Teenage Girl Seriously Burnt In Fire Pit Explosion At Wallsend

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl has suffered serious burns after a fire pit explosion at Wallsend.

Police say the 15-year-old and two other girls were sitting around the fire pit at a home on Fryar Street at about 12.20am on Monday when a jerry can containing fuel was accidentally knocked over.

The girl has been airlifted to Sydney's Westmead Children's Hospital - the other two were taken to the John Hunter with minor burns.

  

UPDATE! Search Under Way For Missing Boy From Cameron Park

BY IAN CROUCH

Great news!

11-year-old Thanakorn Deesud has been found safe and well.

Police say he returned to his Cameron Park home at about 8.00am today.

EARLIER:

Police have issued a public appeal for help to find a 11-year-old boy who's gone missing from Cameron Park.

Thanakorn Deesud was last seen at his home in Salamon Road at about 6.15pm on Sunday.

Despite an extensive search of local bushland, police have been unable to locate him and there are concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Thanakorn is described as being of Asian appearance with a slight build, about 140 centimetres tall with black hair.

He was last seen wearing black pyjamas and no shoes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

11-year-old Thanakor Deesud has been reported missing from Cameron Park

Police Investigate Suspected Murder-Suicide at Doyles Creek

By MEGHAN RICHARDSON

Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after a man and woman were found dead in the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Valley police officers made the grim discovery after attending to a welfare check in the Doyles Creek area around 4pm on Thursday.

The remains of a 48-year old man and 49-year old woman were discovered inside the home on Doyle Creek road.

Officers are completing a forensic investigation at the scene in an effort to find out what happened.

A report is being prepared for the coroner and the investigation will continue.

Any information should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you need help you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Fatal Crash on Cessnock Road

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

One person has died and another is in hospital following a serious crash at Maitland during the early hours of Friday morning.

Around 2:30am, emergency services responded to reports a Kia Rio and a Ford Falcon sedan had collided head-on while travelling on Cessnock Road.

The driver of the Kia, a woman believed to be aged in her 50s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

The male driver of the Ford sustained a back injury in the crash and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

While in hospital the man, also believed to be in his 50s, will undergo mandatory testing.

Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles.

Port Stephens Hunter police are working with Newcastle's Crash Investigation Unit to investigate the circumstances of the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

At 5:45am,Cessnock Road remained closed in both directions between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road as officers examine the scene.

State Government Faces Questions Over Proposed Water Rate Increase

BY ALICE PEART AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has asked the state government to explain why Hunter Water has applied to IPART for an in increase in rate pricing.

The MPs question, posed to Parliament on Thursday, followed Hunter Water's announcement it has applied for the increase to assist with the investment of more than $871 million dollars in infrastructure, technology and services over the next five years.

If the rate increase is approved, water bills could increase by roughly $60 a year, or $1.15 per week.

In a statement, Sonia Hornery claimed the potential price hike was an attempt by the state government to "raid the coffers" of Hunter residents.

"Earlier this year, the Treasurer ripped $100m out of Hunter Water," said Ms Hornery, referring to a dividend paid to the government by the corporation.

In order to pay the dividend, Hunter Water borrowed the funds from NSW Treasury Corporation, leading the MP to question whether residents were being lumped with the debt.

"Despite assurances by the Government that prices would not be impacted by the additional dividend, Hunter Water has now made an application to IPART to increase water prices over the next 5 years," Sonia Hornery said.

A spokesperson for Hunter Water has clarified the corporation's decision to apply to IPART has no link to the dividend, and distributions from Hunter Water do not impact on customer pricing, services or capital investment levels.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly implied the cost of the dividend paid by Hunter Water was being passed onto residents through a proposed price increase. The article has been updated for accuracy.

Debris From Helicopter Crash Found Along With Human Remains

BY TYLER FARDELL


Police have located debris and human remains of the helicopter which crashed off the coast of Port Stephens almost three weeks ago.

