Unmarked Speed Cameras Raking in An Extra $15k on Single Newcastle Road

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Revenue from unmarked mobile speed cameras has skyrocketed in January, with fines flying into the pockets of Hunter motorists.

The NSW Government announced they would scrap warning signs for mobile speed cameras and triple their hours of operation in November last year.

The Government then announced they would go one step further in January, by removing the large reflective markings on the speed camera cars.

Statewide figures showed revenue of $3.4 million in January alone, $3 million more than in the same period a year before.

Edgeworth's Main Road dealt out a hefty $1,554 in fines this January - more than four times the previous January.

Motorists on Wallsend's Newcastle Road also copped 116 fines worth $21,354 just last month, compared to 37 fines and $5,950 in revenue the January prior.

Cameras along the New England Highway at East Maitland also scored 111 more fines this January than the same time last year, or around $20,000 in fines.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance told a parliamentary hearing the changes weren't about raising revenue, but only saving lives.

"You speed, you kill, and we have the fines to stop people speeding," Mr Constance said. 

"And what's gone on over the last 12 months, where speed is now contributing an extra ten percent of fatalities in this state, we have no choice."

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said the large number of fines didn't show an improvement in road safety, but the opposite.

"The Government should be advertising these changes, not rolling them out in silence," Ms Aitchison said.

"The seven-and-a-half-fold increase in fines shows conclusively that having signage on these detection devices slows drivers down.  Getting a fine in the mail two weeks later doesn’t."

Man Arrested in Cardiff After Allegedly Assaulting Paramedic and Damaging Ambulance

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting paramedics and damaging an ambulance vehicle in Cardiff.

About 9.00pm on Thursday, paramedics responded to a home on Edward Street to assist a man who had reportedly injured his shoulder.

While treating the man, he allegedly became aggressive, verbally abused them.

When the paramedics went to leave, the man allegedly pushed one of them in the chest.

When paramedics returned to the ambulance vehicle, the man allegedly lashed out as they drove off, damaging a door.

Officers were alerted and arrested the 25-year-old man a short time later.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and malicious damage.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Toronto Local Court on March 10.

59 Year Old Man Airlifted to John Hunter Hospital After Roof Fall

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man's been flown to hospital after falling of a roof in the Upper Hunter.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Scone around 7:10pm on Thursday night, to reports a 59-year-old man had fallen from a roof and sustained a serious leg fracture. 

The he was treated by paramedics before being transported to Scott Memorial Hospital at Scone and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. 

He was in a stable condition.

This Weekend Marks Last Chance To Get Free Skin Check With Hunter Melanoma Foundation

BY LAURA RUMBEL

The Newcastle community have one last opportunity to get a free skin check this summer season. 

The Hunter Melanoma Foundation's (HMF) 'Spot Check' campaign, alongside doctors from Newcastle Skin Check will be offering free skin checks on Saturday the 27th of February between 9am and 5pm. 

The pop-up skin check station will be located at Cooks Hill Surf Club. 

This summer season alone, HMF have provided 640 beach goers and local Surf Lifesaving community members with free skin checks. 

Bookings are available online on the Hunter Melanoma Foundation's social media pages, people are also welcome to get a free skin check without a booking provided there is availability on that day. 

"What we're hoping to achieve through this campaign is to reduce mortality rates of melanoma through early detection but we're also trying to get people to change their behaviour when it comes to skin checks," said the Hunter Melanoma Foundation's Claudia Tolhurst.

Learn How to Take Care of Your Heart Health with Hunter Medical Research Institute Information Session

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter residents are being invited to join a free online seminar on Thursday night, about how to better take care of your heart health. 

The Hunter Medical Research Institute is hosting a zoom session, with some of it's leading cardiovascular researchers, Associate Professor Narelle Eather, Professor Andrew Boyle, and Associate Professor Aaron Sverdlov.

The meeting will look at how you can look after your heart and latest research, and well as; 

• How physical activities and fitness levels can impact positively on heart health
• Types of physical activity that are great for cardiovascular health
• Research supported by HMRI to promote cardiovascular health in children and adults
• The science behind the heart and how the heart can be regenerated following heart attacks and with advancing age
• What research is being done to help prevent cancer survivors from getting heart disease, a common factor affecting 1/3 of cancer survivors. 

The Heart to Heart meeting runs from 6pm - 7pm, with space for 500 participants. 

Those interested can register on the Register at hmri.org.au/events page. 

Man Flown from John Hunter Suffering Serious Burns After Accelerant Thrown onto Backyard Fire

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A mans been flown from John Hunter Hospital with serious burns, following an incident with a backyard fire. 

An accelerant was thrown onto the flames around 12.45am on Thursday morning. 

The 47-year-old man treated on scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being transported to the John Hunter Hospital. 

He was then placed into a medically induced coma and was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition. 

UPDATE! Police Investigating Armed Robbery At Henny Penny Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are investigating an armed robbery on a fast food store at Wallsend overnight.

Police say a man armed with a gun entered the Henny Penny outlet on Cowper Street just before 8.30pm on Wednesday and threatened two staff as they were preparing to close up for the night.

He fled the store with an amount of cash along with a handbag belonging to one of the workers, with the pair becoming involved in a struggle over the bag before he wrenched it from her grasp and ran off .

