Police Investigate Whitebridge Home Invasion

Police are investigating after an aggravated break and enter at Whitebridge overnight.

Police have been told a 26-year-old man was inside a home on Nicole Close about 8.40pm (Sunday 30 August 2020), when two men – armed with knives – forced entry to the home.

The pair – dressed in dark clothing with their faces covered – demanded cash and personal items before stealing the man’s white Holden Colorado, which was parked outside the home.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were called and have commenced an investigation.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 8.30pm and 9pm last night, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to contact police.

Snake Bite Victim Recovering In John Hunter Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is recovering in the John Hunter Hospital after he was bitten by what's believed to be a death adder.

The man in his 50's was bushwalking at Seal Rocks on Saturday morning when he was attacked.

He managed to walk for 20 minutes to Treachery Camp Ground where he was able to get mobile phone service and call for help.

He reported feeling nauseous, dizzy and hot.

The man was stablised by a Critical Care Team before being flown to hospital by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Fire Crews Conducting Hazard Reduction Burns Around Bonnells Bay, Residents Urged to Prepare

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Fire and Rescue NSW crews from the Central Coast will be conducting a hazard reduction burn today (Monday 31st August), around Bonnells Bay, in the Lake Macquarie area.

The burn is scheduled to run from 10am for a number of hours and smoke is expected in the vicinity.

Residents in the area are advised to take the following precautions:

- Ensure windows and doors are closed to help prevent smoke entering their homes.
- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns.
- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage.
- Remove washing from clotheslines.
- Ensure pets have a protected area.
- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on.
- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety.
- People with asthma or lung conditions are advised to reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

Fire crews after advising anyone who spots a fire that is unattended, to call Triple Zero (000).

University of Newcastle Launches Australian First Program, Allowing Refugees Early Access To Law Degrees

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The University of Newcastle has launched Australia’s first scheme to offer people from a refugee background the opportunity to gain early entry to study Law.

The Refugee Early Entry Scheme considers a person’s whole experience, including a range of measures beyond results at school or tertiary admission rank.

Successful applicants are accepted into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined degree program before sitting their final Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, reducing the pressures associated with the transition to higher education. 

Associate Professor with Newcastle Law School, Amy Maguire, said people from refugee backgrounds had a range of diverse experiences to bring to legal study and practice.

“There are many people in our communities from refugee and migrant backgrounds who will benefit from legal representation by people who share lived experiences and cultural knowledge,” Associate Professor Maguire said.

“Widening participation is a core value at the University of Newcastle and we want to support motivated and talented students, regardless of their background or circumstances, who might not otherwise have gained access to our programs.

“Our whole Law School is enriched by the increasing diversity of our student body, so our early entry schemes really increase success for all.”

The sector-leading scheme is the Law School’s second offering in this space, following the establishment of the Indigenous Early Entry Scheme, which has admitted 20 Indigenous students into Law since commencing in 2017.

Indigenous students now comprise five per cent of the undergraduate Law cohort.

Gabby Hinchey, a proud Gamilaraay woman from Tamworth gained entry to Law via the Indigenous Early Entry Scheme and said it had been life changing. 

“I’ve always had my sights set on studying at the University of Newcastle so it was such a weight off my shoulders and a transformational moment to be accepted through the Early Entry Scheme,” Gabby said.

“To people considering applying for the Scheme, my advice is to go for it."

Newcastle Law School is inviting applications from eligible students currently preparing for their Higher School Certificate or enrolled in an enabling program at the University of Newcastle to apply for entry to the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined.  

Law student, Gabby Hinchey

Fire Breaks Out in Merewether Unit

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Fire crews are investigating the cause of a blaze which broke out in a unit on Watkins Street, Merewether on Friday.

Crews arrived at the scene just after 12.10pm, following reports of a fire on the third floor of a unit block, to find one unit well alight and black smoke billowing from the building.

There was smoke, heat and water damage to one unit, with crews bringing the fire under control at around 1.00pm.

There are no reports of injuries, with all residents accounted for.

Police and Fire Investigation Units are yet to determine the cause of fire.

Vandals Set Fire to Car in Middle of South Wallsend Oval

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Vandals have overnight set fire to a car in the middle of the South Wallsend Junior Soccer Club oval. 

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is urging anyone who saw something or has any information about the incident to contact her office or Newcastle Police. 

"Another senseless act of vandalism has ruined yet another sporting facility," Ms Hornery said in social media post.

"Overnight, some moron has decided that the middle of the South Wallsend Junior Soccer Club oval would be the best place to set fire to a car."

