P-Plater Tests Positive to Cannabis Driving Almost 40 Kilometers Over Speed Limit at Warners Bay

BY ISABEL EVERET

Newcastle City Highway Patrol say they were disappointed in driver behavior during the state wide Australia Day road safety operation. Around 5.25am on Monday, Police were performing speed enforcement duties on the Inner City Bypass at Warners Bay. Police detected a Toyota Yaris travelling at 129km/h in the sign posted 90km/h zone. The vehicle was being driven by a 23-year-old man from Belmont South who was the holder of a P1 Provisional Licence. Police subjected the man to roadside testing which returned a positive reading to cannabis. He was issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h and had his licence suspended on the spot for 3 months. Police are awaiting the analysis of the oral fluid sample before taking action in relation to the positive cannabis reading.
In a second incident, around11:15am on Tuesday on the Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend, a P2 Provisional driver was detected at 131kmh in a 90kmh speed zone. He was also travelling in the right hand lane with no other traffic preventing him from occupying the left lanes and was also not displaying his P plates. The penalty notices issued to this driver totaled 14 demerit points, double the threshold for a P2 Licence holder. His driving privileges have been suspended for 3 months.

John Hunter Hospital Chosen As COVID Vaccine Hub

 BY IAN CROUCH

 The John Hunter Hospital has been named as one of the first 11 vaccine hubs to be set up across NSW when the Pfizer vaccine is rolled out from next month.

The John Hunter will be one of the first sites to offer the vaccine to Phase 1a priority groups including paramedics, hospital staff, emergency department and health workers.

If the vaccine supply increases during this phase, additional vaccination hubs and clinics may be able to open.

Jobs Bounce Back In The Hunter After COVID Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

 The latest jobs figures for the Hunter show a continuing improvement in the unemployment rate since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The jobless rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie fell by 1.4per cent in December to 7 per cent, down from a peak of 11 per cent in June with around 20,000 jobs recovered since then.

Across the Hunter, the rate fell from 6.5 per cent in November to 5.9 per cent.

The best news is in the youth unemployment rate, which has fallen significantly from 16.1 per cent to 6.3.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes says the figures suggest many of the jobs lost up until June last year have largely been recovered, but some sectors of the region's economy are still feeling the pinch.

"While the labour force figures point to a sharp recovery, the economy remains fragile, with certain sectors still disproportionately affected, including entertainment, travel and businesses that rely on international patronage," he said.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes

Latest Figures Show Hunter House Prices Continue to Rise Despite COVID Uncertainty

BY DAKOTA TAIT

House prices in the Hunter Region are continuing to rise, according to the latest Domain House Price Report for the December quarter.

The median price of a house in Newcastle has leapt to $671,500, an 11.9 percent increase on the same period last year.

House costs in Lake Macquarie have reached $645,000, while Port Stephens has hit a slightly lower $635,000.

Cessnock prices have risen to $422,500, with Singleton costs hitting at $442,500.

Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter remain the cheapest in the region, at $320,000 and $362,500, respectively.

New Data Reveals Hunter and Regional NSW to Have Most Affordable Public Education

BY DAKOTA TAIT 

New data has revealed the Hunter and Regional NSW have some of the most affordable public education options in the entire country.

The report, compiled by Futurity Investment Group, found the average cost of 13 years of public schooling to come in at $58,227 in the regions, compared to $90,122 in Sydney.

Private education in Sydney came in at $448,035, while Regional NSW was 70 percent cheaper, at just $133,920.

School fees made up a larger proportion of the cost of an Independent education compared to a Government one, while parents of public schoolers put larger fractions of the cost toward school camps, textbooks, uniforms, and transport.

Parents are also estimated to have spent an extra $808 per child last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Futurity Group Executive Kate Hill said the cost of education has risen at more than double the rate of inflation over the past decade.

“Education costs, including outside tuition, school camps and sports equipment and electronic devices are demanding a far greater share of the family budget than in the past,” Ms Hill said.

“COVID-19 has only exacerbated this financial challenge, with parents required to spend hundreds of dollars extra on unplanned education related expenses at the height of the pandemic."

