Plans Unveiled for Entertainment Precinct at Morisset

BY TYLER FARDELL


Plans have been drawn up for a multi-million dollar entertainment and cultural precinct in Morisset.

The precinct has been christened 'Cedar Mill' and will be located at the site of the old country club and golf course.

Included in the plans is the development of Cafe's, restaurants, Australia's largest water play splash pad and a concert venue larger than any other in the Hunter Valley and could rival those in Sydney.

The plans outline Cedar Mill will be separated into 4 sections across the 72 hectare plot;
- A family and community space (9ha)
- A cultural, arts and event space (28ha) 
- Tourism accommodation (10ha)
- Lifestyle living (25ha)

Paul Lambess of Winarch Capital is the driving force behind the ambitious proposal.

"We want to create a true community destination that will be accessible to all of the local community and be a destination that will drive economic development for the region.” Mr. Lambess said. 

 “Our family and community area will be a delight to senses with gardens, petting zoo, café, restaurant and bakery set across 9 ha, it will be the place to meet an relax.”

Early economic figures suggest Cedar Mill could cost around $235 million dollars to build but profits from the precinct could reach close to $1 billion dollars once operational.

Over twelve hundred jobs are expected to be created during construction and a further 475 permanent jobs when the site is complete.

If the project does receive council’s development approval, Winarch Capital would expect to have Cedar Mill’s family and community space and the cultural, arts and events space operational by September 2020. 

The proposed site currently

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Waratah Aged Care Facility

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have been called to an aged care facility at Waratah.

 Five crews from Lambton and Mayfield West arrived at the Bethel Aged Care Facility in Lorna Street at 4.43am on Friday to find a fire in an electrical box attached to the the outside of the three storey brick and tile building.

It was quickly put out using a CO2 extinguisher.

Crews are carrying out a sweep of the building the ensure the fire hasn't spread.

An Ausgrid emergency crew has also arrived.

There are no reports of injuries or evacuations.

An ambulance has been sent to the facility as a precaution.

Bomb Scare At Maitland Sparks Mass Evacuation

BY IAN CROUCH

A bag left at the Centrelink office at Maitland has sparked a bomb scare and a mass evacuation.

Newcastle Fire Command says they responded a crew from East Maitland and the Hazmat unit from Rutherford to reports of a male acting suspiciously in the High Street building at about 3.30pm on Thursday.

Police and Ambulance crews  also rushed to the scene.

The man was seen to put the bag down before leaving the premises.

The building was cordoned off and 130 people were evacuated from the Centrelink office and the Art Gallery next door to the PCYC.

The incident also caused major traffic disruptions

An inspection of the bag revealed it contained a jar of coconut oil.

Woman Arrested Over Salamander Bay Stabbing Attack

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A woman has been arrested following an alleged stabbing attack at Salamander Bay which left multiple people with minor injuries.

Police say the 26-year-old was armed with a knife as she walked along Soldier's Point Road with her 5-year-old daughter at about 5:40 on Tuesday evening.

The woman then climbed into the backseat of an occupied car stopped near the intersection of Scott Circuit.

It's alleged the woman then stabbed a man inside the car with a knife covered by a protective sheath, causing minor lacerations to his shoulder.

The man's 15-year-old daughter was also in the car but escaped unharmed.

Following this, the alleged stabber got out of the car and continued walking with her child towards the shopping precinct where they entered a supermarket.

Some staff and customers ran outside, locked the doors and called the police.

While locked inside the supermarket, it's alleged the woman continued to attack customers with the still sheath-covered knife, causing minor injuries to a number of people before turning on her young daughter.

Police arrested the woman without incident and escorted her to Mater Hospital for treatment for lacerations to her fingers and head.

She will undergo a mental health assessment.

Her daughter has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with lacerations to her scalp, which police say are non-life-threatening.

Three men were treated for superficial injuries at a local clinic.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Motorcyclist Killed in Lake Macquarie Crash

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The M1 Pacific Motorway is closed to southbound traffic at Killingworth as investigators piece together the circumstances of a fatal car and motorbike crash overnight.

