BREAKING! M1 Motorway Closed After Fatal Crash At Cameron Park

 BY IAN CROUCH

On person has died in a single-vehicle crash at Cameron Park.

The crash happened in the northbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at about 6.00m on Monday, just north of the Hunter Expressway.

Police say emergency services arrived to find a car had crashed into a tree.

The driver and sole occupant of the car, a 47-year-old man, died at the scene.

There are extensive delays in both directions and the Highway Patrol has closed the northbound lanes of the motorway with diversions in place.

Police say the northbound lanes are likely to remain closed for some hours while investigators examine the scene.

Driver To Be Charged Over Cameron Park Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police expect to charge a man over a crash at Cameron Park which left four people in hospital.

Police say a red Holden Commodore failed to negotiate a roundabout on the Newcastle Link Road at about 12.30am on Thursday and crashed into a tree.

The driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered a fractured vertebrae in the crash, while one of the three passengers suffered suspected internal injuries.

Police say a bedside court hearing is expected to be held today (Friday 28 July 2023), where the driver will be charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Lemon Tree Passage Teen Reported Missing

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find another young teenager who's gone missing in the Port Stephens area, this time from Lemon Tree Passage.

15-year-old Tayeisha was last seen yesterday morning wearing black track pants and a grey hooded jumper.

She's not in trouble, however police need to make sure she's okay.

Tayeisha is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.

If you've seen her or know where she is, call Raymond Terrace Police.

Missing teen Tayeisha

Muswellbrook Teen Charged With Murder

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-year-old Muswellbrook girl is due to face court charged with murder.

Detectives have been investigating the death of a 32-year-old man at a home at Tregear in Sydney's west on June 10.

Two men aged 18 and 19, and a 16-year-old girl have been charged over their involvement in the incident and are before the courts.

On Thursday afternoon, another 16-year-old girl was arrested at Muswellbrook and charged with murder.

She's expected to face the Children's Court today (Friday 28 July 2023).

Investigations are continuing.

Wallsend MP Seeks Legal Advice On Possible Defamation Action

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The latest Newcastle Council controversy involving CEO Jeremy Bath and a Newcastle Herald letter to the editor writer is turning a spotlight on an ongoing feud between local Labor councillors and an MP. 

A decision by Council to endorse an independent investigation into the letter writing scandal during Tuesday night's meeting, reportedly ended in some councillors taking aim at Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery.  

Ms. Hornery is now seeking legal advice on possible defamation action, alleging Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Carol Duncan made untrue and potentially defamatory comments about her. 

The Newcastle Herald reports Ms. Hornery has been accused of "waging a campaign against councillors via the media for nearly a year now likely in order to influence internal Labor party disputes", and says investigations into "how confidential electoral roll details about council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists" have been endorsed by some councillors. 

Although not revealing what's been directly said about her, Ms. Hornery said the allegations against her are false. 

"In terms of any of the allegations, they're untrue," she said. 

Speaking at an education doorstop in Jesmond on Thursday, Ms. Hornery said party disagreements shouldn't get in the way of delivering for locals. 

"Party politics in any party is always difficult and there will always be people who have different views on things, but I am a member of the Labor party, and I hold the old-fashioned Labor views about opposing privatisation and about focusing on what the community needs in Wallsend; that's what it's all about."

"I want to apologise to our community that this has provided a distraction from our important work to lobby to get the best we can for the Hunter," she said. 

UPDATE! 13-Year-Old Missing From Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON and IAN CROUCH

Good news!

Kynan has been found safe and well.

Police say the 13-year-old was found at a relative's house at Tenambit at about 11.00pm on Thursday.

EARLIER:

Hunter residents are being asked to be on the lookout for a teenager missing from Raymond Terrace. 

13-year-old Kynan was last seen in Raymond Terrace at 8:30am on Tuesday the 25th of July. 

He's not in trouble, but police and his family need to make contact with him to make sure he's okay. 

Kynan's being described as Caucasian in appearance, about 150-155cm tall, between 45 and 50 kilograms in weight, of a thin build, with red hair and brown eyes. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is being asked to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

BREAKING! 4 Vehicle Pile-Up Closes Maitand Road At Hexham

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are urging Newcastle-bound drivers on the New England Highway to divert at Beresfield following a 4 vehicle crash at Hexham.

