City and State in Stand-Off Over Stockton Beach Dredge

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council and the state government say, they're each on waiting on one another, to get started on a new nourishment program for Stockton Beach.

The federal government announced the project in October, funding most of the $6.2 million, alongside a council contribution. 

But there's now a stand-off as to whether the City or New South Wales is responsible for managing the works and getting the wheels in motion.

The Port of Newcastle has also raised concern, revealing it doesn't have a permit to dredge the harbour for sand nourishment works.

The Port's Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes, told Newcastle Herald, they do not have "necessary provision to provide sand nourishment or perform dredging operations that are not required for maintenance purposes."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the project is proving to be frustrating for both residents and council. 

"This is ridiculous. This grant application was completed by the state government, naming one of their own agencies as playing a part, who are now trying to back-track," Mr Crakanthorp said.   

"The money is there. It should not be this difficult to get this project moving, and I have attempted to discuss this with the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) on a number of occasions." 

HCCDC was identified as the operation's project manager on the original application. 

Mr Crakanthorp said the delays need to stop, and sand needs to be put back on the beach. 

"This project needs to be project-managed from start to finish, and HCCDC are the allocated government agency to do so. They need to start that process immediately." 

Police dog sniffs out alleged car thief after Carrington crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man's been charged after allegedly stealing a car and being caught by a police dog in Carrington.

A New Lambton home was broken into on Sunday and a car was stolen. 

About 4am on Tuesday, police patrols sighted the vehicle in Hamilton South. 

Police observed a man seated in the driver’s seat. 

The stolen vehicle took off at speed and was pursued through multiple suburbs, eventually ending up in Carrington. 

The stolen vehicle collided with a traffic island bursting its tyre, where the driver ran from the vehicle. 

Police Dog Yule and his handler were on scene, managing to track the offender hiding in the front yard of a nearby house. 

The man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive disqualified, and police pursuit. 

The male was refused bail until February before Newcastle Local Court.

He had been previously disqualified from driving until 2024.

Missing youths last seen at Waratah days ago

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two young people, last seen together at Waratah on Monday 19 December 2022.

Emily Goff and Alysa Dunwoodie are both known in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas. 

Emily was last seen wearing black tights, black hoodie, and a grey hoodie around her waist. 

Alysa was last seen wearing black track suit pants, black jumper, and green vans sneakers. 

It's expected they are still together, but police have concerns for their welfare. 

Anyone who has seen is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Man freed from vehicle after Eleebana crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been freed from a vehicle after a single-vehicle crash at Eleebana on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were called to the incident near the Croudace Bay Boat Ramp at 10:10pm.

The single occupant was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated.

He was treated by paramedics, but the extent of his injuries is not clear.

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Woman and two boys injured in Upper Bowman ATV accident

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A woman and two boys have been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after an ATV rolled over at an Upper Bowman property on Wednesday afternoon.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene around 1:40pm.

A male who was also in the vehicle escaped injury.

The three patients were treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to hospital in a stable condition.

Missing Greta man last seen in Sydney's west

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 53-year-old Greta resident missing from Sydney’s west. 

Samantha De Silva was last seen at St Marys about 6pm on Tuesday 20 December 2022.

After family members could not get in touch with him, officers were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him. 

Family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare. 

Samantha is described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, 180 to 185cm tall, of medium to large build, with black hair and dark brown eyes. 

He is known to reside in Greta, but also frequents Blacktown, Woodcroft, and Blackett areas. 

Officers believe he may be traveling to Canberra via train. 

Anyone with information about Samantha’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Weston man found safe and well

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Colin's been found safe and well at Swamp Creek behind Weston Street on Wednesday after a land and air search.

Police are thanking the public for their assistance.

EARLIER

Police are appealing to the public for help to locate a 68-year-old man missing from the Hunter. 

Colin Bredin was last seen on Sixth Street at Weston, about 12.45pm on Tuesday 20 December 2022.

After failing to return home, officers began inquiries to locate him. 

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and because he lives with Alzheimer's disease.

Colin is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of solid build, with grey hair and a grey beard. 

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a maroon rugby jersey, camouflage baseball cap and green joggers. 

Anyone with information about Colin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Australia's first power pole electric vehicle charger installed in Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The first electric vehicle charger mounted on a power pole in Australia, has been opened in Newcastle this week.