A male motorcyclist died at the scene after coming off his bike at around 1 o'clock Wednesday morning.

Officers have been told two motorbikes were travelling south at speed when one rider was thrown from his bike and hit by a car travelling in the same direction.

The rider of the second motorcycle did not stop.

The woman driving the car was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory tests and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage of the two motorbikes prior to the crash, to come forward.

Diversions are in place for those travelling south.

Police Investigate Fire at Newcastle Surf Club

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are investigating the cause of a fire which broke out at Newcastle Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Monday night.

Three Fire and Rescue crews rushed to the scene around 7:45pm to reports of an explosion.

Quick work by fire crews stopped the blaze from taking hold in the men's bathroom.

It took crews two hours to extinguish the fire and the building sustained minor damage.

Image: Fire and Rescue NSW Station 357 Lambton

Call for Councillors to Step Back from Controversial Foreshore Plan

BY KEELY JOHNSON AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser is calling on her fellow councillors to consider postponing work on a controversial planning proposal for Toronto Foreshore.

Plans to construct a six-storey development at the Bath Street site have received a mixed community response since it was first proposed, with a large number of residents believing the land should stay open to the public.

Cr Fraser will ask councillors at Monday night's council meeting to stop work on the plan, saying the city's economic situation has changed since the development was first proposed almost two years ago.

"At the time we had a slower economy and there wasn't a lot of investment," said Cr Fraser.

"We have a lot of investment now in Lake Macquarie, we saw a billion dollars worth of investment over the last twelve months, we've just had the Pasminco announcement with the development there, and also out at Morisset,"

 "I think its time to reflect, take a step back and listen to the community."

Suzanne Pritchard from the Toronto Foreshore Protection Group said the Mayor's decision to stop further plans and re-evaluate the development is exactly what the group have been waiting for.

"The development was going to set a really dangerous precedent for multi-storey development, not only on Toronto's foreshore but all around the lake," said Ms Pritchard.

"We are hoping to see a foreshore park for all of the community to enjoy, not just a select few."

Councillor Jason Pauling said he was flabbergasted and felt "betrayed" by the mayor's decision, having worked together on the project for over 12 months.

"The debate tonight will be fierce and emotive because there are lots of us that still believe in the dream," said Cr Pauling.

"I agree with the mayor that the process has gone off the rails to a degree, I agree with the mayor that the timeframe blowout is hugely frustrating, but I don't agree that we should turn our backs on this opportunity."

Cr Pauling said the site has been in limbo since the mid-1980s and has been neglected for decades.

"There is an opportunity right now, albeit with a longer timeframe than we initially intended, to fix that and turn it into the showpiece for Lake Macquarie and I'm not prepared to put that on ice."

Council staff have designed a model version of the proposed development. Image: Jason Pauling

Police Investigate Shooting Near Cessnock

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Hunter Valley police are investigating after a public shooting overnight at Neath, near Cessnock.

After hearing a loud bang on Cessnock Road at about 7:30 Sunday night, a 23-year-old man walked outside to discover the windows of a nearby Holden Commodore had been smashed.

Upon closer inspection, the man noticed more damage believed to be bullet holes and marks.

Officers established a crime scene and seized several items.

Following initial inquiries, police believe it was a targeted incident.

Police are urging anyone with information or who may have dashcam from the area at the time of the incident to contact Cessnock Police Station on 4991 0199 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Muswellbrook Home Extensively Damaged By Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are reminding home owners to clean chimneys and combustion heater flues regularly after fire caused extensive damage to a home at Muswellbrook overnight.

Crews were called to a single level weatherboard cottage in Sydney Street just before 6.00pm on Sunday to find a fire in the roof space.

It's taken them about an hour and 20 minutes to fully extinguish the fire which caused extensive damage to the rafters and ceilings of the home.

Newcastle Fire Command says the fire started in the roof from a combustion heater flue which had a build-up of creosote.

