Blackbutt Village Upgrade to Commence Next Month

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The $3.7 million upgrade to Blackbutt Village in New Lambton is set to commence next month. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the results from community consultation on the project last year revealed concerns about safety, particularly when crossing the busy Orchardtown Road.

"Our team have been busy developing a design that both improves safety and encourages pedestrians and cyclists to the area, as well as making it a safer place to park your car and visit the local shops," Cr Nelmes said.

The upgrade will include an off-road shared pedestrian and bike path, a new pedestrian crossing, and the introduction of a 40km per hour speed limit. 

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade will also focus on improving the entire public domain to help promote local businesses.

"Wider footpaths and new plazas will improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the area, while its look and feel will be improved with renewed drainage, kerbs, gutters, road surfaces, footpaths, lighting, street furniture, tree planting and landscaping," Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024. 

Image: City of Newcastle

Hunter New England breaks its streak of topping NSW in new cases

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 728 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

184 of those cases were from PCR tests and 544 were from RAT tests. 

It's the first day in weeks the health district hasn't led New South Wales in new cases.

The health district is now caring for 24 cases in hospital, with four people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 5,856 new COVID cases and 6 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,136 cases in hospital, with 55 in intensive care.

54.1 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

We're being urged to remain vigilant, despite the easing of most COVID restrictions last Friday.

 

Mulletfest's fifth anniversary big success for COVID recovery

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Kurri Kurri Mulletfest has celebrated its fifth anniversary, for the first weekend after most COVID restrictions were dropped by the State Government.

Masks were off and mullets were out, with the controversial hairstyles competing in categories such as everyday, extreme, grubby, ranga, and vintage, as well as junior competitions.

Just over $3,000 was raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation at the event.

Mulletfest Founder Laura Johnson says it was an impressive showcase on Saturday.

"I tell you what, the mullet quality is spectacular," Ms Johnson said. "You can't ask for better."

"They're really upping their game now, and I think having heats all over Australia, we're going to continue to see improvements in our mullet quality throughout the year."

"There was lots of, what I would call hairdresser-intervention, so quite a bit of colour, quite a bit of barbering and design work."

The celebration saw coverage as far as the UK and the United States, and the event's now set to tour the State, as well as Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, through to October.

An international category also saw competitors from Belgium and Sweden head down to Kurri Kurri. 

Ms Johnson says it's exciting to be able to bring such a big event to the Hunter, and from there, to the world stage.

"Hospitality workers are really being pushed outside their comfort zone to be flexible, and to really think outside the square about how they can safely bring people together," Ms Johnson said.

"That was our goal at Mulletfest headquarters, how do we continue with our goals, which is to create a tourism injection and to bring people together, but do it in a COVID-safe way, so that we're not putting anyone in danger, we're not putting anyone at risk."

Image credit: Mulletfest

Stroud Show going from strength to strength

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

The Stroud Show will be up and running again in 2022. 

One of the top 20 Agricultural shows in NSW, the event is set to run over three days in the run-up to ANZAC Day.

Stroud Show Association President James Harris says he is proud of the committee's efforts to make the show even bigger than in 2021.

"It's a win-win-win there, for the farmers getting to showcase what they produce and since the drought's broken 18 months ago, it's been a fantastic season for everything," Mr Harris said.

While COVID-19 has presented challenges to many other agricultural shows in the area, the Stroud show was one of 40 able to be staged in 2021. 

With restrictions easing, it is hoped that the show can surpass the records set in 2021.

Mr. Harris believes that with the current conversation surrounding mental health, it is his opinion that people just want to get involved with the community. 

"We find so many people just come to the show to interact, to be part of the event and be with people and for the town to socialize," Mr Harris said.

Family Day passes cost $40, which Mr. Harris says you can't get anywhere else. 

Not only does it give farmers and the community the opportunity to come together, but it comes as relief for the farmers of Stroud and beyond, who have dealt with drought, bushfires and the pandemic within the last three years alone.

Feedback Sought On Proposed Temporary Closure Of Cessnock Road

 BY IAN CROUCH

The community is being asked for input into plans to close Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow in April to allow work on the road upgrade to continue.

The road would need to be closed from 6pm on a nominated Friday until 5.30am the following Monday with diversions put in place.

It's part of work to raise Cessnock Road by 1.5 metres to avoid future flooding.

