UPDATE! Firefighters Called To Lake Macquarie Administration Centre At Speers Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

Numerous fire crews have been called to reports of a fire at the Lake Macquarie City Council Administration Centre at Speers Point.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the centre in Main Road at about 4.00am on Wednesday to find fires on the ground floor and level one of the building

The incident has prompted a major emergency response with fire crews from Cardiff, Teralba, Tingira Heights, Charlestown and Holmesville in attendance along with a number of specialist units.

Crews achieved fire control at 5.15 and are now ventilating the building

The Fire Investigation Unit has been called in and police are also looking into the cause of the fire.

Council CEO Morven Cameron says staff at the Administration Centre will work from home today and the centre will be closed for the time being for walk-in customers.

Council's Customer Service line is also out of action, but work is under way to get it back on line.

UPDATE! Search To Resume For Missing Boatie At Valentine

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Emergency services involved in the search for a missing boatie on Lake Macquarie have located a body.

A major search resumed on Tuesday morning for the 60-year-old man who was last seen attempting to swim to a tinny which had separated from a mooring in the lake off the Croudace Bay Dog Park at Valentine on Monday afternoon.

Police say the man had been attempting to recover a yacht which had run aground a week ago..

Around 7.30am on Tuesday, a body, believed to be that of the missing man, was located near a boat ramp at Valentine..

The man is yet to be formally identified.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

EARLIER:

A police operation will resume this morning from 8.00am (Tuesday 26 November, 2024) for a missing boatie in Lake Macquarie.

Around 5.00pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Croudace Bay Dog Park at Valentine following reports of a man in the water.

Police were told a 60-year-old man had been attempting to recover a yacht, which had run aground a week ago, when the blue and yellow tinny he was using separated from the mooring.

He was last seen swimming towards the tinny when a witness lost sight of him.

Officers along with Water Police, Marine Rescue and the Hunter's Westpac Rescue helicopter conducted an extensive land and sea search.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers.

 

Port Exclusion Zone Overturned But Police Remain Firm On Unlawful Activity

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are again urging protesters not to enter Newcastle Harbour despite the Supreme Court overturning an exclusion zone imposed by the state government.

Rising Tide was successful in it's 11th hour bid to have the zone ruled invalid as it was beyond the powers of the Marine Safety Act designed to protect the public during special events such as yacht races and on-water fireworks displays.

It means the protest flotilla can go ahead, with hundreds of protesters expected to take to the water from 10am today (Friday 22 November, 2024).

However yesterday's Supreme Court ruling doesn't overturn the court's decision of November 7 prohibiting both the land and water component of the public assembly.

In a statement, Police say they will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels, and those who take part in unlawful activity risk fines or imprisonment.

Protesters took to the water off Horseshoe Beach yesterday under the watchful eye of police. Picture ACM

Oakvale Chook Thrower Sentenced For Animal Cruelty

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Singleton grandfather who threw a live chicken into an alligator enclosure at Oakvale Wildlife Park in January has been sentenced in Raymond Terrace Court.

Footage shows 58-year-old Peter Smith placing the silkie bantam chicken known as Betty White inside his buttoned up shirt before walking over to the enclosure and tossing it into the pond in front of horrified onlookers.

One of two alligators inside the enclosure then snapped the hen in its mouth, killing it instantly.

Mr Smith pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty, with the magistrate saying there was a degree of sadism involved.

He's been sentenced to 9 months gaol to be served in the community and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. 

Peter Smith has been sentenced to 9 months gaol for animal cruelty to be served in the community

UPDATE! Police Arrest Two People As Investigations Continue Into Fatal Stabbing At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Two people have been charged over the alleged fatal stabbing of a man at Hamilton at the weekend.

Emergency services had been called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday  and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. 

He died in hospital at short time later.

Following inquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested at Waratah Police Station about 11am yesterday (Monday 18 November 2024).

The man, from North Lambton, has now been charged with murder and has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court later today.