"Let's hope that Newcastle City Police District and City of Newcastle can get this mess cleaned up quickly so the kids can get on the field this weekend."

Blacksmith Beach Now Open to All, With Accessibility Upgrades Complete

BY KEELY JOHNSON

A $380,000 accessibility upgrade at Blacksmiths Beach means people of all abilities now have the chance to enjoy Lake Macquarie's coastline.

Construction included the installation of an all-access ramp, pathway and viewing platform at the high point of the foredunes, overlooking the water.

Community Planner Ageing and Disability Jennifer Linton-Webb said the works provided beach access to wheelchair and mobility aid users, people with prams and other people who had difficulty walking on soft sand.

“Improving access to beaches and waterways not only helps us achieve that goal – it means people with disability have the chance to enjoy simple pleasures that many people living close to the coast take for granted,” said Jennifer Linton-Webb.

A separate buggy access path to the beach has also been installed, providing access for the wheelchair buggies available to hire free of charge during the beach season.

“One of the key focus areas of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan is creating livable communities for everyone,” said Jennifer Linton-Webb.

The access-ways and viewing platform were made with fiberglass reinforced plastic mesh, designed to withstand the harsh beach environment.

    

          Wheelchair user Angela Barry at Blacksmiths Beach new all-access ramp.

Newcastle-Born Greater Bank Marks 75th Anniversary, Planting 75 Thousand Trees Across Hunter and State

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle-born, Greater Bank is marking its 75-year anniversary by planting 75,000 trees across regional NSW over the next 12 months.

Greater Bank CEO, Scott Morgan, says  45,000 trees and plants will be planted at key locations around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and Port Stephens.

These include; 

·         Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

·         Wallsend Wetlands

·         Cockle Creek, Lake Macquarie

·         King Edward Park, Newcastle

·         Bull and Tourle Street Reserve, Mayfield West

·         Heaton Park and Maclure Reserve, Jesmond

·         Wallsend Park and Ironbark Creek, Wallsend

·         North Creek, Warners Bay

·         Williams Valley, Dungog

·         Luskintyre

The remaining will be planted across other regions within Greater Bank’s area of operation, including Central Coast, Illawarra, Dubbo, Tamworth and Tweed Heads.

“This project has been many months in the making, which has included working closely with local councils and other environmental groups to select the most appropriate sites for the planting. These groups have also provided valuable direction as to the types and species of plants to ensure they complement and support the local habitats,” Mr Morgan said.

“Once completed the project will have a significant impact on the local environments. Beyond the flora regeneration of the respective sites, collectively, the 75,000 trees will have the capacity to absorb 1,650,000kgs of carbon dioxide each year. That offsets 97 people per year and emissions from 600 cars.

Joining the launch is 13-year-old, Gigi Hubber, who features in Greater Bank’s recently launched 75th anniversary campaign. The Charlestown-based high school student is extremely passionate about the environment, and reinforced why projects like this are so important, particularly to our younger generations.

“From a young age my parents showed me documentaries and books about the environment and as I’ve got older, I’ve realised that we need to do more to protect it,” Gigi said.

“We need to inform people, older and younger generations, about the impacts we are having every day and how we need to change our ways before it’s too late.

“It makes me feel really happy seeing companies not just focusing on money, but actually giving back to the community and focusing on making the world a better place.”

Image Credit: Mashable

Hazard Reduction Burns Planned In The Hunter This Weekend

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters hope to take advantage of favourable weather over the next few days to carry out hazard reduction burns in the Hunter.

A 13 hectare burn gets under way today (Friday 28 August, 2020) off Kanimbla Drive at Salamander Bay; a 7 hectare and a 38 hectare burn is planned for Shoal Bay and West Fingal tomorrow.

A 115 hectare hazard reduction burn is planned in bushland, in Werakata National Park, near Abermain and Sawyers Gully,  adjacent to First Street, Lovedale on Saturday.

Anyone driving in the area, particularly on Old Maitland Road, are advised to use caution and respect temporary traffic control measures. 

Expected north-west winds on Saturday and cool evening conditions may see some smoke move to the Abermain and Cessnock areas overnight. 

Werakata National Park’s road and trail closures will include Native Dog Hill Road, London’s Road, Foresters Hut Trail, Kings Trail, First Street and Gibson’s Loop in the south. Resident access will be maintained during operations, subject to onsite conditions.  

RFS crews will also light up 27 hectares off the Link Road between Cameron Park Drive and Minmi Road tomorrow.