75 percent of Independent school parents found they were satisfied with their child's schooling during the pandemic, compared to only 62 percent of Government school parents.

Ms Hill said parents who lacked the ability to save in the past would suffer difficult education costs in the future.

“More than ever, the costs associated with education are placing more of a burden on Australian families, who are already stretched by the rising cost of living and stagnant wage growth."

UPDATE! Fears For Missing Singleton Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news, Jessica was found safe and well on Thursday afternoon.

EARLIER:

 Hunter Valley Police are appealing for public help to find a teenager who's gone missing from Singleton.

15-year-old Jessica Retallick was last seen at the Singleton Heights shopping centre between 3.00pm and 5.00pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 January, 2021) and police have concerns for her welfare.

Jessica's described as being about 140 centimetres tall with bright red long died hair.

She was last seen wearing a small green top and small green shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing teen Jessica Retallick

Golden Retriever Bella the Latest Employee to Join the Ranks at Newcastle Council

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Two-year-old golden retriever has become Newcastle Council's newest recruit, aiming to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.

Bella has been joining the Rangers for patrols along Bathers Way between Merewether and Bar beaches, and Lambton Park.

She's also visited the popular fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton, which was opened in 2019 following community feedback.

“During these patrols Rangers engage with dog owners to educate people about being responsible pet owners.,” Senior Ranger Lauren Whitmore said.

“When Bella’s with us during patrols we’ve found people are more willing to engage and have a conversation with the Ranger team.”

Newcastle has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the State, with more than 44,300 registered canines calling the local government area home.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan will guide the management of dog off-leash areas during the next 10 years.

“We know that dog owners want suitable spaces to exercise their dogs safely, and work is underway to progress the development of strategically located fenced dog parks such as our Acacia Avenue facility,” Cr Nelmes said.

When Bella’s not on official duty she spends her down time with her owner and colleague Allan, who has been working with the Ranger team for the past nine months.

Lauren said Bella’s trial with the team had been such a success they were looking at making her an official Ranger later this month and were currently finalising her position description and calculating how many dog biscuits per hour her role would entail.

Plans Approved to Transform Kurri Kurri Smelter Site into New Major Commercial and Industrial Precinct

 BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Plans to remediate a former hydro aluminum smelter site at Kurri Kurri in order to create a new commercial and industrial precinct have been approved by the NSW Government.

Along side the precinct, half of the 2 thousand hectare site will be set aside for environmental conservation, while 80 hectares will be used as a containment cell for contaminated materials.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the approval had the potential to create thousands of new jobs for the region.

“Its proximity to the Hunter Expressway makes it ideal for a new commercial and industrial precinct and we look forward to working with the landowner and councils to develop a masterplan for the site.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government had also agreed to take on the ongoing management of the containment cell once all the remediation works have been completed and certified.

“This agreement is crucial to the site’s remediation and future redevelopment,” Mrs Pavey said.

“It ensures adequate arrangements are in place for the long-term management of the containment cell, safeguarding human and environmental health so we can unlock the potential of the site for business and the people of the Hunter region.”

Former Smelter Site 
Image Credit: Newcastle on Hunter

Woman To Face Cessnock Court On Fraud Charges

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A woman is due to face Cessnock Local Court today (Wednesday 27 January, 2021) accused of fraudulently obtaining bushfire and COVID-19 government support recovery grants.

Hunter Valley detectives attended Kempsey gaol on January 7 where they charged a 32-year-old woman with eight counts of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception.

It's alleged the woman obtained six NSW Government grants amounting to $60,000.

UPDATE Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Bellbird

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A motorcyclist has died in an early morning crash at Bellbird.

Emergency services and the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter were called to the intersection of Wollombi Road and Kendall Street just after 4.00am on Wednesday to reports the male rider had crashed into a barrier.

Police found the man, believed to be in his early 30's, some distance away from the bike and commenced CPR, however he died at the scene before paramedics arrived.

Inspector Michael Gorman says a crime scene has been set up as investigations continue.

"Because of the time of morning and without any eyewitnesses, we are looking at speed, fatigue and the possibility of drugs and/or alcohol. We've also taken the motorcycle away for mechanical examination to see if there was mechanical failure on the bike, but unfortunately at this stage we are not able to rule anything in or out," he said.

