New Social Housing Completed At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is welcoming the completion of a significant social housing project at Lambton.

Five older homes on Robinson Avenue have been replaced with a modern 20-unit development, providing safe accommodation for up to 37 residents.

The $9 million development consists of eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, with two units able to accommodate wheelchair users.

Sonia Hornery says the move will see more homes available for the many people on the social housing waitlist across the Hunter.  

The new social housing development at Lambton

BREAKING! Police Investigate Fatal Hit And Run At Harpers Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

The New England Highway has been reopened at Harpers Hill near Greta following a fatal hit and run overnight.

Police say a 37-year-old man from Singleton Heights was walking along the highway at about 9.30pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a car and died at the scene.

The driver of the car did not stop after the incident.

Police have spoken to witnesses and crash investigators have conducted a thorough examination of the scene.

Police are appealing for the driver to contact Maitland Police Station.

Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns announce TAFE Centre of Excellence in Newcastle

By HOLLY FISHLOCK

More than $60 million will be invested by the state and federal government's over the next five years for the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.

The Centre will be established at the TAFE NSW campus at Tighes Hill, and will look to boost the workforce needed to support the renewable energy industry in the Hunter and across the state.

Once up and running the centre will have a training capacity of approximately 450 students annually.

It will provide education and apprenticeships in renewable energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, and related manufacturing fields for the region's workforce.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there needs to be a plan for the future.

"It's important we invest in new industries, and that we invest in the capacity of workers to be able to fill jobs in those industries."

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns says it's important young people have the skills needed to participate in the renewable energy industry.

"We all see an exciting opportunity for the next generation, right here in Newcastle."

The launch of the facility comes after an advanced manufacturing centre of excellence was announced for Western Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the Centre of Excellence

BREAKING! Major Hazmat Incident: Fuel Tanker Leak At Sandy Hollow

 BY IAN CROUCH

A leaking fuel tanker has sparked a major Hazmat incident at Sandy Hollow in the Upper Hunter.

Newcastle Fire Command says emergency services were called to the Golden Highway just after 3.30am on Monday where a tanker carrying 12,500 litres of diesel had ruptured, spilling fuel at the rate of 200 litres per minute.

Around 5000 litres has gone into the storm water system.

Crews managed to shift the tanker to a nearby service station which opened at 5 o'clock where the remaining load of fuel was successfully decanted into a large storage tank.

The highway was closed briefly but has now re-opened.

The Environment Protection Authority has been called to the incident.

Man Facing Court Over Alleged Possession Of Child Abuse Material and Firearms

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 23-year-old man is due to front Newcastle Local Court accused of possessing child abuse material.

Local detectives began an investigation in January 2022 after a referral from the Australian Federal Police over the alleged uploading of child abuse material through a social media platform.

Officers searched the man's Kotara home early Thursday morning, allegedly finding items related to child abuse material, five gel blaster firearms, two sets of throwing knives, a set of throwing stars and a trench knife.

The man was arrested at the home - he's been refused bail to face court today (Friday 25 October 2024) charged with 10 offences.

House Destroyed By Fire At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a home at Thornton overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 7 triple-zero calls to a single level home on fire in Woolley Close just before midnight on Thursday, with crews arriving to find flames through the roof.

Seven fire trucks and a duty commander attended the blaze which took almost three hours to fully extinguish.

The roof of the home collapsed at the height of the blaze.

Police say no-one was home at the time and a crime scene has been set up as investigators look into the cause of the fire.

BREAKING! Motorcyclist In Critical Condition After High Speed Crash At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 52-year-old man has suffered critical head and leg injuries in a high speed crash at Thornton overnight.

Emergency services were called to Haussman Drive just after 8.00pm on Wednesday.

Police say a motorbike collided with the front of a Ford Courier being reversed into a driveway.

The rider was thrown from the motorbike on impact, with the bike continuing riderless for a short period before colliding with a traffic island.

The rider was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The 65-year-old driver of the Ford was arrested and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Haussman Drive was closed for three hours while crash investigators examined the scene.

Investigations are continuing.

Muswellbrook Shire Council Frustrated Over Post Earthquake Disaster Knock Back

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two months on from a significant earthquake, Muswellbrook Shire Council is frustrated with the lack of support from the state government.

Council applied to have the 4.7 magnitude quake on August 23 declared a natural disaster, allowing residents to tap into support and make insurance claims easier.

However, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has knocked back the application saying the event didn't meet the criteria for an eligible disaster.

Many residents have also had insurance claims rejected, with insurance companies classifying the damage as pre-existing.

Mayor Jeff Drayton says Council is meeting with Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib to discuss the disaster declaration refusal and the responsibility insurance companies have to their clients.

 

Many homes and businesses suffered significant damage in the August Earthquake. Picture: Muswellbrook Chronicle

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Teen From Shortland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for help to find a teenager who's gone missing from Shortland.