She chased him into nearby Irving Street where he got into the passenger side of a car which drove off.

The two workers were the only people in the store at the time and weren't injured.

The man's described as being about 25 to 30 years old, 180cm to 185cm tall with a medium build.

He was wearing a grey hoodie, face covering and long black pants.

Anyone who saw the man running from the store is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

The incident has prompted a word of caution from Acting Inspector Mick Kelly for victims not to get into a physical altercation with offenders.

"I'd certainly urge the public, and certainly any employees, not to challenge any offenders in a crime, certainly one that was armed with a firearm. It was very brave of the staff member - we'd certainly discourage it though, it's very dangerous," he said.

 

Police have set up a crime scene at the Wallsend Henny Penny store. Picture: Sonia Hornery MP

Newcastle Council says City's Parking Problems Due to Management, Not Supply

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A nine-year parking plan was adopted at Newcastle Council's Tuesday night meeting, which is unlikely to see the creation of new spaces. 

The Council says parking problems across the city are a result of how the spaces are managed, not a lack of supply.

The plan rules out adding any more parking meters in the city, however could see parking costs increased in high demand areas, and lowered in underutilized spots, as well as reduced parking where strong public transport links exist. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says building just one new carpark in Newcastle costs between $50,000 and $126,000. 

"They're phenomenal sums of money and it means we need to think very carefully about our investment decisions, and try to better utilise the parking which is already available before we rush into new expensive operations which will cost rate-payers millions of dollars." 

"Overall there remains quite a number of vacant spots, especially at places like the No.2 Sportsground located a five-minute walk from the CBD, which as of yesterday only had about a 20% occupancy."

The proposal also suggests reviewing time restrictions in central business and shopping districts to ensure turn over, and prevent people parking in front of shops and restaurants for excessive amounts of time. 

The locations where changes will be implemented are yet to be determined, but Mr Clausen says it's not about making rushed decisions. 

However, Cooks Hill, The Hill, Newcastle East, City East, The Foreshore and Hamilton were all identified as often passing 85 per cent capacity, and were likely locations where time limits and paid parking, or increased fees for existing paid parking could be introduced. 

The Council is also looking at how the proceeds of parking meters can be directly re-invested into the areas they are located. 

"I think that will make a huge difference in people's perception of paying for parking, I don't think any Novacastrian likes paying for parking, but I think it's a real innovation to see the money re-invested in local precincts, rather than into some sort of consolidated revenue."  

The proposal also looks at ways to decrease the number of people driving into town on their own, by promoting ride-sharing, cycling and working from home, as well promoting the continued use of the easy-park app.

Image Credit: Newcastle Herald 

Veterans Hit the High Seas at Port Stephens for Mental Health Fishing Event

BY DAKOTA TAIT

More than 70 veterans and their family members from across the country took to the Port Stephens coast on Wednesday as part of a social fishing event to support their mental health.

Twenty boats hit the high seas to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the fishing adventure, reeling in marlin alongside famous fisher and television presenter Andrew Ettinghausen.

The two-day trip was organized by Calypso Fishing Adventures and not-for-profit veteran support organization Soldier On.

Soldier On CEO Ivan Slavich said the event was a great opportunity for the veterans and their families to make meaningful connections and better their mental health in a positive social setting.

"We have amateurs, we've veterans who have got a disability, we've got veterans who are going through some mental health issues," Mr Slavich said.

Mr Slavich said the effort of the community members and local businesses who helped get the event up and running meant a lot to the veterans.

"They've donated essentially $70,000 worth of fuel and bait and lines and their time, to help 70 veterans who are doing it a bit tough, to get out there and have some social connection and a little bit of fun to help with their mental health," Mr Slavich said. 

"And in fact, on the boat that I'm in, we've got a 30 year veteran who caught her first slimy and then subsequently caught her first 70 kg marlin, so an amazing experience for her." 

"I've been fishing for 30 years and I've never caught a marlin, so that's pretty good going."

Mr Slavich is also encouraging the community to get involved in the 96 kilometre March On walk next month to help raise funds for veterans' mental health programs.

Newcastle Seeks Slice Of Government Bus Contract

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is leading the charge to have the city become the NSW hub for the manufacture and maintenance of electric government buses.

The NSW government has resolved to convert the state's 8000 buses to electric by 2030.

As part of the commitment, the government will buy 120 new electric buses this year.

Australian bus manufacturer, Bus Tech has been awarded the contract but is looking for a NSW manufacturing hub.

Councillors supported a mayoral minute at Tuesday night's meeting to write to the company to discuss the manufacturing opportunities in Newcastle.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

Hamilton South Community Calling on State Government to Replace Local Playground Set to be Demolished

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Members of the Hamilton South community are rallying together calling on the State Government to replace a local playground set to be demolished. 

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp has joined residents of a local social housing estate, in launching a petition calling on the government to replace the Neill Terrace playground, aiming to attract 500 signatures. 

He says the State Government owned site hasn't been maintained to basic safety standards, and is now being removed with no plans for a replacement. 

Local Resident, Janice Patterson says the government has given significant funds to local councils to upgrade their parks, while abandoning children in their own social housing developments. 

"The children here are being left behind, the state of this is appalling." 

