"The Lord Mayor will be lighting the ANZAC flame for 2018 at 5am and then we will proceed to our traditional service which will run through to about 6am," Mr Fayle said.

Newcastle City Police District is working closely with Council and the local Anzac Day Committee to ensure a safe, smoothly run event following the recent loss of 500 car spaces along the Harbour and in the David Jones car park.

Chief Inspector Gerard Lawson is encouraging members of the public to think about their journey in advance for the dawn service and day-time commemorations.

"Historically up to 50,000 people have attended the early morning commemoration, which leads to significant traffic congestion.

"We anticipate that the loss of Hunter Street as a traffic corridor will further impact congestion and travel times and therefore recommend that people consider using the public transport and Park and Ride options that have been planned to ensure the minimum of delay to their travel," Chief Inspector Lawson said.

The traditional Anzac Day March from the mall to Civic Park will travel along King Street and not Hunter Street, where light rail is currently being built.

Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said Newcastle Transport would provide a number of public transport options across Anzac Day including free travel for veterans and their families.

Additional dawn service bus routes from 3:15am to 4am and 6:10am to 6:35am will also be running on the following routes:

Route 13 will depart from Glendale at 3:30am, 3:40am, 3:45am and 3:50am with departures from Queens Wharf at 6:15am, 6:20am, 6:25am and 6:35am.

Route 11 will depart from Jesmond at 3:40am, 3:45am, 3:50am, 6:35am.

Route 23 will depart from Wallsend at 3:40am, 3:45am, 3:50am and 4am with departures from Queens Wharf 6:15am, 6:20am, 6:25am, 6:35am.

A special ANZAC event route 14S service will also be operating via Belmont, Jewells, Charlestown then Adamstown to Queens Wharf.

Route 14S will be departing from Swansea at 3:20am, 3:30am, 3:40am and 6:25am with departures from Queens Wharf at 6:15am, 6:20am, 6:25am and 6:35am.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she commends Keolis Downer for putting on extra services to ensure the event runs smoothly.

2017 Nobbys Dawn Service March. Photo: Newcastle Council.

Homes With Combustible Cladding To Face Hefty Repair Bill

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Homeowners around the Hunter could rack up a bill equaling millions of dollars if their building has combustible cladding.

The New South Wales Government has identified four hundred and twelve buildings in need of repairs as a preventative measure.

Shadow Minister for Innovation Yasmin Catley says innocent homeowners are now facing the consequences.

"The cladding debacle overseen by this government stands to have a massive financial impact on property owners," she says.

"Properties that have cladding on them are finding it very difficult to get house insurance, it's imperative that the government provides assistance to these people so they can get the rectification work done."

Ms Catley says these owners may be forced to pay for repairs, even if they did not build the property.

She says it is essential that homeowners contact the government to ensure the original developer covers the costs, as repairs do not come cheap.

"What we've seen in Melbourne at the Lacrosse Building is an estimated 15 million dollars worth of repairs, so it is quite a costly exercise," she says.

"There is no doubt that the owner of the building will definitely be out of pocket."

As well as the repair costs, owners are also faced with the risk of their property decreasing in value by up to 90 percent as a result of the illegal cladding.

Grenfell Tower in London in flames as a result of combustible cladding.

UPDATE: Police Confirm Ram Raid And Break-In At Seperate Lake Macquraie Service Stations Are Linked

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been confirmed an overnight ram raid and break and enter at two Lake Macquarie service stations are linked.

At about 25 past 4 this morning, 5 men in a stolen Grey Colorado Dual Cab broke into the Shell Service Station on Oxford Street Gateshead and made off with cigarettes.

Less than 5 minutes later, the vehicle was used in a ram raid on the BP outlet in Dudley Road at Whitebridge before being driven away.

It's not clear what was taken during the ram raid, although police have confirmed the cash register was damaged.

EARLIER:
Lake Macquarie Police are investigating a ram raid on a service station at Whitebridge.

Police say a car was driven through the front doors of the BP outlet on Dudley Road just before 4.30 on Tuesday morning - it's believed the occupants escaped with several packets of cigarettes before driving off.

