Young Athletes in the Hunter Region Formally Recognised During Presentation

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

The Federal Member for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon has formally acknowledged the sporting achievements of young local athletes during a presentation at Cameron Park on Monday 29th April.

Aged from twelve to eighteen, twenty-eight sports competitors were awarded cash donations ranging from five-hundred to seven-hundred-and-fifty dollars to support their future endeavors. Regional- based athletes were provided larger cash-bonuses in appreciation of the distances they have traveled to compete.

Participants in sports such as Athletics, Soccer, Netball, Ice Skating and Tenpin Bowling were included amongst those who were awarded during the presentation.

The Honourable Joel Fitzgibbon stated, "The recipients of the Local Sporting Champions grants have displayed dedication and drive to reach a high level of achievement in their chosen fields."

Mr. Fitzgibbon also took the time to acknowledge the contributions of the coaches, families, and friends that have supported the athletes, "Thank you also to the parents and carers, sporting coaches and the many volunteers at local sporting clubs who have invested time and effort in helping these young athletes reach their best."

Photo by https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au

New Home for The Herald as Nine Sells ACM

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Nine Entertainment has sold its regional and community newspapers, including The Newcastle Herald and The Maitland Mercury.

The company responsible for the papers and a range of other Hunter publications, Australian Community Media, was acquired by Nine in its merger with Fairfax late last year and has now been sold to former Fairfax executive Antony Catalano and Thorney Investment Group.

The $125 million dollar deal is expected to be complete by the end of June, with Nine to receive an estimated $115 million dollars in cash proceeds and an additional $10 million dollars in advertising revenue over the next three years.

ACM and Nine have entered into arrangements to preserve their commercial relationships, including the sharing of content between regional and metropolitan publications during a short transitional period.

Nine CEO Hugh Marks said in a statement the sale is aligned with his organisation's strategy to exit non-core businesses and focus on its portfolio of high-growth, digital assets.

"We will retain a commercial relationship with ACM and look forward to continuing to work with the business in areas where there are mutual benefits to both Nine and ACM.”

ACM also owns The Maitland Mercury, Port Stephens Examiner, Cessnock Advertiser, Lakes Mail, Dungog Chronicle, Newcastle Star, Muswellbrook Chronicle, Singleton Argus and Scone Advocate.

Antony Catalano has purchased ACM along with Thorney Investment Group. Image: SMH

Two Arrests Over Break and Enter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Two men have been arrested following a break and enter in Lake Macquarie over the weekend.

Officers began investigating reports on Sunday afternoon that a home on Robina Drive at Hillsborough had been broken into and money had been stolen.

Police arrested a 20-year-old man at a home in Mayfield yesterday before searching a Hamilton South property where they recovered a quantity of cash.

A search warrant was then executed at a home in Avery Lane at Buchanan, where they seized items of clothing and more cash before a 22-year-old man was also arrested.

Both men have been granted conditional bail to face court next month, charged with break, enter and steal and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

Inquiries are continuing.

Labor Offers Extra Funding for Disadvantaged Hunter Schools

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Eight of Shortland's more disadvantaged schools will be supported with an extra $192,000 funding commitment from Labor, which comes on top of $20 million already pledged for schools in the area.

The extra funding will go to eight state schools identified as urgently needing funding for special projects, including smart-board purchase and outdoor play areas.

Shortland MP, Pat Conroy says the extra funding promise comes after consultation with the schools, and from taking a "needs-based" approach to funding.

"The schools were chosen based on their socioeconomic status," he said.

"We'll be funding projects up to $50,000 for things like outdoor learning areas, to smart-boards, and everything in between."

The commitment will be in addition to funding promised for 45 public schools in the area, and will go to specialist projects for eight schools found to be more disadvantaged in Shortland.

Pat Conroy yesterday made the funding announcement for Labor in his electorate.

"If kids are actually looking forward to going to school, then they're more likely to learn at school and stay in school.

"So these individual projects will have a big impact," he said.

The schools included are Northlakes High School, Northlakes Public School, Belmont North Public School, Mount Hutton Public School, Windale Primary School, Wirapaang Primary School, Nords Wharf Public School, and Boolaroo Public School.

Labor has announced an extra funding pledge for disadvantaged schools.

Officer Injured During Toronto Arrest

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Another Hunter police officer has been injured during an arrest.

Shortly after 1:30 this morning, Lake Macquarie Police arrested a man at a home on Shelley Street in Toronto while attending to reports of a domestic violence incident.

Police say a male senior constable suffered a laceration to his right arm while pursuing and attempting to restrain the man, who allegedly broke free and fled on foot.

The 22-year-old eventually returned to the scene and was arrested without incident.

The man was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today charged with breaching AVO, resisting arrest and using carriage service to menace/harass or offend.

The police officer was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Last week saw two police officers allegedly attacked in separate incidents at Raymond Terrace.