14-year-old Bailey Nelson was last seen on Sandgate Road at about 8 o'clock last night.
 

Police commenced inquiries when he couldn't be located or contacted.

Bailey's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 177cm tall with a thin build, short dark brown hair and brown eyes.
 

He was last seen wearing a white/cream shirt, light green/brown shorts, black cross body bag and white joggers.
 

Bailey is known to frequent the Shortland and Newcastle areas. 

 

Missing Teen: Bailey Nelson

 

$500,000 Dollar Reward For Information Into The Death Of A Waratah Woman

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

A $500,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s responsible for the suspicious death of Cecilia Devine.

Cecilia Devine, who was also known as Kristen Pearson, was 41 when she was reported missing from Waratah on Wednesday 5 September 2018, after family and friends were unable to locate or contact her.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District immediately commenced inquiries to locate Cecilia; however, their searches were unsuccessful.

On Monday 18 March 2019, staff at a water treatment facility in Katoomba located human remains in the nearby Upper Cascade Creek Dam. 

In April 2019, police were advised the remains were that of Cecilia Devine.

Commander of Blue Mountains Police Area Command, Superintendent John Nelson, said he hoped this reward announcement would encourage anyone to come forward who may have seen Cecilia.

“Prior to her disappearance, Cecilia travelled from Newcastle to Katoomba yet we still don’t have firm evidence of how she got here, why she made the journey, or how she died,” Supt Nelson said.

“We are urging anyone who saw Cecilia at the time she was reported missing, or who has any information about her whereabouts at the time, to contact police. This information could very well be the missing puzzle piece for this investigation.

“Today’s coronial findings have handed the investigation back to police and we are committed to find the answers the NSW community and Cecilia’s family deserve,” he said.

                                                                        

                                                                    Cecilia Devine

Police Release CCTV Images Following Assault At Shoal Bay

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police have released CCTV images as they continue to investigate an assault at Shoal Bay.

They're calling on the public to help identify two females, following the incident on Sunday, July 28.

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

BREAKING! Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Stanford Merthyr

 BY IAN CROUCH

Cessnock Police are investigating an armed robbery at Stanford Merthyr.

Police have been told a man entered a service station on Mulbring Street at about 7.40pm on Wednesday and threatened an employee before demanding money.

The man left the store with an amount of cash and the worker was not injured.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Charges Laid Over Fatal Crash At Scone

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged a woman over a fatal crash near Scone earlier this month.

On Friday October 4, emergency services were called to Bunnan Road at Owens Gap to reports of a crash between a Mitsubishi Lancer and a Nissan Navara.

A front seat passenger of the Lancer, a 76-year-old woman, died at the scene while the 53-year-old female driver and a 39-year-old female passenger were airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital.

A 27-year-old man driving the Nissan and his 24-year-old female passenger were also taken to the John Hunter.

Following extensive investigations, police have a charged the 53-year-old woman with dangerous and negligent driving occasioning death and failing to keep left of dividing line.

She's due to face Muswellbrook Court on December 17. 

 

Two People Evacuated From Burning Home At Islington

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people have been evacuated after a house fire at Islington.

Newcastle Fire Command says 7 trucks were sent to Morgan Street just before 6.00pm on Tuesday where a 2 storey home was on fire.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the rear of the property and the roof space, with crews taking around two hours to extinguish and mop up the fire.

Two people were evacuated and treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

Fire investigators will arrive on Wednesday morning to look into the cause of the fire. 

Appeal Launched To Find Man Missing From Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a man who went missing from Medowie late last month.

26-year-old Johdyn Richards was last seen on Barringum Close on Wednesday September 25.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 167cm tall with a large build and brown hair and was last seen wearing an orange jacket and brown tracksuit pants.

Johdyn is known to frequent the suburbs around Charleville in Queensland and Wodonga in Victoria.

Missing man Johdyn Richards

Protesters Stand Up For Gender Rights At Wickham

 BY IAN CROUCH

Protesters have picketed a community information session at Wickham overnight amid concerns about the indoctrination of children in schools.

Former Victorian state coordinator of the the Australia One Party, Craig Cole was giving a talk at the Croation Wickham Sports Club.

He promoted the event arguing the sexualised indoctrination of children in schools needs to stop.

Around two dozen protesters gathered outside the club.

In a statement, protest organiser, Nimiah Anderson said school should be a safe learning space for all kids, including trans kids and spreading fear mongering and hateful misinformation only causes harm. 

 

Protesters gathered at Wickham on Monday night

BREAKING! Thousand Of Litres Of Fuel Spilt In Truck Crash At 12 Mile Creek

 BY IAN CROUCH

A major Hazmat incident is unfolding at 12 Mile Creek north of Raymond Terrace where two trucks have collided.