Police divers made the grisly discovery yesterday and were able to retrieve some of the debris from the wreckage, which was located 30 metres below the surface.

Recovery efforts last week focused on an area near Birubi Point after large amounts of debris were seen in the area.

It has been confirmed 5 people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Detectives from marine area command are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Police are expected to make a report for the coroner.

The helicopter and the 5 victims
Source; CourierMail

NDIS Apartments Coming to Newcastle CBD

BY ALICE PEART

Newcastle West will soon be home to twenty new NDIS approved apartments which will feature wider door frames, hoist infrastructure and bump rails, as well as the latest technology in touch and voice activation. 

Due to lack of suitable housing across Australia 5,905 people under sixty-five with a disability live in aged-care facilities. 

Since March 2017 the NDIS has pushed to remedy the significant gap in the market for specialist disability accommodation with annual recurring funding of $700 million to users who, critically, have control over where they use they live; creating competition for developers. 

Now in an Australia first, development company Thirdi Group has secured wheelchair accessible vehicles to be permanently available for residents of their Newcastle NDIS apartments. 

Purchasing an apartment will also include three-years worth of credit to use with the GoGet carshare service, allowing residents to effectively use the service for free for a number of years and discounted thereafter. 

The vehicles will also be available to the wider public at a standard fare. 

Swansea Bridge Stuck Open

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Contraflow conditions are in place at Swansea Bridge, which has become stuck after opening on Thursday morning.

Motorists travelling in both directions are using the southbound bridge, with one lane of the Pacific Highway open in each direction.

Traffic and maintenance crews are working to resolve the situation.

Traffic is heavy in both directions and motorists should allow extra time, exercise caution and reduce speed.

The bridge reopened around 2:30 Thursday afternoon.

Image: Ideal Bathrooms and Plumbing

Footage Released in Broadmeadow Break-In Investigation

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

CCTV footage has been released as detectives work to track down two men who broke into a Broadmeadow home and assaulted a man two months ago.

Around midday on July 11, the men forced entry into a unit in a complex on the corner of Young Road and Market Street where they attacked the 31-year-old occupant before fleeing the scene.

Later that day, the injured man presented to John Hunter Hospital with head injuries and police were notified. He has since been released from hospital.

Strike Force Raptor North detectives have now released footage and images of two men they believe can assist with inquiries.

Both men are depicted as being of solid and medium build, wearing high-visibility clothing and dark caps.

Detectives are also appealing for information about a silver Toyota Camry seen in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, can report it directly to the Strike Force via the online reporting page.

The footage is available on the 2nurfm Hunter News Facebook page.

"We will not let you Fight this Alone" says NSW Labor Leader Jodie McKay at Stockton Beach erosion rally

By Isabel Everett

NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay and Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp joined worry ridden residents at Stockton today, demanding the Berejiklian Government to treat the erosion of the beach as an "unfolding catastrophe" and appoint a State Recovery Coordinator.

Ms McKay and Mr Crakanthorp are calling for the Premier to appoint a State Recovery Coordinator to manage a whole government response to the erosion, and to bring forward the coastal management plan, currently scheduled for December 2021, to commence before the end of this year.

Ms McKay says the State Government refusing to take action not only risks losing parts of the beach, but the community itself.

"It's incredibly disrespectful to a community that's had its child care center closed, caravan park under threat and of course the surf club, which is at the heart of the community here which is simply not able to do what it should be doing," Ms McKay said.

Comparisons have been made to the response of the State Government when similar erosion issues faced the Sydney suburb of Collaroy.

"If this was Collaroy, if this was Manly, if this was Bondi this would require state Government intervention and it would be a top priority," Ms McKay said.

"We know that there are millions of dollars that have been spent on Collaroy and can I say that there wasn't community infrastructure there, it was multi million dollar homes, this is community infrastructure that we're talking about."

Ms McKay and Mr Crakanthorp have stressed the need for the Government  to liaise with Newcastle Council and discuss the legislative frame works surrounding whether solutions such as off shore sand extraction are possible.