The community is being asked to nominate a weekend in April for the closure to occur.

Residents should email Daracon Constructions at testershollow@daracon.com.au or phone 1800 595 220 by March 16 to have their say.

Work is under way to prevent future flooding on Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow

 

Government grilled on whether the Hunter will get compensation for train delays

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

The Opposition is calling on the State Government to provide clarity whether a scheme for train commuters receiving half-price fares at peak time, will also benefit the Hunter.

New South Wales is set to roll-out a plan that will ease the strain on Sydney commuters impacted by the train dispute, including the total shutdown on Monday and major delays since.

But it's unclear whether the compensation will apply to regional commuters.

The Minister for Regional Transport says, he's still waiting to find from Transport for New South Wales.

Image credit: transportnsw.info

Ukrainian community urging the Hunter to show solidarity amid Russian invasion

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's Ukrainian community is calling on the region to show solidarity with the country and it's people, following the Russian invasion on Thursday.

Major cities and military installations have faced shelling, missile strikes, and heavy fighting, as Ukraine wrestles with fronts to the north, south, and east.

The Ukrainian Government is now reporting 137 people, including civilians, have been killed in the first day of fighting.

A vigil was held by the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Adamstown this morning.

Volodymyr Motyka, a representative of the Ukrainian community in the Hunter, says the mood was very sombre.

"Very, as one would expect, down," Mr Motyka said 

"There's nothing uplifting other than the impression that we're getting from various people, that a resistance is being put up."

Australia has joined the United States and other allies in placing heavy sanctions on Moscow, but have stepped short of offering military support.

Ukraine's President signed a decree for general mobilisation of the population, calling up conscripts and reservists to take part over the next 90 days. 

The Government says weapons will also be supplied to anyone willing to fight.

Mr Motyka says people are worried about their family and friends overseas.

He says moral support for the Ukrainian people, as well as financial support and donations from locals will go a long way.

"This can be done in the conventional way, there's Red Cross Ukraine," Mr Motyka said.

"You can do it through Rotary Australia, they are also linked to that kind of activity and support, and also Caritas, which is part of the Catholic Church with a Ukrainian arm, they do that extensively throughout the country."

Ukraine's neighbours are now preparing for an influx of refugees as war escalates and moves closer to population centres.

The United Nations expects at least 100,000 people will seek asylum to the country's west.

Mr Motyka says, while we're on the other side of the world, it's important for the Hunter to show solidarity with Ukraine.

"I think we have to maintain as much as possible, our resolve and focus on what is at stake," Mr Motyka said.

"We forget, at times, that although we live in the beautiful Hunter River area, the Hunter Region, in Australia, so far away, that we are directly connected."

Image credit: Ukrainian Catholic Church

No new COVID deaths to report in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 999 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

328 of those cases were from PCR tests and 671 were from RAT tests.

The health district is now caring for 18 cases in hospital, with two people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 7,583 new COVID cases and 6 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,144 cases in hospital, with 64 in intensive care.

53.1 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Union Assures Baiada Workers That Jobs Are Safe

 BY IAN CROUCH

The meat workers union is reassuring 1000 workers at the Baiada chicken processing plant at Beresfield their jobs are safe.

A letter from the company to farmers last month hinted at the possible closure of the plant as one option being considered in the future rationalisation of production in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Union secretary, Justin Smith says the Beresfield factory will not close any time soon.

Baiada won approval for a huge processing plant at Tamworth last year which could replace some or all of the output from Beresfield, but the company has not made a final investment decision on whether to proceed with the new facility.  

Greens Launch Ambitious $19 Billion Job Package In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt will launch a $19 billion plan in Newcastle on Friday to provide wage subsidies to help coal and electricity workers transition into new jobs.

It comes as the Hunter's Liddell, Bayswater and Eraring power stations face earlier-than-expected closure and the push toward renewable energy sources.

The bold decade-long plan relies on the Greens holding the balance of power after this year's Federal election.

Adam Bandt will meet with coal workers to outline how the job-for-job guarantee program will work.

The plan relies on taxing billionaires as well as coal and gas companies.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt

Singleton election saga unlikely to be settled before Federal vote

BY DAKOTA TAIT

It's unlikely Singleton will be headed back to the polls for a second council election, before the country votes on their Federal members. 