The man is yet to be formally identified. 

A report will be prepared for the Coroner. 

Four Teens Carry Out Ramraid Costing Maitland Business $60,000 in Damages and Stolen Goods

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged in relation to two alleged break and enter offences in the Hunter.

Officers had investigated two separate break and enter offences at a business on the New England Highway at Rutherford.

Three people had allegedly attempted to force entry to the property in the morning of Sunday 27 December 2020 without success.

Later, on Sunday 3 January 2021, five individuals reportedly drove a Nissan Patrol stolen from a Dudley property and drove to the Rutherford business before driving the vehicle through and smashing the front doors. All five fled the scene.

Two Kawasaki trail bikes were stolen, costing the business $60,000 in damages and stolen goods. 

The Nissan was later found burnt out in the nearby bush, while the trail bikes remain outstanding.

Officers arrested five individuals in relation to the offences, including a 17-year-old boy at an Telarah address, two 15-year-old boys from Tenambit and Aberglassyn addresses, a 14-year-old boy from a Muswellbrook home, and another 20-year-old man.

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, said cases like these were a high priority for local police.

“Break and enter offences continue to occur throughout areas such as Rutherford, Aberglasslyn and Maitland, and our local police are continuing to target those crimes," Det Insp Urquhart said.

“These crimes can often be prevented through simple crime prevention tips people can introduce in and around their homes, including security systems, sensor lighting, and keeping all valuables locked inside the home or shed at all times."

“We will continue to run operations throughout the district – those who choose to continue breaking the law, we will charge you and put you before the courts."

Battlelines Drawn For Federal Seat Of Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

 One Nation is capitalising on recent polling showing several Labor-held seats including Hunter could fall at the next federal election.

One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts and local candidate Stuart Bonds have been out on the hustings this week, addressing gatherings at the Greta Workers Club and the Bellbird Hotel.

Sitting MP, Joel Fitzgibbon suffered a 14 per cent swing against him in the primary vote in 2019 amid concerns about job losses in the coal industry after Labor went to the election on a platform of support for renewables.

In contrast, Stuart Bonds polled 20 per cent of the primary vote

Stuart Bonds says he's standing again and if elected, he will push for a new high efficiency, low emissions power station and improved access to the Hunter Expressway.

Joel Fitzgibbon has welcomed the challenge, telling One Nation to "bring it on".

 

One Nation candidate Stuart Bonds says he will re-contest the federal seat of Hunter Picture: Singleton Argus

 

Police Investigate Suspicious Fire At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Hunter Valley Police are investigating the cause of an industrial bin fire at Singleton early this morning.

Crews were called to Soap Suds Lane behind the Repco Auto Parts store at about 3.00am on Friday where they found two industrial bins well alight next to the building.

They managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread inside the building.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers.

Firefighters tackle the flames in Soap Suds Lane Picture: Singleton Fire and Rescue

Woman Blows Four Times The Legal Limit After Allegedly Colliding With Unmarked Police Car in Lake Macquarie

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A woman has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly colliding with an unmarked police car in Lake Macquarie on Wednesday afternoon.

A male senior constable had stopped in the breakdown lane of the Pacific Highway at Belmont in an unmarked police vehicle, when the vehicle was struck in the rear by a Ford Focus travelling north at around 5:15 pm.

Emergency services attended the scene and the 42-year-old woman underwent a roadside breath test which returned a positive reading.

She was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station to undergo a breath analysis, which allegedly returned a reading of 0.214, four times the legal limit.

The Marks Point woman had her license suspended and is due to appear at appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2021.

Anzac Memorial Walk Closed with Police Operation Underway

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A recovery operation is underway after the body of a man was located near the Strzelecki Lookout at Bar Beach overnight.

Emergency services were called to the location about 6pm on Wednesday night following concern for the welfare of a man believed to be aged in his 30s.

Upon arrival, police located the body of a man.

A crime scene was established and held overnight, with a recovery operation underway this morning.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the Bar Beach Carpark, Anzac Memorial Walk and Strzelecki Lookout.

