Five Arrested Following Drug Lab Discovery

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police have made major drug busts across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Strikeforce Castlestead detectives arrested two men at a service station on Gateway Boulevard Morisset yesterday afternoon, where a search of the pair revealed a large quantity of cocaine and cash.

They were taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with multiple offences - they will face Newcastle Local Court today.

Officers then carried out search warrants at Mayfield, Cameron Park and Wangi Wangi.

At Wangi, large amounts of cocaine, GHB and cash were seized amid the discovery of a clandestine drug lab.

All up five men, who are locals excluding one man from Rose Bay, have been arrested during the operation, with their charges ranging from supply, criminal enterprise, manufacture and expose a child to the process.

Police expect to make more arrests soon.

Renewed Push to Find Missing Newcastle Woman

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police have renewed their appeal for information about a woman who went missing from Newcastle on September 5 this year.

It's Cecelia Devine's 42nd birthday today, and concerns are held for her welfare after she was last seen in Waratah.

It's believed she may have travelled to Sydney, with reported sightings of her in the Hornsby and Blue Mountains areas shortly after she was last seen.

Cecilia, previously known as Kristen Pearson, is caucasian, about 160 centimetres tall with a large build, long blonde hair with undercut sides and blue eyes.

Anyone who sees her is urged to contact police immediately.

Cecilia, aged 42.

Council Inspectors Check Buman Boarding House

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Further moves look likely, but residents of Aaron Buman's Adamstown boarding house have been granted a temporary reprieve from eviction over Christmas.

Council officers conducted an inspection of the Victoria Street property yesterday, finding a number of issues relating to fire safety and unauthorised works.

Those will be assessed in coming weeks to see if any regulatory action will be taken - the inspection comes after residents of the former councillor's Mayfield and Carrington boarding houses were forced out because the buildings do not comply with building codes.

Council CEO Jeremy Bath said claims City of Newcastle is targeting Aaron Buman are untrue.

"Frankly [that] isn't supported by evidence because we are doing a compliance check on every single boarding house in the city," Mr Bath said.

"Earlier this year, a boarding house which is not operated by Mr Buman was actually shut down due to the inherent fire safety risks and a number of other issues that existed within that boarding house.

"We need to recognise that the people living in boarding houses are the most vulnerable people in our community," he continued, "they do not have any sort of position of strength with which to negotiate with the operator if they have concerns about the safety. It is Council's job to go there on behalf of these vulnerable people and to ensure their homes are safe to live in - that's all we're doing."

There are over 50 men living in the Adamstown property, many of whom fear they will be left homeless as others were in September.

The Victoria St Boarding House. Image: Google Maps. 

Singleton Brumby Culling "Substantially Completed"

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

A controversial aerial culling operation at Singleton is now complete, according to the Department of Defence, but local advocacy groups are still concerned over animal welfare.

The Department this morning confirmed the operation at the Singleton Military Base had been "substantially completed", with over 100 ponies being culled by aerial shooters.

The operation was heavily criticised by animal welfare groups, including the Hunter Valley Brumby Association, who labeled the culling method as "inhumane". But the Invasive Species Council has accused the group of spreading "misinformation" and "hyperbole".

Brumby Association President, Catherine Massey says that the operation was inhumane, and people in the area should keep an eye out for injured wildlife.

"It's been proven time and time again that when aerial culling of horses happens that there are horses left behind which are injured," she said.

The Brumby Association had been a fierce critic of the Defence Force culling, but was unable to prevent the operation from going ahead yesterday afternoon.

Invasive Species Council CEO Andrew Cox says the culling was humane, and accused activists of spreading "misinformation" and "hyperbole" against the operation which he says was the best option for the horses during the season of drought.

"We've got to remember that in Australia we kill millions of livestock every year for human consumption with a quick human death. And there's no reason why we can't apply those same mechanisms to horses," Andrew Cox said.

"The claims about aerial shooting are uninformed. Aerial shooting can be done humanely provided you're using professional shooters," he said.

The Brumby Association is calling on members of the public to keep a lookout for any injured animals which remain in the area.

"We are going to be encouraging people that are around the army base and may be driving past the base, particuarly on Broke Road area to keep a look out for injured brumbies on the base," Catherine Massey said.

"That's what we need now to prove that it was inhumane. It's not a question of a possibility of there being injured horses left behind after the aerial cull, it's a certainty."

Ms. Massey was regretful that the operation had occured, and asked for anybody with photos of injured horses to contact her confidentially.

Despite the criticisms, the Department successfully proceeded with the operation.

Mr. Cox said that, "The do-nothing option here is not in the interests of the horses and the long-term management of the site."

The Department of Defence confirmed the operation had taken place, and said in a statement that, "further verification will take place in the coming days before the matter is considered finalised".

Between 100 and 150 wild horses were culled in the Department of Defence operation yesterday afternoon.   Image: Shutterstock Mari_May

Man Charged With Murder Over Whitebridge Invasion

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Murder charges have now been laid after the death of a man following a home invasion at Whitebridge earlier this week.

It happened around 2:30am Monday morning at a home on Lonus Avenue, where the 60-year-old victim was found with a serious injury to his arm, and later died at the John Hunter Hospital.