Newcastle Fire Command says a truck and fuel tanker collided in the northbound lanes of the Pacific Highway just south of the Bucketts Way at about 7.00am on Monday.

It's understood the drivers have been treated by paramedics and one has been taken to hospital.

Fire & Rescue says the tanker has spilled 26,000 litres of fuel on the road.

Northbound traffic on the highway is back for 5 kilometres and police are setting up a contra flow.

Several fire and Hazmat vehicles are at the scene, with the incident expected to be protracted for some hours.

Teenage Girl Missing From Muswellbrook

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from Muswellbrook.

Alea Picket, aged 14, was last seen on Ford Street, Muswellbrook, about 12.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 October 2024).

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Alea is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Muswellbrook area.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

                                                                           

                                                                     Alea Picket

                                                                

BREAKING! Furniture Factory at Kurri Kurri Goes Up In Flames

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has ripped through a furniture factory at Kurri Kurri overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says more than 50 firefighters have been working on the blaze at the Resourceful Living factory in Northcote Street since just after 11.00pm on Thursday.

They managed to achieve fire control at about 3.15am on Friday.

Seven appliances are still at the scene with crews attempting to extinguish hot spots - a task made more difficult due to the roof of the building collapsing at the height of the blaze.

Police say no-one's been injured and local traffic diversions are in place.

However, one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

The fire is being treated as suspicious. 

Fire crews battle the fierce blaze at Kurri Kurri. Picture: Kearsley Fire & Rescue

Man Facing Court Over Alleged Property Offences In New Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man will face court later this month accused of attempting to break into homes and cars at New Lambton.

Police say two men attempted to enter homes and vehicles on Duke Street and Henderson Place early last Tuesday morning.

Investigations led to a the search of a unit on Christo Road at Waratah yesterday (Wednesday 9 October, 2024) where police say clothing and jewellery were seized along with a key to a vehicle reported stolen from Rankin Park last Thursday.

A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with several offences including attempted break and enter in company, larceny, goods in custody and breaching bail.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on October 17.

Investigations are continuing.

BREAKING! Windale Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a house at Windale overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were alerted to the fire in the single level fibro home on Sturt Street just after 2.30am on Thursday.

More than 30 firefighters from five stations and the Newcastle Hazmat unit were called to the incident, taking around 90 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze.

The residents were not home when the fire broke out.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and the Fire Rescue Investigation Unit and Forensic Police are looking into how the fire started.

BREAKING! Crews Battling Garage Fire At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are battling a garage fire at Medowie.

Newcastle Fire Command says firefighters from Raymond Terrace and an RFS crew from Medowie were called to Overland Avenue at about 4.45am on Wednesday to find a 10 x 20 metre detached garage well alight.

Crews have been tackling the blaze in defensive mode from outside the building for almost an hour but are expected to move to offensive mode soon.

It's understood the fire is contained to the garage and a 5 bedroom brick and tile home on the property has not been impacted.

Police and ambulance crews are also at the scene.

UPDATE! Concerns For Woman Missing From Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Great News!

Police have advised that Catherine has been found safe and well.

They've thanked the  public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for public assistance to find a woman who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

48-year-old Catherine Copeland was last seen at Rutherford at 3.00pm on Monday 7 October, 2024, and police were notified when she couldn't be located or contacted.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare.

Catherine's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a solid build and shoulder length red hair.

She's known to frequent the Rutherford, Nundle Hanging Rock and Tamworth areas.

If you've seen Catherine or know where she is call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing woman Catherine Copeland

Newcastle Electoral Roll Missing: Voters Warned

 BY JORDAN REGNIS and IAN CROUCH

It's feared the data of more than 30,000 electors enrolled to vote in Newcastle Council's Ward Three could fall into the wrong hands, after a printed roll used to mark off electors went missing.

The data on the roll includes the voter's identification number, full name, address, date of birth and sex.

For silent electors, the data includes their identification number, full name and sex

The roll was raised as potentially unaccounted for after a polling place was packed down at the end of election day.

The NSW Electoral Commission has urged those affected to be on alert for the possible misuse of their personal details.

The Commission is contacting affected individuals directly by mail, with details on what steps they can take to protect their personal information.

It is also working with police and the NSW Privacy Commissioner.

There data covers 30,971 electors covering Birmingham Gardens, Georgetown, Jesmond, Hamilton North, Kotara, Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, North Lambton, Rankin Park Wallsend(part), Waratah and Waratah West.

 

The data of more than 30,000 electors in Ward 3 of the Newcastle LGA may have been compromised

Three Teens Arrested Over Pursuit In Alleged Stolen Car At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested three teenage boys following a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car at Kurri Kurri overnight.

Officers spotted the car on Deakin Street at about 12.20am on Tuesday, but say the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit began.

The chase went through several suburbs before the car stopped in Love Street at Cessnock.