Crime Spree Sparks call for Increased Police force in Wallsend area

By Isabel Everett


A State MP is calling for an increase in local police officers and in police resources following a recent crime wave sweeping through Wallsend and other neighboring suburbs.

Residents of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Elermore Vale have experienced multiple car break-ins, theft of valuables, a boat and garbage bins set on fire during the recent crime spree.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery says the limited number of officers in the area and on duty during night time hours means response times are often lengthy.

"When we have problems like what we've had again in Maryland, Fletcher and Elermore Vale over the last few days, and the limited number of police that are on patrol in the evening, it's impossible for them to get from one end of town to these areas in time to respond to the crime," Mrs Hornery said.

Concern has be raised that the limited number of police in the area is creating an ideal environment for criminals.

"Wallsend needs a dedicated police station. We also need more police in the area, particularly more police patrols in the evening. In this case crooks know that they can get away with it before the police are going to arrive to catch them," Mrs Hornery said.

"That is certainly not the fault of the police because they are doing the best job they can."


Source: NBN News

Labor to fund University of Newcastle's Gendered Violence Project

BY LILLY HAINES

Labor will invest $1.65 million for the University of Newcastle to deliver a project aimed at helping people who have experienced domestic and family violence into higher education and to change community culture.

The funding is a part of a $174 million Labor commitment to boost equity and participation in higher education.

The project consists of four complementary programs focusing on creativity and learning beyond trauma; choice, change, and opportunity; supporting students beyond domestic and family violence; and challenging gendered inequalities in leadership.

The pilot project will reach up to 1400 participants at different ages from high-school students to higher education participants from across the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Shadow Minister for Universities and Shadow Minister for Equality, Senator Louise Pratt, said the project will be significant in creating important pathways for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We want to support more people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable who might not get a good go at higher education into university.

"I know so many of my own friends who have had these experiences where they haven't made it through their degrees because relationships broke down because of domestic or gendered violence and you will hear these stories in your own communities here," Senator Pratt said.

The project includes tailor-made pathways into university for people who have experienced domestic and family violence and will offer ongoing support during their time as a student.

Last year, the Hunter region showed higher numbers of domestic violence than the state average.

"Gender violence is reaching epidemic proportions in Australia and we need to find really serious ways to prevent gendered violence, to better support people who are leaving gendered violence, and to break the cycle which is why I am especially happy about this program trying to bring about cultural change," Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said.

Part of the project will target high school students and raise awareness about the damaging impacts of gender inequality and provide the tools to challenge harmful attitudes.

Vice Chancellor for the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zalinsky, welcomes the announcement to fund the programs as the university is "strongly committed to equity and excellence".

"Equity means helping the disadvantaged and people who have been subjected to gendered violence are disadvantaged and they really are set back and we are committed to addressing those issues," Professor Zelinsky said.

Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, Professor Penny Jane Burke, said this project is important because of the power of higher education in creating change, hope, and possibilities for disadvantaged people.

"There is transformative power of education in rebuilding people's lives, I know that firsthand as a survivor of domestic violence myself," Professor Burke said.

"I know what role higher education can play in transforming not only their own lives but the lives of their children and their families.

"Not only the individual women are touched by this but it also extends into their families and communities."

L-R: Vice Chancellor Alex Zalinsky, Senator Louise Pratt, Professor Penny Jane Burke & Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon at the University of Newcastle's NewSpace. 

Drivers Urged To Obey Traffic Rules As School Term Resumes

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

With students returning to school next week, Lake Macquarie City Council is urging all road users to be vigilant and take extra care when driving and parking within school zones.

Lake Macquarie City Council's Manager Asset Management, Helen Plummer says illegal parking in and around school zones is a major source of road safety complaints, putting the community and children at risk,

"Parents disobeying parking signage is one of our biggest road safety issues around schools with drivers often feeling rushed during busy pick-up and drop-off times which leads to an increased number of parents inadvertently parking illegally."

Council is encouraging road users to give themselves enough time to safetly drop off and pick up children from school and obey all parking signs and speed limtis to protect all pedestrians and avoid unnecesary risks and fines.

Image Sourced: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=school+zone+sign&form=HDRSC2&first=1&cw=1908&ch=963

Three Men Charged Over ANZAC Day Police Assault

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Three men have been charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest at a Raymond Terrace pub yesterday.

Police attended a licensed premises on William Street after reports of a brawl and closed the venue.

Shortly after, a group of men returned to the front of the premises and were directed to move on.

Police say the men refused and became aggressive before a male senior constable was allegedly struck in the head with a glass bottle and punched several times by a 19-year-old man.

Two other men, aged 22 and 24, attempted to free the younger man from police, before capsicum spray was deployed and all three were arrested.

All three men were charged with offences including fail to quit licensed premises, affray, hinder police in execution of duty, and resist arrest.


The 19-year-old was also charged with assault police and use weapon to avoid apprehension.

The alleged offenders were granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on June 6.