Singleton, Kempsey, and Shellharbour Councils were back in the Supreme Court this week, after the Electoral Commission raised concern, a glitch in the online voting system means the December elections should be overturned.

The Commission says a number of voters were locked out when the iVote program crashed, identifying the three councils as the only ones in which the number would make a difference to the results.

But councillors say the issue wasn't their fault, and another election would be too expensive, both for their campaigns and for taxpayers. 

A mathematical scientist on behalf of a Kempsey councillor also told the court, the data was unfairly interpreted and actually shows another 36 councils should also be in doubt.

Justice Robert Beech-Jones said he would continue to consider the case, but no decision would be made before the Federal election.

Three deaths across Hunter New England amid fall in hospitalisations

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,216 new COVID cases today and three deaths.

450 of those cases were from PCR tests and 766 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, two women and one man have passed away with the virus.

One person was from Moree Plains, one person was from Inverell, and one person was from Newcastle.

Two were in their 80s, and one was aged over 100.

The health district is now caring for 21 cases in hospital, with one person in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 8,271 new COVID cases and 12 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,211 cases in hospital, with 59 in intensive care.

52.6 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

City Of Newcastle Aims To Be More Inclusive

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council has put forward plans to make the city accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Councillors have adopted the Disability Inclusion Plan, which focuses on developing positive community attitudes to disabled people as well as creating livable communities, supporting access to meaningful employment and improving access to mainstream services.

Low sensory sessions at Newcastle Museum, cultural and arts programs and inclusive games and sports are among a range of events planned for the month-long Count Us In Program which will be supported by a grants program.

The Count Us In Program is a key part of the Disability Inclusion Plan. Picture In Touch Magazine

Cyclist Injured In Crash At Karuah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to a serious crash involving a cyclist at Karuah.

A man in his 50's was riding along the Pacific Highway near the North Arm Cove exit late on Wednesday  afternoon when he was struck by a car which was towing a caravan.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called in and a medical crew on board assisted Paramedics in treating the man at the scene for a head injury.

Police say no charges have been laid at this stage.

The cyclist was treated at the scene for a head injury. Picture Westpac Rescue Helicopter

No COVID deaths in Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,283 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

448 of those cases were from PCR tests and 835 were from RAT tests.

The health district is now caring for 32 cases in hospital, with one person in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 8,931 new COVID cases and 6 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,246 cases in hospital, with 69 in intensive care.

52.2 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

New concert venue to put Morisset on the map

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The former Morisset Country Club golf course is set to be redeveloped as a world-leading concert venue for national and international acts.

Lake Macquarie councillors voted unanimously last night to approve the development application by Winarch Capital.

The venue will have the capacity to host crowds of up to 30,000 people at outdoor performances, as well as events such as markets and functions.

The Cedar Mill event site will also feature a tourist park, a cafe and restaurant, and outdoor gardens.

It's hoped the project will put Lake Macquarie on the map as an entertainment destination.

Cessnock man passes away with COVID-19

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,242 new COVID cases today and one death.

224 of those cases were from PCR tests and 1,018 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, a man in his 90s from Cessnock has passed away with the virus.

The health district is now caring for 35 cases in hospital, with two people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 8,752 new COVID cases and 14 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,293 cases in hospital, with 71 in intensive care.

51.7 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Graffiti clean-up sparks business backlash over paint jobs

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle businesses have hit back at a graffiti clean-up effort over the weekend, saying the work was done without permission.

A team of more than 100 volunteers, including Knights players, took to CBD streets on Saturday and Sunday in a working bee to clean-up graffiti.

Former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy initiated the campaign, claiming the City of Newcastle hadn't responded to his concerns about an alleged uptick in vandalism in the city centre.

But Hunter Street's Ka-fey Cafe took to social media to complain about the cover-up, describing the black paint job as "pretty terrible".

The owners of Antijojos, a Mexican street food restaurant on Steel Street, also complained to the Council about the paint job on their formerly graffiti-adorned roller doors. 

The McCloy Group said it would contribute to the costs of a future mural after earning backlash from Playstate Curate, a Union Street art gallery, when a wall intended for the art project was also painted over.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath has slammed the clean-up campaign, saying without permission, the anti-graffiti efforts were unacceptable.

Image credit: McCloy Group

Newcastle Emerging Art Prize Broadens its Horizons

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Newcastle Emerging Art Prize has broadened its horizons, with the introduction of a new name and new categories. 

