Bonnells Bay Man Faces Drug Possession Charge

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court next month charged with drug possession following a search of a home at Bonnells Bay.

Officers went to a residence on St Clair Street as part of an ongoing investigation.

It's alleged a search of the property uncovered a firearm, machete, several knives, three motorbikes and cannabis with an estimated street value of just over $2000.

Police issued a 24-year-old man with a court attendance notice for drug possession.

He'll face Toronto Local Court on June 18.

Police searched a home in St Clair Street Bonnells Bay

All Systems Go For Kooragang Hydrogen Hub

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has given the green light to a major commercial hydrogen hub at Kooragang.

Origin Future Fuels will head up the $207 million green hydrogen manufacturing plant, with construction due to start mid next year.

It's expected the hub will deliver around 55 megawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2026, with the aim of scaling up to more than a gigawatt of capacity over the next decade.

Green hydrogen can be used as a feedstock in industrial processes and as a fuel source in the transport sector. 

Green hydrogen from the facility will be used at Orica's nearby ammonium nitrate manufacturing facility to help decarbonise its operations. Green hydrogen from the new plant will also be made available to transport customers through onsite and satellite refueling stations.

The government says the development will support the hydrogen industry in NSW by establishing a commercial-scale green hydrogen supply chain and a hydrogen refueling network for the Hunter Region and NSW.

A artist's impression of the hydrogen refuelling station at the Kooragang Hydrogen Hub

Police Station Phone Scam Hits The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police have issued a warning not to provide personal details over the phone to callers claiming to be from the local police station.

Newcastle Police station received several calls on Thursday from people saying they were returning calls from legitimate phone numbers at the station.

It follows news of a police station scam doing the rounds in Sydney.

Police say calls from local stations appear as private numbers on your phone and any calls from an actual phone number purporting to be from police are a scam.

Some victims have been told they owe money for an unpaid fine. 

Maitland Disability Support Hub Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

A disability support service provider is counting the cost of a devastating fire at its Maitland hub.

Firefighters were called to the Sunnyfield Disability Services premises on High Street just after 3.15pm on Thursday to find the single level weatherboard cottage well alight.

It's taken about an hour to bring the fierce blaze under control - fortunately no-one was in the building when the fire broke out.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the fire, with crews remaining on scene until just before 7.00pm, extinguishing hot spots and mopping up the blaze.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed but it's not believed to be suspicious.

Crews arrived to find the Sunnyfield hub at Maitland well alight . Picture Trevor & Teena Johansen

Two People To Hospital After House Fire At Raymond Terrace

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people have been taken to hospital after a house fire at Raymond Terrace.

Fire and Rescue crews from Raymond Terrace and Tarro, supported by RFS volunteers, were called to the single storey brick and tile home in Bilmark Drive at about 11.15pm on Wednesday, arriving to find smoke issuing from the house.

They managed to contain the fire to a bedroom - the rest of the house sustained smoke and water damage.

Two women aged 55 and 33 were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and police will make further inquiries today (Thursday 30 May, 2024).

BREAKING! Police Pursuit: Teens Arrested At North Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys are set to face court today (Wednesday 29 May, 2024) accused of leading police on a high-speed pursuit through Newcastle's western suburbs in a stolen car overnight.

Around 3.00am on Wednesday, a routine patrol spotted a Holden Captiva, which was reported stolen from Wallsend five days ago, on the Link Road at Cameron Park and began following the vehicle.

The pursuit continued into Wallsend, with the car clocked travelling in excess of 100km/hr.

The Holden was then dumped at North Lambton.

A Police dog located two boys aged 15 and 17 in a backyard nearby where they were arrested.

They've been charged with pursuit and stolen vehicle offences and refused bail to face the Children's Court today.

Lake Macquarie City Council greenlights Operational Plan

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Lake Macquarie City Council has approved $111.5 million dollars in capital works spending over the next financial year. 

The 2024-2025 Operational Plan was approved at a council meeting on Monday night, with Mayor Kay Fraser confident the plan is set to boost the local community. 

"We've been speaking to the community over the past couple of months, and this is something they are really advocating for."

The plan includes upgrades to Rathmines Park, a learn-to-swim pool at West Wallsend and the expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre. 

Also approved, is the construction of a new community recycling centre in Belmont North. 

Mayor Kay Fraser says it will boost waste disposal services across the region. 

"This is really important for people who are unsure as to what to do with their materials. They will now be able to drop them off." 

The plan also includes $26 million dollars being allocated for road servicing and rehabilitation, as well as a $10.9 million dollar spend on bridge reconstruction. 