No-one was injured in the fire.

The Sydney Street home suffered major fire and water damage Pictures: Fire & Rescue Muswellbrook

Three Men Sought Over Armed Robbery At Gregson Park, Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for three men over an armed street robbery at Hamilton.

An 18-year-old man was walking through Gregson Park off Tudor Street just after midnight on Sunday when he was approached by 3 men.

One of them pulled out a knife and demanded the young man's wallet, which he handed over before the trio left the area.

All three are described as being of Aboriginal appearance and in their late 20's.

The main offender is described as having a chubby build and was wearing a black hooded jumper and black Nike joggers.

The other two are about 195 centimetres tall with a solid and chubby build and wearing white and black hooded jumpers and black track pants.

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

State Government Sinks Opportunity for Newcastle Cruise Terminal

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

The state government has attracted criticism after refusing to support the development of the world-class cruise ship terminal in the Port of Newcastle.

The original development was announced in 2016 with a $12.7 million dollar budget allocated for construction.

The Liberal Government has now backed out of their promise to fund the first-class cruise port.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp pushed for a motion calling on the Government to reverse its decision to withdraw funding.

The motion was narrowly defeated with a vote of 47- 45.

The cruise ship terminal promised to bring in thousands of tourists into Newcastle and the Hunter.

It was theorised it could add a significant boost to local businesses and assist the struggling Newcastle economy 

Mr Crakanthorp  claims Government MPs are being hypocritical by refusing to support the Newcastle terminal while boasting about pork-barrelling funding for their own electorates.

"This Government has spent $55 million dollars on the port of Eden," Mr Crakanthorp claimed. "Yet when we want some money here in Newcastle, the second largest city in the state, for the same thing, we are rejected when we request that little bit more than that 12.7 million dollars"

He says the people of Newcastle are fed up with the Government's unfair treatment.

"I'm constantly being contacted by local people who are very unhappy about this government and their inability to facilitate a cruise ship terminal in Newcastle," Mr Crankanthorp says.

Mr Crankanthorp says he will keep pushing the state government but for now the possibility of a world-class cruise ship terminal for Newcastle seems dead in the water.

The scrapped designs for the terminal released in 2017

Glendore Public School Has Fast-tracked Fence

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

Construction on a much needed security fence for Glendore Public School has been fast tracked after an announcement in Parliament yesterday.

The Maryland school has suffered numerous break ins over the years due to the lack of a fence.

Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell announced the fence would be constructed during the 2019/2020 financial year.

Ms Mitchell said the government planned to fast-track construction due to 'ongoing' issues caused by break-ins.

The break-ins had caused significant damage to the school with a quarter of a million dollars worth of property damage.

After years of lobbying for a security fence, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says the new fence will mean peace of mind and security for parents and students.

"The Glendore community was fed up with the number of break ins that had occured," Ms Hornery said. "The fence for Glendore public means a lot more safety and security and some piece of mind for the teachers, students, and Glendore community."

She did, however, criticise the government for their delay in building the fence.

"When you're talking about up to $250 000 worth of damage that occurred, its natural that the parents will wonder why the government hadn't been quicker."

Ms Hornery said her colleague Anthony D'Adam had the opportunity to put the question to Minister Sarah Mitchell in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Ms Hornery met with Sarah Mitchell after question time to confirm the details for construction.

Image Source: Newcastle Herald 

Lower Hunter Water Restrictions Introduced for the First Time in 25 Years

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL and TYLER FARDELL

It's been confirmed water restrictions will be introduced to the Lower Hunter for the first time in 25 years.

Level 1 restrictions will begin on Monday, September 16 in the area's of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog and Singleton.

Image: Hunter Water Corporation

NSW Water minister Melinda Pavey's announcement comes as a response to the worst drought on record for NSW, which has reduced the region's water storage levels to just 64%.

"While autumn and winter are typically the highest rainfall seasons for the Lower Hunter, the rainfall has not eventuated, causing the region’s dams to fall to their lowest levels in more than two decades,” said Ms Pavey.

