Volunteer Firefighter Facing Court Accused Of Lighting More Than A Dozen Bushfires In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

A volunteer firefighter is due to front court accused of deliberately lighting bushfires in the Hunter region over the past few weeks.

It's alleged the 18-year-old started fires in grassland at Weston, Pelaw Main, Bellbird, Greta, Aberglasslyn, Melville and Cessnock.

Police say he also attended some of the fires as an RFS volunteer and helped to extinguish the blazes.

Detectives from Strike Force Glenarvon went to a home in Aberglasslyn on Wednesday and arrested an 18-year-old man.

He's been charged with 15 offences including 13 counts of intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to it's spread.

He's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today (Thursday 31 August, 2023).

 

Police arrested and 18-year-old man at Aberglasslyn,. Picture NSW Police

One Day Left To Sign Bus Safety Petition

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The families of those killed in the Greta wedding bus crash are asking locals to sign a petition, calling for all buses in Australia to be fitted with seatbelts. 

The petition, launched by the Stop Bus Tragedies Taskforce, has so far garnered more than 6,300 signatures. 

It closes on Thursday the 31st of August, 2023 at 11:59pm. 

The Taskforce has also developed a seven-point plan to improve bus safety across the country, and is in discussion with both the state government, and the Federal Transport Minister. 

A link to the petition can be found on the Stop Bus Tragedies Facebook page. 

BREAKING! Coal Storage Fire Closes Main Northern Rail Line At Casino

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter rail commuters are advised the main northern line to the north coast and Brisbane has been closed due to a major fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says a 20 metre high coal storage tower adjacent to the rail line at Casino caught fire just after 1.30am on Monday.

Around 50 firefighters are battling the blaze from the rail corridor, with the structure collapsing just before 5 o'clock.

It's likely the rail line will remain closed for several hours, meaning the XPT from Brisbane has been stopped.

Man Assaulted And Robbed During Attempted Carjacking At New Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been assaulted and robbed during an attempted carjacking at New Lambton.

Police say the 21-year-old had stopped his white Corolla hatch at the lights on Lookout Road just after midday on Sunday when he was approached by an unknown man armed with a knife.

He got into the passenger seat and punched the the young man before taking cash and a Rolex watch from him.

A second man, armed with gun, got into the rear passenger seat, but the driver accelerated, forcing him onto the roadway.

The other man then fled.

The first man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 30's, with blonde hair and wearing a black Covid mask.

The second man is also Caucasian, with light brown hair and wearing a black face mask.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage is urged call Crime Stoppers. 

Sentencing Date Set For Former Swansea MP Milton Orkopoulos

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A date has been set for former Swansea MP Milton Orkopoulos to be sentenced. 

The 66-year-old was earlier this year found guilty of 26 sexual abuse and drug charges. 

The incidents involved four boys from the Lake Macquarie and Mid Coast areas, and took place between 1993 and 2003. 

He joined Sydney's Downing Street Centre District Court via videolink on Friday the 25th of August, to hear three of the four victims read impact statements. 

He's due to be sentenced on the 17th of November 2023. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

 

BREAKING! Police Operation Closes Beaumont Street Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A police operation has forced the closure of Beaumont Street Hamilton overnight.

Police were called to reports of an armed robbery at a local store just before 6.00pm on Thursday.

First responding officers quickly closed the street and cordoned off the area.

A member of the public told police they noticed a man carrying a knife in the store, but he didn't make any threats or demands before leaving.

Officers canvassed the area and arrested a 34-year-old man in a nearby street.

He's due to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 25 August, 2023) charged with having custody of a knife in a public place and having an outstanding warrant. 

16-Year-Old Leonard Murphy Missing From Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police and the family of a missing teenage boy from Newcastle are concerned for his welfare. 

16-year-old Leonard Murphy was last seen at a Wallsend shopping centre at about 3:30pm on Saturday the 19th of August 2023, wearing a grey jacket, black tracksuit pants, and a white hat.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of a slim build, with short brown hair, and brown eyes.

Leonard is known to frequent the Newcastle, Tamworth, Woolloomooloo, and Mt Druitt areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Maitland Council Appeals To Host British Royals in 2024

BY DANEIE GEDDES

Maitland City Council has expressed interest to be included on the map for the British royals' much anticipated visit to Australia in 2024.   