The charger has been installed by Ausgrid at Dixon Park Beach.

It's the first in a program to deliver 30,000 of the units by 2029, which are faster and cheaper than other options.

Newcastle apartments evacuated after smoke alarm

BY DAKOTA TAIT

More than 200 people were evacuated from a Newcastle apartment complex after reports of smoke early Tuesday morning.

Two trucks were called to the Chifley Apartments on Honeysuckle Drive around 2am to an automatic fire alarm.

The fourth level was smokelogged and the building evacuated as a precaution, although no one was treated for any injuries.

Firefighters traced the source of the smoke to a faulty electrical switch within a unit, which fortunately had not escalated to a fire.

Fire crews left the scene around 3:40am.

Hunter police launch appeal after cars stolen and destroyed

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public for information after a number of cars were stolen from Wallsend and set alight.

About 2:40am on Tuesday 12 December, two vehicles were stolen from Birchgrove Drive. 

The vehicles were a beige Nissan Tida and a Grey Toyota Aurion. 

During the theft, the owner of one of the vehicles was injured. 

About 3.30am on 12 December, the Nissan Tida was destroyed by fire in Kestrel Avenue at Thornton. 

About 1.00am on 13 December, the Toyota Aurion was destroyed by fire in Bengalla Road at Muswellbrook. 

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

Drugs Seized from 22 Year-Old in Hamilton South

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Charges have been laid after a a 22 year-old man was arrested in Hamilton South over the weekend. 

Police stopped a suspicious vehicle during a patrol at about 11:35 on Saturday night, and discovered over 50 grams of methylamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine. 

The drugs were seized by police, and are estimated to be valued at more than $30,000. 

The man was also charged with having custody of a knife in a public place. 

He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today. 

BREAKING! Two Teens Arrested Over Alleged Vandalism Spree At Irrawang High School

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say an estimated $30,000 worth of damage has been caused during a break-in at Irrawang High School overnight.

It's alleged two boys broke into the school on Mount Hall Road at Raymond Terrace sometime after midnight and ransacked classrooms. splashed paint on walls, smashed windows and damaged classroom doors.

A security guard responded to an alarm at the school and reported hearing the boy's voices to police.

The pair, aged 15 and 16 from Raymond Terrace were subsequently arrested and are currently assisting police with their inquiries.

BREAKING! Four Boys Arrested After Alleged High Speed Pursuit And Head-On Crash At Hexham

 BY IAN CROUCH

Four boys are under police guard in hospital after an alleged high speed pursuit ended in a head-on crash at Hexham early Monday morning.

Patrolling police noticed a white Kia Sportage with four juveniles on board at Lemon Tree Passage just after 1.00am - the car had early been reported stolen.

The car took off when the driver realised they were being followed and a pursuit began, with the car allegedly reaching speeds of 160km/h in a 90km/h zone.

The chase continued to Industrial Drive and back up Maitland Road where officers attempted to use road spikes, but the car allegedly crossed to the wrong side of the road to avoid them and collided with an oncoming car.

The female driver wasn't seriously injured and the 4 boys were arrested - they were later taken to the John Hunter Hospital after complaining of aches and pains. 

Police appeal for CCTV footage after man left paralysed in Redhead bike crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public for information after a bike crash on the Fernleigh Track at Redhead left an elderly man unable to walk again.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 11:20am on Wednesday, finding 85-year-old Greg Hood seriously injured.

He had been thrown from his bicycle during an alleged collision with two riders travelling in the opposite direction, on either e-scooters or motorbikes.

The two men were wearing long, dark clothing and it's alleged they fled the scene.

Mr Hood was taken to the John Hunter in a serious condition with spinal injuries and paralysis.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, and the circumstances leading up to the impact to come forward. 

Officers are especially interested in talking to anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Geraldton Drive at Redhead. 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Statewide operation as police mark forty years of RBT in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

This Saturday will mark 40 years since police across the Hunter and New South Wales launched random breath testing on the State's roads.

Before RBTs in 1982, police could only stop a driver due to their manner of driving.

In the first five years following the introduction of random breath testing across the state, road fatalities fell from 1,303 in 1980 to 1,067 in 1985.

In 1980, the percentage of road fatalities linked to drink driving was 30 percent - of the 275 road fatalities recorded in NSW in 2021), 17 percent were attributed to drink driving.