Police believe three men armed with baseball bats and knives, dressed in face coverings, broke into the home and attacked the man in his bedroom.

Yesterday, officers arrested a 19-year-old man at a home on Warners Bay Road, Charlestown and charged him with murder.

He will appear in Newcastle Local Court today, as police continue to search for the other two intruders.

Man Stabbed to Death in Suspected Road Rage Attack

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A 32-year-old man has been charged with murder following a man's death at Belmont yesterday afternoon.

Around 1:30 on the Pacific Highway near Beach Street, a Holden Commodore and 4WD collided, and a short time later a 50-year-old man was found with stab wounds to the neck.

He died in the John Hunter Hospital a short time later, while the younger man was taken to Belmont Police station.

Police say the pair were known to each other and allege they became involved in a verbal altercation before the crash.

Officers arrested the accused at a home on Marriot Street, Belmont shortly after the incident.

Man Shot in Stomach, Presents to Cessnock Hospital

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has been shot in the stomach at a home in Aberdare and presented to the emergency ward of Cessnock Hospital.

Around 6:45pm last night, police were called to the hospital where the 30-year-old was being treated for an abdominal wound - he was stabilised and conveyed to the John Hunter where he was expected to undergo surgery.

It's believed the man was shot at a property on Comerford Close between 6pm and 6:30pm - officers have launched investigations into how he sustained the injuries.

Man Charged With Scone Murder

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A murder charge has now been laid after a man's body was found in a house at Scone yesterday.

The 41-year-old victim was located by officers at a home in Parker Street following a tip-off from a 20-year-old man.

That young man was arrested by Upper Hunter Police and taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment of lacerations to his fingers.

He was released back into custody and charged over the victim's death.

He has been refused bail to face Muswellbrook Local Court today.

Man Injured by Meat Cleaver, Maitland

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A 31-year-old man has sustained a serious laceration to his arm after allegedly being assaulted with a meat cleaver in Rutherford.

Police attended a unit on Churchill Crescent following reports the man and a 33-year-old man were involved in an altercation.

The victim was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition, while police seized a number of items, including the meat cleaver, for forensic examination.

The older man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - he's facing Maitland Local Court today.

Body Discovered Inside House at Scone

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man's assisting police at Muswellbrook after a body was discovered in a house at Scone today.

Around 6:30 this morning, a 20-year-old man attended Muswellbrook Police Station and alerted police to the presence of the deceased.

Officers attended a home on Parker Street where they discovered a 41-year-old man's body.

The young man was arrested, while a crime scene has been established at the property as investigations continue.

Whitebridge Home Invasion Turns Deadly

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has been killed in a home invasion at Whitebridge this morning.

Around 2:30am, emergency services were called to the home on Lonus Avenue where they found a 60-year-old man with a serious injury to his arm.

The man was treated by paramedics at the scene but died a short time later at the John Hunter hospital.

Lake Macquarie Police have been told three people with their faces covered, armed with baseball bats and knives, broke into the home and attacked the man in his bedroom.

His brothers were home at the time but were not injured during the incident.

Police have confirmed the victim is known to them, and they're investigating a stolen car they believe could be connected to the incident.

A crime scene was set up this morning, with shattered glass and a car bumper lying on Kahibah Road at Kenibea Avenue.

A crime scene has been established as strike force officers investigate whether the death was a targeted attack.

Man Assaulted on Beaumont Street

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has a date in court after being charged over an alleged assault at Hamilton at the weekend.

Police say a 25-year-old man and a 43-year-old man became involved in an altercation which turned physical around 2am on Beaumont Street. 

Officers attended and arrested the younger man - he was charged with affray and behaving in an offensive manner in a public place.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on January 17.

Little Boy Drowns in Backyard Pool

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A report is being prepared for the coroner after a backyard swimming pool tragedy at Bobs Farm last night.

Emergency services were called out to a home on Marsh Road around 6:40pm after a 19-month-old boy was found unconscious in the pool.

Paramedics were sadly unable to revive the boy.

A crime scene has been established as Port Stephens Police investigate the incident, but initial inquiries suggest there are no suspicious circumstances at play.

Hunter Students Receive Tertiary Admission Ranks

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

With final results released today, Hunter HSC students are being reminded the ATAR is just one way to get into university.

Most institutions offer solutions for those who didn't reach their ideal mark - or those who didn't receive an ATAR at all - and the University of Newcastle is the country's largest provider of alternate entry programs.

Open Foundation Convenor Emma Hamilton says the University's NewStep program is tailored for recent school-leavers, but there are other options available.

"We also offer an Open Foundation program, which is tailored to students aged 20 years and over and the Yapug Program that's tailored to the needs of Indigenous learners.

"What we find is that students who complete our programs are very prepared at Undergraduate level," Ms Hamilton continued, "our research shows us that those students who study via foundation pathways are just as successful as other students."

Many Hunter students, however, are happy with today's results.

40 made the All-Round Achievers list, receiving the highest band possible in at least 10 units.

26 of them were girls and 14 were boys, while 15 came from Merewether High School.

The 2018 results are only slightly down on last year, where 42 students made the All-Round Achievers list.

Image: Western Advocate. 