"There is a lack of clarity as to whether that will require legislative change or a Ministerial direction, I think if we had this State Recovery coordinator in place we'd get a lot clearer picture of what is possible," Ms McKay said.

"I heard the Minister say today that there can be sand that gets put into here from a commercial quarry but that is just not good enough ,we're talking about more than 50,000 truck loads of sand needed.  We're at point where there needs to be long term solution and there is so much grey as to what the final solution is."

The Premier previously stated in parliament that the State Government has been "onto (the issue) for a while" and cited the "billions in infrastructure projects" in the Hunter such as the light rail.

NSW Labor Leader Jodie McKay and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp

                                                                                              Stockton Residents Rally

Alleged Getaway Driver Arrested Over April Robbery

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL


Police have made a second arrest over an armed robbery at Waratah five months ago.

A 32-year-old man remains before the courts over the incident on April 18, which saw patrons at the Royal Inn on Station Street allegedly threatened with a firearm before the man fled with cash.

Strike Force Yard detectives on Tuesday arrested a woman at Silverwater Correctional Facility, where she was being held on an unrelated charge.

The 32-year-old is accused of being the man's getaway driver and has been charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.

The woman was refused bail to face court on Wednesday.

Police Investigate String of Violent Hamilton Robberies

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are investigating several violent robberies across Hamilton which are believed to be linked.

In the first of five similar incidents to have occurred in less than two weeks, a 21-year-old man was assaulted at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday, September 14th, by two men who proceeded to steal his wallet and mobile phone.

The robbery occurred at the corner of May Street and Maitland Road, Islington, not far from Hamilton's popular Beaumont Street entertainment precinct.

The following morning, a 55-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were walking home through Gregson Park around 1am when two unknown men threatened and assaulted them, inflicting a head wound to the younger man and knocking his father unconscious for a short period of time.

Three more attacks were reported during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, September 21st and 22nd.

On Saturday, a 29-year-old man was assaulted by four men as he left work around 1:30 in the morning.

An hour later, two men were attacked and robbed by three unknown men as they walked through Gregson Park.

At 1:30am on Sunday, a woman was approached from behind by two men attempting to steal her handbag at the intersection of Cleary and Samdon Streets. The would-be thieves were unsuccesful and fled empty handed.

Detectives believe the incidents are linked and have released images of three men they believe can assist with investigations.

All are described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged between 18-25, and wearing dark clothing at the time of the attacks.

Newcastle City Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said it was concerning these incidents occurred in such a short period of time.

“These crimes appear opportunistic in nature, and we intend to find those responsible in a swift manner."


Anyone who believes they have information which could help detectives track down the thieves is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers.

Fireworks Used to Destroy Merewether Mailboxes

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL


Police believe fireworks were used to blow up mail boxes across Merewether in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Residents of Merewether and nearby Bar Beach were rudely awoken by loud bangs shortly after 4am.

Three letterboxes in Dent, Mitchell and Livingstone Streets were destroyed by the blasts, which sent debris flying and damaged nearby cars and houses.

Around two hours after the first explosion, a Kilgore Street resident found a suspicious item inside their mailbox and reported it to police who safely removed it.

Nobody was injured by the explosions.

Investigations are ongoing and police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity.

Man Arrested After Fleeing from a Car Crash

BY TYLER FARDELL


A man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of a car crash along Tomago Road at around midnight on Thursday.

Emergency services were called to the area after reports of a two-vehicle crash.

Police arrived to find a 59 year old man trapped in his Subaru Impreza which was overturned in a culvert.

With assistance from Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics, the driver of the Subaru was extricated and taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for hip and leg injuries.

The 47 year old driver of the Toyota Camry had allegedly fled the scene after incident.

Police have been told the two cars were travelling along Tomago Road before the Toyota collided with the back of the Subaru, causing it to lose control.