Man Suffers Critical Burns At Woy Woy

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man in his 30's has been airlifted to Sydney by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter after suffering significant burns during an incident on the Central Coast early Tuesday morning.

Paramedics were called to a home on Shoalhaven Drive at Woy Woy at about 4am.

They treated the man for burns to his face and hands before transporting him to a nearby sports field where he was flown to the Burns Unit at the Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

It's believed an aerosol can may have exploded in a fire. 

State Government To Support Coal-Related Workers In Transition To Renewables

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is today launching the start of a process to establish new authorities to assist coal-producing communities such as the Hunter to transition to renewable energy and the jobs which come with it.

It all starts with the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities issues paper to be launched in Muswellbrook today.

More than 125,000 people are employed across the state in coal or coal-related jobs and the authorities will be looking at ways to support workers in future.

The government says by 2040 all four of the state's coal-fired power stations and 32 of the state's 39 coal mines will close.

Fathers Plea For Justice Over Greta Bus Crash Charges

 BY IAN CROUCH

The fathers of two of the victims of the tragic Greta bus crash last June will meet with the NSW Attorney General today in a desperate bid to have manslaughter charges reinstated against the driver Brett Button.

News Limited reports Matt Mullen and Adam Bray the fathers of Rebecca Mullen and Zach Bray who died in the in the crash along with 8 others, with plead the case against the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to withdraw the charges during a plea deal with Mr Button.

They've sought legal advice after an agreed statement of facts signed by Mr Button said he would've been under the influence of the prescribed painkilling opiate Tramadol at the time of the crash to a degree that his driving ability would've been impaired.  

Under the plea deal, 10 charges of manslaughter were withdrawn and substituted with 10 charges of dangerous driving causing death - the lesser charge carrying a maximum gaol term of 10 years, compared to a maximum of 25 years for manslaughter.

Matt Mullen and Adam Bray are pleading for manslaughter charges to be reinstated in the Greta bus crash case.

 

Newcastle To Get More Kerbside EV Charging Stations

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has announced Newcastle Council has been successful in securing grant funding to fast track the rollout of Electric Vehicle Chargers across the city.

32 EV ports will be installed at 11 locations over the next 12 months to cater for the growing number of EV owners who live in or visit Newcastle.

The locations include, Beresfield, Georgetown, Stockton, Adamstown, Mayfield, Hamilton, New Lambton, Newcastle, Newcastle East, Wallsend and Wickham.

They will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from the Summerhill Solar Farm.

The $450,000 rollout's being supported through a $270,000 grant.

Newcastle Council will roll out more EV Charging Stations

Police Search For Pair After Rutherford Carjacking

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people are on the run after a brazen carjacking at Rutherford.

Police say around 6.10am on Sunday, a man left his Mercedes Benz 4WD in the driveway of a business on Racecourse Road, when a woman got into the vehicle.

As he was trying to remove her, a man approached with a gun and ordered him to leave the car.

The woman then drove off and the man left in a Nissan Skyline.

The stolen Mercedes is a 2012 model, silver in colour with the NSW registration ETZ-43F.

The Skyline is a 1990 model, white in colour with the NS registration EOW-76F.

Police are urging anyone who spots the vehicles not to approach but the call Triple Zero immediately.

Police Hold Concerns For Missing Man In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from the Newcastle area.

54-year-old Gavin Wellard was last seen at about 5.00pm on Friday and there are concerns for his welfare because he has a number of health conditions.

Gavin's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a medium build, short brown hair and unshaven.

Anyone with information is urged to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing man: Gavin Wellard

UPDATE! Urgent Appeal Launched To Find Boy Missing From Belmont North

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Great News!

Following extensive inquiries by police, Riley has been found safe and well in the early hours of Friday morning.

 Police have thanks the media and the community for their assistance.

 EARLIER:

Police have issued an urgent appeal for help to find a young boy who's gone missing at Lake Macquarie.

10-year-old Riley Baker was last seen at about 8.00pm on Thursday at a community hall on Old Belmont Road at Belmont North.

Police were notified when he couldn't be contacted or located.

Riley's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build, short dark brown hair and was last seen wearing a gold football jersey, blue shorts and no shoes.

If you've seen Riley or know where he is call Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing boy Riley Baker

Plans For Massive Hunter Park Precinct Revealed

 BY IAN CROUCH

Government plans for the long-awaited Hunter Park project around Broadmeadow have been officially released.

The housing, sporting and entertainment precinct will include up to 20,000 new homes, an indoor stadium, aquatic centre, a light rail stop at Nine Ways and parkland stretching across about 63 hectares from Hamilton North to Broadmeadow.