"With no significant rainfall on the horizon, the introduction of Level 1 water restrictions forms an important part of Hunter Water’s drought response to help reduce demand on the water supply."

Hunter Water Acting CEO Graham Wood said Hunter Water will be working with residents and businesses to better conserve water.

"Water is crucial to people in the Lower Hunter so we'll be working together with all of our customers to save this precious resource, whilst ensuring the continuity of their lives and businesses", he said.

Level 1 water restrictions include:

• Outdoor watering is permitted before 10am or after 4pm with a trigger nozzle hose

• All handheld hoses must have a trigger nozzle

• No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways

• All vehicles should be washed with a bucket, trigger nozzle hose or pressure cleaner

• No sprinklers are to be used.

Hunter Water Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary says although they have the power to fine people for not adhering to these restrictions, Hunter Water is relying on cooperation from residents to ensure no excess water is wasted.

Grahamstown Dam

Environmental concerns over plans to reopen Redbank coal station

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

After falling into $200 million worth of debt and closing in 2014, Singleton's Redbank power station has been purchased by Hunter Energy, who have plans to reopen the plant. The recommission plans come from the nearing closure of neighbouring Liddell. The AGL-owned Liddell is set to shut down in just three short years, sparking fears of an energy shortage.

Hunter Energy plans on reducing emissions, committed to being greener than in the past, when Redbank was known as Australia's dirtiest plant. Chief executive, James Myatt, hopes to have the station up and running in early 2020, where greener fuel will be used.

"The type of fuel it was burning was a very wet-mix coal ... We are looking at burning a much drier coal mix and then ultimately reducing coal emissions," he said.

Total Environment Centre spokesperson, Saul Dean, says coal-fired energy is a step in the wrong direction. He and his team believe the Hunter should be focusing on renewable alternatives, which will create more jobs than the mining industry promises to.

"We know there's more jobs in renewable energy, there's more jobs in putting solar panels on roofs, there's more jobs in setting up windfarms, there's more jobs battery storage and so on. There's much more work in those sorts of industries, that are actually going to set the Hunter up for the future," he said.

Mr Dean is also concerned for the health and safety of mine-heavy areas like Singleton.

"We've become much more aware of coal dust and the health implications it has. It's really like flogging a dead horse if we're trying to get this plant to revive itself," he concluded.

"Redbank power station pictured in 2001 with then general manager Sam Barber." CREDIT: The Newcastle Herald

Belmont Bushfire Latest

BY IAN CROUCH

At least 50 homes have been saved from a fast-moving bushfire at Belmont overnight.

The fire broke out in Merleview Avenue just before 6.00pm on Thursday and quickly took hold fanned by southerly winds gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour.

The Rural Fire Service issued an Emergency Warning at about 7 o'clock as the fire threatened the rear of homes, it was subsequently downgraded to Watch and Act at 9.30pm then Advice Level around midnight.

Around 80 hectares has been scorched and there are still 5 active areas of fire this morning.

The RFS says strategic backburns have been conducted on the eastern side of the fire along the Fernleigh Track and on the western side of the fire behind homes on Wommara Avenue and residents need to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Police say Golding Avenue, Railway Crescent, John Darling Avenue and the Fernleigh Track at Belmont and Redhead will be closed from 7 this morning to allow crews to continue mopping up the blaze.

Only local residents will be allowed into these areas.

The Bushfire At Belmont Lights Up The Night Sky Picture: pressform.info

UPDATE! Belmont Bushfire Downgraded As Condtions Ease

BY IAN CROUCH

A bushfire emergency at Belmont has eased with the Rural Fire Service downgrading the blaze to Watch and Act staus.

Strong southerly winds which had been gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour  have now dropped back to around 35 kilometres per hour.

More than 30 fire trucks are at the scene with in excess of 100 firefighters providing property protection to homes east of Merleview Street from possible ember attack.

Where possible, backburning will be undertaken in a bid to contain the fire.

