Thursday 31 October 2019

Teenager Hands Himself In After High Speed Pursuit Near Cessnock

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager who allegedly led police on a high speed pursuit near Cessnock will front court next month after handing himself in.

Police say they spotted the 17-year-old driving a PT Chrysler Cruiser at excessive speed through the Hunter Economic Zone just after 6.00pm on Wednesday.

They initiated a pursuit when the car failed to stop.

But the driver came unstuck when he turned off Hospital Road into dense bushland at Kurri Kurri a short time later, reversing into two police cars before speeding away.

The Cruiser was found dumped at Pelaw Main.

While officers were waiting for a tow truck, the 17-year-old returned with a support person and was arrested.

He's been charged with Skyes Law and dangerous driving and has been granted conditional bail to face Kurri Kurri Local Court on November 26.






Wednesday 30 October 2019

Man Caught Red-Handed After Break-in At Raymond Terrace Pharmacy

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due front court today accused of stealing drugs from a Raymond Terrace pharmacy.

Police say patrons of a local hotel noticed a man kicking in the windows at the Cincotta Chemist on Benjamin Lee Drive just after 8.30pm on Tuesday.

Officers arrived a short time later and arrested a 22-year-old man from Raymond Terrace.

He was allegedly in possession of Benzodiazepine tranquilliser drugs taken from the pharmacy.

The man's been refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday) charged with break, enter and steal.




BREAKING! Firey Crash Involving Four Trucks On M1 At Halloran

BY IAN CROUCH

A fiery crash involving four trucks is causing major delays on the  M1 Pacific Motorway at Halloran on the Central Coast.

Newcastle Fire Command says a B-Double carrying Woolworths goods was travelling through the roadworks zone heading north just past the Sparks Road overpass at about 2.10am on Wednesday when it crashed into three work trucks that were stopped at the location.

The B-double caught alight with the fire quickly spreading to the other heavy vehicles involved in the crash.

Thankfully no-one has been injured.

The crash closed both sides of the M1 but the southbound lanes re-opened to traffic just after 4am, although there is a traffic queue of 5 kilometres.

Northbound lanes remain closed with diversions in place as firefighting operations continue.


Tuesday 29 October 2019

University charity Out(fit) launches Mobile Design Hub

BY SAMANTHA COOKE AND HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

A University of Newcastle based charity organisation has launched a new multipurpose trailer called 'Dotty' aid in bringing design assistance to regional New South Wales communities.

Out(fit), an initiative run through the School of Architecture and Built Environments, aims to provide save havens and facilities to underprivileged groups while simultaneously giving architecture and design students a chance to learn new skills in real world scenarios.

Thanks to a $123 000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the newly constructed multipurpose trailer will allow the organisation to facilitate mobile project management as well as community pop-up events to raise awareness and crowd-fund. 

Out(fit) Founder and Head of School of Architecture and Built Environment, Professor SueAnne Ware says Dotty will allow the organisation extend its reach to further communities and provides students with unique learning opportunities.

"Dotty allows us to go on the road and we already have a few places lined up in places like Taree and Windale." she says. 

Chair of Newcastle Permanent's Charitable Foundation Phil Neat said the foundation understands the importance for a project like this being initiated across regional New South Wales. 

"These people are marginalized, their isolated, or people who are looking for better community outcomes," he said.

Image belonging to Out(fit) 

Pair Charged Over Teen Sex Assault at Nelson Bay

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have charged two men over the alleged sexual touching of a teenager at Nelson Bay.

Investigations began in May in response to reports a 14-year-old girl had been sexually touched by two men she did not know.

On Monday afternoon, Port Stephens Hunter Police officers arrested a 36-year-old Salt Ash man.

It follows the arrest of a 31-year-old man at Port Macquarie last month.

Both men have been charged with three counts of intentionally sexually touching a child between the ages of 10 and 16.

It's alleged the pair sexually touched the teenager at a public toiler near Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, in February this year.

The Salt Ash man was refused bail and is due to face Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.