The anniversary comes as police launch a statewide operation targeting drink and drug driving as the holiday season begins.

Newcastle and Hunter Highway Patrol Inspector Michael Buko says the patrol is ready to go.

"If you think you sneak past us, we know all the roads you can sneak past us on," he said. "We will have someone there."

"If you see an RBT sign and you think you can turn off into a side street, we'll have someone there."

"Just don't drink and drive or take drugs and drive. It's a simple message. It's not that hard to understand."

"There's plenty of Ubers and taxis out. Get a designated driver if you need it."

"It comes to ownership of the person driving. They need to do the right thing behind the wheel."

Inspector Michael Buko addressed reporters on Friday.

Early works well underway for Newcastle Art Gallery expansion

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle is set to invite tenders in January for the construction of the Newcastle Art Gallery's $40 million expansion.

Four companies have been shortlisted after an expression of interest process.

More than 1,500 cubic metres of grout has been placed so far, as early works and mine remediation continues.

Construction is expected to be begin in mid-2023.

More than half of the project's cost is thanks to State and Federal grants and other sources, but the Art Gallery Foundation is continuing to raise money in the hopes of reducing the financial burden on ratepayers.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, with representatives from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, Newcastle Art Gallery Society, Department of Regional NSW and City of Newcastle staff outside Newcastle Art Gallery.

Man flown to John Hunter after medical episode on cruise ship

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has flown a seriously ill passenger to the John Hunter Hospital overnight, from a cruise ship 30 kilometres off the coast at Seal Rocks.

A critical care paramedic was winched onto the vessel in deteriorating weather.

A man in his 60s was suffering a medical episode, and winch-extracted from the cruise ship.

He was taken to the John Hunter in a serious but stable condition.

University of Newcastle staff reject proposed enterprise agreements

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The University of Newcastle's proposed enterprise agreements put to staff have been overwhelmingly rejected.

The separate agreements for Academic and Professional staff members went to an all-staff ballot after negotiations with unions stalled after 15 months.

Of 1,085 academic staff who voted, 971 voted against, and just 114 for the agreement.

Among the professional staff, 1,295 of the 1,720 voters also voted against their agreement.

It wasn't mandatory for staff to have their say, with 1,085 of the 1,676 eligible academic staff voting, and 1,720 of the 2,725 eligible professional staff voting.

Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky says they'll engage with staff and take time to reflect on the feedback.

"We’ve heard clearly that the package of benefits we are offering in the new agreements isn’t right yet," he said.

"We will engage further with our staff early next year as we consider the next steps."

The proposed agreements included a 9.5 percent salary increase over three years, six additional days of paid leave per year, and increased flexibility in the use of other leave, as well as an increase in superannuation for casual staff from 10 percent to 17 percent.

The National Tertiary Education Union has raised concern, however, regarding pay, workloads and job security.

The union will resume good faith bargaining with management, and says the vote is "a resounding message to management that they will not be bullied".

The existing enterprise agreements will remain in place in the meantime, and staff have been advised to expect more information in early February. 

Singleton Families Angered Over "Lowball" Bypass Offers

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The families whose land is needed to begin work on the state government's Singleton bypass project have gone public with what they are calling "insulting" acquisition offers.

Offers have rolled-in from Transport for NSW and the NSW Valuer General for the past two years, but have consistently been lower than independent valuations. 

Three Labor reps met with the concerned families, stuck in a fight with the government over the lowball prices, yesterday afternoon. 

Labor Candidate for Upper Hunter, Peree Watson, the state member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, and the federal member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, heard the families' concerns at the Glenridding farm of Matt and Bec Hatch. 

They said the price they had been offered by Transport for NSW for their 4.5 hectare farm, was more than $500,000 less than the one produced by an independent valuer. 

Peree Watson, said unfortunately, this is a common practice. 

"We had an Upper house enquiry last year that was acknowledged by all sides of politics, which found certainly that it is consistent that lowball offers are made and then dragged-out over a period of time. In fact, it's bullying what's happening to landowners such as those in Singleton and just hearing their stories is tragic; you can see the effect it's had on them," Ms Watson said. 

Ms Watson also said moving forward, something needs to be done. 

"We do have a current government in -the election isn't march- so the current government can change this and fix this for those landowners," she said. 

