New life-saving defibrillators to be installed at seven Cessnock sporting facilities

 BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

New grants from the state government have allowed for seven sporting faculties in the Cessnock Electorate to receive life-saving defibrillators. 

Cessnock Motor Cross Club, West Wallsend Rugby Football Club and Cessnock District Netball Association are among the few chosen. 

The grants of up to $3,000 cover the purchase, installation and training of the new automated external defibrillators. 

It comes as a part of the NSW Government's Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, putting $500,000 towards 193 sporting facilities in low socio-economic areas. 

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr says he's pleased with the effort. 

"With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and active recreation across the Electorate of Cessnock this equipment will be available should the worst ever happen.

"This funding will ensure our local sporting organisation's are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies."

Image courtesy of Regional Development Australia

UPDATE! Teen Accused Of Stabbing Murder At Boolaroo Refused Bail

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager charged with the alleged murder of her younger sister at Boolaroo did not appear in a children's court today (Tuesday 30 April, 2024) but has been formally refused bail.

Emergency services were called to Thurston Street at about 3.45pm on Monday and treated a 10-year-old girl for multiple stab wounds; however she died at the scene.

A 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at the home and taken to Belmont Police Station for questioning.

She's been charged with one count of domestic violence-related murder and will remain in custody before her case returns to court on June 24.

Strike Force Upstream has been formed to investigate the circumstances leading up to the alleged stabbing.

Police have remained tight-lipped about the details of what occurred due to the age of the alleged victim and the accused, saying the investigation is in it's infancy and these matters are now before the court.

Addressing the media on Tuesday at Belmont Police Station, Detective Superintendent  Daniel Doherty said the incident has devastated the family of the alleged victim and the accused.

"The circumstances are still being investigated. It's a very sensitive investigation as you can imagine. there's a family at home who are still grieving and trying to come to terms with what happened to their 10-year-old family member and their loved one, so it's important to note the sensitivity around this," he said.

Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty

 

Missing Sydney Woman Could Be In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a woman reported missing from Sydney could be in the Newcastle area.

47-year-old Parris Valentine was last seen in Bankstown on Thursday April 11 and police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare as she lives with a number of medical conditions.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a short build and short hair.

Anyone who knows Parris's whereabouts is urged to contact Bankstown Police of Crime Stoppers.

Missing woman Parris Valentine

No More rally at Newcastle Museum

 BY JOHN THOMAS

Today (Friday 26 April, 2024) outside Newcastle Museum a rally is being held as part of a national protest is calling on politicians to take action on violence against women.

29 Women have already died at the hands of men this year, and with the recent events of Bondi Junction still in public memory, organizations and activists across Australia have united to say 'No More'.

This national event created by What You Were Wearing Australia CEO Sarah Williams says "Enough is enough and it has been for a long time. We need more action from politicians, and we need them to take these crimes more seriously. In 2012, two men were killed and it triggered a whole new law", she said.

The rally starts at 6.00pm.

Government workplace hub opens in Maitland

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Construction has been completed on a new Government workplace hub on High Street in Maitland. 

The $13.8 million dollar development is set to accommodate up to 650 regional workers, as well as other government employees visiting the Hunter. 

Employees from the Department of Regional NSW, Department of Customer Service and Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will all be re-located to the new building. 

Maitland MP and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison says it will benefit the local community. 

"This is a great investment into Maitland and the community around us.

"It's really an incredible opportunity for our local workforce and will hopefully encourage more people to join our State government in our purpose."

The combination of the three agencies under one roof is set to cut costs, promote collaboration and improve the delivery of services to local communities.

Officials say the development is a step toward bridging the gap between urban and rural employment, helping decentralise opportunities and spread economic success beyond the metropolitan areas. 

Work is also underway to upgrade the building's environmental credentials, to support the state government's net zero emissions target. 

                     Government workplace hub       

Police Seek Help To Identify Man After Child Approached At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens Hunter Police are asking for help to identify a man who they believe can assist with their inquiries concerning a child approach at Thornton.