The senior constable received minor swelling around his head but did not require hospitalisation.

Appeal For Footage After Fatal Crash

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are appealing for dashcam footage following a fatal motorbike crash at Seahampton.

Around 7:30am yesterday morning a man's body and his Black Harley Davidson motorcycle were located down an embankment off George Booth Drive.

Officers have since identified the victim as a 46-year-old Stockrington man.

It's believed the incident occurred overnight and motorists who were in the area on Wednesday night or early yesterday morning are urged to review their dashcam footage and provide any relevant footage to local police. 

Meanwhile, a separate incident at Wyee last night has left a male motorcyclist recovering at the John Hunter Hospital following a collision with a car.

The 24-year-old suffered abdominal injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Man Charged After Officer Knocked Unconscious

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man will face Raymond Terrace Local Court today after a police officer was knocked unconscious during an arrest near Port Stephens.

Around 5 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, a Toyota Soarer was involved in a brief police pursuit along Richardson Rd at Campvale.

Shortly afterwards, officers located the driver at Finnan Park where it's alleged an officer was struck in the head with a metal torch as they arrested him.

The 24-year-old man has been charged with six offences including wounding a police officer, driving with a cancelled licence and four counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear in court yesterday but the case was rescheduled for today.

The incident marked the second attack on an emergency service worker in three days after a paramedic was assaulted while transporting a patient to the Mater Hospital on Monday.

Labor Commits $13 million for Glendale Interchange

BY JARROD MELMETH & MADELAINE MCNEILL

Federal Labor have today announced it will invest $13 million into the Glendale Interchange.

The money will go towards building the Pennant Street Bridge which would link Glendale to Cardiff. 

Lake Macquarie Council has also committed $6 million towards the project with Labor expecting the remaining $13 million needed to fund the $32 million project to be funded by the NSW Government.

The interchange is arguably the regions most strategically important infrastructure projects and has been a point of contention in politics since the idea was proposed by former Premier Bob Carr, 21 years ago.

In last years budget, the NSW Government said it was not going to fund the bridge over the rail lines between Cardiff and Glendale instead providing $360,000 in planning funds.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese was in the Hunter today to announce the funding commitment where he called on the NSW Government to provide the left over funds.

“Labor has consistently backed the Glendale Interchange because we see the value it will bring to this region.

“When I was the Infrastructure Minister, I ensured that there was $13 million in the Federal Budget for this project. However, immediately upon their election the current Liberal-National Government in Canberra scrapped the fund and in the process cut over a million dollars from the Glendale Interchange.

“This project has the backing of Federal Labor and Lake Macquarie City Council, which will contribute $6 million to the $32 million project. The interchange needs the backing of all levels of government and the Berejiklian Government should match Federal Labor’s commitment," Mr Albanese said.

The funding would help complete the first stage of the interchange, including the Pennant Street Bridge.

While work has been completed on the first section of roadworks, including the extension of Stockland Drive and Glendale Drive, there is no funding currently available to continue to the critical second section, the Pennant Street Bridge over the rail line in Cardiff.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy said it was important to keep momentum going on the project.

“Independent analysis has shown that for every dollar invested in this project by governments another $94 of private investment will be unlocked, creating up to 10,000 jobs for our region.

“I am pleased stage one has begun, but the real benefits lie in linking Cardiff and Glendale with the bridge over the rail line at Pennant Street," Mr Conroy said

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said all Hunter councils had identified the project as a priority.

“As well as the obvious benefits for Lake Macquarie, this project provides crucial connectivity for mining and energy businesses from right throughout the region to gain access to the Port of Newcastle.

“There is enormous potential for retail and commercial business as well, and this area is earmarked for significant housing growth," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the project will deliver much needed jobs for our region.

“Major infrastructure projects are important enablers of regional economies over time but they also deliver a lot of jobs during the construction phase.

“Our region benefited from a number of major projects funded by the former Labor Government.  These included the duplication of the Tourle Street Bridge and the new University of Newcastle city campus.  The Glendale Interchange project would build on Federal Labor's strong record of delivering for our region," Ms Claydon said.

The announcement is the second major roads commitment from Labor for the Hunter, following Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson announcing yesterday to match the Liberals $1.6 billion commitment to extend the Pacific Highway from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.

L-R: Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, Infrastructure Minister Anthony
Albanese, Shortland MP Pat Conroy & Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon.

Cruise Terminal Funding Loss A Setback For The Region: Hunter Business Chamber

BY JARROD MELMETH

The New South Wales Government has made good on its pre-election threat by pulling $12.7 million funding from the Newcastle Cruise Terminal project.

The funding for the Port was announced in 2016 by former Premier Mike Baird, but last year the port revealed the project had suffered cost blow outs and the new building would not be able to serve as a home port for ships as a result.

Since revealing the cost blow outs, the NSW Government have refused to provide more money for the project.