The Planning Department says the strategy will guide public and private development across the precinct and surrounding suburbs for the next 30 years, in what's being described as one of the largest urban planning exercises in Newcastle's history.

The draft strategy is expected to go on public exhibition next month.

A concept image of Nine Ways showing a new light rail stop surrounded by apartments

Memorial garden will honour the victims of the Greta bus tragedy

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Construction has begun on a memorial garden dedicated to honoring the victims of last years Greta bus crash.

The crash which occurred on 11 June 2023 claimed the lives of ten people and left 25 others injured.

The memorial is being constructed by Cessnock City Council and will be situated less than 1km from the crash site.

It will be located part-way along the Branxton to Greta Memorial Shared Pathway which is currently under construction.

Ten deciduous Pyrus Calleryana trees will be placed at the memorial garden, with each representing a life lost in the tragedy.

A memorial plaque acknowledging the tragedy and the ten lives lost will also be erected at the site of the crash on the Rothbury side of the Hunter Expressway.

                                        

                                    Artwork of the Memorial Garden: Cessnock City Council   

                                                

Police are appealing for information over a robbery in Wallsend.

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police have released CCTV footage as investigations into an armed robbery at Wallsend in 2022 continue.

Around 5:20pm on Friday 21 January 2022 a man entered a tobacconist on Cowper Street.

He threatened the store attendant with a knife before fleeing with cash.

He was last seen heading towards the Ironbark Creek Bridge near Dan Rees Street.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 25-35, of medium-athletic build, and about 180cm tall.

At the time of the robbery he was wearing a face mask, dark cap, dark shirt and shorts.

Police also wish to speak with the driver of a white Nissan Navara utility with a trailer seen in the area around the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Paramedics At Hunter Ambulance Station Strike Over Staffing Dispute

 BY IAN CROUCH

Crews at Rutherford Ambulance Station are standing down as a stalemate with ambulance management deepens.

Crews are only responding to urgent or life-threatening calls.

They say a new ambulance deployed to their station means paramedics are now being sent to cover staff shortages as far away as Muswellbrook, Nelson Bay and Belmont instead of the needs of the growing population of Maitland as originally intended.

But the Health Services Union says the extra resource is needed locally.

BREAKING! Woman Critically Injured In Crash At Heatherbrae

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after a serious crash at Heatherbrae overnight.

Police say the 26-year-old was the sole occupant of a Kia Sorento heading south on the Pacific Highway just before 9.30pm on Monday when her car slammed into the back of a semi-trailer.

The car briefly caught fire, but passers-by quickly extinguished the flames.

The woman was trapped for about 45 minutes before being freed and taken the John Hospital in a critical condition with significant leg injuries.

She's now reported to be in a critical but stable condition.

The truck driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police are continuing to speak to witnesses as investigations continue.

UPDATE! Police Launch Public Appeal For Man Missing From Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised that Benjamin  has been found safe and well in Sydney.

EARLIER;

Police are appealing for public help to find a man who's gone missing from a mental health facility in Newcastle.

35-year-old Benjamin Newton was last seen leaving the James Fletcher Hospital in Church Street at about 4.40pm on Sunday and may have travelled to Sydney by train.

Police and his family hold concerns for his welfare as he suffers from a mental illness.

Benjamin's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a medium build, brown eyes and long unkempt brown hair and beard.

He was last seen wearing a black jumper and black tracksuit pants.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing man Benjamin Newton

Westcott Street Bridge opens for public use in the Cessnock LGA

BY JORDAN REGNIS

The new $2.2 million Westcott Street Bridge has now opened in the Cessnock LGA.

The new dual lane concrete bridge includes an added pedestrian access footway, and an open load limit.

Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal says the bridge will "reduce annual maintenance costs by 80%".

The bridge serves around 84 businesses, which include those in healthcare, administrative services, transport and construction.

The open load limit means there are no longer restrictions on larger emergency vehicles.

Upgrades were funded under the Transport for NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Calls for more people to have their blood pressure checked

BY JORDAN REGNIS

The Hunter Medical Research Institute provided blood pressure checks at Customs House in Newcastle today.

Today marks International Hypertension Day, with people encouraged to have their blood pressure checked to prevent three preventable causes of death.

These include Coronary heart disease, Stroke and Dementia.

It's been revealed one in three Australian adults have high blood pressure, yet only half of them know they have it.

Teen Missing For A Week From Central Coast Could Be In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a girl missing from the Central Coast for a week could be in the Hunter region.

17-year-old Scarlett Begnell was last seen leaving a home in Tumbi Umbi on Friday May 10 and police say she's still missing despite an extensive search.