The driver, a 19-year-old man, and two male passengers aged 16 were arrested.

The man's been charged with police pursuit, unlicensed driving, drug possession and car theft.

he's been refused bail to face Cessnock Court today.

One of the 16-year-old boys is facing the children's court today - the other will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Origin Pulls Out Of Hunter Hydrogen Hub Project

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Orica says it remains open to holding discussions with interested parties to progress the Hunter Hydrogen Hub after Origin Energy announced it's walking away from the project.

The energy giant sited the slow pace of development for commercial hydrogen as the reason from withdrawing from $207 million joint project at Kooragang Island.

A spokeswoman for Energy Minister, Chris Bowen said the decision is disappointing for workers and businesses involved in developing the hub.

In a statement, Shadow Energy Minister Ted O'Brien said Origin's decision to walk away from the project is a blow to the government's renewable energy goals and puts Australia's energy security in jeopardy. 

 

The future of the Hunter Hydrogen Hub is in doubt after Origin pulled out of the project

BREAKING! Four People Injured In Car and Truck Smash At Bar Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

Four people have been injured in a serious crash at Bar Point on the Central Coast.

A car travelling in the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway crashed into a rock wall just before 3.00am on Friday.

A truck loaded with laundry then collided with the car before coming to a stop about 400 metres down the road.

Three people in the car sustained head, leg and arm injuries.

It's understood the person with a head injury is being taken to hospital after suffering a seizure.

The truck driver suffered leg injuries.

Two of three southbound lanes were closed for almost two hours while a salvage operation continued to recover the car and the truck.

All southbound lanes of the motorway re-opened just before 5.00am.

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Young Girl Missing From Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 12-year-old girl reported missing from Lambton has been found safe and well in Waratah West.

She was last seen at Lambton Swimming Pool on Thursday morning and police and family held concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Police say she was located just after 4.30am on Friday.

EARLIER:

Fears are growing for the welfare of a young girl who's gone missing from Lambton.

12-year-old Lara Sutton was last seen at the Lambton Pool in Durham Road at about 11.30am on Thursday and the alarm was raised when she couldn't be located or contacted.

Lara's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build, brown hair and blue eyes.

She's known to frequent the Waratah West, Woodrising and Toronto areas.

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

Missing girl Lara Sutton

CCTV released in investigation into storage shed break-ins

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police have released CCTV images of two men they believe were involved in multiple break-ins at storage sheds at Morisset last week.

Two men broke into 12 storage units after entering a facility on Advantage Drive last Wednesday (September 25).

Anyone with information which may help identify them is being urged to contact crime stoppers.

Crews Called To Commercial Laundry Fire At Hamilton South

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters say an overnight fire at a Hamilton South commercial laundry could've been much worse.

Around 20 firefighters from three stations, including the ladder platform from Newcastle, were called to Ezy Laundry in Hassall Street just before 10.00pm on Tuesday.

They had to force entry to the premises, where they found a dryer on fire.

It's taken about an hour to douse the flames and ventilate the heavily smoke-logged premises.

The fire was contained to the dryer, which was destroyed in the blaze along a customer's clothing.

A dryer and a customer's clothes were destroyed by fire at the Ezy Laundry outlet at Hamilton South

Appeal to locate two missing girls who could be in the Hunter

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Police believe two teenage girls missing from the Central Coast could be in the Hunter region.

13 year old Brodie Monger and 14 year old Mailey Gelder were last seen at Davistown late Sunday night.

They've both been described as Caucasian in appearance, about 140 to 150 centimeters tall, with shoulder-length brown hair.

Mailey was last seen wearing black track pants and a black hoodie.

They're known to frequent East Maitland and the Central Coast.

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

Brodie Monger. Credit: NSW Police

Mailey Gelder. Credit: NSW Police

Man missing from Thornton as police appeal for assistance

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 21-year-old man missing from the Hunter.

Eli Elliott was last seen in Thornton on Monday September 30. When he could not be contacted, officers commenced inquiries into his whereabouts. His family hold concerns for his welfare.

He's known to frequent East Maitland and Thornton, and is being described as of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of a thin build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing grey track pants and a grey hooded jumper.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Eli Elliott. Credit: NSW Police

Two Men To Front Court Over Alleged Home Invasion At Macquarie Hills

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men are due to face court today (Tuesday 1 October, 2024) over their part in an alleged home invasion at Macquarie Hills.

Police were called to a home in Alhambra Avenue just after 3.30am on Monday.

They say a man and woman aged 35 and 34 were assaulted with a knife after two men forced their way into the home.

The man was taken to hospital with a stab wound to his right shoulder - the woman was treated at the scene for a minor injury.

Following inquiries, two men aged 27 and 28 were arrested.

They were taken to Tornoto Police Station and charged with enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other

They've been refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today.