"I call on the government to do something for these families. This is another Christmas where they've got to go through this traumatic situation. They just want to get on with their life and want a fair outcome for themselves, and they're happy for the bypass to progress as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the government currently to make that all work for them." 

"Going forward, NSW Labor has committed to make the landowners acquisition system fairer. We know we will have to change laws to do that, but we don't want to see anyone go through what these families have."

Image: Transport for NSW

Elderly man run off Fernleigh Track by motorbike

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A cyclist is in hospital after an accident on the Fernleigh Track, believed to have happened when a motorbike rider ran off him off the path.

Emergency services were called to Redhead just before 11am on Wednesday.

The 85-year-old man had a head injury, cuts, and abrasions.

He was transported to the John Hunter Hospital on a spinal board.

Locals say motorbikes are a common sight along the track and through the bush.

Police appeal after vandalism ruins Wallsend parks

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A pair of Wallsend parks have been vandalised to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars, according to Newcastle Council.

The courts at Wallsend Active Hub will need repairs after a vandal incident earlier this week, just days after the playground at Brickworks Park was damaged and melted by a fire.

It's expected the playground will be replaced in the new year.

Police are calling on anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Upper Hunter candidate latest to quit party in mass exodus

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

The Upper Hunter candidate for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, Sue Gilroy, has become the fourth person to resign from the party in the past week.

The mass exodus has been sparked by party leader Robert Borsak's failiure to resign at the party's general meeting on Saturday, and subsequent re-election.

The Singleton businesswoman says the party's leadership "needs work".

"I have always said that I ran with the party because of their purpose and their values," Ms Gilroy said.

"On the back of the events that have happened in the past few days, I don't believe they're living their purpose and values."

"I really felt that the brand damage and the voter trust and confidence in the party was diminished, so it really left me no choice." 

Mr Borsak has been under fire since September when he was caught on microphone in parliament saying that the speaker "should have clocked" a former MP of his party, Helen Dalton.

Ms Gilroy joins her daughter and Singleton councillor Mel McLachlan, Barwon MP Roy Butler, and Orange MP Phil Donato, who have all departed in the past few days.

Ms Gilroy says, unlike the other MPs, she isn't planning to run on ab independent ticket.

"I'm not in the position with man-power or financially to actually run as an independent in a big election like the Upper Hunter," she said.

"I was quite gutted... it was a very difficult decision because I thought I could represent the people of the Upper Hunter well and understand their challenges and their lifestyle, but it wasn't to be."

Sue Gilroy with former party colleagues Mark Banasiak and Robert Borsak.

Boy rescued after Salamander Bay quarry fall

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A boy has been rescued after falling in a quarry at Salamander Bay on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Diemars Road around 5pm.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter's Critical Care Team was lowered into the quarry to assist paramedics.

Paramedics stabilised the teenager, who had fallen three metres onto rocks and suffered pelvic and ankle fractures.

He was winch-extracted from the scene and airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Police searching for woman missing from Singleton

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are searching for a woman missing from the Singleton area since Tuesday morning.

Natalie Stevens was last sighted in Church Street in Singleton on Tuesday 6 December 2022 in the morning. 

The 42-year-old has a transient lifestyle and is believed to be in the Singleton area. 

Natalie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, being of fair complexion, approximately 160cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Singleton Police Station or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Woman critical after being stabbed in the neck in Hamilton South fight

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed in the neck during an altercation at Hamilton South on Sunday night.

It's understood police were told two men and two women became involved in a fight around 11pm, resulting in a 35-year-old woman being stabbed in the neck and a 46-year-old man receiving a laceration to his hand.

All four are known to each other.

The pair drove themselves to the Mater Hospital, where the woman was transported to the John Hunter in a critical condition.

A 36-year-old woman sustained serious head injurie, while a 38-year-old man had a broken arm, and both were also taken to the John Hunter in a stable condition.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

UPDATE! Man Charged With Murder Over Alleged Fatal Assault At Beresfield Railway Station

BY IAN CROUCH

A man accused of the fatal assault of another man at Beresfield Station on Monday night, will remain behind bars after facing Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.

Matthew Robert Breckinridge did not apply for bail or enter a plea.

It's understood, the alleged attack was captured on CCTV, which claimed the life of 39-year-old Scott Parrot.

The 27-year-old already had a warrant out for his arrest, after failing to appear last week in Newcastle Local Court over a shoplifting incident.