"Port of Newcastle has been working on this project on behalf of the NSW Government on the basis of providing a facility that meets the cruise industry's needs while remaining within the funding provided.

"While disappointed construction of the terminal facility cannot proceed at this time, we respect that funding is no longer available," a statement form the Port of Newcastle said.

In a statement to 2NUR-FM, an Infrastructure NSW spokesperson said "the $12.7 million in Restart NSW funding remains available to Port of Newcastle should the project be delivered as per the original scope agreed in the funding deed."

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes has described the move as a significant setback for the region.

"The loss of funding is very disappointing, particularly for those tourism operators whoa re investing in facilities and services to improve our visitor economy.

"We are currently receiving around 28,000 passenger visits per year from cruise ships and many of those are overseas visitors.

"It is clear that the existing facilities are inadequate for a growing market and do not help create a good first impression for our visitors," Mr Hawes said.

The Port of Newcastle is acknowledged as an emerging tourism gateway in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan, which Mr Hawes says it should be treated as such.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is accusing the government of short changing the project causing it to stall.

"We've known that Newcastle would need more than the poultry $12.7 million provided, when Eden, in the Minister for Transport's electorate is about to cut the ribbon on a $44 million cruise ship terminal," Mr Crakanthorp said.

What could have been. The designs for the new terminal released in 2017.

The current cruise terminal. Photo: The Newcastle Herald.

Man Charged Over Bomb Hoax

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man is due to face court today for making a hoax bomb threat against a flight from Mumbai to Singapore last month.

It's alleged the 39-year-old called Mumbai International Airport Limited from his Newcastle home on March 26 to report a bomb was on board the flight.

The hoax caused major delays to airlines and passengers in Singapore, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force was deployed to manage the issue.

The Australian Federal Police managed to identify the man and later located him at Sydney International Airport where he was arrested and charged with using a carriage service for hoax threat.

Man Arrested Over Loaded Pistol, Drug Supply

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Lemon Tree Passage man has faced court after police located drugs, cash and a number of prohibited weapons during a vehicle search.

Just before 1 o’clock yesterday morning police stopped a Hyundai sedan in Tanilba Bay and searched the car after they became suspicious.

Officers allege they located a loaded pistol, a set of knuckle dusters and a knife, as well as a  traffickable quantity of the drug ICE and $1800 cash.

A 38-year-old male passenger in the car was arrested by police and charged with Possess Unregistered Pistol; Supply Prohibited Drug; Deal in the Proceeds of Crime; Custody of a Prohibited Weapon; and Possess Knife in Public Place.

The man was refused bail to appear in court yesterday where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Raymond Terrace Local Court on May 6th.

The female driver of the car was released without charge.

Domestic Violence Survivors offered Scholarship through the University of Newcastle

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

The University of Newcastle is offering a scholarship to survivors of Domestic and Family Violence to encourage and support their receiving of higher education.

This year thirty-four applications were received by the university for The Helen Maslen Scholarship with individuals describing past and ongoing instances of physical assault, intimidation, and harassment in the home.

The applicants disclosed the impacts of these experiences on their mental health and self-esteem, as well as the resulting homelessness and financial strain that came from leaving their situations.

Professor Penny-Jane Burke, the Director of the Centre for Equity in Higher Education stresses the importance of this scholarship in increasing the visibility of Domestic and Family Violence in the university environment.

"It is important because it raises the issue of domestic and family violence explicitly and how important it is to support women and families who have been victims of domestic and family violence to participate in higher education," says Burke, "...so it's a very important initiative that raises the profile and makes a specific agenda around this really important issue."

A survivor of domestic violence herself, Burke hopes the number, size, and longevity of the scholarship will continue to grow as the improved opportunity to receive higher education, "It is an incredible and important support mechanism for those women who want to access higher education but don't necessarily have the means to do so..."

One scholarship will be available each year for the next five years to anyone that has been a victim of Domestic and Family Violence regardless of age, gender or other factors.

Photo by The University of Newcastle Website

Man Charged With Assaulting Paramedic In Mayfield

BY JARROD MELMETH

A man will appear in court next month following the alleged assault of a paramedic in Newcastle yesterday.

About 1:20pm yesterday, ambulance were called to a unit on Bull Street in Mayfield where a man was transported to the Calvary Mater Hospital.

On the way, it's alleged the 32-year-old became abusive towards a female paramedic punching her in the ribs knocking her over in the back of the vehicle.

She managed to escape the attack, through the door of the ambulance, its then alleged the patient followed behind her continuing his verbal abuse before walking away.

Both paramedics reported the matter to police later arrested the man at the Bull Street residence. 

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with assaulting an ambulance officer.

He was given conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on May 16.

United Australia Party Commits to PFAS Buybacks

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The United Australia Party has committed to property buybacks for Williamtown residents affected by PFAS if it wins the federal election.

Senator Brian Burston unveiled his party's policy during a visit to the University of Newcastle, alongside his official confirmation of $4.7 million dollars in grant funding for the University's research into PFAS remediation.