3 cars and a light truck collided nose-to-tail on the highway approaching the Hexham Bridge at about 7.45am on Thursday, blocking all inbound lanes.

Only 1 westbound lane is open due to the number of emergency services at the scene.

They are working to release a male driver who is trapped by confinement.

Inbound traffic is back at least 2 kilometres behind the accident scene.

UPDATE! Serious Crash Closes Newcastle Link Road At Cameron Park

 BY IAN CROUCH

There are delays and diversions for motorists heading into Newcastle on the Link Road at Cameron Park.

Police say a red Holden Commodore failed to negotiate a roundabout at Minmi Road and hit a tree at about 12.30am on Thursday.

Police say a 29-year-old man was behind the wheel, while two men aged 20 and 21 were passengers along with a 24-year-old female.

All four people in the car were taken to hospital.

Police say one person suffered suspected spinal fractures and another suspected internal injures.

Police have set up a crime scene and the east bound lanes of the Newcastle Link Road are closed between Woodford Street and Minmi Road.

Traffic is being diverted via Cameron Park Drive, George Booth Drive and Lake Road to rejoin the Link Road.

One Dead After Three-Vehicle Crash At Mount Thorley

BY OLIVIA DILLON

One person has died following a three-vehicle crash at Mount Thorley.

Emergency services were called to a section of the the Golden Highway between Broke Road and Jerrys Plains Road at about 8:40am on Wednesday the 26th of July, following reports two trucks and one car had collided. 

The driver of one of the vehicles, a 19-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The other two drivers were taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and anyone with information or dashcam footage is being urged to get in contact with Singleton Police. 

Work Underway to Widen the Hexham Straight and Extend the M1 Pacific Highway to Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Transport Minister joined a number of Hunter MPs in the region on Tuesday the 26th of July to announce work to widen the Hexham Straight is now underway. 

The project will see the dual carriageway along the the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge widened from two lanes to three in each direction. 

It will also involve the demolition of Ironbark Bridge to make way for two new bridges at Ironbark Creek. 

Catherine King said the move will reduce traffic here in the Hunter, and allow motorists to travel from Sydney to Brisbane without encountering any traffic lights. 

NSW Roads Minister John Graham also attended the announcement and says he expects thousands of jobs will be delivered for the Hunter over the course of the Hexham project, and the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway out to Raymond Terrace. 

He said the upgrade will deliver more reliable travel times for freight vehicles and commuters alike. 

"This is a notorious bottleneck; motorists have queued here over generations as the Pacific Highway has become smoother and smoother, but the run has often ended here in congestion. That will cease when these works are delivered." 

"It's great news for motorists right across NSW." 

The Hexham upgrade is expected to be completed by 2026, and the M1 extension should be finished by 2028.

( From Left to Right:) Kate Washington, John Graham, Dan Repacholi, Catherine King and Tim Crakanthorp

E-Scooter Battery Sparks House Fire At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter residents are again being warned about the dangers of overcharging Lithium ion batteries following a house fire at Merewether overnight.

Five fire trucks were called to a triple-level weatherboard home on Macquarie Street just after 11.00pm on Tuesday to find a fire on the second floor.

Newcastle Fire Command says an e-scooter left charging sparked the blaze.

They say a smoke alarm woke a neighbour who then managed to wake the male resident of the home who jumped out a window to escape the blaze - he was treated at the scene by paramedics for minor smoke inhalation.

It took crews two hours to extinguish and mop up the fire which caused extensive damage to the upper levels of the home.

Man Charged After Gun Found In A Car At Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man is before court today, charged with traffic and firearm offences following a vehicle search at Raymond Terrace.

About 9:50am yesterday, Traffic and Highway officers were patrolling the Raymond Terrace area, when they saw the driver of a car stop in a driveway on Irrawang Street and run from the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the car allegedly revealed a firearm located inside.

Following inquiries, a 37-year-old man was arrested at a home on Glenelg Street a short time later.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with multiple offences. 

He was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today. 