The Rural Fire Service says although the situation has eased, residents need to remain vigilant and be aware embers can be blown ahead of the fire and create spot fires in and around your property.

The RFS says residents in the area of Goulding Ave, Railway Crescent, Kalaroo Road, John Darling Ave, John Fisher Rd and Siloam Dr should follow their bush fire survival plan. If your plan is to leave, leave now before the fire threatens.

EARLIER:

An emergency warning has been issued for a large bushfire at Belmont.

Around 80 NSW and RFS firefighters with 20 fire trucks are undertaking property protection at Goulding Avenue, Railway Crescent and Kalaroo Road as well as John Darling Avenue, John Fisher Road and Siloam Drive.

The fire was first reported in Merleview Street at 6.45pm on Thursday and has burnt through 50 hectares.

Newcastle Fire Command says no properties are currently under direct threat from the fire and they have sufficient resources on the ground and more on standby to protect homes from ember attack.

For the latest information go to the NSW RFS website.

2NUR-FM will continue monitoring the situation and will keep listeners informed and up to date on the latest developments.

Pasminco Redevelopment

BY ALICE PEART

Following new legislation the state government has taken over the former Pasminco site at Boolaroo, with plans to fast-track it's redevelopment.

After accusations of mismanagement regarding the massive toxic waste containment cell on site, the government compulsorily acquired the land under the new legislation.

The site is now earmarked for residential and commercial development, which will reportedly result in two billion dollars net economic benefit for the Hunter.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser says the economic opportunity for the region is exciting,

"This is part of our north-west catalyst area which is really important to Lake Macquarie, so this will have the potential to support thousands of homes, thousands of jobs, and will be the catalyst to reinvent that whole area up there".

While the site itself has been cleaned to bedrock for development purposes, residents throughout Lake Macquarie still face soil contamination from the former Smelter site and are liable themselves to pay for remediation, costing up to $100,000.

Jim Sullivan from the Boolaroo Action Group says the development will be a great asset to the whole city, but the government needs to use the sale to address ongoing contamination.

"If the government thinks that they're just going to sell all the land on the Pasminco site, and not repair people's properties that surround the smelter, they're going to have a fight on their hands".

Newcastle's First Artificial Reef

BY ALICE PEART

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie fishermen now have access to an artificial reef off the coast of Blacksmith's Beach.

The 12 metre tall steel skeleton is one of nine across the state, designed to provide a new habitat for local fish populations.

The government say the reefs represent a long-term investment to improve recreational fishing in NSW.

Monitoring of the site has already identified over 50 different fish species in the reef, with expectations it will continue to grow in the coming years.

"The steel structure is the skeleton of the new thriving fish community; but the ocean will ultimately do the rest with the reef rapidly accumulating a wide variety of attaching marine organisms" said Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.

The minister said the reef will particularly support bottom-dwelling and pelagic species which are popular with recreational fishers; Yellowtail Kingfish, Bonito and Blue Mackerel have already been spotted in the new reef.

UPDATE! Fire Under Control, M1 Reopened at Killingworth

BY IAN CROUCH AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

A bushfire burning at Killingworth has been brought under control by firefighters and all lanes of the M1 Pacific Highway have been reopened with reduced speed limits in place.

At least 75 firefighters worked to contain the blaze after it broke out shortly before 3am Thursday morning.

Dry and windy conditions eventually pushed the fire across the M1, prompting Transport for NSW to close the freeway entirely.

The fire was upgraded to Watch and Act alert level on Thursday morning amid fears it would spread towards the township of Killingworth but by 1pm had been downgraded back to Advice.

The blaze burned through more than 40 hectares.

Firefighters remained on scene on Thursday afternoon to monitor the situation and mop up the blaze.


EARLIER:

North and Southbound lanes of the M1 are still affected as work continues to control a bushfire at Killingworth.

The RFS says crews have the upper hand and work has now started on a backburn on the western side of the motorway with 1 northbound lane still closed.