Minutes earlier, the Shell service station on Oxford Street Gateshead was broken into - it's not clear yet if anything was taken or whether the incidents are linked.

Truck Crash Closes M1 Pacific Motorway at Mandalong

BY IAN CROUCH

Traffic is back to normal after a bad crash on the M1 at Mandalong overnight.

A southbound semi-trailer loaded with steel slammed into a slow-moving line marking truck at about 11 o'clock last night.

The two drivers escaped injury, however the motorway was closed for 4 hours while the crash scene was cleared.

Fire crews from Morisset and a Hazmat unit from Berkeley Vale cleaned up 400 of litres of diesel and 100 litres of hydraulic fluid from a 300 metre stretch of the motorway.

Police say the drivers returned negative roadside breath tests.

Investigations are continuing.

Catholic Diocese To Open More Long Day Care Centres

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is planning to overcome the current struggle to keep up with demand for long day care centres in the area.

With five centres already up and running, they are looking to expand to twenty over the next five years.

Diocese CEO Sean Scanlon says there are plans all for the whole region.

"We've got a number of sites already ear-marked, we've got development applications approved, we've got agreements to take over some existing centres so whilst it's optimistic, or perhaps even ambitious, it's probably not outside the realms of possibility," he says.

"We've got plans to be in Raymond Terrace at the beginning of next year, we'll be in Maitland where we're also setting up a training centre so we can train staff. Gillieston Heights will be following that as well as Muswellbrook, Scone, and the expansion of our existing centre in Newcastle West, so we're looking to be across the region."

The new plans come after three centres were opened this year in Chisholm, Cardiff and Lochinvar.

Upgrade For Stockton Surf Life Saving Club

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Stockton Surf Life Saving Club will receive a much-needed upgrade, due to population growth in the area.

The club has not been upgraded since the 1970's, and the new designs will improve access for people with disabilities.

Club President, Callan Nickerson says he would like the club to be more accessible to all members of the public.

"Our club is an old club and is not quite fit for everyone in our community so we're pretty passionate about making a building that's a first-class building, that's an asset to Stockton, and that's accessible by everyone," he said.

Mr Nickerson says the local community is looking forward to the new development.

"There's a bit of a buzz, certainly amongst our membership, and people around Stockton," he says.

"I think people are generally excited to have a first class building so close to the beach, and it's something that the community can be proud of."

The club is funding the initial stages of the upgrade, however, they hope the local and state government will offer some support.

"We're building a community asset, and hopefully they can support us in that endeavour."

The new design, as seen in The Newcastle Herald.

Women Threatened by Man Holding Rifle in Maryville

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has been charged with several offences after allegedly intimidating two women with a gun at Maryville on Friday.

Around 10pm, two women, aged 27 and 25, were unloading something from their car parked on Linwood Street when they were approached by a man who produced a rifle.

They reported the frightening ordeal to police, and around 4:30 on Saturday afternoon police searched a home on Hannell Street, where they found two firearms and ammunition.

They arrested a 60-year-old man and seized his gun licence.

He'll face Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.

Armed Robbery at Lambton Pub

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A group of armed robbers remain on the run following a frightening ordeal at Lambton over the weekend.

Around 10pm on Saturday night, a group of men armed with baseball bats broke-in to a licenced premises on Elder Street, Lambton.

The men threatened staff and stole cash before fleeing the scene.

Investigations are continuing, while police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Locals Blame Seismic Testing For Washed Up Remains

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Hunter locals have taken to social media to blame the seismic testing for what appears to be whale remains that have washed up on Blacksmith's Beach.

The testing took place off the coast of Newcastle last week, however, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says it has no connection to the body parts.

She says the washed-up remains are common in this area, and that the testing was not a factor.

"Marine life is washed up onto our beaches up and down the eastern seaboard on a regular basis and it can be said that this is another example of that," she says.

"There is certainly no suggestion that the body parts that we see on Blacksmith's Beach have any relationship whatsoever to the testing that's going on off Newcastle recently."

Catley says the community should not jump to conclusions, as measures were put in place to protect marine life in the area.