The Anzac Memorial Walk will be blocked for several hours whilst the operation is ongoing.

PolAir is on route to assist with the operation. 

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

And if you, or anyone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Fire Causes Damage To Former Newsagency At Paxton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Fire has damaged the former newsagency at Paxton this morning.

Firefighters from Paxton and Bellbird were called to the brick and iron building on Millfield Road just after 1.30am on Thursday to find a fire in the kitchen area.

It's taken two hours to extinguish the fire, which was confined to the kitchen area - the rest of the building sustained smoke and water damage.

The owner of the building was inside when the fire broke out and wasn't injured.

Fire investigators will arrive later this morning to determine how the fire started, although it's not being treated as suspicious.

Fire & Rescue Duty Commander, Roger White says the fire should serve as a reminder for property owners to ensure they have working smoke alarms.

"It means we can be alerted to a fire quickly and get on top of it before it takes hold," he said.

BREAKING! Car Crashes Through Fence And Catches Fire At Merriwa

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A driver has been lucky to escape with only minor injuries after an early morning crash at Merriwa.

Emergency services were called to King George V Avenue just before 5 o'clock on Thursday morning where the car had left the road, crashing through a fence and into a tree in the backyard of a home.

Newcastle Fire Command says the vehicle briefly caught on the fire, with witnesses isolating the battery and crews cooling the vehicle with water.

The driver has been taken to hospital with minor arm and leg injuries. 

Drugs, Firearms, Ammunition and Stolen Jet Ski Seized at Swansea Home

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Police have seized several prohibited weapons and precursors for explosives during a search of a Lake Macquarie home.

About 12.30pm on Tuesday Lake Macquarie Police were assisting Sheriff’s Officers with an eviction order at a Swansea property, where they spoke with three people – two women and a man.

All three people left the premises. 

During an initial search of the home, sheriff officers allegedly located a firearm near the front door of the premises.

Police declared a crime scene and subsequently executed a search warrant. 

During the search, officers located and seized, more than a dozen firearms, ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sling shot a crossbow, a jet ski, a trailer believed to have been stolen, cash, prohibited drugs and powders believed to be precursors for the manufacture of explosives.

All items were taken to Belmont Police Station for forensic analysis, while the jet ski and trailer were returned to the owner.

An investigation has been launched into the origins of the items located within the home.

Anyone who may have information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Images: Lake Macquarie Police 

Man in Serious Condition After Becoming Trapped in Truck Crash Wreckage at Swan Bay

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A man has been flown to John Hunter Hospital after his truck rolled at Swan Bay west of Karuah. 

Just after 9:30am on Wednesday morning emergency crews were alerted to the incident on Swan Bay Road.

The 28-year-old male driver was trapped suffering serious injuries and the female passenger was out of the truck suffering minor injuries. 

Emergency Services worked for approximately one hour to free the man from the wreckage, who was then treated for pelvis and arm injuries. 

He was flown to hospital in a serious but stable condition. 

The female passenger of the truck was also transported to the John Hunter Hospital by suffering minor injuries. 

Volunteer Youth Worker Facing Court Accused Of Sexually Touching Young Boy At Broadmeadow

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A volunteer youth worker is due to face court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021) accused of sexually touching a young boy at a Newcastle youth club.

Police were alerted on December 22 to reports an 8-year-old boy had been touched by a man while attending a vacation care program at Broadmeadow.

A 57-year-old man was arrested at his Lambton home the same day and charged with three counts of sexually touching a child under the age of 10.

He was given strict conditional bail ahead of his second appearance in Newcastle Local Court today.

"Tram As Hard to Stop As Herd of 30 Rhinos" Newcastle Transport says in New Safety Campaign

BY JENAE MADDEN

Novocastrians mindlessly cutting across tram lines might want to double check next time they cross.

According to Newcastle Transport operator Keolis Downer, a collision with the Newcastle Tram has the same impact as a herd of 30 charging rhinos.

Newcastle Transport's is trying to raise awareness about the often underestimated danger of the Newcastle light rail as it approaches its second anniversary.

They say there are daily close calls on the network with motorists running red lights and pedestrians stepping out in front of trams. 