The younger man faced court after his arrest and was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at Port Macquarie Local Court next month.


Monday 28 October 2019

Students Protest for An End to Rape Culture

BY KEELY JOHNSON

Over 50 students and community members rallied outside Swansea High School this morning, to show their support for students condemning rape culture. 

Students Reece Hill, Ngara Kennedy, Natalia Nikolic and Marnie Hol organised the event after their teacher allegedly made comments suggesting that women’s choice of clothing could provoke sexual assault and that men constantly fight the urge to rape.

A video of the students having an argument with their teacher about the comments was posted on Thursday and has since received more than 117,000 views.

Reece Hill says the students involved had no intention to slander the school for one teachers actions, however, they are calling for the teacher to be fired. 

"We hope she will no longer be able to teach in school, we do not think that someone who has that mindset and think it's ok to teach these things should be around young and impressionable minds," said Hill. 

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has shown her support for the students and is calling for the Department of Education to conduct a 'transparent' and 'thorough' investigation into the incident. 

"I am so proud of these young people being active today," Yasmin Catley said, "We want our young people to have a voice and be independent thinkers and that is exactly what was demonstrated today."

Catley says there is an urgent need to end 'rape culture' and begin teaching about 'respectful relationships' in the classroom. 

"We need to end the culture of victim blaming and what we've been reminded of by the comments from the students is that rape is not caused by a woman wearing a short skirt, rape is caused by rapists," said Catley. 

2NURFM understands the Department of Education has launched an investigation into the incident. 

Swansea High School students at the protest this morning. Imaged sourced from the ABC.

Crews Battle Fire At Warners Bay Indian Restaurant

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are mopping up a fire an Indian restaurant at Warners Bay.

5 fire engines were called to the Bay Of India on the corner of King and John Street just before 6.30am on Monday to find a fire in the rear storage area.

They've managed to contain the blaze to restaurant and prevent it spreading to nearby shops.







Saturday 26 October 2019

UPDATE: Martinsville Fire Downgraded to Advice

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL


UPDATE:

A fire burning at Martinsville has been downgraded to Advice alert level as conditions ease.

Residents of Martinsville and Cooranbong should continue to monitor the situation.

The latest information is available at the RFS website.

EARLIER:

Residents of Martinsville and Cooranbong, particularly those living around Kings Road and Matthews Valley Road, are being advised to put their bushfire survival plans into action.

The Martinsville fire remains at Watch and Act level and predicted thunderstorms and a wind change could cause the fire to behave erratically later in the evening.

The blaze is currently burning towards Martinsville and Cooranbong.

Firefighters are still working to protect homes currently under threat on Watagan and Pringles Roads.


Meanwhile, firefighters have gained the upper hand over a bushfire which has burned through 8 hectares of land at Kearsley.

The blaze has been downgraded to Advice level and firefighters will remain on scene tonight to retain control.

Residents should remain alert for any changes to the situation via the RFS website.


EARLIER:

Out of control bushfires at Kearsley and Martinsville have been upgraded to Watch and Act advice level.

The fire at Kearsley is burning near Congewai Street and Lake Road and is heading in a south easterly direction towards Kearsley Road, fanned by strong winds.

Kearsley residents are advised to be prepared for spot fires sparked by embers which may threaten homes earlier than the main fire front.

The Martinsville fire is burning on Watagan Road and spreading quickly due to strong and gusty winds.

Properties on Watagan Road and Pringles Road are under threat, with firefighters on scene working to control the fire.

The blaze is burning in an easterly direction towards the township of Martinsville and has so far burned through 124 hectares.

Residents of both areas should have a plan in place for if the fire reaches their property.

For the latest information, visit the Rural Fire Service website.



Thursday 24 October 2019

Suspicious car fires in Charlestown

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Two cars were set alight overnight, and Lake Macquarie Police District believe the incidents are linked.

The first occurred sometime between 5.30pm and 8pm yesterday, at which time police have been told a Hyundai i30 was found on fire at a home on Whitburn Close, Charlestown.