The Senator's announcement reveals the party is promising to follow all recommendations made by the Inquiry into the management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in and around Defence bases.

The party's policy includes the establishment of a fund, similar to an emergency relief fund, for property buybacks and remediation.

The former One Nation senator has long advocated for residents impacted by contamination.

In 2017 Senator Burston threatened to withdraw support for certain budget measures if the government didn't do more to support impacted residents, and last year called on the government to immediately implement a buyout program.

Brian Burston believes the government could have allocated funds for buybacks in the most recent budget, instead of committing $100 billion dollars to infrastructure projects.

"Those infrastructure projects over the forward estimates will take longer than the four years of those estimates and I believe the government could've allocated $20 billion dollars of that to a buyback scheme," he said.

"The estimate for buybacks throughout Australia of affected properties is around the $18 billion mark, so that would've resolved the issue instantly and still wouldn't have impacted on the infrastructure funding."

The United Australia Party is now the second minor party to commit to the Inquiry's recommendations following a commitment earlier this month by The Greens.

Image: ABC

Man Sought Following Armed Robbery at Waratah Hotel

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are appealing for assistance following an armed robbery at a Waratah hotel this morning.

Officers were called to the Royal Inn on Station Street around 9:30am, following reports a man entered the premises and threatened patrons with a firearm before fleeing the scene with a sum of cash.

No-one was injured during the incident and police now want to hear from witnesses who may have seen a man in the area acting suspiciously between 9 and 10am.

He is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with a solid build and dressed in dark clothing.

His face was covered by a dark balaclava.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle Detectives on 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers.

Woman Arrested Over Mayfield Chemist Armed Robbery

BY IAN CROUCH

A 35-year-old woman is due to face court next month accused of committing an armed robbery on a Mayfield pharmacy earlier this week.

Police say the woman entered the Maitland Road chemist at about 3.00pm on Tuesday and threatened a female store attendant with what's believed to be a knife, demanding she hand over prescription drugs before running off.

Inquiries led officers to a home on Douglas Street at Stockton yesterday where the woman was arrested.

Officers also seized a number of items.

The 35-year-old has been charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon and granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on May 16.

Calls To Reinstate Hunter Minister Portfolio

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council will write to Premier Gladys Berejiklian urging her to reinstate the portfolio of Minister for the Hunter.

Councillors approved the measure after a Lord Mayoral minute expressing disappointment at the decision to abolish the role of Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter following last month's election.

Gladys Berejiklian was the last Minister for the Hunter before the position was scrapped in 2015.

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes believes the region needs a dedicated minister in cabinet to ensure there's local representation in decision making.

Gladys Berejikian during her first visit to Newcastle as Minister for the Hunter in April 2014 Picture: therherald.com.au

Court Orders Against Hunter Bike Gang Members Expire This Weekend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police from Strike Force Raptor are hoping there won't be a fresh outbreak of bikie gang violence in the Hunter, with Serious Crime Prevention Orders against several gang members expiring this weekend.

More than 20 gang members are set to defend charges of either directing or participating in a criminal group in August.

Over an 18 month period, there were a series of drive-by shootings, firebombings and brawls involving rival bikie gang members.

Police took the unprecedented step of applying for Supreme Court orders in a bid to stop the violence.

They prevent gang members from associating, wearing club insignia, travelling at night and using encrypted messaging services as part of a suite of strict conditions.

The brief of evidence against the accused gang members has ballooned in recent weeks from 2400 pages to more than 8200 pages.

Police from Strike Force Raptor applied for Supreme Court orders in a bid to stop bikie gang violence in the Hunter

Glendale Technology High School Vandalised

BY JARROD MELMETH

Glendale Technology High School has been hit by vandals who have destroyed parts of the oval.

The school posted on its Facebook page saying it believes it to be the work of five youths who cut several holes in the fencing before destroying seating and carving up the oval with what appears to be a motorbike.

The incident comes just 3 days into the school holidays.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Toronto Police Station.

Pictured: The vandalism on the oval.
Image: Glendale Technology High School.

Labor Vows To Support Hunter Residents Facing Financial Hardship

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

The Labor Party has made an election promise to provide emergency relief funding of $166,000 to Swansea Community Cottage.

The facility was unsuccessful in the last round of Emergency Relief Funding which would amount to $190 thousand dollars over five years, instead, the service received $47,000 to provide emergency relief services until the end of this year.

"Swansea Community Cottage has been helping people in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle with emergency relief for 30 years, but last year they were advised their funding would not continue," said Shortland federal MP Pat Conroy.

"They helped 500 people last year with emergency relief, including low-income earners, single parents, people with a disability, Indigenous people, young people, and vulnerable people. As well as providing financial relief, food, clothing, and bedding, staff refer people to housing services, playgroups, out-of-school care and support groups such as AA, and help with Centrelink and TAFE."