The Government reportedly installed a new safety fence around the park five months ago, and fixed much of the brick work, however has now decided to remove the play equipment and replace it with turf. 

The ground below the playground itself is undulating, and a wooden bridge in the park is missing a number of planks. 

"You've got to watch where you walk. We have a thousand residents in the community, it's desperately needed, the block behind us there are grandparents and they cant let their children play here because of the dangers," Ms Patterson said. 

"The other park which is very small gets at least 10 to 15 children using it after school. Both playgrounds are in really bad condition, built in the 70's and 80's. I think it's pretty appalling." 

"The Minister should try and walk around this place without falling over, and just think if it was your child would you let them play in a playground like this."

"Would you let them climb a bridge that was covered in moss and missing plants so legs can fall through and break."

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp with local members of the Hamilton South community

Program Helping Vulnerable Young People Across the Hunter to get P Plates

BY JENAE MADDEN

Vulnerable youth across the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region are being given a leg up as the NSW Government has announced a 20 million dollar expansion of the Driver Licensing Access Program.

According to Regional Transport Minister Paul Toole, access for these groups can be tough.

"It can be really tough to get access to a vehicle or find someone to supervise them while they build up the experience behind the wheel."

The program will be offered in an expanded 72 regional and 15 metropolitan locations across the state aiming to prioritise indigenous and low socio-economic youth hindered by transport access.

Since 2015, the program has seen more than 4500 young people gain their Ls, and more than 3000 graduate to their P-Plates, according to data from the Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor. 

The Driver Licensing Access Program offers practical support offered by volunteers to help young people navigate paperwork and offer driver knowledge to gain their Ls as well as supervision to clock up the 120 log book hours necessary to graduate to their provisional P Plate license. 

Taylor says by removing the transport barrier, regional youth across the state will have better access to jobs, education and health services. She says the results have also seen safer roads throughout regional Australia.

"With statistics showing unauthorised drivers are about twice as likely to be involved in a casualty crash and four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, getting people inside the licensing system significantly reduces these risks,"

"Helping people get their license is not only changing lives," says Toole, "it's helping save them."

Eligibility will be based on a range of indicators from personal circumstance to licensing data, panel capacity and funding allocation. 

For more information and a list of all 72 regional centers visit the Service NSW website. 

Feedback Invited On Toronto Foreshore Master Plan

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Lake Macquarie Council is inviting feedback on a draft master plan for the Toronto foreshore.

The plan includes improved connections and pathways, an expanded playground including water play and learning features, a new town green area and pavilion and new barbeque and picnic facilities.

Council also wants to be able to host major cultural events and smaller events at the foreshore.

A drop-in session is planned near the rotunda on Thursday March 11 between 3 and 6pm.

The plans are available to view on the Shape Lakemac website until March 22.

Police Hunt For Alleged Train Assault Offender

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for help from the public after a man was assaulted in an unprovoked attack on a Hunter train.

The 21-year-old boarded the eastbound train at Metford Station at about 10am on Friday September 25 last year.

During the trip the man dropped a headphone on the floor and was attempting to pick it up when an unknown male passenger stood up and punched him in the head.

The offender is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, in his mid 20's, with dark/reddish curly hair and a beard.

He was wearing a red, white and black hooded jumper, green camouflage cargo pants and white sneaker.

Police have released a CCTV image of the wanted man

BREAKING! Jockey Injured In Horse Fall At Broadmeadow

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A jockey has been injured during early morning track work at Broadmeadow Racecourse.

Ambulance paramedics were called to the racecourse at 4.20am on Tuesday to reports a horse had fallen on the track, injuring the female rider.

The 19-year-old was assessed and treated at the scene before being transported to the John Hunter Hospital hospital.

NSW Ambulance says the woman suffered a hip injury.

 

Police Investigating Armed Robbery On Charlestown Chemist Outlet

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Lake Macquarie Police are investigating an armed robbery on a chemist outlet at Charlestown overnight.

Police say a man entered the Chemist Warehouse outlet on the Pacific Highway at about 9.30pm on Monday and left with boxes of perfume without paying.

An employee followed the man out the door and confronted him in the street but he allegedly turned around and threatened the worker with a knife.

The employee backed away and the man walked off.

He's described as being Caucasian in his 20's with a slim build and was wearing a black hooded jumper and cap. 

Mayfield's Koppers Fined $82k over Fume Emissions and Coal Tar Pitch Spill

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Koppers has been ordered to pay a total of $82,500, following prosecution by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for a spill of coal tar pitch and unlicensed fume emissions at its Mayfield plant.

Koppers was convicted of three offences in the Land and Environment Court and has been ordered to pay $82,500 to the Port Stephens Koala and Wildlife Preservation Society Ltd, in lieu of a fine, to train volunteers for the Port Stephens Koala Hospital. 

Koppers was also ordered to pay the EPA’s legal costs.

The charges relate to a coal tar pitch spill following a power outage in October 2018, and the release of fumes from a pitch storage system on consecutive days in May 2019.

Several reports of workers feeling unwell were received by the EPA at the time of the incidents, including one person who reported feeling like he was choking and needed a respirator for breathing difficulties. Another person suffered a sore throat and a headache lasting two days.