Neighbours and Fire and Rescue NSW assisted in extinguishing the blaze, and police were called to the scene to investigate.

While at this home, police received reports of another vehicle, a Subaru Forester, alight on Merran Avenue, Charlestown.

They were told the owner noticed his vehicle was on fire and extinguished the blaze.

He then noticed two separate small fires at the sides of his home, which were also extinguished.

Police are calling on anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from around these times in the area.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Belmont Police on 4922 8899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lake Macquarie Police District Duty Officer, Chief Inspector David Matthews, said this is a timely reminder for residents to revisit their home security.

“Always try to park vehicles inside a garage where possible, never leave valuables inside your car and in plain sight, and always remember to lock the door before walking away. These may seem like simple reminders but they can help you avoid becoming a victim of crime,” Inspector Matthews said.



BREAKING! Driver Killed in Killingworth Crash

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are investigating the circumstances of a fatal crash at Killingworth on Wednesday night.

Shortly before midnight a vehicle left the M1 Pacific Motorway near O'Donnelltown Road and crashed into bushland, catching fire in the process.

The driver, who is yet to be identified, died at the scene.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

At 4 o'clock Thursday morning, one of two northbound lanes of the M1 remained closed.


Wednesday 23 October 2019

Police Investigate Fatal House Fire At Aberglasslyn

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died and two other people have been injured in a house fire at Aberglasslyn.

Emergency services were called to a single level brick and tile home in Peppertree Circuit just after 8.30 last night.

Firefighters initially had trouble accessing the home due to intense heat.

Police say the body of a man was found inside - he is yet to be formally identified.

A woman and a teenage boy were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Fire Crews Battle The Flames At Aberglasslyn Picture: theherald.com.au

Monday 21 October 2019

Inquest Into Death Of Teenage Boy From Appendicitis Opens In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

The mother of a 13-year-old boy who died from complications arising from undiagnosed appendicitis in the Hunter New England Health Region says she's still trying to understand how he could've died from a completely treatable condition in the 21st century.

Luca Thomas Raso died in February 2017 after a Mid North Coast GP  diagnosed him with viral gastronenteritis - he'd been vomiting and feeling generally unwell for 2 days prior to seeing the doctor.

When his symptoms didn't improve 2 days later, Luca went back to the GP who confirmed the original diagnosis. Three days later, Lucas collapsed at home and died hours later in hospital.

An autopsy found Luca had a perforated appendix and developed gangrenous peritonitis.

A 4 day inquest into his death starts today at Newcastle Local Court.

Luca's mother, Michelle Degenhart hopes the inquest will shed light on why he died.

“My energetic, loving and wise Luca died of a completely treatable condition in 21st century Australia. I have spent the past two and half years trying to understand how this could happen and I’m hoping that a coronial inquest can help stop it happening to another family. I know that’s what Luca would want,” Ms Degenhardt said.

Luca Thomas Raso Picture: Michelle Degenhardt









Friday 18 October 2019

HMRI Trial to HeLP with Back Pain

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

One in six Australian's suffer from chronic back pain but a new collaborative trial is aiming to produce a more holistic approach health that challenges traditional treatment methods.

The program, titled HeLP Program for Low Back Pain is currently searching for participants to volunteer.

Hunter New England Population Health's musculoskeletal health team, with the University of Newcastle, and Hunter Medical Research Institute are working together to address issues within the current model of back pain treatment.

The integrated approach will also be working with the John Hunter Hospital's physiotherapy/outpatient department to help patients become more informed and plan for their long-term health.

The trial will focus on more than just back pain, with Research Fellow and program lead, Dr Chris Williams stating that traditional single approach treatments may not be effective.

"Chronic low back pain has many potential causes including lifestyle behaviours like excess weight, smoking, inactivity and the foods you eat,” he said.

“However many people do not receive advice and support to change these when they seek care, and they often end up neglecting their other health needs."

The HeLP  trial program will attempt a new approach to aiding patients with chronic back issues by considering the patient's pain in conjecture with their overall health.