The funding comes as part of a planned four-year and $40 million commitment to emergency relief organisations across the country that support at-risk Australians by providing food hampers, transport vouchers and financial assistance.

via Office of Pat Conroy MP

Lights Still Out for Maryland Residents

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

UPDATE:

Ausgrid said in a statement to 2NURFM that crews were on site yesterday (April 16) working on the 17 street lights which have been out in the Maryland area.

"The outage was caused by a fault on the underground cable which supplies power to these streetlights.

Power was restored to the lights yesterday afternoon as crews were able to bypass the damaged underground cable but the bypass means the lights will remain on 24 hours a day until we can get in to make the permanent repairs to the underground cables.

Ausgrid would like to thank residents for their patience as we work to rectify the issue," A Spokesperson said.

EARLIER:

Residents in more than 100 homes across Maryland and Fletcher have been left in the dark for over a month as streetlight outages remain unresolved.

Archer Crescent, Ajax Avenue, Blackwood Court, Delray Crescent and parts of Maryland Drive are the streets presently affected by the outage.

Electricity giant Ausgrid has failed to respond to residents concerns prompting local MP Sonia Hornery to get involved.

"There are more than 100 homes in five streets that are without a single working street light and it simply isn't good enough that Ausgrid has left them like this," said Ms Hornery.

"Despite dozens of attempts by residents and my office to get an answer out of Ausgrid, they have not provided any details or responded to any emails."

A recent spike in criminal activity in the area is only adding to locals concerns, as the lack of street lighting provides criminals with the perfect opportunity to commit their illegal acts.

"We have seen a recent spate of crimes in the area with brazen criminals roaming the streets in the early hours of the morning, searching and breaking into cars."

Sonia Hornery has vowed to take further action to get the situation resolved and plans to take the issue to parliament.

Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP - via The Guardian

Man Faces Court Over Fatal Crash At Nerong

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has has faced court over the horrific crash at Nerong on Sunday which claimed the life of a 23 man from Blackalls Park and left 5 people in hospital.

Police say the 54-year-old from Minmi was driving a Ford Falcon GT which collided with a Subaru Forester and a Hyundai Terracan on the Pacific Highway.

He was arrested at the scene of the crash and taken to Forster Police Station where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, five counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle and negligent driving occasioning death.

He was refused bail to face Forster Local Court yesterday - police expect to lay more charges.

The crash scene at Nerong Picture: NBN News

Wanted Man Could Be In The Maitland Area

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for public help to locate a man in the Hunter who's wanted for revoking his parole.

Michael Leroy, also known as Michael West, is wanted in connection with sexual assault offences.

Police believe the 22-year-old could be in the Maitland area - but he's also known to frequent the Muswellbrook, Westmead, Holroyd and Blacktown areas.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islander appearance, about 170 centimetres tall with a thin build and has the word Destiny tattooed  on his lower left arm.

Police say he shouldn't be approached and to call triple-zero immediately.

Police are looking for Michael Leroy, AKA Michael West

Newcastle Council Against Independent Assessment Panel

BY TIM MOORE

Newcastle Labor councilors will present a motion at Tuesday's council meeting asking for Newcastle to be excluded from a state government plan to hand development applications over $5 million to an independent panel, saying the move will hinder local democracy.

The plan will see development applications currently managed by council instead handed to an Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel to remove concerns over property interests affecting councillors.

Newcastle's Deputy Lord Mayor and Labor Councilor, Declan Clausen, said taking planning powers away from council would be costly and undemocratic.

"It's really important that the community has the ability to have their say on development matters and the way that's done at the moment is through the elected Council. The government's proposal to strip the elected Council from planning decisions means... the community's voices won't be heard."

The Labor motion will ask the new Planning Minister for this to be done without an independent panel in Newcastle.

"Rather than a blanket ban that would just see Councils removed from being able to make decisions on development altogether, we think a much better outcome would be to target those at risk of conflicts of interest and ensure that they're managed appropriately," said Mr Clausen.

Image: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Whitebridge Relieved as Controversial Development Loses

BY TIM MOORE

A proposal for the four-storey Fettlers Whitbridge building project was rejected on Friday when the Land and Environment Court handed down its verdict on the highly controversial development plans.

The project has been a source of tension for residents for over six years now.

The Whitebridge Community Alliance have been a loud voice throughout the process as a group of locals passionate about preserving their community.

A spokesperson from the Alliance, Len McCarthy, said they have welcomed the decision and is optimistic about future efforts against development.

"I hope it stiffens the backbone of Lake Macquarie Council a little bit to take developers on more often... It was a very comprehensive judgment from the court and it showed that the developer had absolutely no grounds to force [the council] to grant them permission to build a fourth storey on the development at Whitebridge."

Despite the judgment, the developers are reportedly intending to continue taking Land and Environment Court action against the Lake Macquarie Council in order to modify previous agreements to further develop community resources in exchange for building permission.