Police say the incident occurred last Friday April 14.

Anyone who can identify him is asked to contact Maitland Police Station.

Police want to stress the man may or may not have been involved in a crime and they need to establish his identity to further their inquiries.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries

Uni To Continue Welcoming International Students From "High Risk" Countries" For Now

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle will continue to welcome international students from countries deemed high risk at this stage despite concerns from the government.

The government announced its Migration Strategy in December aimed at weeding out non-genuine students applying for visas who only wanted to access Australia's labour market.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kent Anderson says while the university always welcomes international students, there are rigorous processes in place to prevent non-genuine students from abusing the migration and student visa system.

International students contribute $30 billion a year to the Australian economy and are the country's fourth largest export.

Georgetown Set For Major Upgrade

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Newcastle suburb of Georgetown is in for a major facelift, with council approving a multi-million dollar upgrade overnight.

Work will start in coming months on a new landscaped pedestrian plaza, improved footpaths, street furniture, lighting and street trees to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Council has committed $9.9 million next financial year to revitalisation projects in the East End, Hunter Street Mall and local town centre upgrades at Orchardtown Road, New Lambton and Georgetown. 

 

Major facelift earmarked for Georgetown's shopping precinct. Picture: City of Newcastle

Denman Woman To Face Court On Drug Supply Charges

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman is due to front court today (Wednesday 24 April, 2024) accused of supplying drugs in Muswellbrook.

As part of investigations by Strike Force Smollett, police searched a home in Virginia Street Denman on Tuesday and allegedly found a quantity of drugs and mobile phones.

They arrested a 36-year-old woman at the house.

She was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and refused bail to face Singleton Local Court today.

Appeal to find teenage girl last seen at Elermore Vale

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A teenage girl has been reported missing in the Newcastle area.

13-year-old Lily Renyard was last seen leaving a home at Elermore Vale around 2:15pm on Sunday, 14 April 2024.

Police are concerned for Lily's welfare given her young age, and are appealing to the public for help locating her.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a fair and freckled complexion, about 162 centimetres tall, of slim build, with long straight brown hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing denim shorts and a black t-shirt with white lettering "Palm Angels".

Police say Lily is known to frequent Glendale, Edgeworth and the Newcastle CBD or will possibly be on public transport.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

BREAKING! Police Investigate Armed Hold-Up At Anna Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens police are searching for two men following an armed hold-up at Anna Bay overnight.

Police say the pair, who had their faces covered and were armed with a machete and a bat, entered a take away shop on Gan Gan Road at about 8.1opm on Thursday and confronted the male attendant.

The pair escaped with an amount of cash in a red 2-door hatchback.

The worker was not injured during the hold-up

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

ANZ CEO Endorses The Hunter Region

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

ANZ Chief Executive Shayne Elliott has endorsed Newcastle and the Hunter during his regional tour of Australia. He says the Hunter has a resilient economy and strong population growth. 

Mr Elliott also described the region as a vibrant place with lots of opportunity, and says it ticks more boxes than most parts of the country, including capital cities.

In an address to the region's business leaders, Mr Elliot says good jobs, lifestyles and infrastructure are some of the aspects attracting young people to the Hunter.

Mr Elliott also says ANZ is aiming to help the region unlock potential for a stronger economic future. It comes after ANZ released a report into hydrogen yesterday, providing insight into an industry Mr Elliott believes could be become big in Newcastle and the Hunter region. 

He says sectors such as hydrogen and off-shore wind requires significant investment, which ANZ could assist with.

Lochinvar Residents Meet Over Pending Post Office Closure

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lochinvar residents are meeting with Australia Post officials on Thursday morning to discuss the pending closure of their local post office on May 1.

Australia Post is ending daily letter deliveries and closing smaller licensed post offices, particularly in regional areas, in a bid to make the organisation more viable as more people opt for digital forms of communication.

Despite the trend, many residents, particularly the elderly and disabled rely on their local post office for a range of over-the-counter postal, bill paying and other services.

There's already been community uproar over the pending closure of the Lambton Post Office, also due to shut down on May 1, with close to 4,000 residents signing a petition to no avail. 

Lochinvar resident, Kevin Gordon is attending today's meeting and says many in the community have only recently been informed about the decision, and closing the post office will have a major impact on the village.

"There's always going to be an element that are people who are elderly, people who are disabled (who) need to have access to those particular facilities and I think it's a bit of a shame that they're doing this so quickly," he said.

The Lochinvar Post Office is due to close on May 1 Picture: Google

Hunter Police Issue Appeal For Wanted Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are asking for public help to find a man wanted on a string of robbery related offences.

23-year-old William Hickey is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and is known to frequent the Sydney and Kempsey areas.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build, blue/grey eyes, brown hair and beard.

Police are warning people not to approach him but to call Triple Zero immediately.

 

Wanted Man William Hickey

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Shark Centre At Anna Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Quick work by neighbours has prevented a fire spreading at the Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre at Anna Bay.

Newcastle Fire Command says multiple RFS and Fire and Rescue crews were called to the centre in Jessie Road just after 6.15am on Wednesday.

A large timber shed used to store wet suits had caught alight.

However neighbours managed to douse the flames and had the fire almost out when crews arrived.

Smoke from the fire has impacted the centre and crews have ventilated the building.

It's believed a battery left charging sparked the fire.   

Teen Dies After Car Crashes Into Speed Camera Vehicle At Cooranbong

 BY IAN  CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a passenger died in a two car crash at Cooranbong.

Police say a Subaru Impreza lost control on Freemans Drive at about 12.15am on Sunday and slammed into a fully marked mobile speed camera vehicle parked by the side of the road.

The 18-year-old male passenger died at the scene, while an 18-year-old man who was behind the wheel was freed and taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.

A 43-year-old man who was sitting in the mobile speed camera vehicle suffered minor injuries and didn't require treatment.  

 

Struggling swimmer winched to safety from Pinny Beach

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A woman has been rescued out of heavy surf at Lake Macquarie's Pinny Beach overnight.

Around 6pm, Friday 12 April 2024, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to Pinny Beach after reports of a person struggling in strong surf and in close proximity to rocks and sea caves. 

Following a brief search in the darkness, the helicopter crew located the female swimmer, and a critical care paramedic was winched into water to secure her.

The woman was winched into the aircraft and airlifted to the Belmont Base suffering hypothermia. 

She was then stabilised and transported by road to John Hunter Hospital.  

Two Men To Hospital After Head-on Crash At Loxford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been taken to hospital following a head-on smash at Loxford.

Emergency services were called to Hart Road near the Hunter Expressway at 6.15pm on Thursday.

Police say initial inquiries indicate a Holden Colorado crossed to the wrong side of the road and collided with a Maxi Taxi HiAce van.

Both drivers were trapped before being freed by members of the Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The 34-year-old Holden driver and the 46-year-old Taxi Driver were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening injuries - the Taxi driver was the sole occupant and sustained a suspected broken leg.

Anyone who witnessed the crash of who has dashcam footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Emergency services at the crash scene Picture: Cessnock VRA

Repair Works Underway on Coulsons Creek Road

 BY OLIVER RAJARATNAM

Coulsons Creek Road, in the upper Hunter, is undergoing repairs. The work is occurring between Werriwa and Willow Tree Road. 

Previously, the road was complete in 2019, however, due to heavy rainfall and subsequent land slips it was closed in 2021. 

Transport for NSW, Infrastructure NSW and Public Works Advisory have worked closely with the Upper Hunter Shire Council on a new design for the road ensuring the same damage will not occur again. 

The new design entails protection against rock falls, new safety barriers, improved drainage, signage and land marking. 

The repairs are being funded by the Australian Government who has committed $38.6 million and the NSW Government who has contributed $9.66 million.

 NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says "having three NSW Government agencies working with the Upper Hunter Shire Council with multimillion-dollar contributions from the Australian and NSW governments demonstrates how all levels of government recognize the importance of this road." 

Repairs will restore an integral link between the New England and Golden highways, as a result benefitting tourism and supply chains. Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says "We know how important this road is for agriculture and livestock, providing essential access for farmers and livestock producers. It will also reduce travel times for all road users while improving safety by reducing traffic volumes on those roads that were being used as detours while Coulsons Creek Road was out of service."

The contract to carry out repairs has been awarded to Daracon Group who expect the work to be completed midway through 2025, depending on weather.

BREAKING! Man Charged With Murder Over Fatal Altercation At Raymond Terrace

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have now charged a man with murder over an alleged fatal assault at Raymond Terrace.

Emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue just before 2.00am on Tuesday following reports of an altercation between two men which is believed to have stemmed from a noise complaint.

It's alleged 38-year-old Ash Morgan armed himself with an axe as a 29-year-old man swung at him with a Razor scooter.

Mr Morgan died at the scene from head injuries, while a 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Hospital for assessment.

He's since been released from hospital and is due to front Raymond Terrace Court Court today (Wednesday 10 April, 2024) charged with murder.

Alleged murder victim Ash Morgan

Student accommodation plans scrapped, with the Cambridge Hotel back on the market

 BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Plans to turn the historic Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle West into a 19-storey student accommodation tower have been scrapped.

It is alleged financial pressures, alongside other competing student accommodation developments, pushed French-owned company LinkCity to forego the $110 million dollar plan. 

The 12,000 square metre venue shut its doors in June last year, ending its 65 year long stint as a hub for live music in Newcastle. 

Now listed on the market with a price guide upwards of $10 million dollars, there is hope it could be resurrected for use in hospitality. 

Listing agent Adam Leacy, from Commercial Collective, says a new addition of poker machines to the venues licensing is making it more desirable than ever. 

"It certainly brings that hospitality aspect back to the table, for a venue that size and the nature of the business, certainly gaming adds another level of security to the possibility of making it a sustainable business." 

This is the third time Adam Leacy has marketed the property in five years. 

Photo courtesy of NovoNews

UPDATE! Man In Custody Over Alleged Fatal Assault At Raymond Terrace

 BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations continue into a fatal assault at Raymond Terrace overnight.

A 38-year-old man was found with head injuries at a Cambridge Avenue address just before 2.00am on Tuesday.

He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby and he remains under police guard at Maitland Hospital, where he is being treated for minor injuries.

It's reported an axe has been found at the scene.

Police have also recovered items of clothing, a hat, bikes and a scooter nearby. 

EARLIER:

A man is assisting police with inquiries after a man died at Raymond Terrace early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue just before 2.00am to reports a man was found with head injuries.

The 38-year-old was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby and has been taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

A crime scene has been set up as investigations continue.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

                            Superintendent Wayne Humphrey addresses the media on Tuesday afternoon

Man Facing Newcastle Court Over Alleged Incident In Sydney

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today in Newcastle charged over an alleged incident in Sydney last month.

It's alleged the 25-year-old lunged at another man with a knife during an altercation at Cranbrook on Saturday 2 March.

He was arrested at Bar Beach yesterday and refused bail charged with use of an offensive weapon with intent to commit serious indictable offence, use of knife in a public place - cause person to fear for safety, and affray.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station following his arrest at Bar Beach

Lingard Private Hospital commits to $116 Million Redevelopment

 BY BEN COLLISON

In a boost to the Hunter regions health network, Lingard Private Hospital has committed to a $116 million redevelopment to its Mereweather hospital premises.

Already the largest private hospital in Newcastle, the redevelopment will double Lingard's bed capacity to 210 beds; in addition to providing new staff and office rooms. A medical clinic and 15 consultation rooms are planned for the new multi-story development.

Visiting the hospital will also be made easier with further parking spaces included in the redevelopment plans. A footbridge between the Lingard and Kingsland Buildings will be constructed enabling staff and patients to move between the expanding hospital premises.

Healthe Care, owners of Lingard in partnership with the State Government are inviting Hunter residents to provide their feedback on the proposal that will cater for the growing needs of the Hunter region.

A Review of Health at Every Size

 BY JOHN THOMAS

A recent review of the popular Health at Every Size (HAES) practice found that it's benefits to a person's health are limited.

Conducted by a research team at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Mediacl Research Institute, the team found that while the HAES method can positively impact people's wellbeing, body image, and improve people's relation with food, HAES is not a replacement for any other kind of medical intervention such as nutrition therapy, medication, or treating chronic disease such as high blood pressure.

Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics' Clare Collins at the University of Newcastle says HAES is not "an approach for improving blood fat levels, blood sugar levels, or blood cholesterol." 

"If you are seeking strategies to improve your health Clare suggests "If you're really trying to improve your weight related health go have a chat with your GP about what strategies might be most suitable for you," she said.  

Man Dies In Hospital Following Upper Hunter Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

A horror crash on the New England Highway at Wingen on Thursday has turned fatal, with a man losing his fight for life in the John Hunter Hospital.

Police say a Volvo semi-trailer and Toyota Landcruiser towing a caravan collided in the northbound lanes before colliding with an oncoming Izuzu truck.

The truck driver, a 41-year-old man, was freed and flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but died early Friday morning.

The Toyota driver, a 63-year-old man, remains in a serious condition, while his 60-year-old female passenger is stable in the John Hunter.

The Volvo driver was treated for shock and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police are appealing for dash cam footage as investigations continue.

The crash scene at Wingen Picture courtesy NBN News

Appeal to help find missing person

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing to help locate a girl missing from the Hunter region.

15-year-old Sophia Holden was last seen at an address on Frances Street Paxton, around 3pm on Tuesday.

There's concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 160-165 cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair and blue eyes.

She's known to frequent the Newcastle and Esk in Queensland areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is being urged to contact crime stoppers.

 

Public Appeal Launched To Find Missing Hunter Valley Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched a public appeal for information to find a man who's gone missing in the Hunter Valley.

40-year-old Ryan Daley was last seen at the Branxton Hotel at about 5.00pm on Wednesday 3 April, 2024 and police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Ryan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 198cm tall with a solid build, brown eyes, brown hair in a ponytail, beard and tattoos on both arms.

He may be driving a white 2011 Mazda 6 station wagon with the NSW registration BVD 25R.

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

Missing man Ryan Daley

BREAKING! Aircraft Crashes Into Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people have been rescued after the light helicopter they were in crashed into Lake Macquarie this morning.

Fire and Rescue NSW says emergency services were called to Marmong Point just before 10.30am on Wednesday.

It's believed a gyrocopter crashed into shallow water.

The two people on board were accounted for and are being accessed by paramedics, but it's believed they are both conscious and have not suffered serious injuries.

Local boat owners have assisted in towing the aircraft to a local marina.

Hazmat crews have placed booms around the aircraft as a precaution.

A light aircraft, believed to be a gyrocopter, has crashed into Lake Macquarie. Picture: Facebook

All Saints' College Maitland Teacher Charged With Sex Offences

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teacher at a Maitland Catholic school will face court at the end of the month accused of having sex with a student.

Police have confirmed the 39-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of sexual intercourse with a person under his care aged between 17 and 18.

The teacher from All Saints' College Maitland's senior campus has been released on bail to face Maitland Local Court on April 26.

A second teacher at the school is also being investigated for allegations of serious misconduct and was put on administrative leave in March.

All Saints' College Maitland Picture: Maitland Mercury

Concerns For Young Girl Missing From Waratah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a young girl missing from the Newcastle area.

12-year-old Phoebe D'Arcy was last seen at about 6.00pm on Tuesday 2 April, 2024 on Christo Road at Waratah.

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

Phoebe is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance with a slim build, about 150cm tall, with shoulder length black hair and was last seen wearing an oversized black hooded jumper, navy tracksuit pants and yellow shoes.

She's known to use public transport and frequent the Jesmond and Waratah areas.

Phoebe D'Arcy