The fire is listed at advice level after burning through 6 hectares.

EARLIER:

Firefighters are battling a large bushfire which is burning on both sides of the M1Pacific Motorway at Killingworth.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received the first call to the blaze at 2.30am on Thursday.

At least 4 RFS Tankers and 5 Fire & Rescue trucks have been called to the fire, with 2 water tankers deployed to Killingworth for property protection, however no homes are under threat at this stage.

The fire is being fanned by northeasterly winds.

1 of 2 southbound lanes and 1 of 2 northbound lanes of the motorway are closed and Live Traffic is reporting heavy traffic conditions .

Motorists are advised to delay all non-essential travel through the area.

BREAKING! Police Rescue Mother And Children From Burning Home At Maitland

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have rescued a mother and her two children from their burning home at Maitland.

Officers had just completed a vehicle stop at about 3.00am on Wednesday when they noticed flames coming from the rear of a single level weatherboard home in Clift Street.

They forced open the front door and found the woman and her children asleep inside and pulled them to safety.

A neighbour managed to extinguish the fire with a garden hose.

Police say a beer keg being used as a wood heater appears to have dropped embers on the rear timber deck which sparked the blaze.

The fire was confined to the deck area - the mother and children were unharmed and were able to return to the home.

Historic Awaba House Destroyed By Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

The historic Awaba House at Booragul lies in ruins after fire tore through the popular wedding reception venue.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received in excess of 20 triple zero calls to the First Street property, with crews arriving just after 5.30pm on Tuesday to find the building engulfed in flames.

Around 40 firefighters battled the inferno for more than 3 hours but were unable to save the heritage listed building.

One room is still smouldering this morning, with crews unable to gain access due to asbestos and roof collapse.

The adjoining art gallery was saved and no-one was inside at the restaurant area at time.

Fire investigators are yet to determine the cause of the fire.

The historic Awaba House goes up in flames Picture: heraldsun.com.au

Wallsend MP: Roads Not Ready for Hospital Upgrade

BY  KAYNE STEPHENS

Plans for the $780 million expansion of the John Hunter Hospital have been unveiled, but the local MP is warning nearby roads won't be able to cope unless the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass is completed before the upgrades.

The major expansion upgrades are due to finish by 2026 under the master plan, which includes overhauling the existing buildings, as well as the construction of new research and education facilities.

The Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, has welcomed the plans, saying they are vital for meeting the growing needs of the region.

"Planning for the future growth of the health needs of the Lower Hunter is vitally important. We have emergency departments overflowing, waiting lists for appointments with specialists and surgery blowing out, full staff car parks, a congested internal road network and external roads surrounding the precinct at breaking point,” Sonia Hornery said.

However, the MP says more collaboration is needed between the State's Roads and Health departments so the infrastructure can cope with the hospital's growth.

"I am writing today to both the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads, and as well to the Minister for Health, to say that we welcome the announcement but we want to fix the transport woes, and expedite the Inner City Bypass before we even think about any further construction," she said.

The master plan, which will raise the capacity for staff and patients at the hospital, include the construction of new research and education facilities, as the site meets the growth demands of the Hunter region.

Last week a fatal accident on Lookout Road caused traffic chaos near the Hospital's entrance.

The MP has asked for the final stage of the final stage of the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass, which will link with the new entrance of the hospital, to be constructed before the upgrades are completed in early-2026.

"The Newcastle Inner-City Bypass is still two years away from a sod being turned. Now the bypass must be fast-tracked before we look at any development on the John Hunter site".

Sonia Hornery says there are number of issues to address before the upgrades proceed.

"Access to transport and access to public transport, looking at reinstating a shuttle service so people can get to and from the hospital without having to go through the gridlock of the road network. We really need to be solving a few problems before we even think about construction," she said.

The Wallsend MP has written to and will seek a meeting with key government Ministers to ask for the local road network to be prepared for the hospital upgrade.

