58-Year-Old Woman Missing From Maitland

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a woman missing from Maitland.

58-year-old Taylor is missing from her home in Ashtonfield and police hold serious concerns for her welfare.

She is described as being of East Asian appearance, 165cm tall, around 75kg in weight, of a medium build, and has black hair.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is being urged to contact Maitland Police (02 4934 0200), or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000). 

 

 

13-Year-Old Boy Missing From Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for a teenage boy missing from Raymond Terrace.

13-year-old Hunter was last seen at 9:00pm on Monday the 18th of December, 2023.

At the time, he was wearing a black T-shirt, black denim shorts, a black cap, and running shoes.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm tall, of a thin build, with a pale complexion, and short, dark brown hair.  

Anyone who's seen him or knows where he may be, is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Lake Macquarie Man Wanted For Alleged Domestic Violence Offences

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie Police are appealing for assistance to locate a wanted man.

29-year-old Ayden Stott-Griffin is wanted by virtue of an outstanding warrant for domestic violence-related offences.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of a solid build, unshaven, and with dark hair.

He is known to frequent the Belmont area.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged not to approach him, but to call Triple Zero.

Three Men Charged Following Alleged Swansea Club Fight

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Three men have been charged following an alleged affray at Swansea.

At about 6:20pm on Saturday the 16th of December, 2023, police arrived at a licensed club on Bridge Street and were told a man had been asked to leave after displaying aggressive behaviour.

A short time later, an argument broke out between staff and his associates.

Two men, aged 37 and 55, allegedly broke through the front doors of the premises, which had been locked, causing them to smash.

They, along with another 75-year-old man then re-entered the venue and assaulted two employees.

As a result, one 39-year-old man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he was treated for lacerations to his head and a dislocated finger.

The other 24-year-old employee did not report any injuries to police.

Following inquiries, the three men were arrested and each charged with multiple offences.

They've all been granted conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday the 24th of January, 2024.

Bushfires Threaten Homes In The Lower Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

More strike teams are heading to the Lower Hunter on Friday morning to relieve weary firefighters battling a huge bushfire near Cessnock.

Three separate fires joined to create a dangerous fast-moving fire which threatened the townships of Abermain, Kurri Kurri, South Weston and Pelaw Main.

The fire has burnt through more than 600 hectares leaving Teasdale Tyres at Weston in ruins along with a number of homes.

Although the fire is listed at Advice level, work is continuing to bring the blaze under control.

Inspector Ben Shepherd from the Rural Fire Service says the exact number of properties lost is yet to be determined.

"We have what we call building impact assessment teams. They'll move across the fire ground today just trying to establish what exactly has been lost," he said.

Six schools are closed on Friday due to the fire threat.

They include Abermain, KurriI Kurri, Edwards, Pelaw Main and Weston Public Schools as well as Stanford Merthyr Infants School.

Almost 1600 properties remain without power around Abermain, Weston, Sawyers Gully and Neath. Ausgrid hopes to have complex repairs competed by 10.00am on Friday.

Meanwhile, a fire which threatened homes at West Wallsend has also been downgraded to Advice level overnight and is now under control after burning through more than 60 hectares.

Many residents were forced to flee their homes but there are no reports of property damage.

Both the M1 Pacific Motorway and Leggetts Drive at Richmond Vale have re-opened to traffic.

Crews will again be on alert on Saturday, with an elevated fire risk expected.

Teasdale Tyres and a car on fire at the height of the blaze. Picture Sky News

Singleton Mother Kathleen Folbigg Has Her Convictions Quashed

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal has quashed Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg's convictions over the deaths of her four children. 

It comes after she was granted an unconditional pardon back in June, after having served almost 20 years in gaol. 

She had been convicted of three counts of murder and one of manslaughter. 

But, Justice Andrew Bell said new scientific evidence had brought to light reasonable doubt about her guilt, and it is appropriate she be acquitted.  

Speaking outside the court, the 56-year-old said it's been a long time coming. 

"For almost a quarter of a century, I faced disbelief and hostility.

I hoped and prayed that one day I would be able to stand here with my name cleared."

Justice Bell also noted how a Special Commission of Enquiry into Ms. Folbigg's case, heard it would be unreliable to rely on her diary entries as admissions of guilt.

She said there were legal avenues to prove her innocence back in 1999, and she never should have been put behind bars.

"Those books contained my private feelings which I wrote to myself. No one expects those types of things to be read by strangers, let alone opinionated on. 

They took my words out of context and used them against me; they accused me of something I never wrote about, never did, and never would do. 

I hope no one else will ever have to suffer what I have suffered," she said. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Body Pulled From A Car Submerged In The Merriwa River

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police have pulled a car and a body from a river in the Upper Hunter. 

Emergency services were called to the Merriwa River along the Golden Highway at around 6:00am on Wednesday the 13th of December, 2023, following reports a car was upturned in the water.

Officers have since confirmed a body was located inside the vehicle, however it's yet to be identified. 

A crime scene has been established and Hunter Valley Police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

Anyone with information about the is being urged to contact Merriwa Police or Crime Stoppers.