Health impacts of exposure to coal tar pitch fumes for a short period of time can include headaches, nausea, irritation of the throat and eyes and coughing.

In handing down the sentences, Justice Robson found that the incidents caused harm to the environment and that Koppers could have taken measures to prevent this harm.

EPA Acting Director Regulatory Operations David Gathercole welcomed the decision showing that companies would be held accountable for breaches of environmental law.

“The release of fumes such can have serious impacts on the health of people in surrounding communities, as well as on the environment,” Mr Gathercole said.

“The EPA is continuing to closely monitor Koppers’ operations. We’ve required significant improvements in performance through prevention notices, pollution reduction programs and licence changes, since this incident.

“The Koppers site has been the subject of numerous odour complaints over the years. We’re working with the company to ensure necessary action to improve the functioning of the fume system at the plant is taken, to help reduce the potential for unlicensed air emissions.”

Image Credit: Newcastle Herald

New Fire Tankers To Be Handed Over At Tomago

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency Services Minister, David Elliott will join United Arab Emirates Ambassador, H. E. Abdulla Al Subousi for an official handover ceremony at Tomago on Monday afternoon.

The government of the UAE gifted seven Bulk Water Fire Tankers to Australia in the wake of last Summer's devastating bushfires.

The Varley Group was given the task of building the vehicles at its Tomago facility, with the contract worth more than $3.4 million dollars.

The tankers will be disbursed among bushfire agencies across Australia such as the RFS, Victoria's Country Fire Authority and the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The Varley Group at Tomago has a long history of building Emergency Service Vehicles Picture: Varley Group

Police Officer Assaulted At Windale

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A police officer has been assaulted while attempting to arrest a man following an alleged domestic violence incident at Lake Macquarie.

Officers were called to an address in Windale at 7.00pm on Sunday and were attempting to arrest a 25-year-old man when it's alleged he threw a punch at a male officer, hitting him in the side of the head.

The injured officer and 2 others managed to overcome the man and arrest him.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he's been refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today (Monday 22 February 2021) charged with 2 counts of assault police, resist police, malicious damage, stalking and intimidation.

The injured officer was taken to Belmont Hospital for treatment and has since been released.

 

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Woman In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for help from the public to find a woman reported missing in the Hunter.

38-year-old Kim Searle was last seen in Newcastle last week and her family hasn't heard from her since.

She's known to frequent Scone, Muswellbrook and regional Victoria.

Kim is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, with a medium build, dark hair and blue eyes.

She also has tattoos of dragonflies and flowers on her arms.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Missing Woman Kim Searle

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Belmont Sports Club

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Investigations are under way into the cause of a fire which destroyed the Belmont Sports Club overnight.

Firefighters from Belmont and Tingira Heights were called to the Maude Street Club just before 11.00pm on Sunday to find the disused club building up in flames.

It's taken them two-a-and-half hours to extinguish and mop up the fire.

The club was closed in 2018 due to financial trouble.

Lake Macquarie Council has expressed interest in developing the site for seniors housing.

Police have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 10pm and 11pm in the nearby area or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Image: Fire and Rescue NSW

Newcastle Professor Uncovers Sugar Secrets and Opens the Door to Diet Fruit

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A University of Newcastle researcher has collaborated with Chinese scientists to uncover the secrets of sugar in plants - opening the door to the possibility of creating 'diet fruit'.

Professor Yong-Ling Ruan at the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, spent seven years on the groundbreaking study, examining the how, why, and where of sugar distribution in plant cells.

The team identified the indicators which decided how much sugar was transported and stored in different parts of a plant, such as the leaves or the fruit.

"The research basically is to unlock some of the secrets about how this transport works together to determine how much sugar should be getting in, or not," Professor Ruan said.

"Knowing that can put us in a position to potentially manipulate those processes to either increase or decrease the sugar levels in the plant itself."

Zooming in on apples and tomatoes, the team discovered two types of sugar transporters which moved glucose around on a molecular level.

Professor Ruan said the research could help farmers improve their crop yields or even to develop special low sugar fruit for diabetics.

"We could manipulate the sugar levels in say, tomato fruit, or apple, or peach, or sugar cane, and increase the yield for farmers," Professor Ruan said.

"Or we could potentially reduce the levels of sugars but still maintain the sweetness, the taste, so that it's a so-called diet fruit."

Professor Ruan said the potential of the research in agriculture and industry was huge.

"For this particular research we used apples and tomatoes as a model system," Professor Ruan said.

"But I can envisage the same or similar mechanisms in peach, pear, or chili - you name it."

Car Catches on Fire During Three Car Crash at Hexham

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A cars caught on fire during a three car crash at Hexham. 

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road approaching Old Maitland Road just before 11.00am on Friday.

The occupants of the burning vehicle reportedly managed to escape unharmed, and there are no reports of injuries. 

Traffic in the area remains heavy.

Kurri Kurri Waste Facility to Pay More Than $125,000 for Third Breach in Three Years

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Central Waste Plant Pty Ltd will pay the NSW Environment Protection Authority more than $125,000 after its Kurri Kurri facility received more than double the amount of waste allowed.

The company received 96,000 tonnes of waste for recycling in the year leading up to March 2020, more than 60,000 tonnes more than allowed by its Environment Protection License.