Young Man Airlifted To The John Hunter Hospital After Crash at Wyee

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

A man has been airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital after he was involved in a crash near Wyee this morning. 

It's understood the man in his 20s was driving along Hue Hue Road near Wyee, south of Lake Macquarie, just before 7:00am today when his car left the road and hit a tree. 

He was trapped in the vehicle for some time before being released by emergency services. 

He was treated by paramedics at the scene for serious leg and internal injuries before being airlifted to Hospital. 

Motion Lodged for Newcastle Ocean Baths to be Listed as Heritage Site

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON 

  Photo Credit: Daily Telegraph

Two Newcastle councilors have teamed up to push for the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths to be added to the state heritage register. 

Greens councilor John Mackenzie and Independent John Church have filed a notice of motion to nominate the Baths as a heritage sight, alongside pausing the planned stage two renovations and upgrades to the facilities until after the listing is approved.  

"(The Newcastle Ocean Baths) are more than a hundred years old and they're iconic. It's such an important part of our beach and surf culture and it's a much loved venue for people over many years who love to go and swim there or do some walking or some relaxation," said Councilor John Church.

"It has some real heritage character that I think we need to protect, and a state heritage listing would do that."

The motion is controversial, though, as Council has warned a heritage listing could place the pavilion and façade at "significant risk of critical deterioration" due to the time needed to process the application and proposed pause of renovations.

"The time needed to complete the assessment will vary and depends on several factors such as the number of stakeholders involved in consultation, and the complexity of the nomination, as well as a previous refusal in 2004 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths when last nominated for the State heritage Register," said a response to the motion from the Newcastle Council's executive director city infrastructure.

The baths and connecting pavilion are currently listed as a heritage item of local significance in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and are protected under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. 

Man Faces Court On Break And Enter Charges In Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been refused bail following an investigation into two alleged break and enter offences in the Port Stephens area.

Police say the offences relate to the theft of a safe from the Hexham Bowling Club on July 8 and the attempted theft of another safe from a restaurant on Ferodale Road at Medowie on July 17.

Officers went to a motel on Gowrie Avenue at Nelson Bay on Wednesday morning and arrested a 37-year-old man.

He was charged with break and enter offences and drug possession and refused bail to re-appear in Raymond Terrace Court on September 20.

Pair Arrested After Alleged High Speed Pursuit At Nelson Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested two people following an alleged high speed pursuit through Nelson Bay overnight.

Police say a Jeep Grand Cherokee was seen leaving a known drug house in the area just after 10.00pm on Thursday, with a pursuit initiated when the driver failed to stop.

It's alleged the vehicle reached speeds of 120km/hr in a 50km/h zone before police terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

The Jeep was found abandoned a short time later in Moorooba Crescent, with a Police Dog tracking down a 29-year-old man who was driving the vehicle and his 30-year-old female passenger.

The man's been refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Court today charged with several offences including police pursuit, not stop and disqualified driving.

It's expected the woman will be granted bail to face court at a later date on unrelated matters.

UPDATE! Firefighters Extinguish Large Factory Fire At Morisset

BY IAN CROUCH/ OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

Fire crews have managed to extinguish a fire which broke out at a factory in Morisset this morning. 

Multiple Fire and Rescue and RFS crews responded to reports a factory complex on Mayfair Close was on fire. 

They've since confirmed the fire has been contained. 

10 people were reportedly evacuated and no one was injured as a result of the blaze. 

Investigations are now underway as to what caused the fire. 

EARLIER:

Fire crews have been called to reports of a factory on fire at Morisset.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received several Triple Zero calls just after to 11.15am on Thursday reporting a factory complex on Mayfair Close was on fire.

Multiple Fire and Rescue and RFS are responding to the fire amid reports large volumes of smoke can be seen coming from the vicinity of the factory.

The first crew at the scene has reported the large factory complex is well alight.

Police and ambulance crews are also at the scene.

More to come.

Man Extradited From Victoria Accused Of Murdering John Simpson At Laguna

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been arrested in Victoria over the alleged murder of Laguna man, John Simpson  earlier this year.

The 42-year-old was reported missing in April, with his body found on a property in the Laguna area the following month - he'd suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

On Tuesday, police conducted a second search of the property and seized three firearms.