The competition now known as the Hunter Emerging Art Prize, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by honouring the talent of artists from across the region. 

Emerging artists living in the LGA's of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter were welcome to enter this year. 

With over 200 applicants this year, the highest number ever received for this competition, Business Manager at the Newcastle Art Space, Leah Fawthrop, said she felt the new name was more welcoming for local artists. 

"We've always offered the Prize to the Hunter, but I think this reflects it better," she said. 

In addition to a new name, this year has also seen the introduction of two new categories; the Youth Prize and Experimental Art category.

Ms Fawthrop said the introduction of the Youth Prize was made possible with the support of the Squires family, in recognition of the late Jody Robinson's contribution to art education in the Hunter.

"Jody was an art teacher and an art leader. She was very much a mentor for young artists, and she was a passionate believer in supporting young artists."

The winners of the Hunter Emerging Art Prize will be announced at the exhibition opening from 6-8pm on the 26th of February 2022.

Image: Museums and Galleries of NSW

Beach Hotel Wins Battle To Trade Until 3am

 BY IAN CROUCH

A controversial development at a popular Merewether hotel has been approved by the Land and Environment Court after initially being rejected by Newcastle Council.

The $3 million renovation of the Beach  Hotel included plans to have the ground floor open until 3.00am every night except Sunday - a move opposed by many nearby residents and some councillors.

The hotel's liquor licence allows it to trade until 3.00am which cannot be amended by council.

The hotel's licensee and Council have reached agreement to allow the extended trading hours with limitations on live and recorded music and the provision of security guards and a courtesy bus.

An artist's impression of a $3mil refurbishment of the Beach Hotel which has been given approval to have its ground floor open until 3.00am 6 nights a week.

Hunter Trains Resume After Stoush Between Government And Union

 BY IAN CROUCH

Commuter services have resumed on Tuesday morning on the Hunter's rail network to a reduced timetable.

A deal was struck between the government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union overnight to restore some normality to the state's railways.

Limited services are expected to operate across the Hunter every 30 to 60 minutes and Transport for NSW says some buses will be put on to replace trains, but commuters should make alternative arrangements if possible.

Transport Minister, David Elliott says he's continuing talks with the union this morning ahead of a Fair Work Commission hearing on Wednesday.

" This is as good as it's going to get. This is as good as we could've got. I'm very grateful to the union for agreeing to it. I think that does show a level of good faith, and I'll be taking that good faith and repaying it," he said.

David Elliott

Graffiti clean-up campaign starts spat with City of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A graffiti clean-up campaign over the weekend has been welcomed by much of the community, but the move has stirred up controversy with the City of Newcastle.

Former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy is behind the plan, with more than 100 volunteers, including Knights players and members of local surf life saving clubs, painting over graffiti in the CBD on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr McCloy says there's been plenty of support.

"It looks a hell of a lot better," Mr McCloy said. "It's so widespread, we missed a fair bit of course, but at least the key points look presentable and as if we care."

"I'm a great advocate of public art, but it's different from someone scratching their name on glass or painting out their initials on something, which defaces the city - huge difference."

Mr McCloy says he launched the working bee in response to the City of Newcastle ignoring his concerns about vandalism.

Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath has hit out at the calls, however, saying the City shouldn't use ratepayer funds to maintain private property. 

The Council spends $1 million a year on anti-graffiti measures, around $200,000 more than was spent at the end of Mr McCloy's term as Lord Mayor in 2014.

But Mr McCloy says he'd just like to see better results from the money.

"I think it needs a bit of a liven-up, because it's everywhere," Mr McCloy said.

"You look around the rest of the world - I was driving through Surfers Paradise the other day, and there's virtually no graffiti, they clean it all the time."

"I see Sally Capp, the Mayor of Melbourne saying she calls them vandals and criminals."

"Wherever there's social decay, in cities around the world and riots and such, what goes with it is graffiti - it's pretty simple stuff."

The City of Newcastle said in a statement on Sunday afternoon, they could have worked alongside the event if Mr McCloy had given them notice.

Image credit: McCloy Group

736 new COVID cases in Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 736 new COVID cases today and one death.

163 of those cases were from PCR tests and 573 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, a man in his 60s from the Mid Coast has passed away with the virus.

The health district is now caring for 35 cases in hospital, with two people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 4,916 new COVID cases and 7 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,288 cases in hospital, with 74 in intensive care.