Two Men Injured Following Chemical Spill At Salamander Bay

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Emergency services have been working to contain a chemical spill at a resort in Salamander Bay.

Multiple Fire And Rescue NSW trucks, including HASMAT crews, at on site at Sandy Point Road, after 1000 litres of chlorine was reportedly spilled. 

Two men, one in his 50s, and another in his 30s have been treated for head injuries, after reportedly inhaling fumes.

One has been taken to the Tomaree Community Hospital, and the other to the John Hunter Hospital.  

Crews have reportedly contained the area and are working to clean up the chemicals. 

Council Stands Firm On Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre Site

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Council is on a collision course with the state government over the future of the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre.

Councillors voted on Monday night to support a motion to try to save the centre and demand the deed of agreement between Origin Energy and the NSW Office of Sport and Recreation be released.

The state government wants the site flattened amid concerns it could be threatened in the event of an unlikely major earthquake being triggered by the nearby coal ash dam.

This is despite work continuing on an Embankment Stabilisation Project which is due for completion next year.

Council will seek approval from Lands and Property Minister, Steve Kemper to refuse the DA to demolish the site, saying it would not be in the public interest, based on the following reasoning:

• The loss of value of the existing infrastructure to the community in the absence of a proposed replacement facility.
• The need for accessible and publicly operated recreation facilities for the Lake Macquarie area.
• The loss of social capital generated by losing a publicly run facility to service all members of the community.
• The absence of detail for the future use of the site.  
• 
  

  

  The Myuna Bay Sport & Recreation Centre was closed without warning in 2019

  
  

Memorial Bench Seat Unveiled In Hamilton To Honour 21-Year-Old Mackenzie Anderson

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The mother of a young Newcastle woman who was murdered during an alleged domestic violence incident is calling for more to be done to protect other women and children from harm.

21-year-old Mackenzie Anderson was fatally stabbed in front of her young son at her unit in Mayfield on the 25th of March, 2022.

Her ex-partner has been charged with murder and remains before the courts. 

A memorial bench was officially unveiled in Mackenzie's honour at Gregson Park in Hamilton this morning. (Monday the 11th of December, 2023). 

Her mother Tabitha Acret, said change needs to come from the top and the bottom. 

"My daughter's death garnered a lot of media attention and...it was quite overwhelming at the time, but that's how every death should have been be treated and not every death is treated like that; sometimes it's a small blurb, sometimes we don't hear much at all...and we count it," she said. 

"That's not what I want; those families don't want their children forgotten, but we also just don't want to keep seeing it happen." 

Ms. Acret is calling for both "upstream" and "downstream" approaches to violence, whereby charges and sentencing is tightened for offenders, and children are educated from a young age about right and wrong behaviors. 

She hopes the seat will serve as a reminder about how much needs to be done in order to protect other women and children from violence. 

"We just need to keep the conversation going." 

Friends, family, Newcastle Councillors and local domestic violence services came together together to unveil the seat this morning, which can be found on the western boundary of the park, near the Samdon Street entrance. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 1800 RESPECT. 

Selfless actions of Hunter firefighter recognised by Fire Commissioner

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

A Hunter firefighter who lost his own home in a fierce bushfire has been recognised for his heroic efforts at a ceremony at Mayfield West Fire Station. 

Steve Cox, a Senior Firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, was battling blazes at Kurri Kurri on October 16 when he received a call from neighbours saying his house at Givan, near Stroud, was ablaze. 

The 60-year-old raced home as his wife, Lyne, gathered their dogs in the car and drove through flames to escape. 

The intensity of the blaze meant Steve and Lyne's home was destroyed, along with the dozen Holden cars Steve had spent years restoring.

More than 700 hectares of bushland was scorched in the Girvan bushfire on October 16 and 17, 2023.  

Despite the devastation of losing his home, Steve joined a local Rural Fire Service crew and helped to save three neighbouring properties from the bushfire. 

Alongside his mother and wife, Steve was presented with replacement medals by Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, recognising his heroism and broader 33-year career as a firefighter. 

"Steve is the epitome of a selfless firefighter," Commissioner Fewtrell said. 

"To disregard the destruction of everything you own to help others takes a special kind of person. 

"We are very proud of Steve's courage and dedication to duty," he said. 

Colleagues said replacing Steve's medals was the least they could do to help, as Steve focuses on rebuilding his home in the new year. 

"I'm very proud to receive this gesture," Steve said. 

"We'll go on to rebuild our lives but I never thought I'd see the likes of my fire medals again." 

Well deserved: Senior Firefighter Steve Cox shakes hands with the FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell.

Wanted Sydney Man Could Be In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a wanted man from Sydney could be in the Hunter.

43-year-old Mohammad Mehedy is wanted on two outstanding warrants relating to alleged domestic violence offences.

He's described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, about 160cm tall with a thin build, brown eye, dark brown skin and a receding hairline.

Police say he is known to frequent the Maitland area as well as several western Sydney suburbs.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero immediately

Wanted man Mohammad Mehedy

Couple In Custody Following Pursuit And Fiery Crash In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man and woman remain under police guard in hospital following an alleged pursuit which ended in a fiery crash at Rankin Park.