"During the testing, the vessel saw a pod of dolphins at one stage- they immediately ceased their activities until the dolphins left the exclusion zone," she says.

"The safety authority NOPSEMA were actually present on the vessel, and they put in place the highest safety precautions and environmental protection that we would expect,"

"If the community is concerned, then they should ask fisheries to do an examination of those body parts, and get some conclusive evidence."

Man suffers fractured skull after assault in Newcastle

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A young man remains in the John Hunter Hospital with a fractured skull following a one-punch attack in Newcastle over the weekend.

He's reportedly regained consciousness after being punched in the face and hitting the pavement while crossing Union Lane around 11:40 on Saturday night.

Police say the 20-year-old became involved in an altercation with the occupant of a white Holden Commodore who then assaulted him, before wielding a bottle and threatening bystanders who tried to intervene. 

The assailant was last seen on Hunter Street but fled from police, while officers spoke to a female driver and another male passenger in the Commodore before releasing them from detainment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Union Lane, Newcastle. 

Fears Of Massive Case Backlog In Newcastle Federal Court

BY IAN CROUCH

It's feared children will be the big losers when one of three Federal Circuit Court Judges is transferred away from Newcastle.

There's already a massive backlog in Family Court matters involving child custody battles, with the Newcastle judges handing 750 cases each - which is double the national average.

It's the second time in 12 months a Newcastle judge has been transferred, and it took the Turnbull government 8 months to find a replacement.

President of the Newcastle Bar Association, Michael Graham has told NBN, it's the children who suffer the most when cases are delayed.

"It's a manageable situation provided people act - and they need to act an act fast. It has a definite and long-term effect on the most vulnerable in our community, children," he said.

Michael Graham, Federal Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon and Chair of the Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association, Christopher White outside the Commonwealth Law Courts in Bolton Street

Man Critically Ill After One-Punch Attack In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

A man remains in an induced coma in the John Hunter Hospital after a one-punch attack in Newcastle at the weekend.

Police say the 20-year-old was crossing the intersection of Union Lane and King Street just after 11.30pm on Friday when he became involved in a verbal altercation with the occupants of a Holden Commodore.

It's alleged a rear-seat passenger got out a punched the man in the face - he fell backwards, hitting his head on the footpath, suffering a suspected skull fracture and bleeding on the brain.

Patrolling police noticed the victim lying unconscious by the road and ran after the alleged attacker, but he managed to escape.

Doma Group to transform The Store

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The future of Newcastle West's The Store has been unveiled today as the NSW Government announces details of a $200-million-dollar plan.

Doma Group will carry out the revitalisation, which will see the erection of two 90 metre residential towers, 13,000 square metres of standalone office space and retail offerings to sit alongside the Newcastle Transport Interchange.

NSW Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Andrew Constance visited The Store to make the announcement today, and said there's an enormous amount of development transforming the city's west end.

"The plan shows how innovative, quality design seamlessly integrated the site with the existing Newcastle Interchange," he said, "and uses quality architecture that is arguably as impressive as the recent NeW Space and Courthouse developments."

"The design also allows for the expansion of light rail, which means we are future-proofing the site."

Andrew Constance said there are also plans to build a coach interchange, as the "eyesore" old carpark is removed. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the development. 

"It doesn't happen easily and it doesn't happen overnight. There's been significant collaboration..." 

She said today's announcement represents the culmination of a long-term vision to bring the CBD into the West end of town and raise building heights to 90 metres. 

The NSW Government purchased The Store site in 2015 with the intention of transforming it into essential transport infrastructure. 

Architect's vision of the future space. 

 

Tired: The Store at present.

Residents Outraged as Hunter Water Proposes Cut to Water Line

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

Residents of Hunter Valley's Bandon Grove area are furious with Hunter Water's plan to disconnect 69 properties from a pipeline because the water is unfiltered.

The Chichester Trunk Gravity Main provides for almost 40 percent of Hunter Water customers, however, because Bandon Grove is located north of the Dungog treatment facility, the water is non-potable.

In a statement, Hunter Water said that "the water is not filtered and therefore does not meet the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines," however properties would remain connected for farming and irrigation purposes.

At a meeting at Bandon Grove Hall on Wednesday night, many expressed concerns that the pipeline being disconnected would affect their usage and property prices.

The alternative solutions, according to the statement, are either rainwater tanks or an onsite water treatment kit which would be maintained and serviced by the residents.

It's understood a majority of affected residents reject the proposed solutions, having drunk from the water main for more than 60 years.

They ask that Hunter Water does nothing to meddle with their supply.

Picture: Peter Stoop

Changes On The Cards For Newcastle Bus Timetables

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Buses operator, Keolis Downer is expected to announce changes to routes and timetables today following a public outcry.

Fairfax reports direct connections between eastern Lake Macquarie and Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara will be introduced, while links to the major business hubs will also be created.

Direct services will also be introduced from Swansea Heads to Charlestown and the Newcastle CBD.

Keolis Downer says it will also improve bus services to The House With No Steps at Lambton - one of the region's largest disability service providers.

The timetable changes are expected to be introduced in July.

Labor Leader Luke Foley Addresses A Recent Protest Meeting About Newcastle Buses At Belmont

Hunter Lashed By Wild Electrical Storm

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter has escaped relatively unscathed from last night's fierce electrical storm which swept through the region.

Three people were trapped in two cars when power lines came down on their vehicles on Station Street next to Waratah Train Station at about 6.00pm.

They were freed when Railcorp isolated the power about an later.

Around 1200 homes were blacked out at Marks Point and Belmont, while Cooranbong copped the heaviest downpour, with almost 42 millimetres recorded.

The SES responded to 30 calls for assistance across the region, mainly for leaking rooves.

The weather bureau says there's a chance of another thunderstorm later this afternoon.

Fierce Electrical Storm Lashed Newcastle and The Hunter Picture: newcastlelive.com.au

Crakanthorp touts Newcastle as new home for Google

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp believes Newcastle is the ideal location for Google to build their next headquarters.

It comes after the tech giant's proposal to build along Sydney's old rail yards at Redfern was rejected by the state government's infrastructure committee.

It's understood the plans failed to meet a 'uniqueness test,' and have since been rubbished, meaning the search engine is on the search for a new home.

Tim Crakanthorp believes Sydney's loss could be Newcastle's gain.

"I'm saying - along with some others - hey, what about Newcastle?" he said.

He believes the city can provide plenty of space, a world-class university and a lot of young professionals which would fit in with the Google culture.

"Couldn't be a better spot," he asserted.

The MP said the next step is to go to the Federal Government to get the wheels in motion.

"It's approaching Federal Member Sharon Claydon and also Nuatali, the Lord Mayor - I've already approached her office," he said.

"We're putting together a draft letter and getting that off to Google, starting that process."

Time for crackdown on Valley mines following dusty blast

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Hunter Valley winemakers are furious at the owner of two of the region's biggest mines, following a blast on Friday which sent pollution over pastures.

Local landholders say just before midday, Yancoal conducted a planned blast at the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine, which sent a plume of thick orange dust flying through the air and onto grape crops.

Tony Bainton of Bainton Family wines said it's an ongoing issue which residents shouldn't have to grapple with anymore.

"It's about the health of residents living in the Valley," Mr Bainton said, "the mines don't seem to have any respect for the residents living around them. "

He said state government measures to bring Yancoal in line with licence regulations have so far proven ineffective. 

"Even when they do catch them out, they fine them such a small amount of money...it's pocket money to them and they don't care."

Local landholders have written to the Department of Planning, asking for Yancoal to be investigated and have its licence suspended until they demonstrate they can operate without causing pollution.

Georgina Woods from Lock the Gate Alliance is supporting the plea, saying its time to enforce protections to safeguard the vital Hunter wine industry.

"There have been many days over the last few months," she said, "dozens of days where air quality in that part of the Hunter Valley has breached national standards."

"That's not a good look for one of our key tourism industries," Ms Woods continued, "it's up to the state government to get control of the mines and ensure they're not impacting on the surrounding industry."