According to Newcastle Transport General Manager, Mark Dunlop, over the last two years, the emergency brake has had to be used at least once every week to avoid harmful collisions. 

“The rhino is a unique way to create a clear image in people’s minds of the size and danger posed by a tram," Dunlop says. 

“Similar to a herd of charging rhinos, trams can’t divert from the tracks to avoid an obstacle and it takes time to stop because of the weight.”

Dunlop went onto say that the drivers operating the trams are doing their best to anticipate dangers but it is up to pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to step up and be vigilant around the light rail.  

“Simply, one moment or mistake could be a life changing event for everyone involved."

Image Credits: Wikipedia 

Man Flown to Hospital After Falling into Pool in the Hunter Valley

 BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A mans been flown to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after falling into a pool in the Hunter Valley. 

The 44-year-old man suffered spinal injuries during the incident at Polkobin at 8.25pm on Monday night. 

The man was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Four Men Rescued From Waters North Of Nelson Bay After Boat Sinks

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Four men have been rescued from waters North of Nelson Bay after their boat sank off Broughton Island. 

At around 7.20am on Monday morning the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by the AMSAR (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) following the activation of an emergency distress.

The four people on the stricken boat set off a flare, alerting a fisher on a nearby recreational vessel who was able to get to the scene quickly to pull all four people to safety.

The three men in their 20's and a man in his 40's were assessed by the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team and they were conveyed back to Nelson Bay in a stable condition by Volunteer Marine Rescue. 

‘Because the vessel owner had done all the right things—registered the EPIRB, told his emergency contact where they were going and when they were expected back home—we were able to initiate a rescue quickly, knowing what we were dealing with," AMSA Response Centre (ARC) Duty Manager Joseph Zeller said.

The owner of the stricken vessel had all the right emergency equipment and knew how to use it.

‘Setting off the flare resulted in a rescue soon after their vessel capsized, which meant that when rescue authorities arrived on scene, the four people were out of immediate danger,’ Joseph said.

‘We can’t stress enough the importance of having your safety equipment in order. This rescue is a good example of how smoothly rescue authorities and others around you can respond when you have the right equipment, it’s accessible in the event of an emergency, and you know how to use it.’

Broughton Island is an island 14 km north-east of Port Stephens. 

BREAKING! Three People Dead In Horror Smash Near Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Three people have been killed and another critically injured in a head-on smash near Muswellbrook.

Emergency services were called to Bengalla Road at Castle Rock just before 9.30pm on Sunday where a utility and a Kia Carnival people mover had collided.

Police say the driver and sole occupant of the utility - a man believed to be in his 30's - died at the scene.

The male driver and a female passenger in the Kia also died at the scene,  while a fourth person, a man in his 60's, was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The victims are yet to be formally identified.

Investigators are still trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Daughter Accused Of Murdering Her Father At Tenambit

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A woman has been charged with murdering her father at Tenambit near Maitland.

23-year-old Maddison Hickson is accused of twice stabbing 51-year-old Michael John Carroll at a Ronald Street home on Saturday night.

Detective Acting Inspector Ranald Urquhart says the man was treated at the scene but couldn't be saved.

"A 51-year-old man who was suffering from two stab wounds to his upper torso and despite attention provided and assistance provided, he died at the scene," he said.

Police say the woman initially fled but returned to the house a short time later and was charged with murder on Sunday morning.

She's been formally refused bail to face Maitland Local Court on Wednesday.

Police say the alleged victim is known to them.

Alleged murder victim Michael John Carroll

23-year-old Maddison Hickson has been charged with murder

 

 

Woman Dies After Car Plunges Into Allyn River

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A female passenger has died and a second woman has been airlifted to hospital after their car crashed into a river in the Upper Hunter.

Police say a Toyota Landcruiser rolled down an embankment and crashed into the Allyn River about 50 kilometres east of Muswellbrook around 11.00am on Sunday.

The 18-year-old driver managed to free herself from the vehicle - she was winched from the river and flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Passers-by freed the passenger and commenced CPR before paramedics arrived, however she could not be revived and died at the scene.

The woman is yet to be formally identified.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing and report is being prepared for the Coroner.