Around 10.30am on Thursday, officers attempted to stop a white SUV on Fowler Street at Hamilton South -it's believed the car had been reported stolen.

They gave chase when the vehicle failed to stop but terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

The Polair helicopter tracked the car to Sygna Close at Rankin Park where a 26-year-old woman got out - she was taken to Waratah Police Station before being taken to hospital for assessment.

The car then crashed off McCaffery Drive into bushland and caught fire.

A 27-year-old man was treated at the scene before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serous but stable condition.

It's expected the pair will face a bedside bail hearing today (Friday 8 December, 2023).

Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

The burnout car being recovered from bushland at Rankin Park Picture: Newcastle Herald

 

13-Year-Old Boy Missing From Kurri Kurri

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from Kurri Kurri. 

13-year-old Ayden Jack was last seen at a home on Lang Street at about 5:30pm on Tuesday the 28th of November, 2023. 

At the time, he was wearing grey shorts and a red, white and blue Fila-branded puffer jacket.

Ayden may be on a pushbike and is known to frequent the Kurri Kurri, Weston and Cessnock areas.

His family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Ayden is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of a medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is being urged to contact Cessnock Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Stockton Grandmother Stacey Klimovitch

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A jury has reached its verdict in the case of a man accused of murdering Stockton Grandmother Stacey Klimovitch. 

48-year-old Jason Paul Hawkins has been found guilty of shooting the 61-year-old at the front door of her home in 2021.

He's the second man convicted over the shooting, with 65-year-old Stephen John Garland last month being found guilty of driving Mr. Hawkins to the Queen Street address. 

They're both due to be sentenced in February. 

Upper Hunter MP Will Continue To Fight For The Return Of The Regional Seniors Travel Card

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

The State Member for Upper Hunter has said he will continue to fight for the reinstatement of the Regional Seniors Travel Card. 

The $250 card provided a much-needed boost to the travel budget of seniors across the Hunter, allowing them to complete daily tasks like attending medical appointments or visiting family and friends. 

The card has since been scrapped in the current NSW budget, leaving many feeling left behind. 

Dave Layzell says a petition debate held on Monday advocating for the return of the vital resource was gagged in Parliament. 

"At the end of the day, there is one Government in charge at the moment and they are the ones who make the decision on  the card and they are the ones who've decided to cut the card, so were saying to them 'reverse that decision' because it is a popular card that does a lot for the community." 

He says he will continue to present the matter to Parliament next year, saying the needs of our seniors should no longer be ignored. 

"The enormous good this card does for our community means that we will continue to fight for our seniors."

Cessnock Looks To Road Upgrades To Support Growing Population

 BY IAN CROUCH

Cessnock Council is looking for state and federal government support for road improvements as the city faces a population explosion.

Population forecasts from 2018 have been revised, with Cessnock seeing an annual growth rate of 3.8%, to be one of the fasted growing areas in the state alongside Maitland.

Mayor Jay Suvaal says remote working flexibility, lifestyle and cheaper real estate are proving to be big drawcards for new residents.

By 2041, Cessnock's population is tipped to reach more than 112,000 residents, an increase of 67 per cent.

Council's placed it's 2023 Traffic and Transport Strategy out for public comment.

It includes upgrades to Wollombi and Maitland Roads, the addition pf northern and southern link roads into the CBD, duplication of the existing Main Road corridor to Maitland and investigations into the best use of the Cessnock Branch Railway corridor. 

Teens Rescued From The Water At Newcastle Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys have been left shaken but unharmed after getting into trouble off Newcastle Beach on Sunday night.

Police say just before 7.00pm, the 15-year-olds entered the water but swam out too far and caught caught in a rip.

Two board riders on the shore noticed them struggling and paddled out to rescue them.

The pair were checked over by paramedics before heading home.

It comes after the search for a man in his late teens or early 20's was called off last week after he got caught in a rip and disappeared off Stockton Beach.

 

Man Threatened With Firearm At Fern Bay Caravan Park

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man's been arrested and charged with allegedly threatening another man with a firearm at Fern Bay. 

Port Stephens Police were called to a caravan park on Nelson Bay Road at about 2:00pm yesterday (Thursday the 31st of November, 2023), following reports a dispute had erupted between two men. 

Officers say the altercation was over a noise complaint, and allege a 60-year-old man held a replica pistol up to a 76-year-old man and threatened him. 

No one was injured as a result of the incident. 

The younger man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with a number of firearm and other offences. 

He's due to face court on the 19th of December. 

Head-On Crash At Seaham Leaves Two Men In Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are continuing into a head-on crash at Seaham which has left two men in hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services were called to New Line Road about one kilometre south of East Seaham Road just before 4.00pm on Thursday where two utilities had collided.

A 57-year-old man driving one of the cars was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital with critical abdominal injuries.

The other driver, a 60-year-old man, was taken by road ambulance to the John Hunter with soft tissue injuries and bruising.

Crash investigators and specialist units from Sydney examined the scene for several hours, with New Line Road re-opened to traffic at about 10.00pm.