Fears For Missing Man In Scone Hotel Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused damage to the basement of a popular hotel at Scone.

Fire and Rescue crews from Scone, Aberdeen and Muswellbrook as well as the RFS responded to several triple-oh calls to the Royal Hotel on Kelly Street just before 1.30 this morning to find thick black smoke issuing from the basement.

There were also concerns for a 50-year-old man who was thought to be still inside the building, but he was later found safe and well.

Crews took about half an hour to extinguish a fire in a cooling unit in the beer lines.

Despite minor damage, it's expected the pub will open today as usual

Newcastle Commits To Paris Climate Targets

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

This week Newcastle City Council voted in support of two motions in the aim of decreasing the city's carbon footprint and environmental impacts.

In addition to Newcastle's current 2020 Carbon and Water Action Plan, the Council will commit the city to reaching the principals and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement and investigating the health impacts of coal-fired power stations in the Hunter.

Newcastle Greens Councillor John Mackenzie says this environmental pledge has come at a crucial time.
 
"These policies are especially significant right now as both state and federal governments have completely abandoned the task of climate action.
 
"It is up to each city to take the lead and implement policies to decrease the environmental impact they have...Newcastle is not going to wait for this government to get itself together, we are going to start making the changes needed to stop dangerous, run-away climate change now."

Cr Mackenzie outlines that conducting examination on the impacts of coal-fired power stations is greatly important for Newcastle residents.

"We must conduct further investigation into the health impacts of coal-fired power stations have been shown to increase the number of low birth rate babies in the Hunter every year...A health impact which is entirely preventable."

Image Sourced: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=paris%20climate%20agreement&qs=AS&form=QBIR&sp=1&pq=paris%20climate%20agree&sc=8-19&cvid=FB0FF8C22320492C9823F9AF25183B74

Luxury Hotel To Replace Council Administration Building

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The City of Newcastle will soon welcome its first five-star hotel to King Street.

Council CEO Jeremy Bath has inked a deal this morning, selling the 'Roundhouse' City Administration Centre to hospitality and hotel group, Crystalbrook Collection.

The sale price has not been revealed.

Crystalbrook are planning to transform the Brutalist-design building into the 'Kingsley' - a luxury, 136 room hotel complete with a swimming pool, rooftop restaurant, lobby bar and cafe with an outdoor terrace.

Novocastrians won't have to wait long to see the hotel complete, with construction to begin as soon as City of Newcastle staff relocate from the CAC to their new premises on the corner of Hunter Street and Stewart Avenue, in a $7 million move designed to draw bereaucrats out of the city centre and create a new CBD in the west.

It's hoped the Kingsley will be ready to receive guests by November 2020, in time for the Newcastle 500.

Jeremy Bath is hailing the sale as a win-win, promising beneficial flow-on effects.

"We have delivered for ratepayers an exceptional result," he said, "Indeed, we have delivered the best of both worlds - a financial sale well beyond our valuation of the building which will also generate a significant number of jobs."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is confident the Kingsley forms the missing piece of the puzzle in Newcastle's revitalisation.

"The location of the Kingsley will, overnight, reinvent the Civic Precinct," she said, "guests staying in the luxury hotel will now be within just 100 metres' walk of the Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and the Civic Playhouse.

"The existence of a five-star hotel complete with a light rail station immediately across from it will finally create the thriving cultural precinct our city has longed for," Mayor Nelmes said.

Cystalbrook Collection CEO Mark Davie said it was that centrality, and Newcastle's recent transformation through the light rail, which drew him to the Roundhouse site.

An element of history has been alluded to in the hotel's name, with early settlers dubbing Newcastle as 'Kingstown' in 1804.

Artist's Impression: The CAC recognisable but refreshed as the Kingsley. 

Mambo Wetlands Fire Damages Local Koala Habitat

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

The fire that threatened homes and businesses in the Salamander Bay area on Monday night is still causing concerns for local wildlife rescuers.

Around 99 hectares of land has been claimed by the fire, with vital habitat for the local Koala population among it.

Sue Swain from Port Stephens Koalas says they have been unable to carry out a Black Walk to search for injured wildlife but have rescued at least 4 Koalas from around the edge of the fire, including a young joey and her mother.

Ms Swain is urging public vigilance, warning that Koals attempting to escape the fire could be crossing busy roads.

"They've got nowhere to go, so they'll be on the move," Ms Swain says.

"The ones that are not displaced because of the fire have now got to go and find somewhere else to live, and they're going to have to cross roads and go through backyards with dogs to do that, so if you see a sick or injured Koala call our rescue line."

Firefighters are investigating the possibility that the fire and several others in the same area in recent weeks, were deliberately lit, prompting fury from Port Stephens MP Kate Washington who says anyone committing senseless acts will be caught.

"My community is appalled and disgusted at the thought that these fires could have been deliberately lit," says Ms Washington.

"The very strong message I want people to hear is that if you are stupid enough to deliberately lite a fire, that you run the risk of facing 21 years in gaol now, so if that's not a deterrent I don't know what else would be."

Port Stephens Koalas can be contacted 24 hours a day on 0418 628 483.

ABC News

NSW Midwives Call For Increased Staffing Levels

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

Midwives from John Hunter Hospital joined colleagues from nine other NSW hospitals at midday today to highlight staff shortages within the state's maternity wards.

NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) members from Royal Prince Alfred, Royal North Shore, Wollongong, Liverpool, Blacktown, Nepean, Lismore, Tweed, Tamworth, and John Hunter Hospitals have backed an open letter to Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, urging the implementation of mandated staff-to-patient ratios in maternity services across the state.

Currently, the staffing system allows for ongoing unfilled vacancies, which NSWNMA members say adds strain to staff and places mothers and their babies at greater risk.

Midwives are asking for a mandatory ratio of at least 1 midwife to 3 mothers in postnatal wards to provide a clear and accountable system that patients and staff can rely on.

The NSWNMA says understaffing can have a negative effect on families due to the lack of time midwives have to provide support and education to new mothers, particularly in the first few days after the birth.

Registered Nurse and Midwife Judith Kiejda says this is particularly relevant regarding breastfeeding as many mothers need specific advice and support during this process.

Breastfeeding rates in NSW have declined by 8.4% since the current NSW Government came to power in 2011.

Motorcyclist Allegedly Found With $17,000 Cash And Drugs At Lambton

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today on drug supply and driving offences after he was arrested at Lambton early Wednesday morning.

Patrolling police noticed two motorbikes without number plates travelling at high speed along Lambton Road at Broadmeadow just after 1.00am but lost sight of them.

A short time later they noticed a man standing beside a motorbike in Pride Avenue.

Police say he threw the bike down on the ground and tried to run away but was apprehended.

It's alleged he was carrying $17,000 in cash and quantities of Cannabis and Ice in a bum bag.

The 27-year-old has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with several offences including drive recklessly/furiously, deal with the proceeds of crime and possess and supply prohibited drug.

Spotlight Shone on Illegal Dumping Scourge

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

More than $62,000 worth of illegal dumping fines have been handed out to Lake Macquarie residents this year alone.

1100 incidents and 24,000 tonnes of unlawfully disposed waste has been recorded across the Hunter and Central Coast over the past 12 months, and we're being put on notice with fines starting at $2000 for individuals.

Analysis shows household waste is the most common material to be illegally dumped, accounting for 50% of all recorded incidents. Construction and demolition waste are the next most common.

Hunter/Central Coast RID Squad Coordinator Rob Robertson says residents can also get caught out if they enlist the help of another person or hire someone to remove rubbish.

"What sometimes happens is that fly-by-night waste removalists will advertise online, pick up your rubbish and take payment, then try to dodge tip fees by dumping their waste illegally," Mr Robertson says.

"Most householders don't realise they are actually liable when this occurs."

Lake Macquarie Council's Sustainability Manager Dr Alice Howe says they've just installed solar lighting at a known dumping hotspot, Glendale's Reservoir Road.

"Lighting is an important part of our deterrent strategy," she explains, "we really rely on the public to help us with information and lighting makes it easier for people to see what's going on.

"I really encourage people, if they see illegal dumping activity, to call the Environment Line on 131 555 and we can follow up on that," Dr Howe says.

The RID Squad's Rob Robertson on grounds off Reservoir Rd Glendale. 

Labor Promises Judicial Probe into Port Deal

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

As the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission prepares to launch legal action against NSW Ports for a so-called 'anti-competitive' deal surrounding the Port of Newcastle, State Labor is looking to probe the matter further.

Opposition leader Michael Daley is committing to a full judicial inquiry into the Baird era deal, which essentially stops a container terminal being built in Newcastle for the next 50 years to the detriment of Ports Kembla and Botany.

The inquiry will examine the Liberal-National Government's role in the privatisation agreement, amid claims the container terminal ban is stifling the Hunter of jobs and investment.

The opposition has already announced a judicial inquiry into Sydney's delayed light rail project and the WestConnex motorway scheme.

In a statement issued on Monday, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said while the NSW Government is not currently party to the Federal Court suit, he's long voiced concerns about the short-term thinking of state governments privatising assets.

The ACCC will try to prove the Ports' 2013 and 2014 deeds privatising Kembla, Botany and Newcastle contravene the Competition and Consumer Act.

Michael Daley said he's calling on the State Government to own up to their part.

"The ACCC doesn't have the power to institute proceedings against the Crown, but that doesn't mean the Government can't be a party to the proceedings if it chooses to be. If it's good enough for the Premier to send the Treasurer out to defend the deal, the Premier should send the Solicitor General down to the Federal Court and seek to be joined to these proceedings," Mr Daley said. 

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government's position has not changed since 2013, saying no competition issues have arisen as a result of the "arrangement which provided certainty to all parties involved." 

Mr Perrottet said the Government is fully cooperating with the ACCC on the ongoing matter. 

Image: Hunter Business Review. 

Labor Promises Fair Fares For Hunter School Kids

JARROD MELMETH

Hunter school children will be able to travel on public transport for free if Labor form government in the upcoming state election.

Local Labor MP's met with Charlestown resident Jason Brown to hear how the current student travel system has affected his family.

Mr Brown raised concerns about how his eight-year-old daughter would have to walk a long, dangerous route to get to school – the same route his son had been granted a pass to avoid, three years earlier.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the governments' priorities are all wrong.

