John Hunter Shuttle Bus Restored And ADHD Clinic Announced For Wallsend

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Health Minister has confirmed the park-and-ride shuttle service will return to the John Hunter Hospital. 

The service was established in 2007 in a bid to alleviate car parking pressures at the hospital, but was scrapped in 2015 when more than 700 new parking spaces were added at the facility.

The first shuttle is expected to be up and running by mid next year. 

On a tour of the Hospital's new Health and Innovation Precinct, Ryan Park, said the Hunter New England Health District has started investigating a route for the service. 

"I've asked the planners, along with the Local Health District whether there needs to be any changes to the previous route," he said. 

"We'll make sure we get something that is fit for purpose, but that works in 2023/2024, not necessarily focused on what we did 8 years ago... but if that is the best and most useful route still, than that's what we'll work on." 

Mr. Park has also announced the establishment of a new ADHD clinic for young patients in the district. 

The Wallsend clinic will act as a trial program for the next two years, as the state government looks to enhance ADHD support in regional parts of NSW. 

Mr. Park says it means patients won't have to travel to hospital for diagnosis and treatment. 

"This is about making sure that we take pressure off paediatric waitlists. It's working in partnership with their GPs, but it's also about getting that early diagnosis, that early access to treatment, that early access to support, to make sure that we provide those wrap-around services and support that young people need."  

Critical Incident Investigation Launched After Woman's Body Was Discovered In Muswellbrook

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A critical incident has been launched, after the body of a woman was found at a home in Muswellbrook. 

At about 7:20am yesterday (Monday the 30th of October, 2023), officers were called to a property on Sydney Street for a concern for welfare check.

Officers spoke with a 52-year-old woman, before leaving the scene a short time later.

Later, at about 7:00pm, officers were called to a licensed premises on the same street, following reports a woman was behaving in an erratic manner.

Police attended and spoke with a 52-year-old woman outside the club, before she was arrested and taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital under police guard for an assessment. 

At about 8:30pm, emergency services were called to the earlier Sydney Street property for another welfare check. 

Upon arrival, police found the body of a woman, believed to be in her 60's. 

It's not yet known how the woman died. 

A critical incident team from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner, says police are working to establish what the relationship between the two women is, and how officers responded to the two incidents. 

"With these matters, police have a view of all the circumstances surrounding the matter, and we wish to have an independent body look at the investigation, and the response of police at the time," he said. 

UPDATE! Man Charged Over The Murder Of Zachery Davies-Scott At Heddon Greta

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man has been charged with murder, as officers attached to Strike Force Roslyn continue their investigation into the shooting death of a man at Heddon Greta. 

25-year-old Zachery Davies-Scott was shot dead inside a home on Traders Way just before 11:00pm on the 27th of December last year. 

His mother, partner, and two children were inside the home at the time. 

Following enquiries, Strike Force Roslyn investigators arrested a 24-year-old man at Boomerang Beach, south of Forster at about 6:00am this morning (Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023). 

He's since been charged with murder and is expected to be refused bail in Taree Local Court today. 

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty says it's understood a group of men were involved in the attack, and the investigation is still ongoing. 

"Today marks the first domino to fall, and it's highly likely others will follow, as Strike Force detectives continue with their investigation."  

Image: Zac Davies-Scott

Suspected Stolen Car Found Torched At Healtherbrae

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens police are asking for dashcam footage after a suspected stolen car was found torched at Heatherbrae.

Police began following the gold coloured Ford Ranger utility up Maitland Road from Newcastle just before 2.30am on Tuesday.

The pursuit was terminated when they car left the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae and was driven off road.

The vehicle was found a short time later in nearby Motto Lane up in flames.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers.

Pair Caught Trying To Steal Scooter At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been caught red-handed allegedly trying to steal a scooter at Merewether overnight.

Patrolling police noticed the pair hiding behind a parked car in Wilton Street at about 3.00am on Tuesday.

It's alleged they had been wheeling the Honda scooter which had been parked outside a nearby home after attempting to hot-wire it.

The pair, aged 18 and 21, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station - they are expected to face court on Tuesday morning.

Police say the younger man was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The scooter, which sustained minor damage, has been returned to its owner.

BREAKING! Woman Found Dead In Muswellbrook Property

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are appealing for information after the body of a woman was discovered at a Muswellbrook home.

Officers were called to a property on Sydney Street at about 8.30pm on Monday over concerns for a woman's welfare.

They arrived to find the body of a woman inside believed to be in her 60's - she's yet to be formally identified.

Police have set up a crime scene with an investigation under way into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man killed, girl injured in single vehicle crash near Forster

 BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

A man has died and a teenage girl is at the John Hunter Hospital following a crash on the Mid North Coast last night. 

Around 11pm, emergency services were called to The Lakes Way at Bungwahl, about 34 kms south of Forster after reports of a crash.

They found the 44-year-old male driver of a Hyundai SUV at the scene, and the man was treated by paramedics, however he died at the scene.

A 16-year-old female passenger was taken to the John Hunter in a serious but stable condition. 

Police also found a cattle dog at the scene with minor injuries. The dog has been returned to her owners. 

A crime scene has been established as police investigate the cause of the fatality. 

13-Year-Old Boy Missing From Rutherford

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Hunter Police are appealing for assistance to locate a missing teenage boy. 

13-year-old Bryson was last seen in Rutherford on Friday the 13th of October, 2023. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 120 and 130cm tall, of a thin build, with a fair complexion, and hazel-coloured eyes. 

Police say he's not in trouble, but officers and his family would like to know where he is. 

If you know where Bryson is, or can assist in locating him, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

BREAKING! Major Search Under Way Around Port Stephens For Missing Helicopter

 BY IAN CROUCH

A major land and sea search is under way around the Port Stephens area for a helicopter which has been reported overdue.

In a statement, police say the helicopter took off from Cessnock at about 8.50am on Thursday bound for Wallis Island, near Kempsey.

The chopper failed to arrive as planned and police were notified.

It's understood a 54-year-old man an a dog were on board at the time.

Water Police are also involved in the search.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Water Police are involved in the search for a missing helicopter

Speers Point Man To Face Court Following Police Pursuit Through Wallsend

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A young man from Speers Point is due to face court today, after allegedly leading police on a pursuit, and ramming into a number of cars in Wallsend yesterday.  

At about 6:55am, police initiated a pursuit on Newcastle Road in Wallsend, when the driver of a Volkswagen Polo failed to stop for a random breath test. 

Police allege the car then approached the intersection of Metcalfe and Thomas Streets, where it collided with two other vehicles and then fled the scene. 

The 23-year-old male driver was arrested nearby a short time later, and was assessed at the John Hunter Hospital, before being taken to Waratah Police Station.

He's been charged with multiple offences, including driving without a license. 

The young man was refused bail and will face Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday the 26th of October, 2023).  

Scone Bushfire Upgraded to Watch and Act

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A fire which has been burning through bushland around Scone has been upgraded to Watch and Act level. 

The blaze is burning to the east of Scone, north of Gundy Road in the area of Segenhoe.

It's now burned through 1144 hectares of bushland. 

Firefighters, and aircraft have established containment lines on the fire's perimeter, however, residents in the vicinity of Gundy Rd and Glen Creek Rd are being told to prepare now.

It means residents should put in place their Bushfire Survival Plans by preparing their homes and families for the threat of fire. 

Those who aren't prepared are being urged to leave their homes early. 

Concerns For Man Missing From Pelaw Main

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing in the Hunter region.

61-year-old Roy Quinton was last seen at a home on Stanford Street at Pelaw Main at about 7.40am on Tuesday 24 October, 2023..

Police were notified when he could not be contacted and there are serious concerns for his welfare.

Roy is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a medium build and short light grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved white polo shirt with a John Deere logo, faded blue jeans and beige elastic-sided work boots.

John is known to frequent the Pelaw Main, Kurri Kurri and Weston areas.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Missing man, Roy Quinton

Cessnock Bushfire Upgraded To Watch And Act

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Residents around Old Maitland Road in Cessnock are being told to implement their Bushfire Action Plan now, as an out of control fire burns though bushland in the area. 

The blaze, which broke out in the Werakata State Conservation Area at about 9:30am, and has been upgraded to Watch and Act level. 

Residents in the area are being urged act now, as the fire burns in a southerly direction towards Old Maitland Road, which is currently closed to traffic. 

Residents in the vicinity of Quarry Road, Lavender Street and Tunnel Road, should monitor conditions.

Emilie Koek from the RFS, says leaving early is the safest option. 

"The message to those residents along Old Maitland Road is that they should prepare now and act out their Bushfire Survival Plan. 

If you don't have a plan, decide what you'll do if the situation changes," she said. 

Pedestrian Hit By Motorcycle In Muswellbrook

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two people are recovering in hospital after a motorcycle struck a pedestrian in Muswellbrook. 

Emergency Services were called to Maitland Street at about 4:45pm yesterday (Monday the 23rd of October, 2023), following reports of a motorcycle incident. 

The 50-year-old female pedestrian was treated at the scene by NSW ambulance paramedics for head, abdomen, and hip injuries, before being airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition. 

The motorcycle rider was also treated at the scene, before being taken to the John Hunter via ambulance.

 

Missing Central Coast Teen Could Be In The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police believe a teenager missing from the Central Coast could be in the Hunter. 

13-year-old Cohen Wentworth-Shields was last seen at the Gosford Railway Station at around 10:00am on Wednesday the 18th of October. 

He was wearing a brown hoodie with 'Red Lips' written on it, a red shirt, black shorts with a white stripe on the side, black Nike shoes, and was carrying a black Nike backpack. 

Cohen is known to frequent the Dungog area. 

Police and his family old serious concerns for his welfare due to his age. 

If you've seen him or known where he is, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Police Appeal For Help To Locate Missing Newcastle Man

BY OLIVIA DILLON

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

27-year-old Hayden Grainger was last seen at the Newcastle Yacht Club at Wickham on Saturday the 14th of October, and hasn't spoken to his family since Tuesday the 17th. 

Police say he was spotted at Darling Harbour in Sydney the following Saturday the 20th of October, but has still not been in contact with his friends or loved ones. 

Officers are concerned for Hayden's welfare as he has a diagnosed medical condition. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180 and 185cm tall, of a medium build, with short brown hair and tattoos on the left side of his neck ad down both arms. 

When he was last spotted in Sydney, Hayden was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, black DC shoes and had dark-coloured hair. 

If you've seen Hayden or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Waratah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Crews Battle Truck Fire At Freemans Waterhole

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been faced with a potentially explosive truck fire at Freemans Waterhole on Tuesday morning

Crews were called the southbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway just past Palmers Road at about 3.45am to find the Prime Mover of a semi-trailer on fire.

The trailer was carrying several drums of flammable liquids including Petroluem Distillate.

Luckily, the driver managed to detach the trailer before the fire could spread.

Crews took about an hour to extinguish the fire and an area of bush beside the motorway which also caught alight.

Maitland Grossman High School Teacher Has Assault Conviction Overturned

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A high school teacher who was earlier this year found guilty of assaulting a student at Maitland Grossman High School has had his conviction overturned. 

63-year-old Michael John Kable was sentenced to a Community Correction Order in July, after he pleaded guilty to punching the student in the back of the head on the 21st of March, 2023. 

The conviction meant he would not have been able to continue teaching. 

However, in Newcastle District Court today, Judge Peter McGrath said although the assault was serious, Mr. Kable had been severely provoked in the lead-up to the incident. 

His appeal has been granted and he's been handed an 18-month good behaviour bond without conviction. 

Michael John Kable
Image: Newcastle Herald

Lake Macquarie Councillor Pushes for Affordable Housing

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON

92 Toronto Road, Booragul
Credit: Google Street View

                  

Lake Macquarie Councillor Jason Pauling has filed a recommendation for an empty plot of land in Booragul to be used for affordable housing. 

The land at 92 Toronto Road currently sits empty, with Pauling urging it should be made available for social and/or affordable housing if it is not already required for other purposes. 

"This is an attempt to get all three levels of government to actually do something meaningful.

There's a lot of chatter and discussion about social and affordable housing, but we haven't seen a lot of action, and this is an opportunity for all the levels of government to work together to deliver a meaningful outcome that will have a very positive impact on a  number of people's lives," said Cr Pauling.

Pauling is also calling for a full construction and development funding commitment from the state or federal governments if the plan is approved.

The Hunter is home to five of the ten local government areas with the highest housing need in New South Wales. 

"I don't think there's any doubt from any quarter that housing prices, the increases we've seen, and the supply issues we've seen, have made it really hard for a lot of residents.

This is a small step, it's certainly not the silver bullet solution by any means, but it is a tangible demonstration of what can happen when all three levels of government work together," Cr Pauling said. 

Image Released As Investigations Into Gateshead Shooting Continue

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie Police are appealing for information following an alleged shooting at Gateshead last month. 

At about 2:00am on Thursday the 21st of September, officers arrived at a home on Cassia Crescent at Gateshead to find a 42-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman suffering gunshot wounds. 

Following enquiries, a 31-year-old man was charged in relation to the shooting and remains before the courts.  

As investigations continue, police have released an image of a person they believe may be able to assist with enquiries. 

They are described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, with a large build, and at the time of the incident they were wearing a light-coloured hooded jumper, light-coloured pants and were carrying a black bag.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 1:00am and 3:00am on Thursday the 21st of September, 2023, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Crews Working To Contain A Bush Fire At Scone

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are still working to contain a bush fire which is still out of control at Scone.

The fire off Barton Street has burnt through almost a thousand hectares since it broke out in scorching conditions on Sunday afternoon.

At one stage, the fire went to Emergency Warning level but has since been downgraded to Advice.

Police say there are no reports of property losses or serious injury.

Another bush fire off the Thunderbolts Way at Bretti north of Gloucester has burnt out more than 930 hectares and is being controlled.

The bush fire off Barton Street at Scone on Sunday night. Picture: Hunter Valley News

Man in small vessel rescued off Central Coast after failing to return to shore

 BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

An overdue boater has been located and brought back to shore after his friends issued a worried call to Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie around 7:20pm last night.

The man had been out on Tuggerah Lake in his tinnie, but failed to return the calls and texts of his friends on shore at Canton Beach, near Toukley. 

Crews on board Tuggerah Lakes 20 and Tuggerah Lakes 21 were deployed to search the lake.

“TL 21 was on the water within an hour while TL 20 joined the search after 10pm because of concerns for the boater," Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said.

“With a lack of natural moon light both crews initiated their FLIR systems (Forward Looking Infrared) to scan the water’s surface.”

Around 12:30am this morning a member of the public informed emergency services that they could hear a tapping noise coming from the lake, thought to be the man tapping on the side of his vessel, west of Two Shores Holiday Village.

With the assistance of NSW Police PolAir, the man was located in his vessel and rescued by the crews from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes.

He was returned to shore safely before 2am.

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has noted it was concerning that the man was relying on a mobile phone as his primary communication device, was not wearing a life jacket and did not have adequate lighting on the vessel. 

Boaters are encouraged to always follow advice issued by Marine Rescue and complete a safety equipment check before heading out onto the water.

Teenage Boy Missing from Rutherford

 BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police are appealing to the public for information to locate a boy missing from Rutherford. 

12-year-old Beau-Hartill Law was last seen at an oval on Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford around 4pm on Friday 20 October 2023. 

Officers from Port-Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and have commenced inquiries to locate him. 

There are concerns for Beau's welfare due to his age. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a slim build, about 155cm tall with red/ginger hair and blue eyes. 

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, brown shorts and black shoes. 

Anyone who has seen Beau or has information of his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Missing person: Beau Hartill-Law

 

Community Members Urged To Have Their Say On Proposed Minmi Road Upgrades

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council is seeking feedback from local residents on its plan to widen and upgrade Minmi Road.

The proposal would see the notorious stretch widened to two lanes in each direction from Summerhill Road to Maryland Drive. 

It's also set to improve access for cyclists along the busy stretch, by implementing a separated lane on the road, as well as a shared pathway. 

Residents around Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher, and Minmi, are being encouraged to give feedback on the plan by the 17th of November, 2023. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, says residents have been calling for something to be done about traffic congestion in Minmi for years.  

"The first commitment of this newly-elected council was to really push ahead and invest in the widening of Minmi Road," she said. 

Cr Nelmes also said she expects the construction period will be disruptive to motorists. 

 

The project is expected to be delivered by 2025-26. 

(From Left) Dehanna Richardson, Nuatali Nelmes, and Callum Pull

 

Homes Destroyed In Girvan Bushfire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

There's been mixed reactions among Girvan residents today, after a major fire tore though bushland Southeast of Stroud overnight. 

RFS crews have been carrying out a fire ground assessment off Booral Road today (Tuesday the 17th of October, 2023), as they work to determine how many homes were damaged or destroyed by the blaze. 

The fire has now burned through more than 700 hectares of bushland and was at one stage upgraded to Watch and Act level. 

Although it's since been downgraded to Advice level, it's still yet to be extinguished by firefighters. 

Local Cheryl Graves, says some residents were given 5 minutes to evacuate their homes last night, as the fire started threatening properties.

She says while her home was able to be saved, others nearby weren't so lucky. 

"A lady up the back, we were standing up the road with her yesterday... their house is gone, she's lost her house," she said. 

"It's just on the ground; it's burned to the ground."

As crews continue battling the blaze, Mrs. Graves, says her home wouldn't have been saved without the help and dedication of local firefighters. 

"When you see the devastation around our house, you just realise how close it was to going into our house; although our house is brick it's just unreal.

You just look out into the yard and think how lucky we are to have a house to sleep in tonight at least," Mrs Graves said. 

It's not yet been confirmed how many homes have been lost in the fires. 

Second Man Charged Over Alleged Burns Incident At Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

A second man has been arrested after a man was allegedly set on fire in Newcastle West last month.

Emergency services were called to the McDonalds restaurant in King Street just before 3.30am on Thursday September 28 where a 23-year-old man had sought help after he was allegedly assaulted and set on fire.

He was taken to the burns unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition.

Police arrested a 20-year-old man at Raymond Terrace the next day and he remains before the courts.

Following inquiries, a 30-year-old man was arrested at a Rosehill property last Friday.

He's been charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent and throw/lay down etc explosive with intent to maim/do grievous bodily harm.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on December 6.

39-Year-Old Man Missing From Cardiff South

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are appealing for help to locate a missing man from Lake Macquarie. 

39-year-old Wayne Beatty was last seen on Wednesday the 11th of October in Cardiff South. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 190cm tall, of a solid build, with short brown hair and hazel eyes. 

He also has several tattoos, including a scorpion on his calf. 

Wayne was last seen wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt. 

He's known to frequent the Wallsend, Jesmond, and Charlestown shopping centres. 

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

 

Bus Safety At The Forefront Following Greta Wedding Crash

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government has accepted all 5 recommendations made in a report into the Hunter Valley bus tragedy

In it's report, the Bus Industry Taskforce is recommending seatbelts be installed in school buses servicing regional and outer-metropolitan areas.  

There's no recommendation to fit seatbelts to city buses, because of the number of passengers who stand. 

The report has also prompted a safety campaign to be rolled out across the state from next week, aiming to educate passengers and bus operators about the importance of enforcing seatbelt use. 

Manager of Port Stephens Coaches Adam Saoullis, says he wants drivers and passengers to be on the same page. 

"The thing we find frustrating is, people wouldn't think twice about putting their seatbelt on in a car, but yet on a bus they won't.

When you look up and see people who haven't got their seatbelt on, you can politely ask them, but they look at us sometimes and think 'wow, why is he asking that?'"

Taskforce Chair John Lee, says they're also calling for a bus speed limitation to be investigated by the government moving forward. 

"On some of those motorways, you can do 100km/h, and we're suggesting that the Centre for Road Safety re-examine that. 

Where there are standees on buses, we're saying it should be capped or maximised at 80km/h," Mr. Lee said. 

Image: Busaways

 

 

Sonia Hornery Calls for Action in Beresfield Lifeguard Job Losses

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Twelve lifeguards from Beresfield Pool have been sacked following the Council's privatisation deal with BlueFit Aquatics.

The move has been heavily criticised by Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who has called the job losses and privatisation disappointing.

"I have been, as a Labor member, a long-term opponent of privatisation because it ends up not benefiting the community, it benefits the private companies," Ms. Hornery says.

It comes after City of Newcastle stated any changes to the pool management would not result in job losses.

"It's sad that we read documents and pledges from Labor councillors that say there would be no job losses. And yet, we know twelve qualified, experienced, long-term staff at Beresfield pool have lost their job," she says.

She is now calling for council to offer re-employment to the twelve staff, and to apologise to them.

"There have been no steps to right the wrong. I am asking the councillors to do right by the Beresfield and Tarro community and by the twelve employees that they sacked; to reinstate those experienced, qualified employees, and take them back to the pool."