The program is open to volunteers who have had ongoing lower back pain for more than three months and also have trouble with smoking, weight, and healthy eating.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the HeLP program you can contact the musculoskeletal health team at HNELHD-MSK@health.nsw.gov.au 

Image result for hmri logo

Thursday 17 October 2019

Former Employee Charged Over Alleged $40,000 Fraud

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man will face court next month accused of defrauding a Broadmeadow business of almost $40,000.

Last month, detectives began investigating a number of alleged fraudulent transactions conducted at a Lang Street business over the 12 month period from September 2018 to September 2019.

 A 48-year-old man presented to Newcastle Police Station on Wednesday following extensive inquiries.

The former employee of the business is accused of fraudulently obtaining just over $38, 620.

The man has been charged with stealing more than $15,000 as a clerk or servant and dishonestly obtaining property by deception. 

He was granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on November 28.


Graeme Lawrence Handed Eight Year Sentence for Sexual Abuse

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Former Anglican Dean of Newcastle, Graeme Lawrence, has been sentenced to eight years in gaol for sexual assaulting a teenage boy in the early 1990s.

Lawrence was found guilty in June of sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault on a person under 16.

The 77-year-old will spend at least 4 years and 6 months behind bars for abusing the 15-year-old at the Christ Church Cathedral deanery in 1991.

City of Newcastle stripped Lawrence of his Freeman of the City and Citizen of the Year awards following his conviction.

Image: ABC



Man Charged over Alleged Knifepoint Robbery


BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man is due to face court today over his alleged role in a West Wallsend armed robbery.

Police say the 28-year-old was armed with a knife when he entered a store on Carrington Street just before 11 o'clock Wednesday morning.

He is accused of threatening a female employee at the store and demanding cash before fleeing the scene in a Toyota Camry with alleged stolen number plates.

While Lake Macquarie police officers responded to the incident, the man's alleged getaway vehicle was noticed travelling at speed by Highway Patrol officers.

Officers pulled the car over and spoke with the driver before searching the vehicle, in which they allegedly located clothing and cash.

The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where officers charged him with robbery whilst armed, goods in custody and two counts of fraud.






Wednesday 16 October 2019

Safety Report Bans Cyclists from Scott Street

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Cyclists have been banned from riding on the 350 meter mixed running section of the Newcastle light rail track on Scott Street, following a safety review released by Transport New South Wales.

The review has raised the risk-rating of cyclists tyres getting caught in the tracks to "intolerable", an upgrade from the findings of initial safety audits which deemed the risk as "medium or high".

The report recommends eight actions to be completed within the next twelve months to improve safety including,"installing appropriate signage to warn cyclists of the risk" and for "Transport NSW to work with the City of Newcastle to provide alternate routes."

Transport NSW has said they will additionally investigate emerging technologies which could be trialed to increase safety.

Following the death of cyclist, Danny Egan in July this year, calls have been made to rapidly improve safety for cyclists in Newcastle's CBD.

Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is calling on the Liberal Government to prioritize the funding and building of a safe east-west route for cyclists.

"In the immediate sense getting people off that cycle way is legitimate, however they need to put the resources and the time into working with council to get a solution as soon as possible for the East-West cycle way," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"It simply not good enough to take them off then not provide money and fund the East-West cycle way."

Mr Crakanthorp says the State Government failed to consider cyclists in their revitalization of the CBD.

"They made a public image of lots of cycle ways, but they didn't put any money into any. We don't have any effectively, and tragically people are getting injured and we've even had someone die," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"People were breaking their bones and people were falling of bikes, according to the report they weren't registered however it was certainly in the public sphere and the Government have acted too little too late."

    Image Source: Lakes Mail

BREAKING! Firefighters Battling Blaze At Wallsend Car Yard

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are battling a blaze at a Wallsend car yard.

Crews from Wallsend and Cardiff were called to reports of a building fire at the Sell My Car yard in John Street, arriving just after 3.30am on Wednesday to find 4 cars on fire.