This is the third consecutive year the license condition was allegedly breached. 

EPA Acting Director Regulatory Operations David Gathercole said he hoped the punishment would serve as a warning for waste companies to clean up their act.

“It is important to manage waste correctly, to set an example and to protect our environment," Mr Gathercole said.

Central Waste Plant will be required to front the cost of clean-up and conservation works totaling $93,500, involving the disposal of asbestos and remediation of illegally dumped waste in the Tomalpin Woodlands.

Another $18,000 will go toward the protection of Cessnock's critically endangered Regent Honeyeater as well as $15,000 to cover legal fees and investigation costs.

Work Set To Begin On Final Stage Of Newcastle Inner City Bypass

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Four years after it was announced, work is about to start on the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The early stage works will see a line of now vacant homes demolished on the western side of Lookout Road just south of McCaffery Drive.

This will prepare the site for major work to begin on the bypass section between Rankin Park and Jesmond.

Most of the work will be carried out during the day between 7.00am and 6.00pm weekdays and 8.00am and 5.00pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.

Transport for NSW says there may be temporary traffic changes and a 40km/h speed limit will be in place through the work zone.

The bus stop on the western side of Lookout Road in front of number 110 Lookout Road won;t be impacted by the work.

The demolition work is due for completion in early May 2021.

Belmont Man Allegedly Caught Driving Almost Six Times Legal Limit at Fern Bay

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly being caught almost six times the legal limit at Fern Bay. 

Just before 5.30pm on Thursday, officers stopped an unregistered Subaru Outback on Nelson Bay Road, Fern Bay, where they spoke with the driver, a 50-year-old man.

He was subject to a roadside breath test which returned a positive result.

The driver was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station for a secondary breath analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.282.

The Belmont man was issued with a court attendance notice for high-range PCA and is due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday March 29. 

His licence was also suspended and he was issued an infringement notice for driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

Motorbike Rider Dislocates Police Officers Shoulder at East Maitland

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is due to face court on a number of charges after a police officer was injured during an arrest at East Maitland on Thursday. 

About 5pm on February 18, an officer saw an unregistered road bike being ridden on the New England Highway, East Maitland, allegedly at excessive speed.

The motorcycle stopped in traffic and the officer approached the rider, who immediately lashed out, falling to the ground. 

As the officer attempted to remove the bike, he was allegedly punched in the face and chest.

During the struggle the 39-year-old rider continued to kick and punch the senior constable before he was arrested with the assistance of members of the public.

Further police attended to assist, and the rider continued to struggle with officers. 

In trying to restrain the man, an acting sergeant suffered a dislocated shoulder. 

He was taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment.

The man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with;

• drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
• motor vehicle exceed speed more than 20 km/h
• licence expired 2 years or more
• assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm
• two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty
• two counts of resist officer in execution of duty
• use unregistered motor vehicle on road
• other traffic offences and breach of bail

The Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Friday. 

Hunter Region to Receive New Ambulances

BY ISABEL EVERERTT

69 new ambulance vehicles will be deployed across the state, with 50 to be based in rural and regional areas, as part of a $11.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government.

The fleet of intensive care ambulances will be rolled out in the Hunter New England, Central Coast, Western NSW, Southern NSW, and Northern NSW regions, as well as metropolitan areas. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the ambulances will carry the most advanced equipment, including upgraded defibrillators, to bolster the frontline emergency response.

They'll also have video laryngoscopes and mechanical CPR devices. 

“The NSW Government is supporting those who live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest trauma centre," Mr Barilaro says. 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan said the equipment will make a big difference for patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke or breathing difficulties.

“The equipment also provides our paramedics with greater protection when treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients,” Dr Morgan said.

The Health Services Unions says the investment should be followed by boosting intensive care paramedic numbers.

"To fully take advantage of the new vehicles, a greater number of paramedics are needed along with better access to training," the Union said in a statement.

“These ambulances are an excellent first step but there are paramedics screaming for the opportunity to be upskilled to intensive care status in regional NSW right now. Sadly they are being held back from serving their communities to the best of their ability,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary.

“We need at least one 12 person intensive care paramedic crew for every 50,000 people immediately. We are currently well below that ratio." 

“The best thing the NSW Goverment could do right now is fund NSW Ambulance to allow regional paramedics to undertake the intensive care course in the regions. That will allow paramedics to make the most of these new vehicles  and best serve their communities.

“This is a great first step. The proof will be in the follow through.”

In 2020-21 the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance, including $27 million for 180 new staff, the third tranche of the 2018 commitment to recruit 750 more paramedic and control centre staff over four years.

Maitland's Mattress Muster to Return Early with Recycling Trial This Weekend

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Maitland Council's Mattress Muster is returning early this year, with a trial of the recycling program this weekend expected to alleviate demand for the service.

The trial is replacing a previously announced event at the Council's Depot carpark on Metford Road in East Maitland, and will be instead held at the Mount Vincent Waste Facility Site from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, and Saturday 27th of February.

Each household in the Maitland can drop off up to four mattresses free of charge, including cots, innersprings, foam and latex, although mattresses with ensemble bases will count as two items.

Environment & Sustainability Manager Catherine Pepper says the community's involvement in the Mattress Muster was encouraging.