Scarlett is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a thin build, blonde hair and brown eyes and is known to frequent the Central Coast, Newcastle, Maitland and Sydney.

Missing teen Scarlett Bagnell

Victoria Police Believe Wanted Man Is In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Victoria Police have issued an alert in Newcastle for a man wanted for an aggravated home invasion.

21-year-old Hughie Buckley is wanted on an outstanding warrant and police in Victoria believe he is in the Newcastle area.

He's described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 185cm tall with a slim build and short brown hair.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man Facing Court Over Alleged Cannabis Haul At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today accused of running a drug house at Muswellbrook.

Hunter Valley police launched an investigation after information was provided to them in March.

Following inquiries, they executed a search warrant at a home in Madringa Avenue yesterday morning, allegedly find a sophisticated hydroponic set-up inside the home along with 188 cannabis plants and more than 18kgs of dried cannabis leaf in sealed plastic bags.

It's alleged the plants have a potential street value of $550,000, while the leaf has a potential value of $460,000.

A 55-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been refused bail to face Singleton Local Court today charged with cultivation and supply of cannabis.

Fears Growing For Young Girl Missing In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched a public appeal to find a 12-year-old girl who's been missing in the Hunter region since Monday afternoon.

Sophie Fletcher was last seen leaving Newcastle Interchange on a bus headed to Nelson Bay at about 1.40pm on Monday.

Police believe she may have boarded a train at Newcastle Interchange at about 4pm the same day.

There are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Sophie is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a thin build and black hair in two pigtails.

She was last seen wearing denim shorts, a black hoodie, white socks, white slide sandals and was carrying a black backpack.

Sophie is known to frequent the Rutherford, Newcastle and Liverpool areas.

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

Missing girl Sophie Fletcher

BREAKING! Emergency Services Called To Fatal Crash At West Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services are at the scene of a fatal crash at West Wallsend.

It's understood a vehicle ran off the road on George Booth Drive at about 4.40am on Wednesday and crashed down an embankment.

Police say the driver, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established as investigations get under way in the cause of the crash.

Upgrades at Thornton Intersection delayed by several months

 BY OLIVIA GOELDNER 

Supply chain issues and ongoing wet weather have forced construction to temporarily cease on an intersection in Thornton. 

Upgrades to the Raymond Terrace Road and Government Road intersection can expect to be delayed by several months, pushing completion of the Thornton North intersection upgrade to the end of the year. 

It comes following current high demand from several other infrastructure projects across the Hunter, causing interruptions to the supply of road gravel from local quarries. 

Ongoing wet weather has also contributed not only to construction delays, but supply shortages as well. 

Maitland Council's Works Manager Ashley Kavanagh says the impacts have been felt across the region. 

"There's a lot of similar work happening across the Hunter Valley at the moment, and it's obviously having a knock on effect for all the projects that are currently under construction. 

"We've been working with contactors and Transport for NSW to look for alternative methods and suppliers but at this stage none of them have turned up with a different result." 

He thanks residents and commuters for their patience. 

Image courtesy of Maitland Council

Teen Facing Court Accused Of Ramming Police Vehicle With Stolen 4WD At Gateshead

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 15-year-old boy is due to front the Children's Court today (Tuesday 14 May, 2024) accused of ramming a police vehicle with a stolen 4WD at Gateshead.

Police say the fully marked vehicle was parked and unattended on Oxford Street at about 2.30am on Monday when an unknown vehicle crashed into the front of the police car before driving off.

Around midday police located a silver Jeep Cherokee with front end damage which was reported stolen from Salamander Bay at Eleebana and attended a home nearby in Jonathan Street where they arrested the 15-year-old.

He's been charged with seven offences including the new post and boast offence and has been refused bail ahead of his court appearance.

As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information - or who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam or mobile phone footage to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

UPDATE! Emergency Unfolding At Newcastle Airport

 BY IAN CROUCH

12.25pm Monday - the aircraft is safely on the ground and the occupants are not injured.

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to Newcastle Airport where a plane is circling after its landing gear failed.

A NSW Police spokesman says the emergency began to unfold at about 9.30am on Monday.

Reports say the Eastern Air Services Beech B200 Super King plane is currently circling above airport to burn off fuel before it attempts to land.

Newcastle Fire Command says there are three people on board. 

It's understood the aircraft  was meant to be travelling from Newcastle to Port Macquarie.

More than a dozen emergency service crews are at the airport including police, fire and ambulance crews.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter is also on standby.