"How could they think that saving money is more important than putting children's safety in danger? This is just another way Labor will ease the cost of living for families in Newcastle," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay said children shouldn't be penalised by being forced to walk across busy roads because they don't fit into some arbitrary prescriptive rule.

Labor has also committed to doing a review of the Newcastle bus network as well as working on reinstating buses down Beaumont Street.

Labor MPs meeting with local residents.

Newcastle Business Improvement Associations Under The Spotlight

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle Business Improvement Associations will come under the spotlight at a City of Newcastle council meeting on Tuesday night.

A report commissioned by the City of Newcastle will be tabled at the meeting which concludes "The proportion of Levy funding allocated towards administration costs also appears to be excessive and at the cost of additional economic development output."

The report also recommended updated the existing funding model for BIAs "to better involve their members, align operations with emerging opportunities and make structural changes that can ensure funding certainty and improved governance."

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said four of the five BIAs have this year requested Council funding, with 46 per cent of their collective ratepayer funds to go to administration and salaries.

Mr Bath said the AECOM report found that the governance arrangements for BIAs require significant improvement.

"Earlier this year a BIA requested more than $100,000 with no explanation of how the money would be spent.

"Another requested to spend all (and more) of their special rate funding on administration.

"More than $10 million of commercial ratepayers money has been provided to BIAs during the past seven years. During this time, the amount being diverted to administration and salaries has substantially increased.

"Every dollar that is spent on administration and salaries is a dollar that isn't going towards on-the-ground delivery of events and programs that attract people to local shops and businesses," Mr Bath said.

But Newcastle Now Chair Edward Duc said without staff, the association would not be able to provide community events and programs.

"The people who are employed in the office, run the programs. They actually run the events and if we don't have those people then we would have to outsource. Our experience with outsourcing this sort of activity is more expensive than doing it in-house," Mr Duc said.

Councillors will consider the recommendation in a confidential meeting to replace the model of funding agreements with a new framework with an emphasis on events, local projects and infrastructure.

Council CEO Jeremy Bath.

Officers Threatened by Knife-Wielding Muswellbrook Man

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening police officers with knives at his home in Muswellbrook last night. 

Officers were called to a unit on Skellatar Street around 8:30pm after receiving a noise complaint.

When they arrived at the property they were confronted by a 44-year-old man, who police say was heavily intoxicated and armed with two knives, moving towards the officers and threatening to stab them.

Police paged for urgent assistance and began negotiating with the man - a short time later he dropped the weapons and was arrested.

He will face Muswellbrook Local Court today.

Worker And Bystander Foil Attempted Armed Robbery At Morpeth

BY IAN CROUCH

The courageous actions of an employee and a bystander has seen a would-be armed robber arrested at Morpeth.

Police say a 19-year-old man entered the Spa Express grocery store on Swan Street at about 7.00pm on Monday and threatened a female employee with a knife and demanded cash.

However, an off-duty male employee intervened, punching the alleged offender in the face, suffering a superficial cut to his hand when he tried to grab the knife.

A male shopper came to his aid recovered the knife and helped to detain the 19-year-old until police arrived - he's due to face Maitland Local Court today charged with attempted armed robbery.


The alleged offender was left with a laceration to his left eyebrow as a result of the punch to the head.

Police say while they don't encourage people to intervene in such potentially dangerous situations, it's likely the young male worker will be formally recognised for his brave action.

Bushfire Threatens Homes At Salamander Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Around 60 firefighters are working to contain a bushfire which at one stage threatened homes at Salamander Bay.

The fire broke out in bush behind homes in Mariner Crescent at about 6.30pm on Monday and went to Watch and Act level at about 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning when a handful of homes came under ember attack in Sandy Point Road and Foreshore Drive as the winds picked up.

Crews managed to protect the homes and carry out backburning and the fire is now listed at Advice Level with a rain band moving through the area.

Police say Port Stephens Drive and Salamander Way are closed to traffic.

The fire has burnt through more than 80 hectares.

New Police Recruits Lacking in the Hunter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 257 new probationary constables to its ranks today, but there are local concerns the Hunter won't be receiving the number of officers it deserves.

'Class 335' will start work at their new stations on Monday, with 83% to be stationed in Sydney and the other 17% to be distributed across the state.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery was disappointed to learn only 3 of the 257 recruits have been assigned to the Hunter and has called on Police Minister Troy Grant to review how new recruits are allocated.

Port Stephens-Hunter, Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Polic Districts will each receive one new recruit, totalling just 1% of the latest cohort.

"I have brought the issue of police resources, or lack thereof in the Hunter, up many times in Parliament in the last four years," said Ms Hornery.

"And I was laughed down by the government who told me that we are in fact, for some unbelievable reason, according to them, over-resourced in the Hunter."

NSW Police graduates. Image: NSW Police Force Academy

Hunter Street Cycle-Way

BY KYLE CARROLL

Newcastle council is reviving a 5-year-old cycle plan for Hunter Street, which was deferred when the NSW Government launched its light-rail project.

Greens Councillor, John Mackenzie says the original light-rail planned promised a cycleway but it was never delivered.

"This is an important initiative to address the shortfalls that Newcastle have been left with due to light-rail," he said.