EARLIER

A man is due to face court over an alleged fatal assault at Beresfield Railway Station.

Police and paramedics were called to the station just before 6.00pm on Monday to find a 39-year-old man with critical injuries on the platform.

He died at the scene.

Police arrested a 27-year-old man a short distance away on a train - he was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and has now been charged with murder.

He's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 23 December, 2022).

UPDATE! Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Maryland Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have advised Max was found safe and well on Monday afternoon. 

They've thanked the community for their assistance.

EARLIER

Police are appealing for help to find a missing teenager Maryland.

15-year-old Max Smit was last seen this morning (Monday 12 December, 2022) in Maryland and police hold serious concerns for his safety.

He was wearing a brown hoodie, black shoes with purple and yellow shoelaces and was carrying a black Nike backpack.

Max is known to travel by public buses.

If you've seen him or know where he is, contact Waratah Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing teen Max Smit

Pistol Found During Vehicle Stop At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man's due to front court today (Monday 12 December, 2022) on firearms and drugs charges after police stopped his car at Merewether.

Police conducting proactive patrols of the Merewether area stoped a Subaru Impreza on Wilton Street at about 4.15pm on Sunday.

 Checks  revealed the 27-year-old driver was disqualified from driving.

A search of the man's car allegedly uncovered a .9mm pistol. ammunition, a folding knife , methlamphetamine and cash.

The items were seized for forensic examination and the man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He's been charged with possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place, acquire pistol subject to firearms prohibition order, acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order, supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He's also been charged with affray relating to an incident in May this year.

The man's been refused bail pending his appearance in Newcastle Local Court today.

 

 

BREAKING! Two Men Allegedly Caught in The Act Of Stealing Copper Wire At Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have allegedly been caught red-handed stealing copper wire from the Ausgrid compound at Wallsend.

Police were called to reports two men were trespassing at the Newcastle Road facility at about 1.30am on Monday.

General Duties police and the Dog Unit arrived a short time later and arrested the pair, allegedly in the process of cutting the wire.

The men, aged 51 and 52, have been taken to Newcastle Police Station where they are assisting with inquiries. 

A Police Dog helped arrest two men allegedly helping themselves to copper wire at Wallsend

BREAKING! Police Search For Teens Following Home Invasion And Car Thefts At Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for at least two teenagers following a home invasion and the theft of two cars at Wallsend earl Monday morning.

Police say the teens broke into a home on Birchgrove Drive at about 2.45am and stole the keys to a gold Nissan Tida and a grey Toyota Aurion.

A male resident disturbed the teens but they managed to flee and steal the cars.

The Toyota was later found burnt out at Thornton.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Hunter businesses anxious ahead of Christmas

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter businesses are bracing for more uncertainty and are more concerned than the NSW average, according to the latest Business Conditions Survey.

39 percent of local businesses told Business Hunter, they are "extremely concerned" about the impact of rising interest rates on business expansion plans.

The region's business confidence index is expected to fall to -72.5 in the next quarter, nearing a lowest possible score of -100. 

CEO Bob Hawes says it's the first time businesses have been less optimistic about the future than the present, since the pandemic began.

Staff shortages, energy prices, supply chain issues, and interest rates remain serious concerns.

Beach safety technology expanded to Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New technology helping to keep beachgoers safe is being expanded to Newcastle.

The Smart Beaches program is already being used at Lake Macquarie, but the State Government is now extending it to five more council areas along the coast.

Digital Government Minister Victor Dominello says it will help both lifeguards and visitors feel more secure on the shore.

"We’ll be using wave detection buoys, artificial intelligence cameras and surf rescue boards fitted with GPS technology to gather accurate data on beach conditions so our lifeguards can be better prepared for the busy summer ahead," he said. 

"These smart devices will provide real-time readings on tide conditions and wave patterns, as well as help predict how many people will visit the beach, how long they will stay and the most popular times for a swim."

The $1.6 million spend will also see the program expanded to Randwick, Sutherland, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.

Image credit: Visit Newcastle.

BREAKING! Police Investigate Death Of Man At Blackalls Park

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Police are appealing for information into the death of a man at Blackalls Park early Friday.

Officers were called to a house in Faucett Street at about 12.50am following reports a 46-year-old man was unconscious.

Paramedics attempted to revive him; however he died at the scene.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations surrounding the incident continue.

Anyone with information is urged to call Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

More to come.