About 5:10pm yesterday, a 33-year-old woman was arrested at a bus stop at Bankstown.

She was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with murder and has been refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

EARLIER:

Confronting video has surfaced on social media capturing the moments leading up to Sunday's fatal stabbing at Hamilton.

A group of people are seen having a physical altercation in the middle of Beaumont Street at about 2.40am, and others can be heard yelling.

It's understood the mobile phone video has been provided to police as part of their investigation.

A 22-year-old man suffered critical stab wounds and later died in hospital.

Investigators have again appealed for anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.

A screenshot from confronting video circulating on social media

Appeal For Man Missing For Three Weeks In Hunter Valley

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are stepping up the search for man who's been missing in the region for three weeks.

68-year-old Gavin Moresby-White was last seen on Greg Stairs Road at Gungal - 50km west of Muswellbrook - at about 10.30am on Tuesday October 29.

It wasn't until last Friday that concerns were raised for his welfare, with police and family saying his disappearance is out of character.

Gavin's Toyota Camry was later found abandoned on Greg Stairs Road.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a medium build and balding with white hair.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers.

Gavin Moresby-White has been missing for 3 weeks

Mandate From The Federal Government Could See Hunter Businesses Required To Accept Cash for Essential Goods

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Hunter businesses could soon be required to accept cash for essential items like fuel and groceries.

It comes as the Federal Government moves to begin consultation on the mandate before the end of the year, while also planning to phase out cheques by 2029.

While still legal tender, there's currently no legislative requirement for businesses to accept cash as payment.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says mandating the use of cash could be seen as inconvenient for some businesses, despite the benefits for older generations.

"It's just not convenient to be handling cash these days and those costs need to be considered.

"It could be seen as an overreach by some and in other cases it is a defensive mechanism which I can understand, particularly in the case of older people who are used to using cash and do not want to entertain the prospect of entering the digital market for their transactions."

House Destroyed By Fire At Aberdare

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

Three people have been saved from a fire that has destroyed a home at Aberdare.

The blaze broke out just after 9.00 am on Friday morning in the large single-story residence on Greta Street.

More than 30 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters and 10 fire trucks responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls to the home on fire.

Upon arrival, FRNSW crews found the house fully engulfed with fire, with large volumes of smoke issuing from the property.

Firefighters quickly got to work to extinguish the blaze but were forced to withdraw to a safer position after the roof collapsed.

Investigations will continue to determine the cause of the fire. 

                                      Picture by Peter Lorimer

Search For Man Missing From The Hunter Valley

BY JORDAN REGNIS

A multi-agency search is underway to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley.

Keith Banks, aged 81, was last seen leaving a home on Stewarts Road, Woolooma, about 1pm on Monday.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to him living with dementia and requires medicatication.

Inquiries reveal he went to a service station at Gundy about 1:30pm on Monday before driving away.

Following inquiries his dark grey Honda Civic sedan was found bogged in bushland about 4pm yesterday.

A land search began at 8am today at Upper Rouchel in the Upper Hunter.

Local police are being assisted by Police Rescue, PolAir and the NSW State Emergency Service.

Anyone with information into Keith's whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

                                                                   Keith Banks

Stockton Ferry Price Hike Scrapped

 BY IAN CROUCH

Plans to increase fares for the Stockton Ferry have been scrapped.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal was proposing a 7% increase, which translates to a 21cent rise per trip.

IPART says it received particularly strong feedback on the proposal, with Newcastle Council arguing  the ferry was the only viable sustainable transport option for people travelling between Newcastle and northern residential areas.

The IPART backdown came when the benefits of the 650 metre ferry trip outweighed the cost of longer road commutes, pollution and congestion.

Missing Sydney Teen Could Be In Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who they believe may have travelled to the Hunter from Sydney.

14-year-old Christian Nicholls from Carlton was last seen getting on a train at Central at about 9.45am on Tuesday 11 November, 2024.