Lock the Gate believe a key way to restore the balance is to create a no-go buffer zone to protect the vineyards and horse farms.

"There is a need for an exclusion zone around the strategic farmland that was mapped for the wine and horse industries," said Georgina Woods, "we can't allow the mines to continue coming closer and closer."

An orange plume lingers in the air following a blast at Yancoal, 11:53am Friday March 13.  

Parliamentary Secretary Slams Maitland MP Police Comments

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Hunter's Parliamentary Secretary has shot-down claims made by Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison in a press conference yesterday afternoon.

The MP issued a plea for the state government to issue more police officers to the electorate, saying Maitland's dire lack of police has forced officers to choose which lives to save.

Scot MacDonald has labelled the claim irresponsible and untrue, as around 1000 more officers have been introduced to the area since the Liberal Government's election in 2011, bringing the total to 16, 800.

"This is a very irresponsible comment by the Labor member for Maitland that is completely wrong and erodes confidence in the Hunter police," he said.

 "We are very angry with the tack taken here by the Member."

The Parliamentary Secretary is foregrounding latest statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) as evidence Maitland Police are performing well.

In the two years to December 2017, 13 of 17 categories of crime remained at steady rates, while the leftover four types (murder and variations of aggravated robbery) are not assessed in local LGA trends because their occurrence is too rare.

But Jenny Aitchison is reportedly standing by her claims, saying she never meant to criticise police competency, but rather, draw attention to how underresourced they are.

She met with Shadow Minister for Police, Guy Zangari in Thornton yesterday, and said: "Police in Maitland do an amazing job...but we are the highest for domestic violence in the state, that takes up an inordinate amount of their resources."

Scot MacDonald has disputed that point as well, saying domestic violence rates in the Maitland LGA have remained steady over the past two years and are not the highest in NSW.

"It's a very serious matter, domestic violence," he said,"I would urge the Member to look at the BOSCAR figures which are publicly available.

"The response to domestic violence is not helped when people don't understand the issue and are misleading the public...headline grabbing is not the way to protect the public.

"I really do question Jenny Aitchison's fitness for public office."

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Shadow Police Minister Guy Zangari meeting local pastors to discuss crime in the LGA. Image: Maitland Mercury. 

Man with medical condition missing near Maitland

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police are appealing to the public for help locating a man missing from Duns Creek, 24 kilometres north of Maitland.

42-year-old Luciano Dos Santos Pedroso was last seen leaving a house on Uffington Road around 10 o'clock yesterday morning.

He's driving a white Toyota Hilus with the registration, 494 WLY.

There are serious concerns for Mr Pedroso's welfare as he suffers from a medical condition and requires medication.

He's described as being of South American appearance with an olive complexion and is 170 centimetres tall.

Police say he's missing half of his right index finger and has tattoos on his arm along with medium length straight brown hair.

Anyone who sees Mr Pedroso is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing: Luciano Dos Santos Pedroso. 

Police Shot At During Pursuit At Jewells

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been shot at during a pursuit at Jewells this morning.

Officers attached to a specialist unit began chasing a Holden Commodore on the Pacific Highway just after 3.30am.

However, the pursuit was terminated when a shot was fired at the police vehicle.

No-one was injured.

A crime scene has been established and one northbound lane of the Pacific Highway remains closed as investigations continue.

Accident at Lambton Sparks Push For New Roads

BY NAKITA JAGER

Two cars and a truck have reportedly been involved in a pile-up this morning on Newcastle Road.

Following recent changes to the speed limit along the road, Wallsend MP Sonia Honnery believes the RMS need to look at other changes in managing traffic for the long term.

"The major problem [with the road] is the congestion is so extreme that we're going to have continued accidents unless the RMS really look at future plans for additional roads," she said.

It is believed as western suburbs grow, traffic is expected to remain an issue for Newcastle residents.

"The 60km zone is not going to reduce the congestion and is probably not going to reduce the amount of accidents," She said.

Wallsend MP maintains that unless the RMS build new roads, and improve public transport, there will be more accidents in the school holidays.

Google Maps Image of Newcastle Road.