It would be their first visit to the Hunter region with King Charles III as monarch and would mark 40 years since the city welcomed King Charles and Princess Diana back in 1983.  

On Tuesday the 22nd of August, Maitland City Council is putting a motion forward to gather support to write to the Governor and the government to express their interest in being considered on the itinerary. 

Councillor at Maitland City Council, Sally Halliday says backing for regional communities like the Hunter holds equal significance to supporting our major cities. 

"I think it's really important that the royals don't just come to Sydney but they actually visit the region because we are a growing area and I think its a wonderful opportunity for people to see the royals," she said. 

Details, including which members of the Royal Family will be included in the visit are yet to be released but it is understood either King Charles III and the Queen, or Prince William and Princess Kate will be named.

Potential options for the royal visit to Maitland in 2024 could possibly include a civic reception at Town Hall and tree planting at the recently named Queen Elizabeth II Park. 

Sally Halliday says planning is still underway but she hopes to see Maitland on the map for the 2024 Australian Royal Tour. 

"I'm hoping they will come to a regional area and support the country as well as the city," she said.

 

BREAKING! Girl Plucked From Cliff At Bar Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl has been taken to hospital after being rescued from a cliff at Bar Beach.

A member of the public alerted authorities when they heard the 15-year-old calling for help just after 12.30am on Wednesday.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to an area near the Anzac Walk.

It's understood the girl climbed down several metres but couldn't get back up.

She was retrieved by firefighters unharmed.

Although she suffered no apparent injuries, the girl was taken to hospital for observation.

UPDATE! Missing Woman Last Seen In Nulkaba

BY OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

After making enquiries, Police say Sharny was found safe and well at Byron Bay.

Police have thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the Cessnock area.

43-year-old Sharny Cavanagh was last seen at a home on Occident Street at Nulkaba at about 6:30pm on Sunday the 20th of August, 2023. 

Her family says her disappearance is out of character.

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

She was last seen driving a silver 2019 Honda HRV station wagon with the NSW registration EBK-88P.

Sharny is known to frequent the Nulkaba, Beresfield and Cessnock areas 

If you've seen her or her car or know where she is, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Teenager Missing From Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Police are asking for help to locate a missing teenage girl. 

15-year-old Cheyanne was last seen in Raymond Terrace at 8:30am on Monday the 21st of August 2023, wearing an Irrawang High School jumper, grey track pants, and black shoes. 

She's described as being Caucasian in appearance, between 180-185cm tall, of a thin build, with a fair complexion, brown hair, and brown eyes.

She's not in trouble but police and her family want to make sure she's safe. 

If you've seen Cheyanne or know where she is, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

BREAKING! Three Teens To Face Court Over Wild Pursuit Through Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three teenage boys are set to front the Children's Court today following a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car in Newcastle.

Members of the public alerted police to a car being driven dangerously in the Wallsend area on Monday afternoon.

They attempted to stop a sedan on Douglas Street at Waratah and began following the vehicle when the driver failed to stop.

It's alleged the car was used to ram two police vehicles in Abbott Street, causing extensive damage to one of them.

Police say a parked truck was also damaged and a man was struck by the car but not seriously injured.

The car eventually stopped at Jesmond and three boys aged 13, 15 and 16 were arrested.

Police say the 15-year-old was behind the wheel - he's been charged with seven offences.

The other boys have been charged with being carried in a conveyance - all three have been refused bail.

Police Investigate Two-Vehicle Crash Following A Pursuit In Jesmond

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash following a pursuit in Jesmond overnight.

At about 3:30am on Monday the 21st of August, 2023, officers attached to the Newcastle City Police District attempted to stop a vehicle on Newcastle Road at Jesmond.

The vehicle, believed to have been stolen, sped off and a pursuit was initiated, however it was terminated a short time later for safety reasons.

The vehicle, a Grey Jeep Compass, crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and continued travelling east in the westbound lane, before colliding with another vehicle heading west.

The driver of the Jeep ran out of the vehicle and was unable to be located.

The driver of the other car was not injured.

Investigations into the incident are still underway.

Police Arrest Man Accused Of Prompting PolAir Pursuit

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

A man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged assault and stolen car at North Lambton.

Police were called to a home on Acacia Avenue about 11:00am on Wednesday (16th of August 2023), and were told a man had been assaulted and had his car stolen. 

 

The 65-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a laceration to his arm.

 

A short time later, police located the car abandoned on Mayo Street at Jesmond.

 

Police canvassed the area with assistance from PolAir and the Dog Unit, however the man was unable to be located.

 

Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal, a 36-year-old man was arrested at Waratah at about 12:40pm yesterday (17th of August 2023).

 

He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 18th of August). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father Of Greta Bus Crash Victim Launches Legal Action Against Linq Buslines

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man who lost his son in the Hunter Valley bus crash is launching a legal fight against the bus company which owned the vehicle at the heart of the tragedy.

Ten wedding guests were killed and 25 were injured in the disastrous incident at Greta on the 11th of June.

Adam Bray, whose son Zac was killed in the rollover, has now met with lawyers and is launching a class action against Linq Buslines.

He claims the operator failed to meet its obligations under the chain of responsibility laws for heavy vehicle operators.

He's also launched a petition to have a bus safety campaign heard in Parliament.

The driver of the bus, Brett Button, remains before the courts and is facing 62 charges.

Image: Sydney Morning Herald

Have You Seen 13-Year-Old Mia Dodds?

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking for the public's help to locate a teenage girl missing from Newcastle. 

13-year-old Mia Dodds, was last seen on Turton Road at Waratah, at about 2:50pm yesterday (Wednesday the 17th of August).  

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare.

Mia is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall, with a medium build, and dark brown hair parted in the middle with a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing black cargo pants, a navy-blue school jumper, and black and white high-top shoes.

Police believe she may have attended the Charlestown Square Shopping Centre at about 4:50pm yesterday, where she changed into grey tights and a black long-sleeve shirt with artwork on the front.

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

Mia Dodds

Two Men In Hospital after Serious Crash At Salamander Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men are recovering in hospital after a serious crash at Salamander Bay.

Police say a Toyota Hi Ace van towing a trailer and a light rigid truck collided on Soldiers Point Road at about 1.00pm on Wednesday, trapping both drivers.

They were freed with the assistance of the Port Stephens SES and firefighters.

The van driver suffered head, pelvic and leg injuries, while the truck driver suffered head injuries and a fractured arm.

Both men were flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Soldiers Point Road was closed for several hours as crash investigators examined the scene.

Investigations are continuing.

 

75-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Alleged Historic Child Sex Offences At Laguna

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 75-year-old man is due to front court today over alleged historic child sex offences in the Hunter.

In May, detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad began investigating allegations a girl had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her on a number of occasions between 2010 and 2015.

Following investigations, detectives attended a rural property at Furnances Crossing on Wednesday, 45kms south west of Cessnock, and arrested the alleged offender.

He's been charged with 21 offences including 12 counts of having intercourse with a person older than 10 and younger than 14.

The man's been refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 17 August, 2023).

UPDATE! Manhunt Underway In Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

More information has been released in regards to a pursuit in Newcastle. 

Police say officers were called to a home on Acacia Avenue at North Lambton, about 11:00am this morning (Wednesday 16th August), following reports a man had been assaulted and had his red 2010 Holden Commodore sedan stolen. 

A short time later, police found the vehicle had been abandoned on Mayo Street at Jesmond.

A police operation involving PolAir is now underway in Jesmond to locate the man.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of a slim build, with facial hair.

Police have been told he was wearing a black top with white stripes down the sleeves, blue shorts, a black cap, and red shoes.

Anyone with information, or who may have seen a man leaving the car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

EARLIER:

The police helicopter has been called in to assist with a manhunt in Newcastle. 

The PolAir chopper has been seen circling the Birmingham Gardens, Jesmond and Waratah areas as part of the alleged pursuit.  

Witnesses have told the Newcastle Herald, they've heard over the speaker, officers are searching for a man in his mid-20s. 

He is described as being clean-shaven, with olive skin, and is wearing a long black shirt and blue shorts.

He was last seen in Jesmond at about 12:00pm on Wednesday the 15th of August 2023. 

Anyone who has seen the man or has any information which may help police with their search is being asked to call 000. 

BREAKING! Truck Loaded With Arnotts Biscuits Overturns At 12 Mile Creek

 BY IAN CROUCH

A semi-trailer loaded with 55 tonnes of Arnotts biscuits has overturned at 12 Mile Creek north of Raymond Terrace.

Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway approaching the Bucketts Way just after 3.00am on Wednesday to reports a Linfox truck and trailer was on it's side and the driver trapped.

The man in his 20's was released and taken by road ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition suffering a knee injury.

The Hazmat unit from Newcastle pumped about 250 litres of diesel from a nearby causeway which had leaked from the ruptured fuel tank.

Newcastle Fire Command says efforts to salvage the truck and its contents will get under way later on Wednesday morning.

Brother Of NRL Star Arrested At Beresfield For Drug Trafficking

 BY IAN CROUCH

The brother of NRL star Payne Haas has allegedly been caught at Beresfield trying to traffick more than a million dollars worth of the drug ice into NSW from Queensland.

Police stopped a ute on Apprentice Close at about 11.45am on Tuesday.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered 1.8kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1,080.00.

News Limited reports 19-year-old Zeda Haas and another man, 20-year-old Kaharau Beer were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.

Both have been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 16 August 2023) charged with drug trafficking and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Inquiries are continuing.

Mark Latham Removed From Role As NSW One Nation Leader

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Mark Latham has been removed as the state's One Nation leader. 

It comes after an extraordinary intervention by the party's federal leader Pauline Hanson.

Ms. Hanson says the party’s failure to meet expectations in the March state election is a key reason behind the change.

A party spokesperson said on Monday, the decision won't affect Mr Latham's position in NSW parliament, where he has an upper house seat until 2031.

Ms. Hanson has installed a new state executive in NSW and made herself the branch’s temporary leader. 

Missing Central Coast Man Could Be In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a man missing from the Central Coast could be in the Newcastle area.

43-year-old Jonathan Ferret was last seen on Lakeridge Avenue at Berkley Vale at about 3.50pm ont Monday 7 August, 2023.

He's known to frequent the local area as well as Birmingham Gardens.

Jonathan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a medium build, bald with a blue beard.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper, black pants, black boots, glasses and carrying a backpack.

Jonathan is believed to be driving a silver 2005 Kia CT Series van with the NSW registration JCF 079.

Missing Man Jonathan Ferret

Alleged Firebug To Face Court Over Grass Fires At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court next month accused of lighting grass fires in the Singleton area.

Police say emergency services were called to a grass fire at Rose Point Park on Friday afternoon and a second fire off Sewerage Works Lane at Glenridding at about 2pm on Saturday.

About and hour-and-a-half later, a A 23-year-old man was arrested at a Hunterview home.

He's been charged with two counts of intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread and granted conditional bail to face Singleton Court on September 14.

Couple charged over Maitland puppy theft

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man and a woman have been charged after a puppy and guitars were allegedly stolen during a break and enter at Maitland this week.

About 2:30pm on Thursday, police attended a reserve on Sempill Street as part of an investigation into an alleged break and enter.

Police located a puppy locked in a tent, believed to have been stolen during a break and enter at a home also on Sempill Street.

A short time later, a 44-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man arrived at the reserve. 

The pair was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where they were charged over the break and enter.

They were both refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Friday.

The puppy was uninjured and has since returned home.

Trains delayed after car crosses tracks at Waratah

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police have had to remove a car from the tracks east of Waratah Station in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It's understood a man accidentally drove through the chain fence and onto the rail corridor.

Police attended the scene at 1:15am.

Train services had to be stopped until around 4am, when the car was towed from the tracks.

Police Appeal For Assistance To Locate Man Missing From Cessnock

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking for help to locate a man reported missing from the Hunter Valley area. 

45-year-old Robert Pagan, was last seen leaving a home on Sixth Street in Cessnock, at about 12:00pm on Wednesday the 9th of August. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of a solid build, with blonde hair and was unshaven.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black bag.

Police and his family are concerned for his welfare. 

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is being asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Stephens Man Missing Since Saturday

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

Police have launched an appeal for assistance to locate a man missing from Port Stephens. 

Andrew Collins, aged 63, hasn't been seen since Saturday evening (5th August 2023), when he left a home on Waropara Road at Medowie.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, of a medium build, with black hair and brown eyes,

Police have reason to believe he's travelling in a white Toyota Tarago with NSW registration BQ2-0PV

If you've seen Andrew or know where he is, please contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

 

Police Release Images Of Alleged Armed Robbery At Weston As Investigations Continue

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate an alleged armed robbery at Weston.

Just after midnight on Friday the 30th of September 2022, officers were called to a licensed premises on Cessnock Road in Weston, following reports of an armed robbery.

Police were told two unknown males, both armed with machetes, entered the business and confronted patrons.

One 48-year-old man was struck with a machete, causing a laceration to his arm.

The males allegedly threatened staff and stole cash, before fleeing the scene on foot along Station Street.

As investigations continue under Strike Force Rubus, detectives have released CCTV footage of the incident and an image of a vehicle of interest.

The males are depicted wearing dark coloured clothing with their faces covered.

The vehicle of interest is described as being a small, dark coloured hatchback.

Anyone with information which may assist police is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

 

 

Third Man Charged Over The Alleged Murder Of Anthony Nugent

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A third man has been charged over the alleged murder of Hamilton South local Anthony Nugent.

Police say the 57-year-old was shot in the chest at the front door of his Fowler Street unit at about 11:00pm on the 6th of September 2022.

Two men, including one from Waratah and another from Sydney, have already been arrested and charged over the murder.

Yesterday, on the 8th of August 2023, a third man, aged 26, was transported from a prison in Junee to Wagga Wagga Police Station, where he charged with murder and supplying a pistol to a person unauthorised to possess it.

He's due to face court today (Wednesday the 9th of August). 

Anthony Nugent

13-Year-Old Angel Missing From Wallsend

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the Newcastle area. 

13-year-old Angel Baker, was last seen on Tyrrell Street at Wallsend, at about 1:40pm on Monday the 7th of August.

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

Angel is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 150cm tall, with a thin build, red hair and green/hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing grey pants, white shoes, and a lavender crop top.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information into Angel’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Bulahdelah Bikie Charged As Part Of Operation Morpheus

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

A man from Bulahdelah is one of 74 people arrested in NSW, as part of a five-day national crack-down on outlaw motorcycle gang activities.

Raptor Squad Detectives took part in Operation Morpheus last week, which involved officers from every state and territory in Australia.

Among those arrested was the 49-year-old from Bulahdelah, who was allegedly found in possession of three guns, two replica firearms, ammunition, a crossbow, knives and Comancheros paraphernalia.

Police also uncovered cannabis plants, 5kg of dried marijuana, and cannabis products inside two tents at the man's home.

He's been charged with 19 weapons and drug supply counts. 

 

Image: NSW Police

 

 

 

Novocastrians Urged to Take More Caution Around Light Rails

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON

                                                               Photo Credit: Newcastle Weekly

People across the Hunter are being urged to take more safety precautions around railway and tram crossings.

Newcastle Transport have released CCTV footage showing multiple close calls featuring pedestrians and drivers around the city's light rail network.

Keolis Downs Hunter General Manager Emmanuel Genlot says the aim of releasing the vision is to encourage the community to be more aware and alert, and consider the impacts a near-miss can have on passengers, drivers, and observers.

"It's scary to watch the CCTV footage and see the dangerous and unpredictable behaviour of some Newcastle road users and pedestrians," said Mr Genlot.

"We are seeing increased instances of intoxicated customers stepping out in front of light rail vehicles after a night out, we also continue to see pedestrians ignoring pedestrian crossings and running across the tracks to try to catch the light rail before it departs." 

Tram driver and trainer Corey Moore says he's seen his fair share of near misses around the city's light rail system.

"We see about one near-miss incident a week, which is one too many."

"While our tram drivers use every possible safety measure to avoid a collision, at the end of the day, we need the community to play its part," said Mr Moore. 

"Every near miss leaves an impact on your mental health."

Rail Safety Week kicks off today, running until the 13th of August to educate people across New South Wales on the dangers of train and tram tracks and crossings.