A Beech B200 Super King plane is circling above Newcastle Airport

A Beech 200B Super King 

  

Teen Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash At Cooranbong

 BY IAN CROUCH

An unlicensed driver is due to face the children's court today (Monday 13 May, 2024) charged over a fatal cash at Cooranbong last month.

Emergency services were called to Freemans Drive at about 12.15am on Sunday April 14, after a northbound car hit a parked SUV, understood to be a marked mobile speed camera vehicle.

An 18-year-old front seat passenger died at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver was freed from the wreckage and taken to the John Hunter Hospital, while the 43-year-old SUV driver suffered minor injuries.

The driver, now 18, was arrested at Newcastle Police Station on Saturday and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death - drive manner dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Broadmeadow Children's Court today.

 

Netball legend named Newcastle Freeman of the City

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has joined delegates and members of Newcastle's sporting community at City Hall on Saturday 11 May 2024 to celebrate the contributions of Adele 'Dell' Saunders OAM.

88-year-old Dell has been named the 18th Freeman of the City of Newcastle for her lifelong service to the Newcastle netball and wider sporting community. Her involvement in the Hunter sporting community has spanned almost seven decades. 

Ms Saunders has served as president of the Newcastle Netball Association and foundation president of the Hunter United Netball Region. 

She also served as an international umpire in Hawaii, New Zealand and Fiji and has received multiple awards including the All-Australian Umpire Badge in 1974 the Order of Australia Medal in 1999 and Australian Sports Medal in 2000. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and the Director of Netball NSW, Vincent DeLuca will also be part of the official ceremony to bestow the award. 

 

Newcastle Police charge man with non-consensual filming offence

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

A man has been granted strict conditional bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court later this month after an alleged incident in a bathroom at a university building.

Newcastle Police District received reports a 23 year old man allegedly filmed women in a bathroom at the University of Newcastle's city campus on Monday 29 April 2024.

Extensive investigations led officers to a home at Fletcher, where they arrested the man around 9am on Thursday 9 May 2024.

He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with intentionally recording intimate images without consent. 

He is set to face court on Thursday 30 May 2024.

Newcastle And Lake Macquarie Gamblers Lose Tens Of Millions Of Dollars To Poker Machines

 BY IAN CROUCH

Wesley Mission says staggering poker machine losses in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie shows urgent action is needed to address the impacts of gambling harm across the state.

The church-based charity has analysed data from the NSW Department of Liquor and Gaming which shows NSW residents lost more than $8 billion to poker machines in 2023.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie came in 3rd and 4th respectively on the list of regional Local Government Areas with the highest gambling profits.

Newcastle recorded $47 million dollars in poker machine profits, while Lake Macquarie's pubs and clubs raked in $39 million last year.

More details can be found here:

https://www.wesleymission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Q4-2023-poker-machine-loss-data.pdf 

Wesley Mission describes these amounts as losses to gamblers.

It comes after the Minns government made a commitment to reduce the number of poker machines in NSW, but Wesley Mission says the data shows the number has increased by 685 to more than 87,000 last year.  

CEO and Superintendent, Rev Stu Cameron says NSW is the poker machine capital of the world.

"More than $8 billion dollars is lost to poker machines every single year -that's a thousand dollars per man, woman and child. So, this is an issue which is unique to NSW that we need to address, and we need to address now," he said.

Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent Rev Stu Cameron

 

BREAKING! Hamilton Townhouse Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a townhouse at Hamilton overnight.

More than 30 firefighters were called to Hudson Street just after 2.15am on Friday to find one of three townhouses well alight and flames through the roof.

Neighbours worked frantically to help the occupants to safety and Newcastle Fire Command says all residents have been accounted for.

A neighbouring townhouse also sustained some fire damage as crews worked to stop the flames from spreading.

It's taken them more than two hours to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and police and fire investigators will examine the scene later on Friday morning.

 

 

Police Renew Appeal For Missing Diver Over Port Of Newcastle Drug Haul

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's two years since the body of a diver was found floating near dozens of kilograms of cocaine believed to have been smuggled into the Port of Newcastle, and police are renewing calls to help find a second diver who's still missing.

31-year-old Brazillian diver, Bruno Borges Martins entered Australia 12 days before the grim discovery was made on May 9 2022.

Superyacht owner James Blake Blee and his son James Lake-Kusviany Blee remain before the courts charged over an alleged $20m cocaine smuggling plot.

Detectives from Strike Force Groove say a second diver, 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva is still missing and his family need answers.

They've now released CCTV images of two vehicles - a white Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and a Toyota Townace Van which they believe is connected to the 32-year-old's disappearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Missing diver Jhoni Fernandez Da Silva

Police have released images of two vehicles as they investigate the disappearance of Brazillian diver Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva