Crews Called To Fire At Tea Gardens Mechanics Workshop

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a fire which caused damage to a Tea Gardens Mechanics workshop last night is not being treated as suspicious.

Fire crews from Tea Gardens, Raymond Terrace and Tarro were joined by local RFS crews who called to Stockos Servicing in Yandala Street at about 7.30pm on Tuesday to find smoke issuing from the large industrial workshop.

Crews found a fire in the main office area, taking just over an hour to douse the flames.

Police say it's believed a faulty power point may have sparked the blaze.  

 

BREAKING! Dozens Evacuated After Fire At Belmont Supermarket

 BY IAN CROUCH

30 staff have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Lake Macquarie supermarket.

Fire crews from Belmont and Tingira Heights were called to the Woolworths store in Belmont Central at about 10.00pm on Tuesday to find a fire had started in a stairway, activating the sprinkler system.

Newcastle Fire Command says 12 firefighters took about two hours to fully extinguish and mop up the fire, which was confined to the internal stairway.

The staff were then allowed to return to work.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Police car in flames after crash

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

An unmarked police car caught fire on Tuesday morning, after crashing into a Holden Rodeo in Mayfield.

Emergency services were called to the intersection between Vine Street and Crebert Street at around 7:30am, after reports the two cars had collided. 

Firefighters arrived to see the vehicle engulfed in flames, but were quickly able to extinguish the blaze. 

Paramedics treated two police officers, who received minor injuries.

The driver of the Holden Rodeo was also assessed but did not report any injuries. 

Photo courtesy of Luke Priestly

Anna Bay Bushfire Brought Under Control

 BY IAN CROUCH

A bush fire which at one stage threatened homes at Anna Bay, has now been brought under control.

The fire broke out off Fishermans Bay Road just before 3.30pm on Monday, sending a large smoke haze across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie suburbs.

Several RFS crews and a water-bombing helicopter managed to stop the flames from reaching homes.

Firefighters had the blaze burning within containment lines just before 10.00pm.

The fire, which has burnt through 12 hectares, is now listed at Advice level.

Firefighters have brought the bushfire at Anna Bay under control. Picture Tilligerry RFS

 

New Student Accommodation Planned For Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle has unveiled plans for new student accommodation in the city.

The university purchased a two hectare site on the corner of Worth Place and Civic Lane from the state government in 2018.

Plans have now been revealed for a nine storey building on the site which will become home to 450 students.

The project will also feature outdoor communal spaces and ground-floor shops.

The building is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Artist's impression of proposed University of Newcastle student accommodation

Fears Mounting For Man Missing From Mannering Park

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police hope to speak to work colleagues today of a man reported missing from southern Lake Macquarie.

48-year-old Craig Wheatley from Mannering Park was last seen at a licensed venue in Doyalson at about 3 o'clock on Friday morning.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is known to frequent the Watagan Forest and may be driving a white Toyota Hilux Workmate with the NSW registration EWG 54C

Craig is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190cm tall with grey hair and a grey beard.

He was last seen wearing a black shirt and black shorts.

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

Missing Man Craig Wheatley

 

Police Investigating Home Invasion At Belmont South

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Police are investigating a home invasion at Belmont South.

Police say three men forced their way into a granny flat at a home on McEwan Street at about 10.30pm on Sunday and assaulted the male occupant before fleeing in a car.

The 25-year-old suffered minor cuts and swelling to the face.

It's believed the offenders and the victim are known to each other.

Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

BREAKING! Car and bicycle collide at Mayfield North

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a crash between a car and bicycle at Mayfield North. 

The collision occurred around 8:50am on Industrial Drive at the corner of Bull Street. 

NSW Ambulance paramedics are treating a man aged in his 30s - believed to be the bicycle rider. No further information on the man's condition is available at this stage. 

One of two eastbound lanes of Industrial Drive is closed around the site of the crash.

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To House Fire At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a house fire at Singleton.

The blaze broke out at the Barton Street property shortly after 6.30am on Thursday.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews arrived to find the single level house well alight.

One person has been evacuated and taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, firefighters have extinguished a garbage truck fire at Merewether.

The truck driver noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear of the vehicle at the corner of Chatham Road and Darling Street just before 5.30am on Thursday.

He was forced to dump the 10 by 10 metre load on the roadway.

A council crew is currently pulling apart the pile and preparing to have it removed. 

BREAKING! Crews Battling Garbage Truck Fire At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are working to extinguish a large rubbish pile fire at Merewether.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the corner of Darling Street and Chatham Road just before 5.30am on Thursday, where the contents of a garbage truck caught alight, forcing the driver to dump the load on the roadway.

Crews from Merewether and Charlestown are tackling the 10 x 10 metre rubbish pile.

A discarded lithium battery is suspected to have caused the fire.

Push to restore Australia Day citizenship ceremonies

BY PETER HYSLOP

Two Liberal councillors are campaigning for citizenship ceremonies to be held on Australia Day.

Newcastle Council made the decision to move the ceremony to January 25 in 2022, arguing the change reflected community sentiment.

Councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull say they support the re-introduction of Federal laws, which mandated holding the ceremonies on the national holiday.

Councillor Pull argues that debates around this issue should not interfere with the rights of new citizens.

"I've spoken to a number of people who have come to this country and they tell me how important this day is."

"The January 26 debate will continue no matter when Newcastle Council holds its citizenship ceremonies."

Newcastle Councillor Jenny Barrie Picture Novo News

 

Man charged with alleged reckless riding of unregistered motorbike

 BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

A man has been charged with 14 offences, following an investigation into the alleged riding of an unregistered motorbike on roads in Lake Macquarie. 

Police arrested the 28-year-old man at Belmont Police Station earlier this week. 

It comes after an investigation into a series of traffic incidents they believed were linked. 

Among the offences were five counts of driving recklessly along with five counts of driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period. 

The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on the 14th February. 

 

Teens Rescued From Upturned Tinny On Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Marine Rescue NSW says lifejackets played a crucial role in the successful rescue of 3 teenage boys from a capsized vessel on Lake Macquarie.

The boys were in a tinny which overturned on the southern side of Wangi Wangi on Monday morning.

Water Police alerted Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue, who arrived on scene with 12 minutes of the call.

By then, the trio had been clinging to the hull of their upturned boat and treading water for about half an hour before being rescued.

They were taken to the Dobell Park boat ramp where they were given the all clear by paramedics.

UPDATE! Fears Held For Woman Missing In The Olney State Forest

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman missing in the Olney State Forest west of Morisset has been located safe and well.

The 48-year-old Melissa Reeves had been camping by herself for the past month.

Police were told that on Saturday 20 January 2024, she drove her vehicle from her campsite to get water, but her vehicle became bogged.

About 6.30am on Monday, she told a family member she was going walking in the forest to collect water. When the family member went to drop off food to her campsite around midday that day, she was not there.

Following inquiries and a geo targeted text message, Melissa was located safe and well at a makeshift campsite in the Olney State Forest about 4.45pm on Tuesday.

Police have thanked the public and media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

A search is resuming on Tuesday morning for a woman reported missing in the Olney State Forest, west of Morisset.

48-year-old Melissa Reeves has been camping by herself for the past month and police say she's an experienced camper and has a good knowledge of the area.

Police have been told Melissa's white Toyota Hilux became bogged on Saturday while driving from her campsite to get water.

She told a family member early Monday she was going walking in the forest to collect water, but there was no sign of her when a family member went to drop off food at her campsite around midday.

Melissa's described as being of Caucasian appearance with a tanned complexion, about 165cm tall with a medium build and brown eyes.

Her Toyota Hilux 2WD has the NSW registration DF 24 KZ.

A coordinated land search is expected to start at 8.30am on Tuesday involving local police and the SES.

Police also plan to issue a geotargeting alert to the surrounding community.

Anyone who knows Melissa's whereabouts is urged to contact Tuggerah Lakes Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Melissa Reeves is missing in the Olney State Forest

 

State Government Commits To Dredging The Myall River

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has responded to calls from the Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest communities to address the silting up of the Myall River.

A hydrographic survey of the river in September 2023 by the Maritime Infrastructure Office confirmed there was a significant sand build up in the navigation channel, threatening the water gateway to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

The government has committed to working with Mid Coast Council to dredge the channel, with the project estimated to cost around $2million dollars.

Subject to relevant approvals, the work is due to start before the middle of the year.

Dredging work on the Myall River is due to start within months Picture: Port Stephens Examiner

Woman Arrested After Police Operation At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman is due to face court today after sparking a major police operation at Mayfield.

Police were called to Arnold Street at about 9.30am on Sunday to reports of a break-in unfolding, with a woman allegedly seen running from a home.

Officers arrested a 47-year-old woman nearby following a short foot chase with the assistance of the PolAir helicopter.

She's been charged with 2 counts of break-and-enter with intent to steal, and one count of break, enter and steal.

The woman's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 22 January, 2024).

Southerly Buster Eases Soaring Temperatures In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

A blustery southerly change has brought relief to the Hunter overnight from soaring temperatures.

Tocal and Maitland Airport recorded 40.9 and 40.7 degrees respectively on Sunday, while Newcastle saw the mercury rise to 36.4 degrees.

A southerly change began moving through the region at about midnight with wind gusts reaching 74km/hr at Nobbys just after 2.00am on Monday.

The high winds brought down power lines in southern Lake Macquarie, with about 500 homes and businesses around Gwandalan, Lake Munmorah, Catherine Hill Bay, Chain Valley Bay, Fraser Park and Wybung without power for around 4 hours.

Ausgrid says all customers are now back on the grid.

The Weather Bureau is forecasting a top of 26 degrees for Newcastle on Monday.

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan Faces Preselection Challenge

 BY IAN CROUCH

A civil engineer employed by Lake Macquarie Council is seeking to become the first transgender woman elected to public office in NSW.

Paige Johnson is the current vice-president of the Adamstown branch of the ALP.

She's previously been number two of Councillor Carol Duncan's ticket, but has advised members she intends to seek preselection in her own right for the Local Government elections in September.

The 28-year-old says her bid is a personal quest to improve the city and represent transgender people rather than a mutiny against incumbent councillors. 

Paige Johnson Picture: Linkedin

 

Fresh Doubts Cast Over Need To Keep Eraring Power Station Open

 BY IAN CROUCH

A new report by the Clean Energy Finance organisation is casting doubt on the likelihood of power shortages if the Eraring Power Station at Lake Macquarie closes.

The organisation says the state can avoid forking out hundreds of millions of dollars to keep the power station open beyond the middle of next year because there's been a surge in clean energy projects in the past six months.

It says the new battery and clean energy capacity created during this time is more than enough to offset the more than 2,800 megawatts of power generated by Eraring. 

It comes as discussions are continuing with owner, Origin Energy about keeping the power station open beyond 2025.

The Eraring Power Station is slated to close in 2025

Man Accused Of Public Place Shooting At Denman Faces Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man accused of possessing a number of unauthorised firearms including a home-made gun at Muswellbrook has been remanded in custody after his case was mentioned in court.

Joshua Claude Bowman was arrested on Wednesday 17 January, 2024 during a police operation as part of investigations into a public place shooting at Denman.

He was not required to appear when his case was mentioned in Singleton Local Court on Thursday and there was no application for bail.

The 27-year-old is facing 17 charges relating to possession of unauthorised firearms, vehicle theft and having goods in custody suspected of being stolen.

The case has been adjourned to Newcastle Local Court on March 20.

Hunter suburbs facing rental pain

 BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Four Hunter suburbs have been included in the list of areas experiencing the highest rental pain in New South Wales.

The January Suburbtrends Rental Pain index looks at rental availability, affordability, vacancy, and price trends to score suburbs out of 100.

Beresfield-Hexham, Waratah-North Lambton, Raymond Terrace, and Belmont-Bennett's Green all received rental pain scores of 95 or over out of 100. 

Beresfield-Hexham was ranked sixth in the state with a rental pain index rating of 99. Waratah-North Lambton with 97, Raymond Terrace with 96 and Belmont-Bennett's Green with 95.

Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner says one of the greatest challenges facing renters is affordability.

"Affordability is measured as the percentage of household income being allocated to rent. If we look across those worse suburbs, the majority of our region is now allocating 33% or more of their weekly income for rental payments." 

Mr. Lardner argues not enough is being done to solve the issue of affordability. He's encouraging Hunter residents to explore alternative housing options.

"What I'm advocating is a stronger focus on motor home parks and caravan parks. If we look at the American situation, around 6% of Americans live in mobile home parks, while less than 1% of Australians live in caravan parks. We've got around 410,000 sites currently and I think we can double that." 

Man Arrested During Police Operation At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face Singleton Court today (Thursday 18 January, 2024) following a major police operation at Muswellbrook.

Officers from the Tactical Operations Unit and Serious Crime Squad detectives went to a home on Anzac Parade at about midday on Wednesday as part of investigations into a public place shooting at Denman earlier this month.

Police say they seized several items of interest including a Holden Colarado, two home-made firearms, a loaded shortened firearm, a .22 calibre shotgun and rounds.

They arrested a 27-year-old man at the scene.

He's been charged with 17 offences including firearms charges, drug supply, aggravated break and enter, and goods in custody.

BREAKING! Emergency Services Called To Serious Crash At Mount Vincent

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Mount Vincent.

Police, Fire, Ambulance and VRA crews were called to Sandy Creek Road just before 5.30am on Wednesday where a vehicle had left the road and crashed into a tree, trapping the male driver.

It's understood the man, believed to be in his 20's and was the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Meanwhile, a man is recovering in hospital after a bad crash at Dudley overnight.

Police say the 47-year-old was driving a Mitsubishi Express van which left Dudley Beach Road and crashed into a tree just after 9.30pm.

The man was trapped for about 20 minutes before being freed and taken to the John Hunter Hospital in stable condition with leg injuries.

Police suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash and the man has undergone mandatory testing in hospital.

Strike Force Arrest Over Alleged Gateshead Abduction in the 1980's

 BY IAN CROUCH

Detectives attached to a strike force investigating the disappearances and suspected killings of three Lake Macquarie teenagers have arrested a man as part of their investigations.

Strike Force Ararapaima was formed in April 2019 to investigate the unsolved cases of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevsky.

As part of those inquiries, detectives arrested a 62-year-old man at a government facility in Silverwater on Monday.

He's been charged with four offences relating to the alleged abduction of a 16-year-old girl at Gateshead in the 1980's.

The arrest is unrelated to the investigation concerning Robyn Hickie, Gordana Kotevski and Amanda Robinson.

 The man and will face Newcastle Local Court on March 13.

Strike Force Arapaima is investigating the disappearances and suspected killings of Amanda Robinson, Gordana Kotevski and Robyn Hickie

Prime Minister praises M1 extension

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in the Hunter this morning, looking over the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. 

The $2.1 billion dollar project, is slated to be finished in 2028 and will see a 15 kilometer extension made to the Motorway.

The extension is expected to cut down on nine minutes of travel time during peak periods, with the  removal of 25,000 vehicles from key congestion and merge points between Newcastle and Maitland each day. 

Prime Minister Albanese praised the extension for expected improvements in road safety, and what this will mean for families and workers travelling up and down the east coast. 

"When we build better roads, we get better outcomes for road safety. Better outcomes means saving lives and reducing accidents which we have seen unfortunately rise around the nation."

Additionally, Prime Minister Albanese said the reduced travel time will increase productivity throughout the Hunter region. 

"The Port of Newcastle is one of Australia's most important, and this project will ensure there's massive productivity benefits for all in the region."

Man Injured During Dudley Break-In

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been left with serious leg injuries after a break-in at Dudley over the weekend.

Police say four people forced their way into a home on Tumut Street around 4.00am on Saturday and attempted to steal a motorbike.

They were confronted by neighbours and following a struggle, fled in a vehicle, striking a 42-year-old man.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police say the four culprits were males aged between 15 and 20 who fled in a turquoise-coloured Volkswagen T-Cross.

Suspected Stolen Car Found Dumped In The Williams River

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe an expensive sports car may have been stolen and stripped for parts before being dumped in the Williams River at Raymond Terrace.

A vessel approaching the local boat ramp near the Fitzgerald Bridge struck the submerged vehicle on Sunday morning.

Police divers confirmed no-one was in the car before it was pulled from the water.

The Camero z28 coupe was missing several parts, including the exhaust system.

Police are still trying to locate the owner of the car.

The submerged car is dragged from the water. Picture Newcastle Herald

Would-Be Thieves Smash Their Way Into Salt Ash Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a break and enter at a Salt Ash service station early Monday morning.

Officers were called to the unattended Ampol outlet on Nelson Bay Road just before 4.00am to find the front plate glass windows had been smashed.

Police say the intruders made an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to a cigarette cupboard behind the console operator's station.

It's not clear at this stage if anything was taken.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify those responsible and are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.