51.5 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Smoky Start To Working Week

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle residents are reporting a pall of bushfire smoke over many parts of the city this morning.

It's coming from an 86 hectare bushfire burning to our north at Limeburners Creek.

The RFS says the fire, which is under control, is burning in the Wallaroo State Forest and not posing any threat to property.

An expected southerly change should clear the smoke later on Monday afternoon. 

It's expected the smoke will clear by Monday afternoon

$1.5 Billion Defence Contract For Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created with a major defence contract being announced on Monday.

Defence Minister Peter Dutoon will be in Newcastle on Monday afternoon to announce the $1.5 billion dollar contract to update the performance of the Hawk Lead-In Fighter combat training aircraft.

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell says its a decade-long investment in the Hunter's defence industry.

"The is a 10 year contract with BAE Systems and this will create 350 direct jobs and support opportunities for 900 direct and indirect jobs going forward," she said.

Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Picture defence.gov.au

Train Chaos Hits The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

No trains will be running in Sydney or across NSW on Monday after talks between Transport for NSW and the Rail Tram and Bus Union broke down on Sunday night.

It means no suburban, inter-urban or country trains will run.

While the union maintains there will only be limited disruptions, the government says the union's ongoing industrial campaign makes it impossible to safely operate services.

Transport for NSW says commuters should make alternative arrangements

Today's disruption follows more than 30 meetings between the union and Transport for NSW over the past six months to resolve a range of claims.

The parties are due back in the Fair Work Commission at 9 o'clock on Monday morning.

Transport for NSW says no trains will run on Monday Picture: Newcastle Weekly

 

Hunter New England hospitalisations fall and no new deaths as restrictions ease

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,383 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

488 of those cases were from PCR tests and 895 were from RAT tests.

The health district is now caring for 37 cases in hospital, with three people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 9,243 new COVID cases and 15 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,381 cases in hospital, with 92 in intensive care.

50.3 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Works on Newcastle Ocean Baths to begin next month

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Revitalization works on the Newcastle Ocean Baths are set to get started on March14.

The $14.5 million stage one works include a new pump system, a renewed boardwalk, and improved disability access with a ramp and handrail.

The bleacher seating will be retained, but a controversial plan to concrete the pool's rock floor will go ahead.

The City of Newcastle says it won't affect sand buildup on the bottom of the pool, but admitted it will consider manually replacing sand after its annual clean, depending on weather and swell conditions.

A second stage of works will focus on upgrading the pavilion and surrounding public spaces.

The Ocean Baths will be closed while works are underway, expected to be wrapped up mid-2023.

COVID restrictions ease across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The easing of COVID restrictions is being met with relief and anxiety across the Hunter.

QR codes in most settings and density limits are already gone, with masks to disappear everywhere but hospitals and transport next Friday.

The check-ins will stick around for festivals and nightclubs.

It's still not clear how these rules will apply to schools. 

The State Government says it will consider bringing restrictions back if cases spike.

SES Performs Flood Rescues At Merewether As Fierce Storm Lashes The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Volunteers from the Newcastle SES have carried out two flood rescues after a fierce electrical storm hit the region last night.

Homes and businesses at Elermore Vale, Wallsend, Maryland and Sandgate lost power shortly after the storm moved through at about 9.00pm.

Ausgrid says 19 customers in Gunsynd Crescent at Maryland and 13 on Maitland Road at Sandgate are still without power and are not expected back on the grid until later this morning or early this afternoon.

The SES responded to 30 calls for assistance mainly for roof damage and trees down.

The SES says the occupants of two vehicles had to be rescued after getting caught in flash flooding, with water up the doors.

In one instance Newcastle Fire Command says a crew from Carrington helped a woman to safety after she became trapped in her car on Industrial Drive at Tourle Street in Mayfield West at about 9.30pm

Tocal recorded the highest rainfall during the storm with 52 millimetres, while Waratah Reservoir recorded 43 and  42 millimetres fell at the Belmore Bridge.

No new COVID deaths across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,555 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

651 of those cases were from PCR tests and 904 were from RAT tests.

The health district is now caring for 40 cases in hospital, with two people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 9,995 new COVID cases and 14 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,447 cases in hospital, with 92 in intensive care.

49.7 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Police Investigate Armed Robbery On Domino's Store At Adamstown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for information after a take-away store was held up at Adamstown overnight.