A 38 hectare burn is planned for Rhonda Road at Wakefield on Sunday and Monday, while NSW firefighters will be at St Joseph's south of Toronto from Sunday.

More burns are planned at Floralia Close at Blackbutt, Noamunga Reserve at Boat Harbour, Narara Road south of Coooranbong  and the M1 Pacific Motorway and George Booth Drive at Seahampton next Tuesday.

A number of hazard reduction burns are planned in the Hunter this weekend Picture: National Parks

Hunter Labor MPs HIt Back At Premier's Train Manufacturing Comments

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Labor MP's have hit out over the Premier's comments about the state's train building ability, describing them as an insult.

Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney that Australia and NSW are not good at making trains, which is why they have to be purchased offshore.

NSW Labor Leader and former Newcastle MP, Jodi McKay says the Premier's comments are offensive to train building and other industries with a proud history in regions including the Hunter .

Swansea MP and Deputy Labor Leader, Yasmin Catley says the Premier has ignored the Hunter's proud ship and train building history, especially the Tangara carriages built in the 1980's by Goninans at Broadmeadow.

"..which are still running today on the tracks around NSW. The Premier has really demonstrated that she does not understand manufacturing. She's insulted those incredibly skilled workers that we have around this state, particularly those in the Hunter and, quite frankly, she's not up for her job if that's her view," she said.

Goninans (now UGL) built more than 450 Tangara carriages between 1987 and 1995. All but 8 are still in service and have been upgraded with the interiors repainted and new seating upholstery and handrails installed in 2010.

The Newcastle-built Tangara is still in service on Sydney's Rail Network Picture: busaustralia.com

Environment Minister Orders Immediate Clean Up of Rutherford's Truegain Site

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Environment Minister Matt Kean has become to first NSW Environment Minister to issue a prohibition notice, ordering the owner of the former Truegain waste oil refinery site in Rutherford to clean up the site of face prosecution from the Environmental Protection agency.

The prohibition notice requires the all storages of waste or substances that could pose a risk to the environment or human health to be removed from the site. 

“The owner of this site has been given ample opportunities to fix this mess, but now enough is enough, it’s time we use every power we have to protect the environment and the local community.” Mr Kean said.

“After seeing it for myself, it is clear the Truegain site has been left in a terrible mess and it needs to be cleaned up.”

The Minister says numerous opportunities have been afforded the owner, including one last month, to provide submissions to the EPA in relation to the site and about this Prohibition Notice.

The EPA has also issued 18 penalty notices to Truegain, successfully prosecuting the company twice in the NSW Land & Environment Court.

The EPA also suspended Truegain’s environment protection licence in 2016 and revoked its licence on 5 January 2018 and ordered the landowner to remove all liquid from the premises’ spill containment system and lawfully dispose of it, and then do so again within 48 hours of any rainfall event.

The EPA is now monitoring the condition of the site during rain events and is arranging for removal and lawful disposal of contaminated wastewater as needed to prevent any discharge of contaminated water to the environment.

Mr Kean said non-compliance with the Notice, which requires removal of all stored waste at the site, may result in prosecution by the EPA.

“I want to make sure the community can have confidence that sites are properly maintained and rehabilitated and that all necessary action is taken to prioritise the health of the community and protection of the environment,” Mr Kean said.

Hunter Residents Encouraged to Donate Tents to Help Homeless

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are being urged to search their garages and sheds for unused tents and donate them to a new Tents for Homelessness initiative to help the homeless get a roof over their heads.

Local agent Chad Dunn and Mulligan Property Group started the tent drive in an effort combat rising rates of homeless in the Hunter - around 2700 people are estimated to be homeless, an increase of 22 percent since 2011.

Mulligan Property Group is currently using their Nelson Street office as a local drop-off point for donations.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while serious work needed to be done to manage the issue of homelessness in the Hunter, these efforts would help the homeless in the meantime until they could could find safe and secure long-term accommodation.

"Whilst the end goal of connecting people with the necessary services and support to ultimately be housed is a priority, for many there are nights spent rough sleeping until arrangements can be made," said Ms Hornery.

"It's a wonderful initiative, I really support it, and I'm hoping our local community goes and has a look in their backyards for tents or in their garages and sheds to see what they can find."

New or used tents can be donated at Mulligan Property Group's office at 108 Nelson Street, Wallsend.

Image credit: pixabay.com

Hunter Corrective Services Employee Charged Over Inappropriate Relationship

BY IAN CROUCH

A Corrective Services employee who works at a gaol in the Hunter region is due to face court next month accused of having a sexual relationship with a former inmate.