The two-way cycle path would run west from Union Street to Gordon Avenue before joining up with an existing riding route to Hamilton and beyond.

It is hoped it will reduce traffic, which can easily bank up through the major traffic lights.

"This will reduce parking stress, reduce congestion and reduce pollution," he said.

The plan will connect the city for cyclists and the public with electric bikes already available all across the city.

"Not having a separated cycle-way is the number one discouraging factor for people to make the decision to use their bikes as a commuting option.

Council is currently discussing options with cycling communities and traffic experts to finalise plans before revealing the final plan to the public.

Image: Newcastle Herald

Newcastle's Part In The 16 Days Of Activism Campaign

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

Marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, Newcastle will host a public vigil this Sunday at Civic park to remember the 63 women killed form violence so far in 2018.

 

The 16 Days of Activism is part of the International UNITE Campaign run by the United Nations aiming aims to raise awareness of violence against women and show support for victims and survivors.

Gender research network lead at the University of Newcastle, Trisha Pender says Newcastle's participation in the campaign is crucial.

"It is important that Newcastle is involved with this campaign and that the community attend the vigil on Sunday to remember and commemorate the lives of the horrific number of women killed by violence in Australia."

Along with the vigil, Newcastle has held numerous events over the last two weeks protesting and raising awareness for violence against women including self-defence workshops, a women and children matter rally and turning landmarks throughout Newcastle orange.

"All around the world prominent buildings are being turned orange in support for this campaign and remembrance of the victims of gender-based violence..Newcastle is participating this year with landmarks such as City Hall, Civic Park Fountain and Adamstown United Church all turning orange."　

Pender encourages all Hunter residents to attend the vigil on Sunday beginning at 4pm to support the campaign and ending all violence against women.

"It would be wonderful to get a diverse range of Newcastle residents to attend the vigil and show their support for putting an end to this problem of nationally endemic proportions."
 


Image Sourced: 16 Days of Activism Facebook Page.

Water Bill Win For Salt Ash Public School

BY IAN CROUCH

Parents and teachers of Salt Ash Public School are breathing a sigh of relief after the Education Department came to their rescue over a massive water bill.

The school was connected to town water in the wake of the PFAS scandal, and while the Defence Department had agree to pay the water bills of affected residents and businesses, they refused to extend the same offer to Salt Ash Public.

The Education Department has now agreed to reimburse the school for the shock $6,000 bill and has agreed to pay future water bills from state funds.

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington raised the plight of the school earlier this week, writing to the Defence Department urging them to add the school's water bills to the residential water bills they are already paying.

"While the school getting their local budget reimbursed by the NSW Education Department is a welcome win for local families, the bill should ultimately be paid by the Department of Defence whose contamination of the local bore water has caused this issue," she said

Port Stephens Mp, Kate Washington speaks to parents about the shock water bill. Picture: theherald.com.au

Man Charged Over Jacob Saifiti Incident

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have now charged a man over an alleged assault on Newcastle Knights forward Jacob Saifiti.

Police say the 22-year-old  became involved in an altercation outside a hotel in Tudor Street Hamilton just before 2.30am on Sunday 2 December.

Saifiti was allegedly knocked unconscious, falling awkwardly and breaking his leg.

Following investigations, a 28-year-old man attended Newcastle Police Station yesterday afternoon, where he was arrested and charged with reckless grievous bodily harm.

He's been granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court in 10 January 2019.

Jacob Saifiti Picture: Newcastle Knights

Firefighter Injured In Toronto House Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

A firefighter has been taken to hospital after fire engulfed a garage at Toronto.

Crews were called to Oak Street just after 10.30pm on Wednesday to find the garage well alight.

A retained firefighter, who was wearing protective gloves, suffered a minor burn to his hand - he was treated at the scene before being taken by a private vehicle to the John Hunter Hospital for further treatment and observation.

Firefighters took about an hour to extinguish and mop up the blaze.

Meanwhile, about 40 people were evacuated from the Muswellbrook Workers Club at about 9.10pm on Wednesday after the smell of gas was detected in the basement.

However, no leak was found and fire crews gave the all clear after about 15 minutes.

BREAKING! Residents Evacuated From Cooks Hill Unit Complex

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has forced the evacuation of a Cooks Hill unit block.

Firefighters from Newcastle, Merewether, Carrington, Lambton and Mayfield West were called to the six unit complex on Parkway Avenue at about 1.20am on Thursday to find smoke issuing from an apartment on the 2nd floor of the three storey building.

However, Newcastle Fire Command says crews were unable to gain access to the unit because the male resident, who they says was intoxicated, refused to let them in.

Police were called and it's believed the man was arrested.

Crews were then able to extinguish a small fire, which was confined to the unit.

No-one was injured.

Labor Plan to Address Power Bill Poverty

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Following news earlier this year the Hunter's ombudsman energy complaints have risen by 14%, State Labor is promising to re-regulate electricity prices.

Shadow Energy Minister Adam Searle visited Hamilton today, meeting with members of Newcastle St Vincent De Paul to discuss the plans - with a quarter of all calls to the charity now from those struggling to pay their power bills or buy groceries, combined.

Vinnies' Pam Clark said that from July until October, the local organisation handed out $96,000 worth of vouchers to people who cannot afford to pay their electricity bills.