They initially had difficulties accessing the yard and were still at work extinguishing the cars at 4.30am.

Newcastle Fire Command say a building on the site has not been impacted by the blaze.

Police and ambulance have also been called to the location.


Tuesday 15 October 2019

Man Faces Court Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Five-year-old girl in the Hunter



A man will re-appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in the Hunter region.

In August 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a five-year-old girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.

Following extensive investigations, a 45-year-old man was arrested at a home at Cooranbong about 10.30am on Thursday 10 October 2019.

The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with intentionally carry out sexual act with child under 10 years, intentional incite child under 10 years to do sexual act to them, and intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years.

The man appeared at Toronto Local Court last Thursday, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Tuesday 15 October 2019).

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au





Monday 14 October 2019

Nabbed While Napping: Alleged Offender Found Sleeping in Stolen Car

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Hunter parolee is likely wishing he was dreaming after being discovered fast asleep inside a stolen car.

Shortly after 7 o'clock Monday morning, the 21-year-old was woken by police investigating reports a stolen Mazda 3 was parked on Mordue Parade at Jesmond.

He was found asleep, wearing gloves, in the front seat of the car.

Police arrested the man and seized three knives, multiple sets of gloves and a face mask from his pockets.

The Rutherford man, who was on parole and already on conditional bail for a separate offence, was refused bail to face court on Monday charged with three offences.

Police say the car was stolen during a break and enter on Kitchener Parade at The Hill on Friday night.

Investigations into the break and enter incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle Police 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


Concerns For Missing East Maitland Man

BY IAN CROUCH

Police hold grave concerns for the welfare of an East Maitland man who hasn't been seen since last last week.

47-year-old Gavin McDermott was last seen by his neighbour in Macrae Crescent last Wednesday and police believe his disappearance is out of character.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180 centimetres tall with a thin build, brown eyes and brown hair.

He could be driving a 2008 White Toyota Prado with the NSW registration number CEQ 39Y.

Anyone who knows Gavin's whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police.


Missing: Gavin McDermott


Friday 11 October 2019

Hunter Climate Summit Demands Action

By MEGHAN RICHARDSON

The Hunter's biggest climate meeting was held at the University of Newcastle's Wollotuka Institute on Friday. 

More than one hundred community members met alongside local scientific, policy and activist experts to discuss the effects of climate change and explore possible solutions.

The summit offered a chance for local voices that are not usually represented to be heard, with leaders from community groups like local businesses, First Nations, emergency services, LGBTQIA groups, the media and many more.

Keynote speaker for the event, Greg Mullins, said the focus of the summit was taking local action.

"We're working out what can be done about climate change and not taking 'no' as an answer from our national government."

Mr Mullins, the former NSW Commissioner for Fire and Rescue, said he has firsthand experience with the effect of global warming.

"I've been fighting fires since 1972," said Mr Mullins, who has worked in Newcastle, California, Spain and France.

"Look, worldwide the bush-fire problem is getting worse, but particularly here in Australia. We're getting longer fire seasons, and overlapping fire seasons with other states that's stopping us sharing resources." Mr Mullins noted.

"It's all driven by climate change so we must take action now."

The summit addressed the impacts of climate change on vulnerable people in the Hunter and members discussed a short term plan for climate action moving forward.

Image MJF Productions



Thursday 10 October 2019

Government Promises to Halve Homelessness as Part of World Homeless Day

BY TYLER FARDELL


The State Government is promising to halve the number of people sleeping on the street by 2025 as part of World Homeless Day.

Effective programs which have housed more than 550 rough sleepers in Sydney are now being rolled out to regional areas like Newcastle and Tweed Heads.

Assertive outreach services provides housing for people doing it tough and attempts to 'break the cycle' of homelessness.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward says the outreach services go beyond just finding housing for people.

"What assertive outreach does is family community services staff go out onto the streets and find people who are homeless. They not only find them a home but they seek to provide them the services needed to break the cycle", he said.