Police believe he may have travelled to Maitland.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age and because he lives with a medical condition.

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

Christian was last seen wearing cream-coloured pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and black shoes and was carrying a brown Nike bag.

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

 

Missing teen Christian Nichols

 

Major Repairs Begin On Broken Sewer Main At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

The westbound lanes of Donald Street at Hamilton will be closed between Lawson and Beaumont Street for up to 10 days from 7.00am today (Wednesday 13 November, 2024) as major repairs get under way on a broken sewer line.

Hunter Water says a section of sewer main has collapsed under the road, with essential repairs involving the deep excavation of a 25 metre long pit to reach the damaged section

Crews will work around the clock for about 10 days, weather permitting, to remove and replace the sewer main.

Traffic diversions will be in place for light vehicles via Lawson and Cleary Streets, and Beaumont and Samdon Streets. 

BREAKING! 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded In Muswellbrook

BY JORDAN REGNIS

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Muswellbrook a little after 1pm today.

The quake has caused more than 2500 homes and businesses to lose power in Muswellbrook, Denman, Jerry's Plains, Bureen and Bengalla.

Ausgrid crews have been working to restore power which is expected to be back up and running by 2:30pm.

Today's quake comes after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake saw thousands lose power in Muswellbrook on August 23.

                             Picture GeoScience Australia

Missing Man From Taree

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

Newcastle Police have commenced inquiries into a man reported missing from Taree and are calling for public assistance to help find him.

22-year-old Izayah Paulson was last seen in Taree about 1pm on Saturday.

He's described as being of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, brown hair and brown eyes.

He has a tattoo with the word 'Paulson' down his spine and another one with the letters VL on his left hand.

Police believe Izayah may be in the Taree or Wingham areas.

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

Protesters To Face Hefty Fine And Gaol For Blocking Railways

 BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is cracking down on people who block and disrupt railway lines following recent protests on the Hunter Valley rail network.

The government will introduce new legislation this week which will put in place a maximum fine of $22,000 for the offence of obstructing a railway.

People found guilty of the offence would face up to two years gaol, a $22,000 fine, or both.

Currently, the offence does not specify a fine under the Crimes Act.

The new law will also cover people found to have assisted those who directly commit the offence.

Protesters face big penalties for blocking railway lines in future

Man Facing Court Accused Of Attempted Robbery In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 25-year-old man is behind bars awaiting a court appearance accused of an attempted robbery in Newcastle.

Police were called to Perkins Street on Friday where it's alleged a man was standing next to his car when he was approached by an unknown man armed with a syringe.

He got into the car and tried to start it.

The owner of the vehicle, who still had the keys, locked the man inside and called police.

It's alleged the same man tried to enter a vehicle of a woman a short time earlier.

He was arrested after a brief struggle.

Police say he was in possession of methamphetamine along with ID and bank cards believed to be stolen.

Two Men Flee After Crash At Teralba

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men are on the run after a single vehicle crash at Teralba overnight.

Emergency services were called to Railway Street just before 7.00pm on Monday to reports a Volkswagen Golf had collided heavily with a parked vehicle and a tree before crashing into a fence just metres away from a house.

Witnesses have told police they saw two men flee from the car, one appeared to be injured.

Police have canvassed local hospitals and hope to speak to the registered owner of the car today (Tuesday 12 November, 2024) as part of their investigation.

 

The front and rear of the Volkswagen Golf was badly damaged in a crash at Teralba. Picture Teralba Fire & Rescue

Concerns For Missing Elderly Man In Upper Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are asking for help to find an elderly man who's gone missing from the region.

81-year-old Keith Banks was last seen leaving his home on Stewarts Road at Woolooma east of Scone at about 1pm on Monday 11 November, 2024 driving a dark grey Honda sedan with the NSW registration AN 26 CT.

There are serious concerns for Keith's welfare as he lives with dementia and requires medication.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with a slim build and grey shoulder length hair.

Keith was last seen wearing a blue checkered puffer jacket, dark jeans and closed footwear.