Pam said families and small business often try to put the bills aside and forget about them, which fellow Vinnies member Kevin said results in them racking-up major debt.

"If they default on their bill for too long, the situation is placed in the hands of a debt collector, which makes it very difficult with the debt collectors hounding them," Kevin said.

"Once it goes to the debt collector, our vouchers are no good then," Pam explained.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is blaming the region's energy woes on sector privatisation.

"For all the Government's claims that the price of power would come down after privatisation, it is very clearly untrue," he said, "[Former NSW Premier] Mike Baird made a pledge that would not happen, he signed on the dotted line and we've got 60% increases in power prices."

Adam Searle highlighted confusion for residents trying to choose an energy plan as a factor leading to price-gauging.

The Berejiklian Government has attempted to address the issue through its Energy Switch service, which uses a customer's latest e-bill to scan the entire rental electricity market and identify the three best deals on the market.

Consumers need to go to their local Service NSW outlet to access the comparison tool, and Mr Searle says it's not accessible for everyone and merely addresses "the symptoms not the cause."

Labor's pledging to introduce an independently set default offer for those who struggle to compare energy prices. It would require companies to make their offers in plain English and be easy to compare with one another.

"If you go to the Supermarket, it doesn't matter what size butter you buy, there's a cents per gram measure," Adam Searle said, "the electricity companies know what you use when you use it, they should be able to run your pattern and quantum of usage through all of their offers and tell you which is the best."

Labor is also welcoming a recommendation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to introduce mandatory price caps set by the independent regulator.

Tim Crakanthorp speaks with Pam and Kevin from St Vincent De Paul. 

Queensland Couple Arrested Over Dramatic High Speed Pursuit Near Bulahdelah

BY IAN CROUCH

A man and woman from Queensland are due to front court over a high speed pursuit which ended with an allegedly stolen car crashing just south of Bulahdelah with two young children inside.

Police say officers began chasing the BMW when they noticed it speeding on the Pacific Highway near Taree yesterday morning - however it was called off near Foster due to safety concerns.

The car was seen at Nerong where it crashed into trees.

A 25-year-old woman and two children aged 3 and 5 were located nearby, while a 22-year-old man who police say was driving the car, ran off.

He was tracked down with the help of Polair and the Dog Unit.

The man's been charged with several offences including exceed speed by more than 45 kilometres per hour, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving, drive with child not restrained (x2), and drive conveyance without consent of owner. 

He's been refused bail to face Forster Local Court today.

The woman was charged with being carried in conveyance without consent of owner - she's due to face Forster Local Court on Wednesday 19 December.

Police also lodged a child at risk notification with Family and Community Services.

BREAKING! Truck Crash Closes New England Highway At Parkville

BY IAN CROUCH

The New England Highway is closed in both directions after two semi-trailers collided north of Scone.

The nose-to-tail crash occurred just after 3 o'clock this morning (Wednesday 5 December) about 1 kilometre south of Parkville.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter says the 45-year-old driver of one of the trucks was trapped before being released - he was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Scone Airport and flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition with suspected spinal and pelvic injuries and a broken shoulder blade.

At least one of the trucks lost it's load of mixed goods in the crash.

A Fire and Rescue unit from Scone and the Hazmat unit from Tamworth are at the scene.

The highway is likely to remain closed for some hours while the road is cleared, with diversions in place.

Police, Community Come Together to Help Youth Drive

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

A program linking police, community groups and disadvantaged young people in Raymond Terrace is celebrating its one-year success at helping them gain their licence. 

Access to a car and an experienced driver to mentor is often a barrier to securing P-plates, but 6 local young people have now been successful through the program, opening doors for their employment and further education. 

It links young men and women with a Kloster's car and experienced driver to show them the accelerator from the brake, and take them out for 120 hours of on-road training. 

The program is a partnership between Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, Raymond Terrace Rotary, Port Stephens Council, Raymond Terrace PCYC, the Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation and the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed.

Raymond Terrace Rotary President Steven Merritt says they're hopeful the program will keep growing into the future. 

"We've helped many children, but there's six that we would lay credit to helping secure their licence...having launched the program, we're now finding that several mentors and students are on the go right now." 

Mr Merritt says there are some great flow-on effects stemming from the program. 

"Having a licence comes back to self-esteem and capacity to get a job...having a licence keeps them out of trouble." 

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Chief Inspector Tony Townsend says the program is an essential part of developing local community ties.

“The existence of the program is the culmination of some significant background work by all partner agencies, who are determined to make a difference for disadvantaged members of the Port Stephens community,” Chief Inspector Townsend said.

Church Knockdown Prompts Heritage Concerns

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

There are concerns over the proposed demolition of a nearly 80-year old church at Mayfield, where many people have celebrated their weddings and christenings.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle says Saint Columban's on Church Street is deteriorating, with concrete cancer in its footings.

The church is located near St Columban's Primary School and is listed as a heritage site in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan.

Secretary of the Hunter chapter of the National Trust, Ann Hardy says the diocese shouldn't rush into demolition.

"I think one of the other options is remediation," she says, "we could look at what remediation recommendations have been made and whether they've been costed to see whether the church is salvageable.