These services include programs to overcome factors like mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems and unemployment.

"More than 90 percent of people that we have housed in Sydney have sustained their tenancies and are turning their lives around".

The Government will also undertake the first, comprehensive state-wide count on street sleepers early next year in order to get a more complete picture about the situation.

Source; ABC.net.au


UPDATE: Missing Woman Located Safe and Well

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A woman reported missing in the Lake Macquarie area has been found safe and well.

Following police inquiries, Skye Conway was located at Cooranbong around 9:30 on Friday morning.

The 37-year-old was reported missing on Thursday after leaving a Cooranbong home on Wednesday night.


EARLIER:

Police are seeking the public's help to find a woman missing from Lake Macquarie.

37-year-old Skye Conway left a home at Cooranbong around 11:30 on Wednesday night and hasn't been seen since.

Her family hold concerns for her welfare due to medical reasons.

Skye is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, with a thin build, blonde hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black singlet, grey track pants and polka dot socks.

Skye is also known to have connections in Sydney's south, in the Cronulla area.

Anyone who has seen Skye or knows of her whereabouts is urged to contact police.



Allegedly Stolen Goods Worth $50,000 Uncovered at Belmont

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have discovered a stockpile of stolen goods at Lake Macquarie believed to be worth roughly $50,000.

Detectives investigating a string of alleged copper thefts across the region searched a Belmont home two weeks ago, on Wednesday, September 25.

Officers discovered more than 50 allegedly stolen items during the search of the Arlington Street home, including a field line marker, floor sander, concrete cutter, high pressure cleaner and ceiling projector.

Police are now hoping to identify the owners of the stolen items.

Anyone with information about the thefts or who believes the items may belong to them can contact Belmont Police Station on 4922 8899.



Wednesday 9 October 2019

Help Needed to Identify Trevor's "Angel of Mercy"

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A cyclist who was hit by a vehicle and left by the side of the road at Tarro last year has taken to social media to find the woman who saved his life.

Exactly one year ago, on October 9th, 2018, Trevor Simmons was riding in the bike lane on the New England Highway when he was struck by a vehicle and knocked unconscious.

About an hour later, an unknown woman wearing a red top noticed Trevor lying in the drain and stopped to help, calling an ambulance and waiting with him until they arrived.

Twelve months to the day, Trevor is hoping to find his "Angel of Mercy" to say thank you.

Trevor Simmons is hoping to find the woman in red who stopped to help him (Click to enlarge). Image: Facebook


Tuesday 8 October 2019

Pair Extradited to Hunter Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man and woman have been extradited from Queensland over the alleged historical sexual abuse of a child in the Hunter.

In November 2016, Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives began investigating reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man and woman known to her.

After almost three years of investigations, the 59-year-old man and 36-year-old woman were arrested at North Lakes, near Brisbane, on Thursday before being escorted to New South Wales where they briefly faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday.

The pair is accused of sexually abusing a young girl, aged between 9 and 10 at the time, on several occasions.

It's also alleged the man abused the girl again fourteen months later in January 2016.

The pair are due to face court again on Tuesday.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.



Friday 4 October 2019

Three Charged Over Lake Macquarie Drug Supply

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have charged two men and a woman for their alleged roles in the supply of prohibited drugs across Lake Macquarie.

Following extensive inquiries launched in July this year, Strike Force Birs detectives made three arrests on Thursday morning.

Around 9 o'clock the Police Dog unit assisted officers in searching a home on Park Street at Argenton.

A short time later, a 25-year-old Barnsley man was arrested at a home on Ellesmere Street at Booragul and crime scenes were established at both addresses.

A search of the homes uncovered a slingshot, ammunition and various quantities of drugs, predominantly methamphetamine and GHB, all of which were seized by police.

A 24-year-old Teralba man and a 27-year-old Argenton woman were also arrested during investigations.

Both men have been charged with numerous drug supply offences, while the woman was charged with drug possession and possessing a prohibited weapon.

The Barnsley man has been refused bail to face court today, while his alleged associates will face court on October 16.