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

Missing man Keith Banks

Police Investigate Death Of Hunter Motorcyclist At Nabiac

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner after the body of a Hunter motorcyclist was found a Nabiac.

A passing cyclist noticed the body of a man lying in scrub about 4 metres from the Pacific Highway on Saturday morning and alerted police.

A damaged motorcycle was found several metres further on.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted in coming days to establish the cause of death and identity of the man, however initial inquiries indicate he is in his 40's from the Hunter region.

It's believed the crash may have happened up to two days before the man's body was found.

Large Shed Up In Flames At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of firefighters are working to extinguish a large shed fire at Muswellbrook.

Crews were called to a property on Bengalla Road just before 4.00am on Monday to find a 30 x 10 metre shed fully involved in fire.

The shed contains hay and machinery.

Several RFS crews and Fire and Rescue personnel from Muswellbrook and Denman are at the scene and along with police and ambulance paramedics.

Newcastle Fire Command says a truck has been destroyed and a tractor damaged along with two balers.

Money Confirmed For Permanent Dredge For Swansea

 BY IAN CROUCH

Long suffering boat owners who've struggled with the ongoing silting up of Swansea Channel are getting some welcome news today.

The Albanese government is fulfilling a 2022 election promise to fund a permanent dredge, with Shortland MP Pat Conroy and Hunter MP, Dan Repacholi to make an official announcement at Pelican on Friday morning.

$10 million will not only buy dredging infrastructure, it will also fund the design, manufacture and installation of a sand transfer pipeline to Blacksmiths Beach and the replacement of the Blacksmiths Boat Ramp.

The dredge project will be put out to tender early in the new year.

Concerns For Missing Teen From Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a missing schoolgirl from the Maitland area.

Emma Thompson was last seen at Maitland High School at about 1pm on Wednesday 6 November, 2024, and police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being 155cm tall with a slim build, weighing about 40kgs and with brownish blonde hair.

Emma was last seen wearing a white school shirt and black shorts and was carrying a bag.

Police say she's not in trouble, they just need to find her and ensure she's safe and well.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police Station.

Missing Teen Emma Thompson

 

Teen Charged Over Maitland Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged a teenager following a serious crash at Maitland on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to The Long Bridge on High Street after a motorbike and an allegedly stolen Toyota Hilux utility collided.

A 58-year-old  man who was riding the bike suffered a traumatic leg injury and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for surgery.

A 16-year-old boy allegedly driving the ute was taken to Maitland Hospital under police guard.

Officers attended the hospital yesterday (Wednesday 6 November, 2024) where they charged the boy with a raft of offences including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

 

Police Investigate Vandalism Spree Across Kahibah

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a vandalism spree across Kahibah overnight, with the tyres of several cars slashed.

Officers were alerted to a group of young people reportedly slashing car tyres at about 10.45pm on Wednesday.

Around 20 vehicles were damaged in Frith Street, Beath Crescent, Wallsend Street and Hexham Street.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area to contact Crime Stoppers.

People with information should quote the police reference E98623626

BREAKING! Major Aircraft Emergency At RAAF Base Williamtown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to reports of a defence aircraft in distress circling the Williamtown RAAF Base.

Police say an E-7A Wedgetail with ten crew on board lost cabin pressure at about 12.30pm on Wednesday.

It's understood oxygen masks were deployed and the aircraft circled the RAAF base for about 25 minutes until it was deemed safe to land.

The aircraft touched down just before one o'clock.

It is not clear if any of the crew have been injured.

Police say ambulance paramedics are assessing ten people at the scene.

The E-7A Wedgetail made a safe landing at Williamtown

 

Hunter MP Hosts Energy Hubs Briefing In Canberra

 BY IAN CROUCH

Federal Hunter MP Dan Repacholi and Member for Indi Helen Haines will host a briefing at Parliament House at lunchtime on Wednesday looking at the need for Energy Hubs in regional areas.