With the help of the Victoria Police Fugitive Squad, a 34-year-old man was arrested in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton.

He's been extradited to Sydney and will face the Downing Centre Local Court today (Thursday 20 July, 2023) charged with murder.

Police will allege the 34-year-old shot John Simpson before burying him on a property at Laguna.

 

A 34-year-old man has been extradited from Victoria over the alleged murder of John Simpson at Laguna

UPDATE! Woman Missing At Port Stephens Found Alive

BY IAN CROUCH

 A woman missing overnight at Port Stephens has been found alive after an intensive search by authorities.

57-year-old Madeline Woods could not be contacted after making a phone call to family at about 6.30pm on Wednesday while going for a beach walk at Fingal  Bay.

Just before 11.00am on Thursday police located Madeline at Boulder Bay - police say she appears to have suffered possible broken bones and lacerations after tumbling down an embankment.

The Toll helicopter is on the way from Sydney to winch her to safety.

EARLIER:

Port Stephens Police are appealing for help to find a woman who's gone missing from Shoal Bay overnight.

57-year-old Madeline Woods told her family she was walking in the Fingal Bay area at about 6.00pm on Wednesday.

Police say they know she was near a beach in the area at about 6.30pm but has since been un-contactable.

Madeline is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with a thin build, fair complexion, blonde hair and brown eyes.

Police hold serious concerns for her welfare due as she was not warmly dressed for a night out in the cold.

If you've seen Madeline or know where she is call Nelson Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Madeline Woods

Horse Dies of Hendra Virus Near Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A horse has reportedly died from Hendra virus at a property near Newcastle. 

Authorities have confirmed the unvaccinated 24-year-old horse died of the virus after it was detected late last night. 

NSW DPI Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe said "the horse was depressed, uncoordinated, had a nasal discharge and high temperatures." 

 
A private vet is reportedly working to undertake a risk assessment of the property but says at this stage no other animals or residents are showing signs of poor health. 

It's the first time Hendra virus has been detected in NSW since October 2021. 

Owners in the region are being encouraged to vaccinated their horses, and keep them away from flowering or fruiting trees which attract bats. 

The State Government Approves Battery for Muswellbrook

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

Two new batteries are set to be built and operated in the states renewable energy zones, of Aspley and Muswellbrook.

It comes after the state government approved the projects, which involve the building and operation of 120-megawatt and 150-megawatt battery storage systems.

They are then set to be joined up with the current electrical network.

The projects are expected to create 132 jobs, and produce $280 million for the states economy.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, said it will hopefully come online at a similar time to wind and solar farms in the area.

"We're providing a lot of power during the day, when the sun is shining, and these batteries soak up that power, and then at night when the sun isn't shining, deliver it back into our households," he said. 

"We've got to make sure we can store the energy, so we can use it for those peak hours between four and eight every evening."

As it stands there are 27 large-scale renewable energy, transmission lines and storage projects under assessment in the NSW planning system.

If approved they would supply 9 gigawatts of renewable energy and 5.5 megawatts of firming storage.

The battery is predicted to be operating towards the end of 2025 and will last for 20 years.

Image: The proposed location of the battery.

Appeal For Help To Find Teenager Missing From Lake Macquarie

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie Police are asking for help to locate a missing teenager. 

14-year-old Grace Jackman was last seen on Sunday the 9th of June wearing a black jumper, black jeans, and black converse shoes. 

She is being described as Caucasian in appearance, 160cm tall, with a petite build, shoulder length dark brown hair, and hazel eyes. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is being urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000. 

Crews Tackle Fire At Kooragang Island Silo

 BY IAN CROUCH

More than a dozen people have been evacuated after a fire broke out at one of the silos on Kooragang Island on Wednesday morning.

Crews arrived at 6.30am to find a fire in a conveyor belt on the lower level of a silo containing a cement product.

18 workers were safely evacuated, while one worker was treated for smoke inhalation.

Crews took about an hour to extinguish the fire which is believed to have started in a bearing on the conveyor belt.

Newcastle Fire Command says the contents of the silo were not involved in the fire.