The $780 million upgrade plan will include a new main entrance, linking with the final stage of the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass

University of Newcastle Research Project Receives Special Seed Funding

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

A research project involving antimicrobial resistance run through the University of Newcastle has been included amongst five groups to receive funding as part of a tertiary Impact program.

The initiative run by NUW, an alliance between the Universities of Newcastle, Wollongong and New South Wales, selects research projects every year to receive financial contributions that will aid in resolving problems faced by the broader community. This years recipients have received almost a total of $540 000 in funding to promote their studies.

Newcastle's own Antimicrobial Research Task force run by Professor Peter Lewis was included amongst the successful recipients.

"More and more infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics to the point where there are some infections that we now no longer have any antibiotics available that work against them. We've run out and we need more." says Professor Lewis.

"The funding enabled us to run a workshop where we had researchers from the three universities, and external experts from around the world and around Australia, and we used that opportunity to really try and identify the most common areas where we as a group felt we could collaborate in a productive and mutual way to solve this problem."

Two Charged Over Belmont Break and Enter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Two men are due to face court following an alleged break and enter at a Belmont home.

Police say at about 1:30 Monday afternoon the offenders made off with jewellery, passports and personal items before leaving the scene in a Toyota Corolla.

The car was spotted on Kambora Close, Windale an hour and a half later prompting police to conduct a search warrant.

During the search,  the 26 and 27-year-old men were discovered hiding from officers inside a roof cavity.

It's also alleged police located proceeds from the break-in at the home.

Both men have been charged with aggravated break enter and steal in company.

The older man is also facing fraud and driving offences.

The 26-year-old has been charged with an outstanding domestic violence and prison warrant as well as domestic violence offences.

The pair were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday.

One Dead And Two Injured In Separate Hunter Valley Crashes

BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died in a single car crash at Scone.

The 66-year-old was driving a Mazda 3 on Noblet Street just after 4.00pm on Monday when the car travelled onto a dirt access road and hit a tree.

The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Scone Hospital where he died a short time later.

Meanwhile, a couple in their 50's suffered serious multiple injuries when their motorbike collided with the rear of a trailer being towed by another vehicle on the Golden Highway at Jerrys Plains.

The crash happened just before 3.30pm on Monday, with the rider and pillion passenger flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

World First Report from University of Newcastle Explores AI

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have released a wold first report which aims to assist schools with adapting to new technologies and integrating artificial intelligence into their work.

The report was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training  and led by Associate Professor Erica Southgate with Dr Karen Blackmore and Dr Susan Grimes.

It aims to provide advice to teachers navigating new ethical conundrums caused by AI and familiarise schools with emerging technologies in education.

These emerging technologies include augmented, mixed, and virtual reality.

Associate Professor Erica Southgate says these innovations introduce a new ethical responsibility that teachers, students, and parents must adapt with.

Professor Southgate said the aim of the report was three fold.

"The first was to write a report so teachers could understand the implications of emerging technologies, in particular Artificial Intelligence and VR for classrooms," she said.

"It was also to provide info-graphics for students to use in classrooms so they can understand the technology, and finally to do a curriculum mapping of really good resources that teachers in Australian schools can use."

The report offers the first custom designed framework for ethical use of technology in schools and
explains the complex social, technical and ethical issues associated with the technologies in an accessible fashion.

"This is a world first report. There's no other reports like this on artificial intelligence and virtual reality for the school sector." Southgate confirmed.

The report includes a number of case studies on AI and VR that demonstrate the practical aspects of introducing the technology into classrooms, how to use them effectively, and how to teach students about them.

"We know that AI will come through intelligent tutoring systems and helpers in educational computer programs, and also be part of learning management systems" Professor Southgate said but assured that AI is already utilised in search engines and phone assistance like SIRI.

"It (Artificial Intelligence) probably wont come in the form of robot teacher anytime soon or if ever but we are really interested in the way we can harness that technology so that we can create personalised learning.

Image Source: The University of Newcastle 

Early Morning Pursuit Ends With Arrest At Waratah

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today accused of leading police on an early morning pursuit through several New Lambton streets on a stolen motorbike.