Cessnock Correctional Centre to Receive a Boost

BY SAM ISAAC

Cessnock will be one of six communities receiving correctional assistance from the New South Wales government. The Liberal and Nationals are following through with their commitment to addressing the rising incarceration rate in NSW by implementing a $3.8 billion prison infrastructure program.

The program will deliver new facilities in Cessnock as well as upgrading already existing ones. It has also been confirmed that there will be entirely brand new projects at Cessnock, Bathurst, Silverwater and Windsor hopefully finished by 2021.

The program will result in around 2,000 employment opportunities with jobs ranging from academy training staff, Community Corrections, frontline correctional officers and psychologists. Minister for Corrections David Elliot says that in the last two years, 2,100 jobs have already been created so the new program will bump that up to 4,100.

The facilities will address prisoners both incarcerated and in the community, maximising security, safety and rehabilitation. Corrective Services NSW is also introducing new performance benchmarks to improve quality and accountability, which will certainly impact Cessnock's correctional facilities.

The intention of the program, as stated by Mr Elliot, is to reduce reoffending, improve infrastructure and institute cutting-edge technologies such as phone jamming.

Source: ABC News

Government Approves Rail Rezoning

BY NAKITA JAGER

Improvements can now be made to the Newcastle CBD following the NSW government's decision to approve rezoning of the heavy rail corridor.

Changes to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan have allowed the NSW government to go ahead with the planning of the corridor.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot Macdonald, says that it provides certainty for developments to take place within the city.

"It has been a long process," he says, "[but now we can] move on with a range of projects that the state government is committed to."

These developments include additional public transport, the construction of affordable housing and an expansion of the Inner City University Campus.

"It gives us the certainty to move on after a long long time coming," Mr MacDonald says.

The Parliamentary Secretary believes the new infrastructure will be developed within the next year, with light rail expected to be operational by 2019.

Artist's Impression of Affordable Housing, Newcastle. Image: NBN.

Elderly man dies in crash at Nelson Bay

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has died in a single-vehicle crash at Nelson Bay.

Around 5 o' clock yesterday afternoon, police and paramedics attended the scene on Stockton Street, where they discovered an Isuzu utility had crashed into a garden.

The 77-year-old driver sadly died at the scene, with initial investigations suggesting he may have suffered a medical episode in the moments leading up to the crash.

Accused University Carjacker To Face Court

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today over a terrifying carjacking incident at the University of Newcastle last month.

A 19-year-old man was walking to his red Mazda 3 in a university carpark when he was allegedly threatened with a gun by a man who then fled in the car.

Police obtained CCTV footage and following extensive inquiries, arrested a 26-year-old man at a home on Greenhills Avenue at Woodberry yesterday.

He's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with an outstanding warrant, aggravated assault with intent to take motor vehicle, larceny, give false name, receive/dispose of stolen property and damage property by fire.

Hunter fishermen fear seismic testing will hurt industry

BY JARROD MELMETH

Local fishermen fear a lot of dead fish will be the fallout of seismic testing being conducted off the coast of Newcastle.

In January, Asset Energy was given the tick of approval by the Commonwealth regulator to blast the ocean floor about 30km off the coast. 

Newcastle Commercial Fishermen's Co-operative general manager Robert Gauta said the impacts to marine life have been proven by past testing.

"When they did this last time in 2010, we found that the ground that they tested was devastated, so the fish either moved away or the ones that were there died and some of the smell that came up with the nets was from the decomposing flesh," Mr Gauta said.

Meanwhile, world-famous sand sculptor Dennis Massoud will join the third protest in a month on Tuesday where he will construct sand-sculptured dolphins on Nobbys Beach as a symbolic gesture of the potential effects of seismic testing to marine life.

Event organiser Liss Finney said the group is trying to build as much momentum as they can before the next stages of testing begin.

"For Asset, this is just phase one with 2D testing. The next step for them is 3D testing which, is actually much more destructive and affects a greater area and then from then on, that is when the licencing for the oil and petroleum exploration happen," Ms Finney said.
 

Demonstrators at last Saturday's protest. Photo: The Newcastle Herald.