Police say a man armed with a meat cleaver entered the Domino's store on Brunker Road at about 9.40pm on Wednesday and demanded cash.

A 21-year-old female employee handed over a sum of money and the man fled south on foot along Brunker Road.

The woman and a 19-year-old male employee were not injured during the incident.

The offender was wearing all black clothing, had his faced covered, was wearing gloves and carrying a green reusable shopping bag.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Eraring Power Station to close seven years early

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Origin Energy have announced they're now seeking approval to close the Eraring Power Station in August 2025 seven years of schedule.

The Hunter Valley facility is Australia's biggest coal-fired power plant.

It's the company's only coal-fired generator, meaning it will rely on gas and renewables for power from now on.

It comes as the State Government announces $100 billion worth in expressions of interest for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Zone. 

AGL announced last week its Bayswater Power Station could close as early as 2030 and no later than 2033.

Liddell is already set to shut next year.

Image credit:www.originenergy.com.au

Police Investigate Armed Robbery On Service Station Near Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are looking for two men involved in an armed robbery on the service station near Singleton.

The pair, armed with knives, entered the Mobil outlet on Bridgeman Road at Dunolly just before midnight on Wednesday and threatened the female attendant while demanding cash.

They were handed a sum of money before running from the store towards Bridgeman Road.

The woman wasn't injured during the incident.

Police are examining CCTV footage and are urging anyone with information to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BREAKING! Man Shot In The Leg At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police have launched an investigation after a man presented at Muswellbrook Hospital overnight with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Police were called to the hospital after the 28-year-old arrived with a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh.

Officers attended a home on Richmond Street, Muswellbrook, setting up a crime scene and seizing a number of items for further examination.

The man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Merewether Man To Face Court Accused Of Holding Up Sydney Pharmacy

 BY IAN  CROUCH

Police from the Public Transport Command have arrested a man at a Lake Macquarie railway station over an alleged armed robbery on a Sydney pharmacy.

Police say the 30-year-old from Merewether entered the chemist shop at Glebein Sydney's inner west at about 3.40pm on Wednesday and threatened staff, telling them he was armed, and demanded prescription medication.

He was given an amount of medication and ran off.

Following inquiries, police arrested the man at Cardiff Railway Station at about 7.00pm on Wednedsay.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 17 February, 2022) charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon.

Maitland reclassified in bid to ease GP shortages

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Maitland has successfully campaigned to have the region's Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status reviewed, meaning GP clinics can now recruit doctors trained overseas.

A number of medical practices pressed the Government to reclassify the region, due to local GP shortages.

The DPA indicator is intended to prioritise access to doctors in rural and underserviced parts of the country.

It's hoped the change will provide clinics with a larger pool of doctors to recruit from.

Newcastle man passes away with COVID-19

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,672 new COVID cases today and three deaths.

590 of those cases were from PCR tests and 1,082 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, a man in his 90s from Newcastle has passed away with the virus.

The health district is now caring for 40 cases in hospital, with three people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 10,463 new COVID cases and 27 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,478 cases in hospital, with 92 in intensive care.

49.1 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway on track for commuters

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Works on the Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway have wrapped up.

The track runs parallel with Cockle Creek, past Waratah Golf Club, and links at Glendale with the existing Tramway Track to Wallsend.

The completion of the leg means cyclists and commuters have a continuous, mostly off-road 18 kilometre route to the University of Newcastle and beyond.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it's great for commuting, exercise, or just sightseeing.

"It's known throughout New South Wales and Australia about our Fernleigh Shared Track, about our Richmond Vale Trail, the beautiful shared paths around our city and the other local government areas," Cr Fraser said.

"Adding this to that will mean that people will be able to actually use it as a tourist destination, but also, a means of getting to work as well."

Image credit: www.lakemac.com.au

Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone Taking Shape

 BY IAN CROUCH

More than $100 billion of potential projects have been proposed for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone.

The state government called for expressions of interest in December 2021, with more than 80 projects now put forward by private investors.

Commercial interest has been shown for 24 solar projects, 13 onshore and 7 offshore wind projects, 35 large-scale batteries and 8 pumped hydro projects.

The REZ takes in 11 local government areas from the Central Coast to the Upper Hunter

Energy Minister Matt Kean says together, the projects have the potential to deliver 100 gigawatts of renewable energy a year, equivalent to 10 coal-fired power stations over the same period and the strong interest shows the Hunter and Central Coast will continue to be the energy powerhouse of NSW long into the future.