Mr McCarthy said that the community's efforts are necessary to help preserve the area and hopes their action serves as an example to others facing similar circumstances.

"Developers like this only have one speed, and that is to squeeze every possible dollar out of any development, with no respect for the community at all... The attitude the community has to have is to come out fighting right from the start, otherwise they will just run all over you and you lose your community."

Image: realestate.com.au

Seafarers Charity At Wickham Held Up At Gunpoint

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released a description of a man wanted over an armed robbery on a charity organisation at Wickham.

The man entered the Mission To Seafarers charity shop on Hannell Street at about 8.30pm on Saturday armed with a pistol and threatened two men, demanding they hand over money.

It's alleged the man pulled out a knife and made further threats towards the men before walking behind the counter and taking money from the cash register.

He then ran off down Greenway Street.

He's described as being about 180 centimetres tall with a medium build and was wearing dark clothing and had his face covered.

The men weren't injured during the incident.

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

Newcastle's Business Improvement Association Funding to be Reviewed

by LILLY HAINES

On Tuesday, Newcastle Council will consider a Review of Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) in Newcastle for public exhibition.

The review suggests reactivation of the Mayfield BIA, a potential new BIA for The Junction, and up to $100 000 in annual funding for Newcastle's existing BIAs in the City Centre, Hamilton, Wallsend and New Lambton.

BIAs receive funding from the council which in turn is collected from commercial ratepayers that exist within the BIAs local precinct.

Late last year Newcastle Council employed independent company AECOM to undertake a review of BIAs.

AECOM found there were significant government issues for many of the associations and that ratepayers were not getting value for money considering the $1.5 million being provided annually to the BIAs.

Council's review comes after an investigation into Newcastle Now found significant breaches of the funding agreement since signing with the council in 2011.

AECOMs review of BIAs recommends all Special Benefit Rate Levy funding above $100 000 be opened up to the community for awarding from contestable funds.

City Council CEO Jeremy Bath says introducing a competitive funding model will mean a better range of ideas for community events and projects from a number of different groups.

"The BIAs will still receive about $100 000 a year in funding to deliver a number of key events and projects in their local areas but they will have to compete with the broader community and with other public and private organisations for about $800 000 in funding," said Mr Bath.

"We have seen that far too much money has been spent on employing people and on administration, and that really when you're talking about a BIA is just red tape."

Jeremy Bath said council is looking for projects that will deliver activity and economic stimulus into local areas including Newcastle CBD, Hamilton, Mayfield or Wallsend.

"We haven't been getting that to my satisfaction and I am very confident that under a competitive funding model we will get far better ideas and therefore better outcomes for the community."

Source: Newcastle City Council

$400 Million for PFAS Study But Still No Compensation

 BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON AND ISABEL EVERETT

The Department of Defense has revealed they plan to spend roughly $400 million over the next four years on investigations into PFAS contaminated military bases, like the one at Williamtown.

A total of 27 site investigations have been established, which aim to determine contaminated sites and begin PFAS management plans for the areas.

Half of the 27 investigations have already been completed, including the base at Williamtown.

Coalition Against PFAS president, Lindsey Clout says the investigation has done little to help the residents of the Williamtown area.

"It means nothing for us, this is nothing more than an extension of the investigation into the other contaminated areas across the country,"

"The investigations have already been completed at William Town. We've had a red zone for over 4 years, we've had a management zone for approaching two years and what's it meant for us?"

"It's meant nothing, we're still stuck here living in the contamination every day and the Prime Minister just continually ignores us."

$205 million will be spent in 2019/2020, $101 million the next year, and a further 91 million dollars is expected to be spent over the following two financial years.

Deputy Secretary of Estate and Infrastructure, Steve Grzeskowiak, says the funding for PFAS investigation and management will decline over the next four years as less exploratory activities need to be undertaken.

Mr. Grzeskowiak says the next step for the Defence Department is producing PFAS management plans for all of the affected sites.

These management plans include water treatment or removing contaminated soil around the military bases and the surrounding community.

Lindsey Clout said he has his doubts that the allocated budget is enough to clean up the area.

"Defence has spent $100 million already at the Williamtown contaminated area and we still haven't stopped the chemical running of the base."

The $400 million plan does not include any plans for compensation for the residents who were affected by the contamination.

Mr. Grzeskowiak said there has been no allocated or estimated figure for compensation as it is an 'unquantifiable contingent liability'.

Image: ABC

Honeysuckle Renewal Project Begins Final Stages

BY TIM MOORE

Work has begun on the $55 million public domain project in Honeysuckle, the final stage of an almost 30-year long transformation.

Plans include essential infrastructure upgrades, as well as developing new parks and waterfront promenades which will complete Newcastle's coastal walk.

Safety upgrades will also be implemented, with 160 000 tonnes of rock to be used to stabilised the wharf in Honeysuckle west, in addition to building new seawalls and straightening Honeysuckle Drive.