In June, Detectives from Strike Force Canopus began investigating an alleged inappropriate relationship between a female employee and a 56-year-old man while he was an inmate at the gaol.

Officers arrested a 52-year-old woman at a Muswellbrook home on Thursday August 27, 2020.

The woman, who works as a Service and Programs Officer, has been charged with engage in relationship with inmate cause safety risk and engage in sexual conduct compromise sentence.

She's been granted strict conditional bail to face Muswellbrook Local Court on September 21.

Her employment has been suspended.

The woman was arrested at a Muswellbrook home Picture: NSW Police

Local Artists Can Register Now To Be Part Of 'Live Spots' Project, Bringing Life to Newcastle Streets

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

A new initiative aims to brighten up Newcastle business precincts with live performance and entertainment.

The Hamilton Business Improvement Association launched stage one of the Live Spots Project on Thursday, focusing on encouraging new performers post-lockdown.

"It will put on live performances in specific sites all around the city and provide some employment opportunities post-lockdown for artists," Deputy Project Lead Joe Relic says.

Four spots have been chosen for the first stage of the project but more sites are expected to be activated in the future.

The current sites for stage one will be Hamilton's James Street Plaza, Darby Street's Headphone sculpture, Wallsend's Rotunda Park and Victoria Street in Mayfield.

Mr Relic says anyone interested in becoming a part of the initiative can visit the livespots.com.au website.

"Musicians, street performers or even a painting artist who would like to put their hand up to paint a mural at one of the sites, can go to the site to express their interest and register on a data base so we can begin to book you."

"Our ultimate objective is to have dozens of spots across the city that are coordinated to feature a wide range of musicians, genres and styles and work within larger city-wide tourism, events and cultural landscape."

James Street Plaza in Hamilton

Staff Intimidated By Thief At Kotara Tool Store

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are searching for a man and an accomplice involved in a brazen stealing and intimidation of staff at a Kotara tool shop.

A man walked into the Sydney Tools store on Northcott Drive at about 5.00pm on Wednesday and grabbed a Milwaukee Nail Gun valued at $699 from a display case and ran off.

Two male staff members aged 23 and 30 gave chase and caught up with the man in a nearby car park but he turned and told them he would stab them with a syringe.

He was joined by another male and the pair fled.

Maitland Councillors Kept Accountable For Online Content, Member Comes Forward As Website Owner

BY TAHLIA HALE.

Maitland Council has passed a motion to ensure Councillors are kept accountable for the content they post online.

Councillor Ben Mitchell called for the motion to be passed, after he saw a rise in unofficial 'news' websites, some of which posted content criticizing fellow Maitland Council members, following the shutdown of a number of local news outlets.

"There's no names, there's no editors, there's no contact details on the sites. There's no accountability for the content on the sites at all," Cr. Mitchell said.

Cr. Mitchell suspected some of these "news" websites were operated by Council members anonymously.

"[These sites are posting] Selective facts, false information, virtually just propaganda to further Councillors political means. I'm trying to shed a light on who's actually behind it," Councillor Ben Mitchell said.

"They would say things they wouldn't necessarily say to someones face. In recent times I've seen the Mayor referred to as an 'out of touch b**ch', for instance, and that's just not on."

The new policy is designed to stop Councillors from posting anonymously with no accountability.

Councillor Mitchell's motion was voted in favor, "Unanimously, bar two Councillors," at Maitland Council's Tuesday meeting.

Councillors Mitchell Griffin and Sally Halliday tried to challenge the legality of motion, though Council's legal council advised the motion was legally possible.

The policy addition won't change the way Councillors post content online, however requires they disclose the websites they administer on a public register.

The new policy is already seeing results with some Councillors who supported the motion declaring for the first time they do run websites.

"That in itself means the intended impact of this motion has come partly to fruition already," Cr. Mitchell said. 

Maitland Councillor Ben Mitchell
Image Credit: Maitland City Council 

Couple Killed In Horrific Crash At Salamander Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are continuing into a horrific crash at Salamander Bay which has claimed the lives of a local couple in their 70's.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Port Stephens Drive and Salamander Way around 2.00pm on Wednesday where two cars had collided - one of the cars ended up on its side leaning against the drivers side of the other vehicle in the middle of the roundabout.

Three people were trapped in their cars.

A man died at the scene - his wife was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital but died shortly after arrival.

A man in his 30's in the other car was not injured and was taken to Tomaree Hospital for mandatory testing.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

A couple tragically lost their lives in the crash Picture: NBN News

Yacht Destroyed By Fire At Warners Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a yacht at Warners Bay overnight.