Farmers and regional communities are living in the thick of the shift to renewable energy and farmers, retired coal workers and local government representatives will travel to Canberra to explain why they need Energy Hubs in their communities.

Local Energy Hubs would provide a network of outreach centres to help communities navigate the switch to renewable energy and the impact of transmission projects in their regions while helping households lower energy bills. 

Federal Hunter MP Dan Repacholi

Man Dies In Single Vehicle Crash At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died in a single vehicle crash at Singleton overnight.

Police say the 56-year-old man was behind the wheel of a Isuzu ute on Dangar Road at about 8.00pm on Tuesday when the vehicle crashed into a parked car before hitting a fence.

Paramedics arrived a short time later but were not able to revive the man.

Police believe he suffered a medical episode in the lead-up to the crash.

A post mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

Muswellbrook Council Awaits Decision On Disaster Declaration Application Review

 BY IAN CROUCH

Muswellbrook Shire Council is hoping to hear this week if its Natural Disaster application review has been successful.

A planned meeting with Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dibb was brought forward after the NSW Reconstruction Authority knocked back Council's application to have the August 23 earthquake declared a Natural Disaster because it didn't meet the criteria.

Part of the reason the declaration was refused is because council included damage to sports infrastructure which is not allowable.

Mayor, Jeff Dryaton says council's claim for damage to roads and infrastructure alone meets the required threshold of just under a quarter of a million dollars, and the minister is supporting a review of the decision.

"He was of a view that there may have been a bit of misunderstanding on what could and couldn't be claimed or accepted by Local Government to be able to meet that threshold, and certainly we're confident now we can meet that threshold and have that natural disaster declared," he said.

Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton

UPDATE! Emergency Services Called To Serious Crash At Maitland: Teenager Arrested

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following a serious crash at Maitland.

Emergency services were called to The Long Bridge on High Street at about 6.15am on Tuesday where a white Toyota Hilux Utility and a motor scooter collided.

The 58-year-old male rider was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested near the scene -police allege he was driving the utility which was reported stolen from Pelaw Main overnight.

He's been taken to Maitland Hospital under police guard for injuries, as well as mandatory testing.

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash at Maitland.

A car and scooter collided near the intersection of High Street and Regent Street just after 6.30.am on Tuesday.

NSW Ambulance says the 58-year-old male scooter has suffered significant injuries to his right leg.

He's been transported by road ambulance to Rutherford Airport where the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter will fly him to the John Hunter Hospital.

High Street is closed to traffic between Regent and Hannan Streets.

Fifth Man Charged Over Alleged Kidnapping At Rutherford

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police have charged a fifth man over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a man at Rutherford earlier this year.

On February 28, police located a 38-year-old man near Greta suffering serious injuries.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for the treatment of facial injuries, bruising, lacerations, and a stab wound to his leg.

Police allege that the man was forced into a vehicle in the Rutherford area on February 27, before he was taken to a premises in Metford where he was allegedly drugged and assaulted, before later being released.

Following extensive inquiries three men - aged 26, 35 and 53 - were charged over their alleged involvement and remain before the courts.

A fourth man, aged 32, was also charged; however, no longer remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries by police, a fifth man was arrested on Main Road, Cardiff, about 3.40pm yesterday.

The 29-year-old was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with kidnap in company with intent.

He remains behind bars after being refused bail during his appearance in Belmont Local Court today.

                                           

CCTV footage released earlier this year as part of a public appeal for information. Picture supplied by NSW Police

Picture supplied by NSW Police

Police Release Image Of Man Wanted For Questioning Over Kurri Kurri Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in relation to a fire which devastated a Kurri Kurri business last month.

Around 50 firefighters battled the blaze at the Resourceful Living recycled furniture factory in Northcote Street on Thursday Oct 10.

At the time, Police said the blaze was suspicious.

They've now released a photo of man who they believe can assist with their investigation.

Anyone who may be able to identify the man is urged to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries into the Kurri Kurri fire