Tree of Knowledge Park will be expanded, with 150 trees to be planted over two hectares.

CEO of the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation Valentina Misevska said the project will be significant for the Honeysuckle area.

"These public domain works are actually going to be quite high quality. It's going to be something different to what we've got in Honeysuckle already... there'll be more landscapes and lots of opportunities."

Residents should be aware of some pathway diversions from the waterfront, which will now pass through Throsby carpark to connect Honeysuckle to the marina while construction of the seawall is underway.

Ms Misevska

"We'll be keeping the community up to date with what we're doing... [through] our website where more information is available as well as following our social media."

https://www.hccdc.nsw.gov.au/

Image: HCCDC

Newcastle MPs Push for Throsby Creek Funding

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Throsby Creek could be listed as a priority project to receive environmental works funding if the federal opposition is successful at next month's election.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon is pushing for the project to receive the funding under Labor's Urban Rivers and Corridors program.

If the party is successful the $200 million dollar initiative will offer community environmental groups across the country small grants to restore and protect urban waterways.

"We're making sure that Newcastle is at the forefront of Labor's thinking when we're looking at projects to fund but there's an important process to be going through in terms of reaching out to the community now," said Ms Claydon.

The MP referenced Islington Public School's recent "Mullet Revolution" day to highlight the community's ongoing engagement with the restoration of the creek.

"Already school groups are thoroughly engaged, their parents, families, businesses are already on board but we want to ensure that this project is front and centre of our thinking."

Ms Claydon was joined by local state MP Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Tony Burke in Newcastle today to discuss the project's potential.

Today’s announcement means the creek has been selected as an eligible site for priority projects, which will be reviewed and checked before they are confirmed.

Tony Burke said Throsby Creek is the sort of location Labor had been looking for while designing the Urban Rivers program but there's still some community consultation to be done before he can announce the priority projects.

Mr Crakanthorp is chair of the Throsby Creek Government Agencies Committee and said any talk of funding for the catchment, which runs through most of his electorate, is very exciting.

"The tributaries and Throsby Creek itself have a huge amount of rubbish in it and one of our priorities is to see that rubbish stopped before it actually gets into the tributaries and creeks," said Tim Crakanthorp.

"What I would like to focus on is gross pollutant traps and litter traps to stop all of that before it gets into the water and also there's a new lot of litter traps that actually sit in the water as well and collect litter so I'm very interested in that."

Mr Crakanthorp said there's currently huge momentum in the community about the creek and the committee is due to publish the third iteration of it's Throsby Creek Management Plan.

"We've had the Mullet Revolution on Sunday at Islington Public School and just this week we got the publication of this amazing little photographic book on pollution and waste and rubbish in this catchment area,"

"So let's get under the momentum, let's get the community behind this and hopefully we can secure some funding in the future for this."

Anyone wishing to support Throsby Creek's nomination for priority can do so here.

Tony Burke, Sharon Claydon and Tim Crakanthorp look over the booklet on local pollution. Photo: James Forgacs/2NURFM News

Newcastle City Council Announces Budget Surplus

BY ALICE PEART

Newcastle City Council announced the 2019-20 budget today which forecasts a surplus of $11.95 million.

Although the budget represents the sixth consecutive surplus for Newcastle, this will be the first in a decade which does not rely on reserve funds.

Speaking to 2NURFM today Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said financial sustainability had been a particular focus of council over the past five years resulting in significant reserve funds now saved for future works in the city.

Forty per cent of works in the budget have been committed to environmental initiatives including the continuation of coastal revitalisation, improving recreational parks and new waste facilities.

These investments represent the single largest investment ever for environmental sustainability in Newcastle.

The Lord Mayor said of particular interest for her was the $12.35 million earmarked for an Organics Recycling Facility and another $6 million for a Recycling Recovery Center. 

The draft budget is now available to view on the City Council's website.

Crime Spree Sparks Calls for Wallsend Police Station

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Local MP, Sonia Hornery, is calling for a permanent Police presence in Wallsend following recent crime sprees in her electorate.

It comes after Newcastle Police were involved in a number of incidents last week.

In less than 24 hours between last Thursday afternoon and Friday morning patrolling officers made five arrests in Wallsend alone.

Sonia Hornery believes police response times would be greatly improved by providing a permanent base nearby, with the closest station currently Waratah.

"Residents are fed up, the crime waves are continuing and criminals know that there are very few, if any, Police in the area during the night," said Ms Hornery.

"I have never seen it so bad."

This is not the first time the Wallsend MP has pleaded with parliament for more police resources.

In February this year, 201 Police cadets graduated from Goulburn.

88% of the new officers were stationed in Sydney and the rest of the state shared the remaining 12%.

Of that, zero new officers came to the Hunter region.

"Local Police are doing everything they can but they simply don't have the feet on the ground to be able to spend enough time in the western suburbs to catch these criminals," Sonia added.