Strike Force Birs investigations are ongoing.









Man Arrested After Stealing Brand New Car From Charlestown Toyota Dealership

BY IAN CROUCH

An alleged car thief has got more than he bargained for after stealing a brand new vehicle from a car carrier at a Gateshead dealership.

Police say around 1.30am on Friday the man got hold of the keys to a Toyota utility which was on the carrier in Arnhem Close behind Charlestown Toyota on the Pacific Highway.

However, the vehicle had been placed in standby mode at the factory, meaning it could only be driven at very low speed.

Police spotted the ute and followed it to Scenic Drive Merewether where they arrested a 29-year-old man.

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




Thursday 3 October 2019

Changes to Lock-Out Laws Not Necessary Say Advocates

BY EDIE DIEMAR

Proponents of Newcastle’s lockout laws say the state government’s interest in repealing the laws is built on misconstrued information.

The calls come after a NSW parliamentary committee recommended a review of Sydney lockout laws introduced in 2014.

State government MPs have suggested relaxing the decade old laws would boost Newcastle’s late night economy.

However, a September report by Ingenium Research for the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors says Newcastle’s bars and pubs account for 14 per cent of the night time economy, almost double NSW and Australian ratios

Alcohol harm prevention campaigner, Tony Brown says repealing the laws would send Newcastle back to “the bloodbath it once was”

Mr Brown claims the parliamentary committee report cherry picked information and was not specific to Newcastle.

“Unfortunately what we’ve seen in the last few days in Newcastle is a bending of the truth,” he said

“The reality is the Sydney parliamentary inquiry term of reference never included Newcastle.”

The Newcastle lockout laws were established in 2008 and still hold the support of Hunter police and medical professionals.

In August last year the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) published a review into the laws which suggested keeping the current 1.30 AM lockout but did recommend some changes around alcohol service times.

Mr Brown says he’s surprised the government is considering changing the laws just over 12 month on from the ILGA review.

“It’s absolutely crystal clear that the alcohol industry and their bedfellows in politics are behind the threat to reduce Newcastle conditions,” he said.

The law changes are still being considered and unlikely to happen until after a softening of similar laws in Sydney.

Image: The Newcastle Herald/ACM

Newcastle Nurse honored with Judith Meppen Lifetime Achievement Award

BY KEELY JOHNSON

Newcastle Nurse Marion Hawker joined just 12 other award recipients at the annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, where she received the prestigious Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award.

The local Clinical Nurse Consultant was recognised for her 25 year career as a diabetes educator and her instrumental role in developing new ways of providing contemporary care in the community.

The winners were chosen from 43 finalists, across 12 categories ranging from clinical leadership to innovation in research.

"They had awards for all nursing criteria, from enrolled nurses to registered nurses, managers and researchers" said Hawker.

"I think a lifetime achievement award is recognising someone who has had a long career and achieved a lot during that career."

The Clinical Nurse Consultant said she was amazed, humbled and a bit emotional to receive the award at such a prestigious event.

"Its great to be recognised but its also about being a team player and I have a very accomplished and remarkable group of people that I work with."

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard presented the awards to the 2019 winners at the ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday.

"These nurses and midwives go above and beyond to provide excellent care to patients," Mr Hazzard said.

"Some have devoted lifelong careers to healthcare, others are launching their career- and all of the 2019 award winners have made an outstanding contribution to the busiest public health system in Australia."



Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Marion Hawker and Secretary NSW Health Elizabeth Koff.

Elderly Man Rushed to JHH After Collision With Car

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

An elderly man has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car at Charlestown.

Shortly after 11 o'clock Thursday morning, emergency crews were called to the Frederick Street carpark at Charlestown Square to find three people had been injured in a collision involving four vehicles and a pedestrian.

NSW Ambulance reports the man, aged in his 80s, has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with lower leg fractures.

Two other patients were treated at the scene by paramedics, one for a chest injury and a dislocated left shoulder while the third patient suffered a head injury.

A crime scene has been established.