"We're concerned because it's quite a drastic measure...it's worth preserving. It was built around the time of World War Two, built with a lot of support from the local parish and it's got a lot of features internally," Ms Hardy explains, "the design is very inter-war Art Deco and unique."

The National Trust will make a presentation at a City of Newcastle meeting tonight at City Hall from 6pm, which the community is invited to attend and share their opinions.

St Columban's. 

NSW Government Promise High Speed Rail Ahead Of March Election

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government have promised to start work on a fast rail network which could include Newcastle to Sydney services, should they be re-elected in March.

The bold plans announced on Tuesday proposed two types of trains, faster rail which would travel at speeds of up to 200km/h and High-Speed Rail which would travel at speeds of up to 250km/h.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a faster rail network will give people greater choice about where they live and how they commute to work.

"We know a fast rail network will transform NSW unlike any other project and we will make it a reality.

"We need to make it easier for people to consider moving to regional NSW and there is no better way to do it than building a fast rail network," Ms Berejiklian said. 

The four routes identified by the state government are Northern Route including the Central Coast and Newcastle; Southern Inland Route including Goulburn and Canberra; Western Route including Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange/Parkes; and Southern Coastal Route including Wollongong and Nowra.

The NSW Government has appointed Professor Andrew McNaughton to lead an expert panel to provide advice to the Premier on how the government should best deliver a fast rail network.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the commute to Sydney from Newcastle could soon be just 45 minutes.

"Obviously this has to go through a technical case, and they have to go through a business case. This is a commitment we will be following through if we win government in March.

"Following the work to be done by Prof McNaughton, the government will take it to the next stage about what we can do. This could mean faster rail or high-speed rail," Mr MacDonald said.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said in the long term, high-speed rail would see the development of new alignments and lines, providing speeds of over 250km/h, giving the potential to cut travel times by up to 75 per cent.

Artists impression of the planned high-speed rail.

Government Presses Pause On Sale Of Local Building

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

Member for Maitland Jenny Atchison has won a momentary reprieve from the Government's plans to sell the East-Maitland Lands Office building.

The building was deemed surplus to both Property NSW and the 'Whole of Government' earlier this year, leading to the decision for it to be sold off.

Recently Moree Plains Shire Council was offered the chance to purchase the towns Crown Lands Office for just $1.

Maitland MP Atchison wrote to the Hon Victor Dominello MP earlier in the month asking for the local community to be offered the same opportunity.

"The community is sick of having to fight for decent infrastructure and services," Ms Atchison said.

Minister Dominello has advised that he's asked Property NSW to put the sale process on hold so a proper assessment of the community use proposal by the Maitland Regional Museum committee can be made and negotiations with Maitland City Council can take place.

"This is a huge win for our local community and I look forward to the proper assessment of the regional museum committee's proposal

"This is a tribute to the hard work of our community," Maitland MP Atchison said.

Maitland Mercury/WIN

Knights Star Injured in Hamilton Altercation

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Newcastle Knights have confirmed star player Jacob Saifiti has broken his leg during an altercation in Hamilton over the weekend.

The 22-year-old was escorted away from the Greenroof Hotel along with another man, reported by The Newcastle Herald to be Central Newcastle player Dane Cordner, early yesterday morning after they engaged in a verbal altercation.

The club understands the pair then came together further down the street, with a push, shove and punch which knocked Saifiti to the ground, injuring his leg.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the night in question.

In a statement, the Knights say, "The matter is now with the police. Given the facts, Saifiti may be subject to disciplinary action taken by the club at the appropriate time."

It's anticipated the injury will see Saifiti sidelined for three months.

Jacob Saifiti. Image: Zimbio.

Labor Commits Funds To Disability Advocacy Services

BY CATHERINE ALLEN & CHELSEA EDWARDS

In time for International Day of People with Disabilities, state Labor is committing to fund disability advocacy services in perpetuity, if it wins government in March.

It comes after the state government backflipped on a move to slash $13 million worth of services from the sector, restoring them for the next two years.

Retaining state-funded disability advocacy services was a recurring theme in the inquiry into the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says we need permanent certainty.

"Disability advocacy services do the hard work fighting for equality for people with disability. Their funding remains uncertain."

"Labor government is committed to funding disability advocacy services in NSW because we want them to be able to continue the important work that they do."

Image from: International Network of Disability

Greens Push Against Ravensworth Open-Cut

BY CHELSEA EDWARDS

Historical frontier war site and designated Aboriginal Place, Ravensworth Estate, is set to become an open cut coal mine under a plan by Glencore.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the site is considered a place of special significance to Aboriginal Culture and the Wonnarua People.

An application has been lodged by Greens MP David Shoebridge on behalf of traditional owners to the federal Environment Minister Melissa Price.

The application is currently under consideration.

David Shoebridge says with the state government refusing to act they must rely on federal protection.

"Ravensworth was the centre of Aboriginal resistance, resistance to the theft of traditional owners land and resistance to the loss of their sovereignty.

"That history has often been ignored and if this mine goes ahead this history will literally be destroyed.

"None of these state heritage laws can stop the approval of this coal mine. That is why we've had to rely on the urgent application under Commonwealth law."

Image from: The Australian