PM Says 'No' To Nuclear At Liddell

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Prime Minister has ruled out building a small-scale nuclear reactor on the site of the Liddell power station near Muswellbrook.

Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton has come out in support of a call from the Nationals to build small nuclear power plants to help shore up power supply as coal-fired power is phased out.

Speaking at the opening of the Donald Horne building at Muswellbrook on Tuesday, Anthony Albanese told reporters nuclear energy is the slowest to put in place and the most expensive.

He says he's yet to see a financing proposal which makes nuclear power a viable alternative and Australia needs real solutions to address future energy needs.  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hunter MP Dan Repacholi at Muswellbrook on Tuesday. Picture Maitland Mercury

 

Chain Valley Bay Home Severely Damaged By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a home at Chain Valley Bay overnight.

Several RFS and Fire and Rescue crews were called to the single level HardiPlank and tile home on Tarwhine Avenue just before 8pm to find the house up in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says all the occupants were accounted for.

The fire caused extensive damage to the rear of the home and the laundry area.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
 

 

Concerns Held For Missing Hamilton South Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenager who's gone missing from Hamilton South.

15-year-old Jordan Tomkins was last seen at his Fowler Street home at about 8.30am on Sunday.

Police hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Jordan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, short blonde hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a navy blue baseball shirt and grey pants.

Jordan is known to frequent the Newcastle, Broadmeadow, Hamilton and Charlestown areas.

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

 

Missing teen Jordan Tomkins

 

Local Environmental Group Angered as Vales Point Power Station's Life Expectancy Extended

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON

Photo Credit: ABC News

                                             

The Coal-ash Community Alliance has been left angered and with unanswered questions as the Australian Energy Market Operator quietly extended the technical life of the Vales Point power station.

The news of the extension, until 2033, was buried deep inside a spreadsheet released on the AEMO's website, with locals not informed of the re-assessment.

The Lake Macquarie-based Coal-ash Community Alliance is calling on the new owners of the Vales Point power station to release their plans to invest to reduce the excessive air pollution and work to reuse the coal ash created at the plant.

"Any extension of operation of the Vales Point power station first requires significant reductions in ash dumping and air pollution," said CCA member Kim Grierson.

"Where is the investment from the new owners to reduce the excessive air pollution from this plant? Where are their efforts to safely reuse the millions of tones of coal ash in the ash dumps around Vales Point? What are the State government and the EPA doing about it?"

Recent findings in the NSW Upper House Coal-ash inquiry found urgent action is needed to address the ongoing problem of more than 100 million tonnes of coal ash waste stored around Lake Macquarie. 

CCA Research Coordinator, Dr Ingrid Schraner, says there should be no extension of life for any power station without clear plans of how the new and existing coal ash will be used in environmentally safe ways.

"What are the plans with the additional ash that's being produced, but much more to the point, where are we at with the process of reusing the existing ash because there is millions and millions of tonnes of coal ash stored around Lake Macquarie," said Dr Schraner.

BREAKING! Police Investigate Woolworths Jesmond Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are checking CCTV footage in a bid to identify a man who robbed the Woolworths Supermarket at Jesmond Central on Sunday night.

Police say the man, who was not armed, approached the front counter of the store on Blue Gum Road at about 8.15pm and demanded cash from a female employee.

He was given an amount of money before running off.

He's described as being Caucasian, in his 30's or 40's, about 180cm tall, with a skinny build and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark pants, a red cap, and carrying a blue backpack.

Police are examining links to an unsuccessful robbery attempt on the bottle shop at the Hotel Elermore the previous day and a successful robbery attempt on a take away shop in Elermore Vale.

Anyone who can assist detectives with their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BREAKING! Fire Crews Called Back To Re-Ignition Of Maitland Park Bowling Club Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have been called back to the former Maitland Park Bowling Club to a re-ignition of a fire which tore through the historic building early Sunday morning.

Crews from Maitland, East Maitland and an aerial unit from Mayfield West were called to the Elgin Street building at about 4.45am on Monday.

More than 30 firefighters took more than 3 hours to extinguish Sunday's fire which is being treated as suspicious.

The building had been used as a bowling club for 120 years before it closed down in 2022.

Council had only just put out a call for expressions of interest to reuse the building last month.