Officers noticed the Kawasaki without lights or a number plate being ridden erratically just before 12.30am on Monday.

Police say the bike was seen travelling at high speed towards Waratah, stopping briefly before heading through a red light at the intersection of Griffiths and Turton Roads before being involved in a minor collision with a police car.

The rider, a 24-year-old man from Weston was arrested in Moate Street after a short foot pursuit.

It's alleged he was also in possession of a silver replica plastic pistol which had been modified to make it look real.

The man was arrested in Moate Street Waratah

The silver pistol allegedly found in the man's backpack

Neighbourhood Watch Groups Back in Action

BY JAYME ZIMMERMAN AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

The Hunter's Neighbourhood Watch groups will be back in business after briefly shutting down due to an insurance issue.

The organisation was forced to suspend operations after an internal restructure left them without public liability insurance.

Police Minister David Elliott reached out to the recently established State Board and met with the group to discuss its future.

Following discussions, Mr Elliott decided to cover the group with a $9,500 grant to cover the cost of the missing insurance.

Blue Gum Hills organiser and state secretary David Watmore said they appreciate the support they've received following the debacle and the organisation hopes to become financially independent.

"But the generosity of the Police Minister has allowed us a 12-month grace period to get sponsors to come on board for us."

Image: ABC

Police Hunt for Thornton Copper Thieves

BY TYLER FARDELL AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are appealing for the public's help after thieves made off with more than a tonne of copper cable from a business at Thornton.

At around 10:30 on Tuesday night, an unknown number of people attended the premises on Glenwood Drive and stole 1.5 tonnes of cable contained in a black rubber sleeve.

Police estimate the cable is worth approximately $30,000 dollars and believe the offenders used a vehicle to transport the stolen goods from the site.

Local businesses are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, with police warning the offenders may try to sell the material to scrap metal dealers.

If the cables are burnt, they can emit plumes of thick black smoke.

Anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Image: NSWPF

Police Search for Males After Teen Assaulted

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Detectives are appealing for information following the alleged assault and sexual touching of a teenage girl at Thornton last month.

Police have been told the 13-year-old was followed by a group of six males as she walked along Thomas Coke Drive at about 4:45pm on Thursday, July 4th.

Officers heard the males, described as being in their late teens and riding BMX pushbikes, pushed the girl to the ground and assaulted her near the intersection at John Arthur Avenue.

The victim further disclosed one of the males sexually touched her before she was able to run away.

Anyone who may have seen the incident is urged to come forward.

Police would like to hear from a man with dark hair and a long, well-kept beard, aged in his 40s or 50s, who was seen walking his dog near the Alan & Don Lawrence Oval close to the time the incident occurred.

He was walking a brown Border Collie cross German Sheppard.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woman Accused Of High Range Drink Driving With Child In The Car At Maitland

A woman has been charged with high-range drink driving while a child was in the car at Maitland.

About 11.55am (Thursday 15 August 2019), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were conducting a stationary RBT operation on the New England Highway when a red Ford Falcon was stopped.


The driver, a 34-year-old woman, underwent a roadside breath test and allegedly returned a positive result.

Upon inspection of her vehicle, police found a seven-year-old boy in the rear passenger seat.

The woman was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where she underwent a breath analysis and returned an alleged reading of 0.227.

The young child was also taken to the station and cared for by police until a family member arrived.

The woman’s license was suspended immediately, and she was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offence of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol.

She’s due to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 25 September 2019.

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District's Acting Inspector Kristin Marshall said officers are continually dumbfounded by those who choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs with children in the car.

"With Operation Merret and Operation Chrome both underway in the Northern Region, we are committed to having every road user reach their destination safely," Insp Marshall said.

"It's these kind of selfish decisions that could have fatal and harmful consequences. If you are too intoxicated to drive, you need to find alternative travel arrangements.

"We continue to implore the community to slow down, wear your seatbelt, avoid handling mobile phones and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue."