Additional University Places Added in Newcastle to Grow AUKUS Workforce

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Additional places in STEM courses will be open at the University of Newcastle next year, in a bid to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The Albanese Government is investing $128 million to fund an additional 4,001 university places across Australia. In Newcastle, 140 places have been allocated.

These additional places will apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Federal Member for Patterson Meryl Swanson said she's celebrating the move.

"I'm delighted to say that the Albanese Labor Government has funded 140 additional places at the University of Newcastle over the next four years for STEM related subjects such as mechanical engineering and chemical engineering," says MP Swanson.

Ms. Swanson says it is important to increase training in STEM-related fields, as careers in these industries in Newcastle are in high demand.

"It's incredibly important that we do grow the workforce that is needed for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to that, it's also important that we constantly work with our businesses in the local area.

"The reason it's so important that we increase people taking up STEM courses is because that's where the jobs of the future in our region are going to lie. As a government we've recognised that, and that's why we've supported and funded these 140 places at Newcastle University over the next four years,," she said. 

Eligible students are able to apply and commence studies for STEM courses from the beginning of 2024.

Hundreds Without Power After Storm Lashes Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hundreds of Lake Macquarie residents remain without power on Thursday morning after a wild storm tore through the region late on Wednesday afternoon.

Several trees came down in parts of Cessnock, Morisset and Southern Lake Macquarie and there were reports of flash flooding.

More than 700 homes and businesses are still without power in Buttaba, Arcadia Vale, Wangi, Dora Creek, Morisset and Martinsville.

In one incident, the roof of a carport was blown off at a home in Baker Street, Dora Creek which blew across the street, cutting power lines.

120 volunteers from 30 SES teams have been busy attending to 158 calls for help in the Northern Region of NSW which includes the Hunter.

The SES says there were 30 jobs in Cessnock, 35 in Wyong, 30 in Cooranbong and 18 in Taree.

Most of the calls were for fallen trees, leaking or damaged rooves and downed power lines.

The storms brought more welcome rain to parts of the Upper and Lower Hunter, with 40mm recorded at Broke and 31mm at Dora Creek.

Police Searching For Stolen Doughnut Van Bound For Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are on the lookout for a van carrying 10,000 donuts towards Newcastle which has been stolen. 

Officers say the Krispy Kreme van was making a stop at a service station at Carlingford in Sydney at about 3:30 this morning, when a female jumped into the driver's seat and fled the scene. 

They're now on the lookout for a white van with registration DG9-4MY, which was supposed to be delivering to stores across Newcastle today. 

Anyone who sees the van is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Man Facing Court Accused Of Assaulting Young Woman At Scone

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Wednesday 29 November, 2023) accused of assaulting a woman at Scone.

Police were called to Waverley Street in the early hours of Sunday morning following reports an 18-year-old woman had been followed and assaulted by a man before she was able to escape and run home.

Officers searched a home on St Aubins Street on Tuesday and seized several items for forensic analysis.

They also arrested a 26-year-old man and charged him with sexual touching, common assault, choking and intimidation.

He's been refused bail to face Singleton Local Court today.

$1.3 Million Gifted to Council For Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A cheque for $1.3 million has been presented to Newcastle Council to assist with the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery. 

The payment was drawn from the Art Gallery Redevelopment Fund, consisting of funds raised by various community donations over a decade, held by the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation on behalf of the City of Newcastle. 

Closed for construction in January 2022, the Newcastle Art Gallery's long-awaited expansion is set to double its size, allowing more of its nationally-recognised collection to be displayed to the public.  

Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2024. 

Upon accepting the cheque, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the development would not have been possible without the public's help. 

"The committed could only be supported by very exceptional philanthropic donations that were a mixture of grassroots foundation funding that has occurred over the last decade." 

Former Lady Mayoress Cathy Tate added, the expansion is a much-needed development. 

"The best regional collection in Australia could not be denied an extended home; we've waited so long, but it is so wonderful to see the hoardings up and see the construction has started. 

90-Year-Old Woman Dies In Hospital Following Alleged Sexual Assault On The Central Coast

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A woman has died in hospital following an alleged sexual assault at an aged care facility on the Central Coast.

Police allege a man broke into a facility in Bateau Bay about 12:40am on Wednesday the 15th of November, 2023, where he sexually assaulted a 90-year-old woman.

The woman was taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.

34-year-old Brett Anthony Crawford was later arrested at a property in Caves Beach and remains before the courts. 

Police have since been notified the woman died in hospital this morning (Tuesday the 28th of November, 2023). 

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Newcastle Supercar Supporters Group Questions Motion To Remove Race Infrastructure

BY JACK SEYMOUR

The Newcastle Supercars Supporters Facebook group is questioning a motion set to be tabled for tomorrow night's City Council meeting which would effectively abandon any future races.

The proposal would see the removal of key infrastructure used in the East End for the Newcastle 500.

Group administrator Mitchell Griffin said a successful motion would go against comments made Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and NSW Premier Chris Minns, praising the event's success and calling for an contract extension.

"We've seen Supercars come out and say they're open to a contract renewal. We've heard from the Premier who's keen for the event to go ahead and even back in September, the Lord Mayor said she'd be happy with a five year extension," he said.

"So it really does bring the question "Why shut the event off completely?" when there is the opportunity there to have those discussions and look at the potential of a much longer event should negotiation go ahead next year."

The motion notes the City's decision last month to support Cessnock's bid to host the V8's at the proposed Wine Country 500. 

Missing Hunter Valley Teen Could Be Heading To Victoria

 BY IAN CROUCH

The search continues for a teenage girl reported missing from the Hunter Valley.

15-year-old Sophia Holden was last seen travelling in a white Holden Cruze with the NSW registration DZX 29U driven by an 18-year-old woman known to her in the Paxton area at about 3.30pm on Saturday.

It's believed the pair may be travelling to Victoria

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Sophia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall with a thin build and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing glasses, white hooded jumper and grey shorts.

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

Missing teenager, Sophia Holden

Search To Resume For Missing Swimmer Off Stockton Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search will resume at 8 o'clock on Monday morning for a man missing in the water off Stockton Beach.

At about 3.00pm om Sunday emergency services were called after a number of swimmers were in difficulty.

Three were rescued from the water, however one man couldn't be located.

One of the swimmers was taken to hospital as a precaution - the others were not injured.

Police, surf lifesavers and the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter searched the water and surrounding beaches until the search was called off for the day at 7.00pm.

 

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter joined the search for the missing swimmer

 

Man Killed In Two Car Smash At Ravensworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died in a two car crash at Ravensworth.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway just after 4.30pm on Thursday to reports a ute and a sedan had collided.

The driver of the sedan, a 60-year-old man was treated by paramedics; however he died at the scene.

The driver of the ute, a 57-year-old man , was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing and report is being prepared for the Coroner.

BREAKING! Truck Crash and Diesel Spill Closes Southbound Lanes of M1 Pacific Motorway

 BY IAN CROUCH

All southbound lanes of the The M1 Pacific Motorway are closed between John Renshaw Drive and Lenaghans Drive at Lenaghan due to a truck crash diesel spillage.

Newcastle Fire Command says a B-double has lost one thousand litres of diesel from its fuel tank.

Several fire crews and the Newcastle Hazmat unit are at the scene.

NSW Fire and Rescue says the freeway is likely to remain closed for several hours while the spill is cleaned up.

A spokesperson from for the Transport Management Centre says the truck was travelling in the northbound lanes of the freeway just before 3am when it crashed through the median strip fencing, ending up facing north in the southbound lanes.

Southbound traffic is being diverted at John Renshaw Drive and the Hunter Expressway

The disabled truck on the M1 on Friday morning Picture: Live Traffic

The Wollotuka Institute Celebrates 40th Anniversary

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

The beloved Wollotuka Institute will be celebrating its 40th anniversary at the University of Newcastle today. 

Beginning in 1983, Wollotuka originated as a support program for Indigenous students and has grown to be a pioneering example of First Nations excellence. 

The University of Newcastle now leads the country in Indigenous student enrolment, support and retention.

The milestone will be celebrated across two events, a public event and an invitational dinner, to be held at the University's Callaghan campus this month. 

Jordan Perry from the Wollotuka Institute says the hard work of those involved is worth celebrating. 

"We're looking after students, setting ground-breaking research agendas and also teaching the new generation coming through," he said. 

He said cultural safety is of the upmost importance for First Nations students. 

"Having Wollotuka here and having that hub where they can feel at home amongst their people is the most important thing to me."

Image: National Indigenous Times

Police Appeal For Help To Locate Missing Man From Beresfield

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Hunter Police have issued an appeal for help in locating a missing man from Beresfield. 

Samuel hasn't been heard from since 7:30pm on Wednesday the 22nd of November, 2023, and police and his family would like to make contact with him to make sure he's okay. 

He's described as Caucasian, about 170-180cm tall, with a medium complexion, brown hair, brown eyes, and a beard. 

Anyone who's seen Samuel or knows where he is, is being urged to call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers. 

Essential Workers Being Priced Out Of Rentals In The Hunter

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A recent graph produced by Anglicare Australia shows the lack of affordability when it comes to rental housing in Australia. 

Hunter renters are among the most affected with the graph revealing housing affordability for essential workers is at less than 1.5%. 

Nurses, childcare educators and aged care workers are among the worst impacted, with many full-time workers unable to find suitable housing. 

Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers, said essential workers are being priced out of their homes. 

"These are great professions and great roles and yet our community has housing too expensive for them to live," she said. 

Pressures are not only coming from pricing, but availability, with rental vacancy rates falling below 1% in the past 12 months nationally.

Kasy Chambers says change needs to occur at a national level.

"This is going to be a difficult crisis to solve... but we can't keep putting it on the back-burner. 

There's never a good time in terms of money, but there's no better time than today." 

More Accessibility Improvements On The Cards For Newcastle's Pools

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council is coming through on it's promise to make the city's five inland pools more accessible for visitors. 

It's delivered a new accessible change room at the Wallsend Swimming Centre, as part of a $1.25 million commitment to make the swimming experience in Newcastle more inclusive. 

Councillor Margaret Wood, says there's an increasing demand for improved facilities.

"About 17% of our population have a disability, and we also have an ageing population and we know that disability tends to increase with age, particularly mobility issues. So, we want everyone in our community to be able to participate fully in these community facilities," she says. 

She says the next phase of works will focus on helping visitors enter the pools. 

"The next step along the way is to create accessible pools in all of our facilities, and that will involve investigations into which is the best way to allow people to enter our pools, so we're looking at things like platforms, lifts, hoists and the like."  

UPDATE! Caves Beach Man To Undergo Mental Health Assessment Over Alleged Sexual Assault Of 90-Year-Old Woman

BY IAN CROUCH/ OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

A man remains in custody and will have his mental health assessed at a forensic hospital after he allegedly broke into a nursing home at Bateau Bay and sexually assaulted a 90-year-old woman.

Overnight a 34-year-old man was arrested at a home in Caves Beach. 

He did not appear in Belmont Local Court today when the matter was mentioned, and his solicitor made no application for bail. 

The matter has been adjourned until February, where it will be heard in Gosford Local Court. 

The woman is being treated in hospital for injuries to her arms, legs and head. 

EARLIER:

A man is due to front Belmont Court accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman on the Central Coast.

It's alleged the man broke into an aged care facility at Bateau Bay at about 12.40am on Wednesday November 15 and assaulted and sexually assaulted a 90-year-old woman, who was not known to him.

She was taken to hospital and treated for serious injuries.

Following inquiries, strike force detectives went to a home at Caves Beach at about 7.30pm on Monday and arrested a 34-year-old man after he attempted to run from arresting officers.

He was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries to his arm.

He's now been charged with serious aggravated sexual assault and break and enter offences and refused bail pending his court appearance today (Tuesday 21 November, 2023).

Several items relevant to the investigation, including clothing were also seized from a property at The Entrance last Friday night.

Man Wanted On Alleged Aggravated Sexual Assault Related Offences Could Be In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a man wanted over alleged aggravated sexual assault related offences may be in the Newcastle area.

34-year-old Brett Anthony Crawford, also known as Brett Ralph, may be travelling on public transport between Gosford and Newcastle.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a slim build, grey hair, facial hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him, but to call Triple Zero immediately.

Wanted man: Brett Crawford

Man Arrested Over Alleged Carkjacking At Bennetts Green

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 21 November, 2023) accused of a carjacking at Bennetts Green.

It's alleged the man got into the driver's seat of a car parked on Groves Road at about 2.30pm on Sunday before driving off towards the Pacific Highway with a one-year-old child asleep in the backseat.

He stopped the car in a nearby car park and fled - the child was not harmed.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 27-year-old man at a home on Cherry Street at Windale at about 3.00pm on Monday.

He's been charged with unlawfully take motor vehicle with person in it, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and being an unaccompanied learner driver.

The man's been refused bail to face Belmont Court today.

Maitland Hospital Staff Hold Rally For Better Staffing Conditions

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Nurses and midwives have staged a rally outside Maitland Hospital this morning to call for better staffing conditions.

The one-hour demonstration included the hospital's night shift staff and workers on their rostered day off, as well as supporters from the community.

The walk-out comes after continued calls for change to working conditions for staff dating back eighteen months.

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Maitland Branch Secretary Monique Murray says the dire conditions staff are facing could have a serious impact on the community needing to receive care.

"It's the community unfortunately who will also suffer from this. They're the ones who are coming to our hospitals needing our care when they're at their most vulnerable," she said. 

"If our nurses are struggling to deliver that care then it flows down to our patients. It has a worse outcome for their health, it extends their hospital stay and they're not getting their needs met...because they just haven't got the capacity."

The rally had no impact on the day's hospital services.

Passenger Dies In Hospital After Crash At Cardiff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died from his injuries after a horrific crash at Cardiff earlier this month.

Just before 8.00am on Friday November 3, emergency services were called to a single car crash on Munibung Road.

A white BMW sedan had left the road and slammed into a telegraph pole.

The driver, a 35-year-old man, and the passenger, a 19-year-old man, were taken to the John Hunter Hospital suffering critical injuries.

Police have been told the 19-year-old died in hospital last Tues, while the driver remains in a serious condition.

Inquires are continuing.

12-year-old girl missing from Lake Macquarie

 BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

Police are calling on the community for help in locating a teenage girl missing from Lake Macquarie. 

12-year-old Charlotte Oates was last seen around 10:30am on Tuesday 14 November at Montgomery Street, Argenton. 

Charlotte could not be contacted or located, and Lake Macquarie Police officers have commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Charlotte is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a fair complexion and freckles, about 160cm tall with medium build, and mid-length dark wavy hair which may now be dyed red.

 

She was last seen wearing a black Champion jumper, dark short tights, a t-shirt and joggers, and was carrying a small black Nike backpack with a burn mark on the front.

 

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

 

 

Police Investigate Robbery At Tighes Hill Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle police are searching for a man who robbed a service station at Tighes Hill overnight.

Police say the man entered the BP outlet on Elizabeth Street at about 9.30pm on Thursday and allegedly demanded money with menaces from the female attendant.

He was given a sum of cash before leaving and the worker was not injured.

Investigators have released a description of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being aged in his mid 40s, with a dark complexion, and a medium build, wearing a red T-shirt, black shorts and a black face mask.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and are urging anyone with information to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

Serious Crash Closes M1 At Ourimbah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Motorists heading to the Central Coast and Sydney can expect lengthy delays following an early-morning crash on the M1 at Ourimbah.

Emergency services were called to the freeway just after 1.00am on Friday to reports a truck carrying frozen produce and a car had collided, blocking the southbound lanes just past the Pacific Highway.

The driver of the car was trapped and has been taken to hospital with a leg injury.

One southbound lane has since been re-opened.

The truck has gone down an embankment is not expected to be removed from the scene until later on Friday morning.

UPDATE: Toddler Suffers Broken Leg In Crash With Electric Scooter At Cardiff: Man Sought

 BY IAN CROUCH

UPDATE:

A man will face court  later this month after a 4-year-old girl suffered a broken leg in a crash with an electric scooter at Cardiff.

Emergency services were called to the Cardiff Shopping Centre on Main Road at about 10.00am on Thursday November 16.

It's alleged a man riding an electric scooter lost control and crashed into the toddler but did not offer assistance and immediately left the shopping centre.

 Following inquiries and a public appeal for information, police arrested a 37-year-old man at Belmont Police Station at about 12.30pm on Friday November 16.

He's been charged with grievous bodily harm by negligent act (vehicle) and ride electric scooter on footpath.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Belmont Local Court on Wednesday November 29.

EARLIER:

Police have released CCTV photos of a man they want to speak to after a toddler's leg was broken in a crash with an electric scooter at Cardiff.

Emergency services were called to a shopping centre on Main Road at about 10.00am on Thursday following reports of an injured child.

Police were told a man riding an electric scooter crashed into the 4-year-old girl inside the centre and immediately left the scene.

The girl suffered a broken leg and a cut to her face in the crash and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery.

The man's described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 30's, with short brown hair and has a large tattoo on his right arm.

He was last seen wearing a black hat, blue sunglasses, black shirt and shorts, red belt and dirty white shoes. He was riding a black electric scooter

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

Police want to speak to this man over the crash at Cardiff

 

Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

Cessnock Mayor To Call For Formal Talks About Wine Country 500

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Mayor of Cessnock will take his bid for the city to host the Supercars in the future to tonight's council meeting. 

He's calling for council to formally start discussions with the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Destinations NSW, and Supercars about the proposed Wine Country 500. 

Jay Suvaal says he believes people would like to see the event stay in the region, if it won't disrupt businesses or local residents. 

"We've got a huge amount of motorsport fans right across the Hunter region and up here in the Cessnock Local Government Area. We're a world-class tourism destination with plenty of accommodation, and I would love to see the event maintained in the Hunter region to support them," he said. 

"I think we we need to make sure that we learn from the experiences in Newcastle and make sure the bump-in/bump-out that does affect residents and businesses, isn't replicated in our area, and I think we can do that well here." 

City of Newcastle has voted to support the Wine Country 500, despite the fact talks about the event's future in Newcastle are reportedly still underway.

 

Second Man Charged Over The Death Of John Simpson At Laguna

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A second man has been charged in relation to the alleged murder of another man in Laguna earlier this year.

John Simpson was reported missing to police in April 2023, after he was last seen on Great North Road in Laguna.

As part of inquiries, officers conducted a search of a nearby property, where they located the 42-year-old's body in May. 

Initial inquiries suggest Mr. Simpson suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder earlier this year and remains before the courts. 

Following further investigation, Strike Force Blakey detectives arrested a 49-year-old man at Cessnock Police Station yesterday (Tuesday the 14th of November, 2023). 

He was charged with accessory after the fact of murder and refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today. 

Teenage Girl Missing From Aberglasslyn

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking Hunter residents to be on the lookout for a missing teenage girl. 

13-year-old Evie is missing from her family in Aberglasslyn and was last seen in Rutherford on Monday the 13th of November, 2023, wearing a black hooded jumper and black pants. 

Evie is about 150cm tall, 50kg in weight, and has auburn hair. 

If you've seen her or know where she may be, please call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BREAKING! Man Bashed And Stabbed During Home Invasion At Broadmeadow

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young man has been savagely bashed and stabbed during a violent home invasion at Broadmeadow on Wednesday morning.

Around 4.00am, police were called to a home on Melbourne Road to reports of an assault.

Police have been told an unknown number of people attempted to force entry into the home before returning and assaulting the man.

A 25-year-old man suffered a stab wound to his torso during the incident and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Police have set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.

Elderly Man Arrested For Drink Driving After Crash At Eagleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly man is due to face court next month following a crash at Eagleton overnight.

Police were alerted to a red hatchback heading south on the wrong side the Pacific Highway at Nerong just before midnight on Tuesday.

Police say a short time later, the car was involved in a low speed crash into the rear of a Transport for NSW Safety bump truck on the highway at Eagleton.

They found an 88-year-old man from Taree still sitting in the drivers seat when they arrived - he was not injured.

A roadside breath test returned a positive reading and he was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where it's alleged he returned a low range blood alcohol reading.

He's due to face Raymond Terrace Court on December 11.

Residents Evacuated From Nelson Bay Unit Block

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has forced the evacuation of a block on units at Nelson Bay early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters arrived at the three story unit complex on Magnus Street at 3.45am to find a large amount of smoke issuing from a top floor unit.

Newcastle Fire Command says the sole male occupant managed to escape thanks to a working smoke alarm.

Two other residents were evacuated from adjoining units and no-one was injured.

It's believed the fire started in a kitchen range hood and was quickly put out using CO2 extinguishers.

BREAKING! Night Manager Bashed And Robbed At Raymond Terrace Pub

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens Police are searching for two men following an attempted stealing and assault at the Lakeside Tavern in Raymond Terrace.

Police say two attempted to steal a case of alcohol from behind the bar just on closing time at 11.30pm on Tuesday.

When confronted by the night manager, it's alleged one of the pair punched the 38-year-old man several times in the face before they ran off.

The worker was treated by paramedics at the scene.

A short time later, he discovered his keys had been taken and his car stolen from the parking lot.

One of the offenders is described as being between 18 and 30 years old, about 6' tall with a slender build and was wearing a high viz jumper with a hood.

The other man had a piece of red cloth covering his mouth and nose.

Anyone who saw the pair acting suspiciously outside the pub on Benjamin Lee Drive just before 11.30 on Tuesday night is urged to call Raymond Terrace Police.

Police Believe Missing Sydney Man Could Be In Anna Bay

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police believe a Sydney man who's been missing for a week could be in the Anna Bay area. 

37-year-old Shaun hasn't been heard from since Tuesday the 7th of November, 2023, and is believed to be travelling in a White Isuzu 4WD, with NSW registration DF0-7RY. 

He's descried as being of Caucasian appearance, about 195cm tall, with a medium build, a shaven head, and blue eyes. 

If you've seen Shaun, please contact Nelson Bay Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Maitland House Fire - Children Suffer Smoke Inhalation

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young family has had a lucky escape after a fire broke out at their East Maitland home overnight.

Firefighters from East Maitland and Morpeth were called to the home on Barton Street just before 10.30pm on Sunday to find a large volume of smoke inside the house.

They traced the source of the smoke to a clothes dryer which had caught alight.

The fire was quickly extinguished and the dryer was taken outside while crews ventilated the home.

Three children suffered minor smoke inhalation and were assessed by paramedics at the scene.

Newcastle Fire Command says the fire is a timely reminder to regularly clean lint filters in dryers.

 

Upper Hunter MP Joins Calls for Better Public Land Management Following Scone Bushfire

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON 

 Photo Credit: ABC Newcastle 

There are calls for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Regional NSW to undertake an urgent audit of public land management at Scone following a recent grass fire in the area. 

State Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, is joining the calls, saying the public needs to have faith in the State Government's work with grass and bush fire threats ahead of summer.

"The Barton Street Scone fire from Sunday 22 October must serve as a serious warning to all landowners and land managers, public and private, that preparedness for the current bushfire danger period has to be a priority," said Mr Layzell. 

The fire burned over 1,000 hectares east of Scone and required waterbombing aircraft to finally rein in the blaze and extinguish it. 

Mr Layzell says the amount of dry vegetation on the ground can contribute heavily to a thriving bushfire. 

"There was rural firefighters there, trying to protect properties, they were trying to protect equipment, but most importantly that fire was right down in one of our prime agricultural areas where we had some of our best horse studs at risk because of the lack of maintenances on the soil conservation.

I am concerned about a lack of on-ground preparation that potentially put lives, property, equipment, and high-value livestock at risk.

The NSW Government can call for the community to be prepared for the bushfire danger period but the taxpayers also expect that their public land manager is doing its share of the work," said Mr Layzell.

Business Hunter CEO Encourages Optus To Compensate Local Businesses

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Following yesterday's Optus outage, the CEO of Business Hunter says he's hopeful local Optus customers will be offered some kind of compensation.

Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said yesterday the provider would consider the possibility of compensation for customers.

But, despite thousands of businesses losing millions of dollars during the outage, Optus is yet to confirm if any compensation will be offered.

Bob Hawes says customers are anxiously awaiting answers.

"I'm hopeful that Optus will be wanting to preserve it's customer base and do the right thing by it's loyal customers and make some announcements," he said. 

Mr Hawes said local business owners are exploring their options.

"I'm sure more questions will be asked by businesses now; a lot more focus and importance will be placed on decisions made about who they go with, and what sort of system support is in place.

He also reports owners are already questioning whether or not their business interruption insurance will kick-in, as they await more news from the TELCO. 

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is urging business in the region to hold into their receipts to show proof of economic loss. 

Teens Treated For Smoke Inhalation Following Scone Garage Fire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two teens have been treated for smoke inhalation after a garage fire at Scone. 

Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to Kookaburra Avenue just before 1:30 yesterday afternoon (Wednesday the 8th of November, 2023), following a number of Triple Zero calls reporting large volumes of smoke and flames coming from the property.

Two teens, aged 13 and 16, escaped the garage but inhaled smoke and were treated at the scene by firefighters equipped with oxygen. 

The crews quickly extinguished the flames, which had spread to the roof of the two car garage, and were able to save the home.

They believe the fire began in a camping swag, which contained batteries from a lamp, and a portable Bluetooth speaker.

They're trying to determine whether Lithium-Ion batteries were to blame for the blaze. 

Show Day Public Holiday Proposal Opposed By Hunter Business Leaders

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Business executives and some Newcastle Councillors are still not on board with an idea to put a public holiday in place on Show Day, despite the majority of residents coming out in support of the idea. 

An astounding 84 percent of the 114 submissions made on the action came out in support of a public holiday. With many saying the holiday would be a reward to Hunter workers, allowing them to celebrate their local area. 

Despite the majority approval, some see the March 1st holiday as a risk to local businesses. 

One of the opposing figures being Chief Executive of Business Hunter Bob Hawes, who says the public holiday "places serious stress on local businesses over which they have no control". 

He believes the holiday will incur additional charges to consumers due to increased wages. 

A local event day has been put forward as an alternative, which would allow employers to make decisions about time off and rates individually. 

Bob Hawes said this would be a more appropriate option for the region. 

"Businesses to a greater extent have a choice... and those who don't wish to participate and don't wish to pay the additional costs that are consequential to a public holiday, aren't exposed to that stress," he said. 

Amidst already stressful times with rising inflation and cost-of-living, Newcastle Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Katrina Wark, agree with the alternative. 

Woman Charged With Murder Over Muswellbrook Death

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman is due to face court today (Thursday 9 November, 2023) charged with the murder of a woman at Muswellbrook last week.

Police went to a unit on Sydney Street last Monday where they spoke to a 52-year-old woman.

She was later arrested for behaving erratically at a nearby licensed premises before being admitted to the Mater Hospital at Waratah.

Police then returned to the unit to a concern for welfare report and found a 60-year-old woman dead.

The 52-year-old woman was discharged from hospital yesterday  and charged several offences including murder and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

The body of Dee Folpp was found at a unit on Sydney Street, Muswellbrook. Picture Facebook

Kathleen Folbigg To Face Possible Appeal For Her Convictions

BY OLIVIA DILLON

An appeals court will likely consider overturning Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg's convictions over the deaths of her four children, following the release of the final report on the matter. 

The 55-year-old was earlier this year released from gaol and pardoned, after having served 20 years in prison for killing her 4 children; Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura. 

She was released after an inquiry heard there was evidence her children could have died from natural causes and there was reasonable doubt about her guilt.

In his report, Inquiry Commissioner Tom Bathurst KC found there was an identifiable cause for three of the deaths. 

He also said Ms. Folbigg's diary entries should not have been used during her trial. 

Mr. Bathurst has confirmed he will refer the matter to the Court of Criminal Appeal. 

Image: Supplied

BREAKING! Juveniles Arrested After Pursuits Across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested six juveniles after pursuits involving two allegedly stolen cars across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Patrolling police noticed the two vehicles just after midnight on Monday.

One of the cars stopped for petrol at Toronto where police arrested three young people.

The Polair helicopter tracked the second car and noticed the occupants running from the vehicle at Jesmond where they were quickly arrested.

All six are expected to be charged.

Police believe the two pursuits are linked.

Woman Charged Over Double Gateshead Shooting

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A second person has been arrested and charged over a double shooting in Gateshead. 

At about 2:00am on Thursday the 21st of September, 2023, emergency services arrived at a home on Cassia Crescent in Gateshead, to find a 42-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. 

Following inquiries, a 31-year-old man was charged in relation to the attack four days later. 

He remains before the courts. 

As investigations continue, a 25-year-old woman was arrested at a property on Bousfield Street in Wallsend at about 2:30pm on Wednesday the 1st of November, 2023. 

She's been charged with a number of offences, including shoot at with intent to murder. 

The woman was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday the 2nd of November, 2023). 

Second Man Arrested Over The Murder Of Zachery Davies-Scott

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Another man has been arrested over the murder of a young man at Heddon Greta. 

Strike Force Roslyn detectives arrested and charged 25-year-old Talon Dean over the shooing death of Zachery Davies-Scott on Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023. 

Zac, who was 25 at the time, was shot dead inside a home on Traders Way in Heddon Greta, two days after Christmas last year. 

At about 6:00am on Thursday the 2nd of November, 2023, strike force detectives and Raptor Squad police arrested a second 24-year-old man in Cessnock.

He's been taken to Cessnock Police Station and is expected to also be charged with murder. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

InfraBuild Workers To Walk Off The Job Amid Pay Talks

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Employees at Newcastle steel-maker InfraBuild will walk of the job from midday today, as they call for a fairer pay deal. 

The action involves members of the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU), and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU.  

Members at both the Rod and AusTube Mills say the company's wage offer fails to keep pace with the cost of living, and low staffing levels have been affecting the morale of workers. 

They also say management has moved them from a 12-hour shift pattern to an 8-hour one, and has taken away paid shower time and break provisions. 

Organiser, Ben Horan from the Newcastle Branch of the AWU, says they are currently negotiating two InfraBuild enterprise agreements, which both expired in August.

"There has been some movement from the company which is encouraging...but we're just coming to a sticking point at the moment around wages and trying to keep our members up with the cost of living," he said. 

The action will run for two hours, however Mr. Horan says they'll keep fighting if they have to. 

"Moving forward, we're going to be absolutely ramping it up a lot more, with minimum 12-hour stoppages and things of that nature." 

The industrial action marks the first time there have been strikes at the mills in 30 years. 

BREAKING! Staff And Passengers Intervene During Altercation On Flight To Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Staff and passengers have intervened after a young couple became involved in an altercation on a commercial flight from Brisbane to Newcastle on Wednesday night.

It's alleged the 21-year-old man struck the 19-year-old woman in the face during the incident.

Passengers assisted staff in separating the pair, who are both from Newcastle, and police were notified.

Officers met the aircraft on arrival at Williamtown and took the man into custody.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with common assault and endangering the safety of an aircraft.

The man was granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Court on November 21.

Police say no-one else was injured or threatened during the incident.

Teenagers Charged Over Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie And The Central Coast

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two teenagers will face court today, after they allegedly led police on a pursuit around Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast. 

At about 7:00pm yesterday (Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023), officers attempted to stop a Honda station wagon which they believed was stolen on the Pacific Highway at Kanwal. 

When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated, however it was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.  

With the assistance of PolAir, the vehicle was located at Toukley before it came to a stop along The Esplanade at Swansea.

The two occupants fled on foot into nearby bushland, but were located a short time later.

The boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

They've both been refused bail and will face a children's court today.