"The high popularity of the Mattress Muster is indicative of the community’s positive interest in recycling," Ms Pepper said. "Involvement in programs like this is a great way to keep problem waste out of landfill." 

Proof of residence in the Maitland local government area is required to take part.

Fourth Man Arrested As Part of Investigations into Jesmond Shooting

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A fourth man has been charged as investigations continue into an alleged break and enter and shooting at Jesmond in January. 

About 8.10pm on January 14, two 19-year-old men attended an apartment on Newcastle Road where they spoke with a 36-year-old man.

Police allege the pair forced entry to the home and threatened the man with a fire extinguisher, before discharging a firearm towards him a short time later.

Detectives from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Waradgery to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Shortland on Wednesday and arrested a 32-year-old man.

He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with shoot at with intent to murder and aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. 

Three other men have been arrested in relation to the incident matter. They remain before the courts.

Image: Newcastle City District Police 

Men Allegedly Smash Police Car Window with Beer Bottle During Brawl at Muswellbrook

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Two men will face court on Thursday, after allegedly damaging a police vehicle during a brawl in the Hunter Valley overnight.

About 1am on February 18, officers were called to Clarence Way, Muswellbrook, following reports of a brawl.

Upon arrival, police located several people on the street and inside a premises.

Officers entered the home and broke up the brawl before a 19-year-old man exited the property and approached the marked police vehicle.

Police allege the man threw a beer bottle at one of the rear windows, causing it to smash.

He was arrested a short time later, before a 26-year-old man exited the home – allegedly armed with a knife – and threatened people on the street.

He was arrested, with additional resources called upon to disperse the remaining persons at the scene.

Both men were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with affray.

The younger man was also charged with malicious damage, while the older man was charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court. 

Inquiries are continuing.

Damaged Police Vehicle: Hunter Valley Police District Facebook

State Government Facing Calls for Further Works on Pacific Highway to Improve Road Safety

BY DAKOTA TAIT

While the Pacific Highway's four lane upgrade has been completed, the NSW Government is now facing calls to invest in further works to help improve the road's safety. 

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie told Parliament on Tuesday the Pacific Highway needed overpasses and interchanges at vital intersections where there had been accidents and high traffic flows in the past.

“Population growth along the Pacific Highway corridor, combined with increasing tourism traffic has made many of these major intersections busy at peak times, raising further safety concerns,” Dr Gillespie said. 

“In recent times, we have seen fatal accidents at these busy intersections and it’s now time for them all to be upgraded.”

Dr Gillespie identified the Medowie Road, Italia Road and Buckets Way intersections north of Raymond Terrace as in particular need of an interchange or overpass following various fatal crashes in recent years.

"All of these intersections are a priority and need to be upgraded sooner rather than later. It is something we must put on the agenda now so that further investment can be made by the State and Federal Governments," Dr Gillespie said.

“The community at all of these locations are seeking interchanges and overpasses at these intersections and I believe they deserve nothing less."

Dr Gillespie said he would be pursuing the issue with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport.

Cessnock Man Accused Of Attempting To Murder His Baby Daughter

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A man has been charged with the attempted murder of his 5-month-old daughter in the coalfields.

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives arrested the 26-year-old at a Cessnock home yesterday (Wednesday 17 February, 2021).

It follows a two-month investigation into how the little girl came to be admitted to a local hospital with critical injuries on December 12.

She was later transferred to the John Hunter Hospital for ongoing treatment.

The man faced Cessnock Local Court where he was refused bail to face the same court on Wednesday April 14.

Principal Fast Track Program Could see More of the States Best Teachers Moving to the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A new State Government program could see more of NSW's best teachers relocating to the Hunter.

The plan would fast track the process to becoming a principal, allowing 50 teachers to reach the milestone in 10 years rather than the usual 20, if they teach in regional areas. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the rigorous program will require participants to learn from leading teachers at selected schools, participate in a regional placement and excel in a leadership position.

“The Fast Stream program will raise education standards across the State by training our best teachers in our best schools and then requiring them to continue teaching in areas of higher need,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The program will be a competitive and selective employment pathway in Australia. Participating teachers will have to achieve a number of milestones and demonstrate their leadership ability to be successful.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said bringing our best teachers to regional NSW will benefit both the students and the community.

“Once these teachers get a taste of rural living, the hope is that they will stay regional and take up the better quality of life we have on offer,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This is about building a safer and stronger regional NSW by giving our kids the best education possible while creating valuable teaching jobs in the bush.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Fast Stream program is unapologetically selective, competitive, and incredibly rewarding in the long term.

“To enter the Fast Stream you have to be the best, and you must remain the best,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We want the future leaders – the ones that will transform the education system of tomorrow through academic excellence, outstanding ability in front of a class, and ambition.

“Ensuring our best graduates and teachers spend time in regional NSW will help lift our regional schools.

"The Fast Stream program is a component of the School Success Model and will start in Term 1 2022.

P-Plater Allegedly Caught Drink Driving Tries to Flee Police in Hamilton

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A P-plater has had his license suspended after being allegedly caught drink driving in Hamilton. 

Around 2:30am on Wednesday morning, police stopped a Holden Commodore in Hamilton for the purposes of a breath test.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver has exited and run from police.

He was caught a short distance away and submitted to a breath test where he returned a positive result.

He was subsequently placed under arrest and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The driver underwent a breath analysis and returned a reading of 0.107 (mid-range PCA).

The driver, who was the holder of a P2 Provisional licence is restricted to zero alcohol whilst driving.

His licence was immediately suspended, and he was issued a court attendance notice to appear in Newcastle Local Court in March.

Newcastle Permanent Announces More Branch Closures In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Frontline banking services in the Hunter are about to take anther hit, with the Newcastle Permanent announcing its Fletcher and Medowie branches will close on Friday March 26.

In a statement, the bank says the leases on the branches are expiring and there's been a 30 percent fall in branch use over the past 5 years.

It follows the closure of Newcastle Perm branches at Nelson Bay, Cardiff, Mayfield and Maitland in March last year and it's King Street Head Office, Lambton, John Hunter and University branches in 2018.

The Perm is not the only financial institution closing branches, with the Greater Bank closing its Lambton and Jesmond outlets and the Commonwealth Bank looking set to close its Wallsend branch, which hasn't reopened 9 months after closing its doors.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery says closing bank branches has a major impact on older residents and the disabled, many of whom aren't registered for online banking.

"We know now that Newcastle Perm has closed over 50% of their branches in the Hunter area. They want the customers, they want the profits, but they want everybody to go digital and that's almost impossible for many people over 70," she said.

The Perm will close its Fletcher and Medowie branches in March

Underwater Rubbish Bin Could be the Key to Cleaning up Carrington's Waterways and Mangroves

 BY ISABEL EVERETT/LAURA RUMBEL 

An underwater rubbish bin could be the key to cleaning up excessive amounts of rubbish in Carrington's water ways. 

The Carrington Community Council is hosting a community information session, with tech company 'The Seabin Foundation', to discuss the potential roll out of their 'Seabin' device in Newcastle's water ways. 

The Seabin sits underneath the surface sucking in water and rubbish, including microplastics, and filtering out oil, fuel and other surface pollutants with filters installed to prevent animals getting stuck.  

20 of the devices are currently placed in Sydney Harbour as part of a 12 month trial. 

The Seabin Foundation estimates during the trial 28 tons of microplastics, marine litter and plastic fibres will be removed by filtering 4.3 billion litres of water. 

"The seabin is a bit like a water vacuum, and would catch all the rubbish that unfortunately comes down our waterways and through Throsby creek," Council member and Carrington resident Scott Sharpe says. 

"When you walk through the board walk in Carrington when the tide is down there is just so much rubbish and plastics. If we could take that away before that gets there it's so much better for the environment." 

The Council are hoping for support from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, and Hunter Water to roll out the devices here. 

Hunter Water says they will monitor the results of the Sydney trial. 

The information session will be held at Carrington Bowling Club on Sunday the 21st of February at 12:30pm. 

Members of the Seabin Foundation will give a demonstration of a working seabin and will be on-hand to discuss the device with the community.

As numbers are limited, those interested are encouraged to RSVP to carringtoncommunitycouncil@gmail.com.

Images: Seabinproject.com

Man Charged With Assaulting Female Police Officer, After Punching Lake Macquarie Home Owner Several Times

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged after a police officer was assaulted during an arrest in Lake Macquarie overnight.

About 8pm on Monday night, a man entered the backyard of a home on King Street, Hillsborough, where it’s alleged he damaged sporting equipment.

The homeowners confronted him a short time later before he fled and ran through several nearby properties, continuing to damage homes.

A second homeowner confronted the man on Percy Street when it’s alleged the man tackled him and punched him in the face several times.

Officers  attended a short time later and a female senior constable attempted to arrest the 20-year-old man.

Police allege the man punched the officer in the side of the head and pulled at her hair before he was arrested with assistance from other officers.

The female officer sustained bruising and swelling to her face and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, while the 20-year-old man was also taken to hospital under police guard for treatment to injuries sustained during the incident.

The 20-year-old Charlestown man was released from hospital on Tuesday morning and taken to Belmont Police Station.

He was charged with nine offences including two counts of destroy or damage property, two counts of enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, and three counts of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.

He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Tuesday.

Three People Rescued from the Myall River After Boat Sinks at Winda Woppa

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Three people have been rescued from waters in the Myall River after their boat sunk of the boat ramp at Winda Woppa. 

Two Port Stephens marine rescue vessels were training in the area at the time, and were able to quickly respond to the distress call at around 10.10am on Tuesday morning. 

The rescue crews were notified a passing boat has already picked up the trio before they arrived, and were safely transported to shore. 

Health Union Welcomes Hospital Security Review

 BY IAN CROUCH

 The Health Services Union is welcoming a statewide review of hospital security following a rise in violent incidents against staff at hospitals over the past 10 years, including here the Hunter.

The review by former Police Minister, Peter Anderson recommends a number of measures including a trial of capsicum foam and other defensive tools to help de-escalate threatening situations, wearing of duress alarms in Emergency Departments and improved access to mental health assessments.

The review made 107 recommendations including investing in permanent rather than contract security staff and enhancing security in emergency departments at some rural and regional hospitals.

It comes after a security guard was attacked by a patient with a pair of scissors at the Calvary Mater Hospital in May 2019, leaving him with cuts to his face and back.

HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said he hoped the review would provide ED staff with more defensive tools and lead to the employment of extra permanent security officers in the state's hospitals.

Former Police Minister Peter Anderson

Big Fall In Hunter Residents On JobKeeper

 BY IAN CROUCH

 New figures issued by Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg show the number of people on JobKeeper in the Hunter has fallen significantly since September.

The media background document reveals 66 per cent of recipients in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and 68 per cent in the rest of the Hunter stopped receiving the payments between September and December.

It coincides with a turnaround in the region's unemployment rate, which peaked at 11 per cent in June and now stands at 6.5 per cent in December.

JobKeeper is due to run out next month but Josh Frydenberg is resisting calls to extend the scheme in targeted sectors, saying the government is tapering support as the economy improves.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg

Moves Under Way To Clean-Up Trugain Site At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

After years of complaints about toxic pollution from the Trugain waste-oil refinery site at Rutherford, moves are under way to clean up the site. 

Fairfax reports the Environment Protection Authority is calling for industry proposals to clean up the abandoned industrial site. 

It comes after an EPA officer fell ill from breathing fumes during a recent visit to the Kyle Street plant and admissions from a government official the aging tanks at the site could fail at any time.

Industry representatives have until next Friday to submit proposals on how to tackle the clean-up, which is tipped to cost more than $10 million.

Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison says it's taken far too long to get to this point. 

"We have to remember this is an environmental ticking time bomb, it is absolutely urgent that the  Government gets onto this," Ms Aitchison says. 

"I don't want to gamble on the future of my community. If the Government want to go and try and recover that money from the polluter afterwards they have my full backing, but we can't be gambling with people's lives and health and safety." 

She says it would be a massive inditement on the Government and the EPA if the $10 million cost fell back onto tax payers. 

"We've had four successive Environment Ministers is this Government who have failed to act on this, and failed to ensure the EPA has the resources it needs." 

"The Government's current strategy of pumping out the site every time it rains is costing around $1 million dollars a year." 

Two University of Newcastle Courses Among Top 10 Most in Demand for NSW Students

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The University of Newcastle is welcoming students to it's campuses with Orientation or 'O' Week celebrations kicking off this week.

Two courses at the University of Newcastle were among the top 10 most in-demand courses in NSW for 2021, according to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine joint medical program at University of Newcastle and University of New England was the second most popular course in the state this year, while the Bachelor of Nursing came in at ninth.

The biggest increases in enrolments at the University were in Education, Science and Psychology, with the new Bachelor of Criminology also generating significant interest.

This follows reforms to University course fees brought in by the Federal Government last year, which saw fees decreased for science, health, architecture, environmental science, IT, engineering, agriculture, maths, teaching, nursing, clinical psychology, English and language courses.

Degrees in teaching, nursing, clinical psychology, English and languages became up to 42 per cent cheaper, with a three-year nursing degree costing $11,850, down from $20,412.

Fees increased for humanities, law, economics, commerce, communications and visual arts courses.

Fees for humanities and communications subjects rose around 113 per cent. Law, commerce, economics increased by 28 per cent, with a a full four-year program in these disciplines costing students about $58,000.

This year will see a return to more face-to-face learning experiences for students, following the move to a higher proportion of online learning last year.

Each course will set its own blend of on-campus and online activities and new COVID-safe protocols such as checking in to buildings will be introduced.

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Vice-President, Professor Mark Hoffman, said the campus experience was important for students and the University was committed to creating the best environment for them to thrive.

“Students are saying they’re really excited to be able to enjoy face-to-face learning opportunities and experience everything that university life has to offer,” Professor Hoffman said.

Professor Hoffman said there had been a high demand for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 2021.

“It’s exciting to see student numbers so strong this year, especially since we know how challenging 2020 was for so many of them,” Professor Hoffman said.

“We are noticing the highest growth in degrees that embed work integrated learning into the program and have strong graduate employment opportunities.”

Police Appeal for Witnesses Of Road Rage Incident Against Bike Rider at Waratah

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle City Police are seeking assitance from the public to assist in an investigation into a road rage incident against a bicycle rider.

The incident occurred on Moate Street and Turton Road, at Waratah between 6:30am and 6:50am on Wednesday February 3rd.

A man driving a white hatchback or station wagon reportedly made threats towards the rider and intimidated him with the vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to call Newcastle Police on 49266599 or 49290999 and quote event number E78267018.

UPDATE ! Truck Crash Closes One Lane Of Buckets Way At Limeburners Creek

 BY IAN  CROUCH

 Police say the truck has now been towed from the scene and traffic is back to normal.

 Earlier:

 Traffic on the Buckets Ways at Limeburners Creek is down to one lane following a truck crash.

The crash has happened at about 5.45am on Monday, about one kilometre west of Fords Road.

Police say the truck, which is loaded with steel, was attempting a three-point-turn in wet conditions when the rig slipped backwards down an embankment.

The 36-year-old male driver from Newcastle wasn't injured.

Police say an extended operation will be required to unload the truck and drag it back up to the road.

A contra-flow traffic operation in under way.

The truck was wedged down a small embankment. Picture: Port Stephens Police