"These results show that energy investors see the Hunter and central Coast as some of the best investment destinations anywhere in the country, which will translate into jobs and prosperity for the the region," Mr Kean said.

"Renewable Energy Zones are vital to ensuring the future reliability and affordability of electricity in NSW as traditional coal fired power stations close down in the coming decades," he said.

It's expected the Hunter-Central Coast REZ will be formally declared under the NSW Government's Electricity Roadmap legislation by mid-2022.

Renewable Energy Zones will be "vital" to ensuring reliable and affordable electricity in coming decades Picture: infrastructurepipline.org

Garage Destroyed By Fire At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a garage and it's contents at Muswellbrook overnight.

Firefighters from Muswellbrook and Aberdeen were called to a home on Aberdeen Street at 2.15am on Wednesday to find the rear garage well alight.

It took crews around half an hour to bring the fire under control.

The fibro and iron garage was destroyed along with two cars and a motorbike.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing,

The garage and its contents were destroyed Picture: Aberdeen Fire & Rescue

BREAKING! Elderly Man Bashed During Home Invasion At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly man has been assaulted during a violent home invasion at Medowie.

Police say two men and a woman forced their way into the home on Kindlebark Drive just after 6.30pm on Tuesday and assaulted the 82-year-old man before leaving.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Police say the alleged offenders were not known to the victim and nothing was taken from the house.

Detectives have set a crime scene and are pursuing a line of inquiry.  

 

 

1,259 new COVID cases in Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 1,259 new COVID cases today and one death.

139 of those cases were from PCR tests and 1,120 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, a man in his 80s from Newcastle has passed away with the virus.

The health district is now caring for 41 cases in hospital, with four people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 8,201 new COVID cases and 16 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,583 cases in hospital, with 96 in intensive care.

48.5 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Lake Mac Women's Sport Festival to Launch in March

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Hunter-first festival aimed at inspiring the region's next generation of female athletes is set to launch in March. 

The inaugural Lake Mac Women's Sport Festival will encourage women and girls of all ages to be successful athletes and businesswomen. 

The festival will run from the 11th to the 13th of March, and boasts a combination of talks, workshops, sports matches and live entertainment. 

Headlining the event will be world-champion cliff diver Rhiannon Iffland, Olympic gold medalist Kerri Pottharst, and Australian netballer Sam Poolman. 

Cultural Engagement, Marketing and Tourism Coordinator for Lake Macquarie Council Bianca Gilmore, said the event comes at a great time, as women's sport continues to grow and thrive throughout the country. 

"Women's sport has come a long way, and it's really exciting to be able to showcase a number of these inspirational female sportswomen locally," she said. 

"The festival ties together themes of empowerment and celebration, athletic excellence, and community and support." 

"It will offer something for everyone, from sporting newcomers, to aspiring athletes, to coaches and sports administrators." 

Information on ticket prices and event times can be found on the Lake Macquarie Council website. 

Sam Poolman with young netballers

Hunter nurses and midwives walk off job for better conditions

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Nurses and midwives are joining their coworkers across the State for a strike on Tuesday, in a push for improved conditions, better nurse-to-patient ratios, and a pay rise.

23 branches of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association across the Hunter New England Health District are taking part in the action. 

Maitland Branch Secretary Kathy Chapman says the Premier needs to listen to what's being said.

"We're calling on him to actually open his eyes, and stop making out that everything's okay in our hospitals," Ms Chapman said.

"We want one nurse to have a mandatory maximum to look after four patients, and in ED, we want our emergency nurses not to have to look after six or seven patients, but three."

The John Hunter Hospital's emergency department will run on minimal staffing for twelve hours, while the rest of the hospital will join Maitland, James Fletcher, Belmont, and Muswellbrook for a full 24 hours strike.

Staff at Lower Hunter Community Health and the Waratah Mental Health Centre will put down the tools for just eight-and-a-half hours.

Ms Chapman says the fight's not just for nurses.

"Midwives might look after six mothers who have just birthed, but also if they have one to two babies, they're looking after them as well, and they're not all born healthy," Ms Chapman said.

"We want him to open his eyes, we want one to four on the floor, one to three in ED, and we want babies to count."