Crews have been called back to a re-ignition of the fire at the former Maitland Park Bowling Club. Picture: Maitland Mercury

Almost $2 million promised for Singleton Roosters after Greta bus tragedy

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government has announced $1.7 million to help fund an expansion of the Singleton Roosters clubhouse, weeks after the Greta bus crash claimed the lives of ten people, including several club members.

The investment will be jointly funded alongside $250,000 from the AFL and an undetermined contribution from Singleton Council, in an effort to enhance community and social recovery efforts after the tragedy.

The project will also include a permanent memorial element and a space to remember loved ones.

The expansion of the clubhouse will see new change rooms with shower facilities, storage spaces, umpire areas, a scorers’ box, first-aid room, and female, male, and accessible toilets, as well as internal renovations of the existing building to upgrade the kiosk, kitchen and meeting room.

It's expected the upgrades will benefit the more than 22,000 locals who use the facilities each year and support the development of AFL in the Hunter, including to host regional tournaments.

Premier Chris Minns is set to visit the town on Saturday afternoon, for the men's and women's first games since the tragedy.

Man charged over Bar Beach break-ins

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been charged over two alleged attempted break and enter incidents at Bar Beach on Thursday night. 

About 9pm on Thursday 13 July, police were called to Memorial Drive, where they were told that a man allegedly attempted to gain entry to the premises before fleeing.

It is also believed that the man gained access to a parked vehicle before allegedly stealing keys and various cards. 

A short time later, officers attempted to stop a man at a property on the same road. 

The man allegedly ran from police, but was arrested after a short struggle. 

The Queanbeyan man, aged 20, was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged over the attempted break and enters, larceny, and possession housebreaking implements and a knife in a public place. 

He appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Friday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Thursday 27 July 2023. 

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Newcastle Woman

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Police are asking for help to locate a missing person. 

57-year-old Perelle McIntosh was last seen at her home on Darby Street in Cooks Hill on the 3rd of July. 

She is known to frequent the Nobbys Beach area. 

Perelle is described as being of Caucasian in appearance, 160cm tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and blonde hair.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000.

Bridgework Starts And Artefacts Found At Newcastle Bypass Site

 BY IAN CROUCH

Bridge work is getting under way as construction of the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass ramps up.

Bridge piling work has begun for the construction of six bridges, with drill holes expected to be more than a kilometre deep.

Meanwhile work is also under way on the archaeological salvage of the so-called Hollywood camp shanty town which housed scores of homeless people during the Great Depression.

A host of artefacts have been unearthed from the site which will be preserved for a future display.

The bypass is due for completion in 2025.

The Buckets Way Re-Opened After Crash At Booral

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Buckets Way at Booral has re-opened to traffic overnight following a serious car crash.

Police say a car left the road and hit a tree at about 12.30pm on Thursday.

A female passenger went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated at the scene - she was flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A male and female in the car were treated at the scene and transported by road ambulance to the John Hunter with non-life threatening injuries.

The Buckets Way was closed for 7 hours while crash investigators examined the scene. 

Healing Groups Launched For Local Sexual Violence Survivors

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

Newcastle not-for-profit organisation 'What Were You Wearing?' has announced it's new free support services available for survivors of sexual violence.

It involves healing groups, which will be monitored by a counsellor or registered psychologist, helping survivors to come together, connect, learn healing techniques, and encourage emotional safety.

Founder Sarah Williams says, "as of October last year, Newcastle didn't have any support services for victims of sexual violence".

"Trained professionals are able to offer support, but they're also able to ensure that everyone's boundaries and confidentiality is respected."

"The first healing technique focuses on journaling and the importance of this."

To register for What Were You Wearing's Healing Groups you can head to their website.

Image: Supplied

BREAKING! Police Investigate Shooting Incident In Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a shooting incident overnight in Lake Macquarie.

In a statement, police say a 26-year-old man presented himself to Belmont Hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm at about 6.15pm on Wednesday.

He was treated before being transferred to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Driver Of Allegedly Stolen Vehicle in Muswellbrook Still On The Run

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are on the hunt for the driver of an allegedly stolen car which led officers on a pursuit though Muswellbrook this morning. 

Officers initiated the pursuit on Maitland Street at around 4 O'CLOCK this morning when they spotted a vehicle believed to have been stolen. 

Police pursued the car for a short time around the Muswellbrook township before losing sight of the vehicle. 

They're now reviewing CCTV footage from around the area as investigations continue. 

Hunter Valley Bus Crash Driver's Records Sought By Prosecutors

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Prosecutors have been granted access to the employment and medical records of the driver of the bus which crashed in Greta last month, killing 10 people. 

58-year-old Brett Andrew Button is charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and was granted strict conditional bail on the 13th of June. 

He has not yet entered pleas. 

The Newcastle Herald reports Mr. Button's next appearance in Newcastle Local Court on the 9th of August will likely determine whether the brief of evidence has been filed. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Changes Announced For Hunter Offshore Wind Zone

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister has announced changes to the offshore wind zone declared for the Hunter's coast.

Chris Bowen is expected to announce a zone 1000 square metres smaller than the one originally proposed, which will run from Port Stephens to Swansea. 

It's also been moved about 9 kilometres further offshore.

The Central Coast section of the zone slated to go 10 kilometres off the shore at Norah Head has been removed from the proposal, after Shadow Minister Ted O'Brien last week heard concerns from the community about its potential to have visual, economic and environmental impacts on the area. 

The height of the turbines will be capped at 260 metres to address aviation concerns.

The changes mean the zone's energy-generating potential has shrunk from 8 gigawatts to 5. 

Mr. Bowen said the offshore wind industry has the potential to create over 3,000 construction jobs in the Hunter and 1,560 ongoing jobs. 

The government estimates the declared zone will generate enough electricity to power 4.2 million homes once fully developed. 

Lithium Battery Fire Averted At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Quick work by firefighters has prevented a possible lithium battery explosion at Merewether.

A resident of Mary Street called the local fire station at about 9.00am on Tuesday seeking expert advice after he accidentally punctured the battery while removing it from a mobile phone.

The battery was emitting an unusual odour, known as 'off-gassing', with firefighters urging the man to take it outside and wait for them to arrive.

While they were on the way, the man sought advice online which incorrectly suggested he immerse the battery in salt water, creating a potentially explosive situation.

Crews arrived and placed the battery in fresh water, which counteracted the thermal reaction.

Firefighters placed the battery in fresh water to prevent it from exploding in flames. Picture Fire & Rescue NSW

Car Into House Following Police Pursuit At Hamilton South

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been charged following a pursuit at Hamilton South on Tuesday night.

It's alleged the driver of a Toyota Aurion failed to stop for police on Llewellyn Street in Merewether at about 9.20pm on Tuesday.

A pursuit was initiated which continued along Morgan Street and City Road where the car collided with a Kia Cerato.

The impact caused the Toyota to roll onto its side, while the Kia was pushed into the front of an unoccupied house on Gordon Avenue which houses a healthcare business, causing damage to the front fence.

The driver of the second car was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening 

The 28-year-old man who was driving the Toyota was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

It's alleged a quantity of white crystal-like substance was found in the car.

Police later seized a firearm part and ammunition from a house in Douglas Way at Hamilton South.

The 28-year-old learner driver has since been charged with police pursuit, not stop, drug and firearm offences and is due to front court on Thursday July 13.

Alleged Armed Robber Facing Court Over Charlestown Bakery Hold-Up

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Tuesday 11 July, 2023) accused of holding up a bakery at Charlestown at the weekend.

Police allege the 33-year-old walked into the store at Charlestown Square on Frederick Street at about 7.30am on Sunday and threatened a worker with a syringe while demanding cash - he then grabbed money from the til and left the store.

Following a review of CCTV footage, police went to a home on South Street at Windale at about 4.00pm on Monday afternoon and arrested a 33-year-old man.

He's been charged with robbery with an offensive weapon and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Inquest Date Set For Missing Hunter Teen Zac Barnes

BY OLIVIA DILLON

An inquest is set to take place this month into the disappearance of Hunter teenager Zac Barnes, almost eight years after he was last seen.