Port-Stephens officers and the Dog unit found the driver of the Toyota hiding within the grounds of a nearby business.

He was taken to John Hunter hospital with minor injuries and is expected to be charged when released.

Pair Facing Murder, Fraud Charges Over Danielle Easey Death

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Charges have been laid overnight against the two people arrested over the murder of Danielle Easey.

Following inquiries, the 33-year-old man arrested at Cardiff has been charged with murder.

The 32-year-old woman arrested at Holmesville has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and a fraud offence, with police alleging she impersonated Danielle online following her death to gain access to money.

A van seized during Thursday's arrests has been forensically examined and investigations are continuing, with specialist forensic police still examining properties at Cardiff and Narara.

The body of 29-year-old Danielle Easey was located in Cockle Creek at Killingworth late last month.

The pair have been refused bail to appear in court today.

Stockton Residents Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

BY TYLER FARDELL


As the erosion on Stockton beach continues to threaten businesses and homes, frustrated residents say they will take the fight to the state government.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Stockton resident Lucas Gresham, with the money raised going towards a community class action.

It comes after wild weather this week caused further erosion to the beach with the Stockton caravan park and popular beach cafe 'Lexie's on the beach' dangerously close to collapsing.

Businesses in Stockton are already feeling the effects of erosion with a childcare centre being forced to close this month as the site was no longer safe.

Newcastle city council undertook an emergency sand-bagging operation last week but it only serves as a temporary solution with no plan in place for the long term protection.

Lucas Gresham says the GoFundMe will get the matter brought before the Environmental Defenders Office, which is a community legal centre specialising in public interest environmental law.

The GoFundMe has raised almost $4500 in less than 24 hours.

You can donate to the cause here.

Source; Tracks Magazine

BREAKING: Two Arrests Over Danielle Easey's Death

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have arrested two people in connection to the murder of Booragul woman Danielle Easey, whose body was discovered in Cockle Creek at the end of last month.

Just before 10 o'clock Thursday morning, Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 33-year-old man at an industrial premise at Cardiff.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested an hour later at a home in Holmesville.

Detectives have executed crime scene warrants at the Cardiff property and a home at Narara on the Central Coast.

A search warrant has also been carried out at the Holmesville property.

Investigators have seized a Mitsubishi Delica from the Cardiff premise.

Strike Force Furzer investigations are continuing.

Man Faces Court Over Two Armed Robberies

BY EL FITCHETT

A man facing charges over an alleged armed robbery in Salamander Bay on Friday will now face court over an additional armed robbery allegedly taking place earlier this month at an Anna Bay service station.

Police allege the man entered a store on Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay at about 2:15pm last Friday, where he allegedly threatened a 39-year old woman with a deodorant can, but fled the scene after an employee triggered the alarm system.

The 21-year old man was found hiding behind a bin on Foreshore Drive in Ferodale by police, and was arrested a short time later.

Charged with attempted armed robbery and armed with intent to commit indictable offence, Newcastle Local Court granted him strict conditional bail on Saturday.

However, his bail was short lived. Police made further inquiries into the armed robbery of an Anna Bay service station on September 9, and the same man was arrested at his home on Monday.

It is alleged the man threatened the service station attendant, a 59-year old woman, with a knife and made off with cigarettes and cash.

The 21-year old has been charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon, and refused bail by Raymond Terrace Local Court.

He appeared before the same court today in relation to both armed robberies.

Officers Injured in Early Morning Pursuit

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man has been charged following a crash which ended a pursuit through the Hunter and left two police officers with soft tissue injuries.

Officers initiated a pursuit after spotting a Toyota Corolla speeding along Nelson Bay Road at Bobs Farm shortly before 1 o'clock on Sunday morning.

The chase continued south through Williamtown and Tomago before reaching Hexham Bridge, where officers deployed road spikes.

The Corolla drove through the spikes onto the bridge and collided with the stationary Highway Patrol vehicle while attempting to turn right onto the New England Highway.

The car stopped nearby after driving into a chain-wire fence and three people were arrested at the scene.

The driver, a 19-year-old Cessnock man, was charged with several offences including reckless driving, driving with a cancelled licence, and possession of the drug Methamphetamine.

Police also executed four outstanding warrants relating to offences including assault, damage property, fraud, contravene AVO, reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to face court on Monday, September 16.

The police officers injured in the crash were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Appeal to Locate Teen Missing from Newcastle

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Newcastle family is appealing for help to find their teenager daughter missing since Wednesday, September 11.

15-year-old Trinity Thompson was last seen at her family's Cooks Hill home.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a slim build, around 150cm tall with braces, a nose piercing, and long hair which is dark at the roots and light on the ends.

Appealing for help on social media, Trinity's father says it's unlike his daughter to disappear like this.

The teen is known to have a large network of friends in the Kotara, Hamilton South, Adamstown and New Lambton areas.

Anyone who sees Trinity is urged to contact Newcastle Police.

Trinity Thompson

UPDATE: Police Operation At Mayfield

BY IAN CROUCH AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man has been taken into custody following a standoff at Mayfield which lasted almost 10 hours.

Listener Peta, who lives nearby, has told 2NUR-FM News the man fell from the roof sometime before 10am on Friday after climbing up and refusing to come down.

It's believed the man may have been under the influence of drugs.

The 25-year-old has been taken to Newcastle Police Station where inquiries will continue.


EARLIER:

Negotiators have been called to assist with a Police operation at Mayfield.

It's believed officers were called to a unit block on Maitland Road near Fitzroy Street just after 12.30am on Friday to a Concern For Welfare.

2NUR-FM News understands a man is holed up on the roof of the building.

Newcastle Fire Command says they sent an aerial appliance to assist but the vehicle could not fit down the drive.

Officers for the Tactical Response Group, Police Rescue, Highway Patrol and General Duties officers are at the scene.

Federal Government Asked to Step In At Stockton

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon called on the Federal Government in Parliament, urging them to take action against the coastal erosion in Stockton.

Acknowledging that the issue is primarily a State Government responsibility, Sharon encouraged the Federal Government to "also do it share" given the urgency of the issue.

"This should be a wake up call for all levels of Government. We just can't stand by and let communities like Stockton slip away into the sea," she said.

Sharon said brought up the Stockton's Early Learning Centre, which sits on Barrie Crescent Reserve alongside the beach. The people of Stockton, who have been facing the impact of coastal erosion for years, have now had their only childcare facility shut down due to safety concerns.

"This has been devastating news of course, for all of the affected families - and, indeed, the entire community. While some temporary care solutions have been put in place, the long-term outlook looks bleak for families wanting to have their children cared for where they live. Madam Deputy Speaker, I hold grave fears that this is just the beginning," she said.

With residents anxious for their homes, public land and further assets, groups like Stockton Community Action Group have formed to fight the issue - but Claydon believes additional Government support is needed.

"Today, I call on the Morrison Government to stop shrinking its responsibilities to coastal communities like Stockton and to act urgently on coastal erosion. It's time. We are a massive island nation. We need a national plan," she concluded.

Image credit: Newcastle Herald.

Air quality declines as fears of pollution-related diseases grow

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

The Upper Hunter region has experienced a decline in air quality this year. Health professionals, such as Dr Bob Vickers, are concerned about the impacts of this.

Camberwell is one example, a village that has exceeded the national air quality standards for course particle pollution 52 times already this year. This is already more than the 44 recorded last year, and the total of 126 for years 2011 through to 2017.

Bob Vickers says there's been an increase in chronic and acute diseases associated with worsening air quality.

"Certainly, what everyone seems to be aware of is the link between air pollution and lung diseases like asthma, emphysema, hay-fever, and sinus symptoms - but we're actually getting more and more evidence that fine particle pollution can lead to really long-term damage with regards to stroke, heart disease, dementia, pregnancy issues, diabetes," he said.

Bob Vickers said he's especially worried for drought-stricken mining towns like Camberwell, which is surround by a total of eight mines.

"The data coming from our monitoring networks for places like Camberwell is really worrying. For example, when we had the dust storm last week. Everyone assumed there was nothing we could do, it was just a weather-related event, and the whole state really did suffer - but, looking at the Upper Hunter monitoring system, Camberwell had an average fine particle pollution reading of 39, before the storm even hit," he explained.

The national standard dictates that the number should never exceed 25 within a 24 hour period, so it's clear Camberwell's air quality isn't what it should be, according to this measure.

Concerned locals have called on the Government to perform a health risk assessment of Camberwell and surrounding Upper Hunter communities facing similar air quality problems.

However, their request was met by NSW Minerals Council Chief Executive, Stephen Galilee, who suggested worried residents relocate. He offered advice on the rules in place for when problems like this arise, saying affected residents have the right to ask a nearby mine to purchase their property and move somewhere else.

"It's really frustrating to see the Minerals Council CEO saying the solution is residents having to move, I think that's really unfair," Bob Vickers concluded.

Image credit: The Singleton Argus

R U OK? Day in the Hunter

BY JAMES FORGACS


This Thursday the 12th September is national R U OK? Day, shining a light on the issue of mental illness.

Today everyone is encouraged to reach out to family, friends or loved ones who might be struggling and asking them “Are you okay?”

Starting this hard conversation can have a profound, positive, rippling effect on a person’s life who may be suffering silently.

Local state Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP says this is a conversation that needs to be had not just today, but year round:

“It’s important to make the people we care about know that they don’t have to do it alone, that we’re with them and will help if we can.”

“Asking the question ‘Are you okay’ is very important, but we shouldn’t just ask that question one day a year. We should reach out to the people in our lives who might be struggling and make sure they know we’re with them.”

Community Ambassador for R U OK? Day Jacob Ridgeway has told 2NURFM’s Mark Rorke just being asked set him on course to recovery and get involved:

“I had a really good family and friend circle around me and they could notice, so they were asking ‘are you ok?’ They were planting the seeds.”

Anyone dealing with serious mental health issues is urged to reach out to anyone, visit your local GP or hospital, and call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Additional Ambulance Bound for Maitland

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The state government has announced an additional Ambulance module will join the ranks at Maitland before the end of the year.

The module, consisting 12 paramedics and an additional primary care transport vehicle, will be based at the new Rutherford Ambulance Station expected to open before Christmas.

The allocation means two transport vehicles and the Ambulance Rescue truck will operate from the station during the day shift, providing more resources for residents throughout the morning.

After years of advocating for the issue, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has welcomed the government's announcement and labeled it a win for the community.

"I would like to particularly thank Mr Michael Johnson of Rutherford, who has been advocating for more ambulance resources since before I was elected in March 2015," said Ms Aitchison.

"This win is a great credit to his tenacity and I am so pleased that we have been able to achieve these vital services for our community."

Recruitment of the new paramedics is expected to begin within days.

Image: NSW Ambulance

Alleged Newcastle Fraudster To Face Court

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been refused bail to face court next Monday over an alleged string of frauds and thefts across Newcastle.

Police say the 29-year-old was spotted placing items down his pants at a retail store at Elermore Vale and threatened staff with a knife when they confronted him.

He's also accused of stealing a charity donation box after ordering food from a Hunter Street fast food store and using a stolen credit card on 8 occasions around Newcastle West.

Police arrested the 29-year-old in Hunter Street, Newcastle West on Wednesday and took him to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with 7 offences.

The man is currently on parole until June 2020.

Police say this man is responsible for a string of thefts and frauds in Newcastle Picture: NSW Police

Two Years of Inquiries Lead to Maryland Arrest

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

An associate of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang has been arrested more than two years after officers discovered weapons and ammunition at a Maryland home.

A pistol, two sling shots, ammunition, and firearm parts including a trigger mechanism, suppressor, rifle bolt and shortened barrel were found at the home on Maryland Street during a search in May 2017.

All of the items were forensically examined by specialist police.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a man outside Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old has been charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit.

He was refused bail to face court on Wednesday.

Image: NSW Police Force

Man Charged After Pursuit Ends With Dramatic Arrest At Newcastle University

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today on fraud charges following a dramatic pursuit which ended with arrest on campus at the University of Newcastle.

It's alleged the 32-year-old was involved in two pursuits in a white Toyota Camry on Tuesday afternoon which began in Christie Avenue at Tarro.

He then drove into the University, coming to a dead end where he fled on foot before being surrounded and arrested at gun point.

Police allege there was a large amount of stolen property in the car including 13 different registration plates, credit cards, a wallet and 5 mobile phones.

He's been charged with 10 offences and has been refused bail.

Officers swoop to arrest the man on the grounds of the University of Newcastle Picture: NBN News

Government Condemned Over Hunter Disability Service

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON AND EL FITCHETT

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has condemned the Federal Government for allegedly failing to uphold funding promises to the Hunter-based disability service Ability Links.

Ability Links was established in Newcastle in 2013 to assist people with a disability and their families engage with the community. The service has since expanded across New South Wales employing four hundred people.

Last week the New South Wales Budget Estimate revealed only $8.5 million of an expected $28.5 million was provided. The service is now reportedly set to close its doors in late October.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has called on the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward to ensure the Government honors its commitment to the service.

"This minister needs to hold his federal counterpart to account and fully fund this vital service and explain what he's done to make sure they honor their commitments so that Ability Links New South Wales does not stop servicing all those disabled people and all those hundreds of employees don't lose their jobs."

"Tens of thousands of families are being let down by the closure of Ability Links. To know that the Federal Government has failed to meet their funding commitment is just rubbing salt in the wound."

"This state government is tying to fob off its responsibility while the federal government has broken a promise. This treatment of some of the community's most vulnerable is absolutely abhorrent." says Mr Crakanthorp.

Emblem Belonging to Ability Links NSW

Hamilton's Historic Dwellings to be Preserved

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Hamilton's historic character will be preserved under Newcastle Council's Heritage Conservation Area plan, which is being backed by the State Government.

Protection of a four-block precinct has been approved by the Minister for Planning, and covers houses between Donald and Tudor Streets.

Terraced housing dating back as far as the 1850s is being recognised for historical significance, and will be a permanent feature of Hamilton for generations.

Amendments are being made to the Newcastle Local Environment Plan to ensure future developments, alterations, and additions complement the historic character of the suburb.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it's important to preserve the city's rich history.

“The Hamilton Residential Precinct is typical of the late Victorian and Federation periods in Newcastle’s urban development, featuring small lot housing of one or two storeys.

“Opening the railway and train station back in 1887 saw an influx of residents move from the city centre to Hamilton, and the style and age of the housing reflects this growth," she said.

It's hoped the plan will recognise and preserve the late-Victorian terraced character of houses in the area.

"The majority of the original Victorian and Edwardian housing stock has survived and many unique dwellings from the period are contained within the precinct," Mayor Nelmes said.

Mr Gilbert Horler's house in Cameron Street, Hamilton, taken by photographer Ralph Snowball c 1910, one of the streets covered by the Heritage Conservation Area. Image: Newcastle Region Library’s Hunter Photobank, Snowball Collection

Police Investigate Armed Robbery On Anna Bay Service Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens Police are investigating an armed robbery at Anna Bay.

Police say a man armed with a knife entered the Caltex Service Station on Nelson Bay Road at 11.15pm on Monday.

He threatened the female console operator, demanding cash and cigarettes.

She complied with the demand and the man fled from the store on foot.



The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 25-30, about 180cm tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a tan hooded jacket, dark pants, work boots and a dark and light coloured beanie.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station on 4983 7599 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.