A rally will be held at Civic Park in Newcastle at 10am this morning.

Image credit: HNE Health

Hunter Water Uncovers Secret Water Deposits

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter Water is one step closer to uncovering a new water source for the region. 

Testing undertaken in 2020 revealed the presence of water beneath the Tomago Sandbeds, in what is now being called the Hunter Palaeochannel. 

The gravel and sand aquifer is said to lie up to 80 metres below the surface, and extends from Morpeth to the Pacific Ocean. 

The testing also revealed the water within the channel has not been exposed to the atmosphere for between 15,000 and 25,000 years. 

Managing Director Darren Cleary said Hunter Water will now work with industry experts to determine how the palaeochannel aquifer recharges and how the source may be used moving forward. 

"We hope that it could be used as a sustainable water supply for the region," he said.

Mr Cleary also said that early work sinking bores into the channel yielded "promising signs". 

"We are exploring it by sinking bores and measuring how the aquifer responds when we pump water out of it. That will tell us how much water we may be able to sustainably extract from the aquifer."

"We will also will be monitoring aquifers around the Tomago area to ensure we are not having any unforeseen impacts there," Mr Cleary said. 

The project has formed part of Hunter Water's draft Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, which is due for release in the coming months. 

 

Numbers fall, but Hunter New England still leads the way in new COVID cases

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter New England recorded 942 new COVID cases today and one death.

294 of those cases were from PCR tests and 648 were from RAT tests. 

Sadly, a man in his 90s from Maitland has passed away with the virus.

The health district is now caring for 36 cases in hospital, with three people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 6,184 new COVID cases and 14 deaths.

This brings the State to 1,649 cases in hospital, with 100 in intensive care.

48.3 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Maitland farmers say cease-to-pump plan will cripple agriculture

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Maitland farmers are concerned a cease-to-pump rule put forward by the State Government would cripple agriculture across the Hunter.

The move would restrict the amount of water irrigators can draw from the Hunter River throughout the summer in a bid to safeguard the freshwater supply downstream.

It's part of a NSW Planning and Environment Department management plan, which the Government says will bring the region in line with the rest of the State and safeguard the waterway against increases in salinity.

But farmers have raised their concerns at a meeting of the Lower Hunter Agricultural Water Users Incorporated group on Friday afternoon, arguing crops won't survive such a change.

Secretary Julia Wokes says the Government is out-of-touch with the community, and farmers are already capable of managing water issues themselves.

"The way the water works in the Lower Hunter is managed by generations of farmers," Ms Wokes said.

"They know to manage salinity, they know how to manage their crops, they know how to manage their land, and they provide local food, local seasonal production for the Maitland and Newcastle area, and they're very important."

There's concern the local agricultural industry, and from there, the entire regional economy, would be devastated if the decision is to go-ahead.

The plan is available for feedback until February 27, and farmers are putting together submissions in opposition to the rule.

An online petition already has 1300 behind it, and will be submitted alongside other materials.

Ms Wokes says a blanket fix isn't the right solution for the region.

"We want everyone to put petitions in, we want everyone to put submissions in," Ms Wokes said.

"We want them to understand that we're looking after the environment, they need to go away, they need to go and monitor the river, they need to go and really understand what they're asking us to do."

"They haven't done their triple bottom line research - they've no idea of the socioeconomic impacts of their decision."

Alleged Drunk Driver In Stolen Car Arrested In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front Newcastle court on Monday accused of driving a stolen car while intoxicated.

Police say a Toyota Prado stolen from Sydney was spotted heading north on the M1 just before 7.00pm on Sunday.

Officers followed the vehicle down Newcastle and Griffiths Road before the SUV stopped near McDonald Jones Stadium.

The 26-year-old driver and his 16 female passenger were arrested.

He's facing several charges including being carried in a stolen car and breach of bail.

The girl was granted bail to face Windsor Children's Court at a later date.  

Police Car Involved In Crash At Bar Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is under way following a crash involving a Police car at Bar Beach overnight.

At about 11.30pm, a Senior Constable from the Crash Investigation Unit was heading home for the day in a fully marked Police car when a Grey Mazda 3 collided with the vehicle at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Parkway Avenue.

The Police officer in his 40's and the 18-year-old man driving the Mazda were taken to hospital in a stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

The 18-year-old is undergoing mandatory testing and is expected to be issued with an infringement notice.