The 18-year-old apprentice bricklayer was last seen leaving a friend's car near the intersection of Haussman Drive and Tripp Close at Thornton on the night of November 13 2016.

On the way to Thornton train station, Zac allegedly asked his friend to stop the car, and ran off with no wallet or phone and has never been heard from since.

Since then, a number of multi-agency search operations have taken place to no avail. 

The inquest will run from the 17th to the 19th of July and will be presided over by Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes.

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Bush Fire At Summerhill Tip

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a fire at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre at Fletcher.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Wallsend, Charlestown, Cardiff and Minmi were called to bushland adjacent to the tip just after 11 o'clock on Monday morning.

It's understood 5 separate fires were found when crews arrived and trail bike riders were seen in the area.

Crews have since managed to extinguish 4 of the fires - one is in a hard-to-reach area.

Police have also been notified.

Strong Winds Whip Up Bush And Grass Fires Across The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters were kept busy at the weekend dealing with several bush and grass fires which broke out across the Hunter.

The most serous was at Heddon Greta on Saturday afternoon, where a fire at one stage threatened homes off Main Road, fanned by strong winds gusting up to 70km/h.

Residents along Young Street were advised to prepare to leave their homes, with a Watch and Act alert issued.

Crews managed to contain the fire to 5 hectares,

Elsewhere, grass fires at Jerrys Plains and Clydesdale near Singleton burnt through 6 hectares and 2 hectares respectively, while another grass fire off Hez Drive at Abermain has also been brought under control.

All fires are now at Advice level.

Several Fire & Rescue and RFS crews were called to a bush fire off Main Road at Heddon Greta on Saturday.

Crews were supported by a water-bombing helicopter Pictures: Kearsley Fire & Rescue

Concerns missing South Coast teen could be in Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public to help locate a teenager missing from Bomaderry on the South Coast, with concern he could be in the Newcastle area.

Kye Marcal was last was last seen leaving a home on the Princes Highway at Bomaderry about 1am on Wednesday 5 July 2023.

When the 16-year-old failed to return and could not be contacted, police were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his young age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170cm to 180cm tall, of a medium build, with brown hair in a mullet style, and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black Nike hat, hooded jumper and tracksuit pants.

Kye is known to frequent the Bomaderry, Newcastle, Redfern, Sydney CBD and Shoalhaven areas.

Anyone with information of his whereabouts is urged to contact Nowra police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Maitland Grossman High School Teacher Convicted of Common Assault, Despite Remorse

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The high school teacher from Maitland captured on video in a brawl with a student has learned his fate. 

A court heard 62-year-old Michael John Kable, had shown genuine remorse after admitting to the assault of a boy at Maitland Grossman High School on the 21st of March this year.

Presiding Magistrate Ron Maiden said he accepted Mr. Kable has been taunted by his class, was remorseful, and was unlikely to re-offend, but believed a conviction was warranted. 

He's been formally convicted of common assault and placed on an 18-month community corrections order. 

Ron Maiden said he believed it would be difficult for Mr. Kable to find another teaching job after the conviction, where Working with Children Checks were needed. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Two Men To Face Court Over Alleged Shooting At Karuah

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two men have been arrested and charged, following an investigation into an alleged shooting at Karuah. 

Emergency services were called to an address on Bundabah Street at Karuah just before 7:00pm on Wednesday, following reports a man had been shot.

Police were told two men had arrived and allegedly shot the 55-year-old male resident, before stealing a Rolex watch and fleeing the scene.

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

Following inquiries, at about 12:55pm yesterday, Raptor Squad detectives stopped a car on Ada Street in Belmont and arrested the 40-year-old male driver. 

During a search of the man, police located and seized a knife, and he was taken to hospital under police guard in a stable condition.

Another 59-year-old man was arrested shortly after at an address on Terence Avenue in Lake Munmorah. 

They will both face Belmont Local Court today. 

Animals Rescued From Morisset House Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused severe damage to a house at Morisset overnight.

Firefighters from Fire and Rescue and the RFS were called to a single level home on Freemans Drive at about 5.30pm on Thursday, where they found one of the rooms on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was injured, however some animals were rescued from the burning home.

Crews wrapped up firefighting duties at about 8 o'clock.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but it's not being treated as suspicious.