Crews from Cardiff and Teralba along with the Hazmat Unit from Newcastle were called to the Jetty off The Esplanade and Lake Street at 1.30am on Thursday to find the yacht hitched to the pier well alight.

They took about 90 minutes to fully extinguish and mop up the scene.

The yacht sank and will be salvaged today.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Fire crews arrived to find the yacht engulfed in flames Picture; Fire & Rescue Cardiff

Metropolitan or Regional? Classification Confusion Shuts Newcastle Out Of $170 Million in Funding

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Newcastle City Local Government Area has reportedly missed out on more than $170 million in government grants in one year alone due to confusion surrounding the city’s regional or metropolitan status.

According to an independent report from the Hunter Research Foundation Centre, Newcastle was deemed ineligible for six regional funding sources worth more almost 6 billion dollars with no metropolitan alternative.

“For comparison, neighbouring equivalent sized councils in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast LGAs were eligible for all six funding sources,” Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes says.

"We are not receiving fair access to State Government funding. Newcastle is ineligible to access the Regional Cultural Fund, as it is defined as ‘metropolitan’, but there is no equivalent opportunity within metropolitan funding rounds." 

The lord Mayor says the City often falls between the gaps of policy development and grant funding as Newcastle is a metropolitan centre that services regional populations across the Hunter.

Despite Newcastle being a major economic hub of the Hunter region with gross regional product of $17.7 billion, the LGA received just 0.06 per cent of Restart NSW funds allocated to date, well below its 2.11 per cent share of the state’s population and its three per cent share of Gross State Product.

“Newcastle is effectively shut out of all NSW cultural infrastructure grants.”

“In partnership with Wollongong and Geelong, City of Newcastle has established a Gateway Cities Alliance to advocate and collectively explore economic opportunities.”

It's hoped these changes could help underpin regional growth and improve the efficiency of grant programs.

Man Charged Over Alleged Sexual Assault of 9-Year-Old Girl in Newcastle

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will appear in court on Wednesday charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in Newcastle two years ago.

In June 2020, detectives commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man known to her.

Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 41-year-old man at Campbelltown Police Station just after 5pm on Tuesday.

He was charged with one count of sexual intercourse with a child under age of 10.

Police allege the man sexually assaulted the girl – then aged nine – while staying in the Newcastle area in 2018.

The man was refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.

Merewether Man Receives Australian Bravery Award For Daring Shark Attack Rescue

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Merewether man, Billy James Eitz, has been named as one of 29 Australians to receive an Australian Bravery Award, awarded by the Governor General to recognise and celebrate extreme courage. 

Mr Eitz was awarded the Bravery Medal, for his daring rescue of a man following a shark attack at Booti Booti Point in New South Wales on December 1st 2016.

At around 9am Mr Eitz and other surfers were surfing at Bulls Paddock beach when they were surrounded by a pod of dolphins.  One surfer caught a wave into the beach with some of the dolphins following. Without warning another nearby surfer was launched into the air as a large great white shark attacked, also sending the man's surfboard out of the water.  Mr Eitz immediately began paddling towards the surfer who was clinging to broken pieces of his surfboard.   The man had sustained significant injuries to his foot and arm. On reaching the injured man, Mr Eitz managed to wrangle him onto his own surfboard and, not knowing the whereabouts of the shark, entered the water and paddled behind the board pushing it towards the shore. When they reached the shore, Mr Eitz and another surfer quickly administered first aid to the injured surfer and emergency services were called and the man was taken to hospital.

“On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate and thank the individuals being recognised today. Their deeds and selflessness are inspirational,” the Governor-General said.

“The people receiving awards didn’t wake up in the morning and decide that they would be brave – each was faced with an unexpected situation and made a conscious choice, in the moment, to turn towards the danger and help others."

Reluctant Hero, Billy James Eitz
Image Credit: Channel 7

Newcastle's Westpac Rescue Helicopter Called To Building Fire On Mid North Coast

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue has flown a man to hospital after he suffered significant burns in an early-morning fire on the Mid North Coast.

Firefighters were called to The Boulevard at Tallwoods Village north of Forster just after 5.00am on Wednesday where a fire in a granny flat had spread to a clubhouse next door.

A 47-year-old man was rescued from the granny flat - he's suffered burns to his hands and face and has been airlifted to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition.

It took two Fire & Rescue and three RFS crews more than 4 hours to extinguish and mop up the fire which destroyed the granny flat and clubhouse.

The fire engulfed a granny flat and adjoining clubhouse Picture: NBN News