BREAKING! Gel Blaster Machine Gun Found at Bar Beach, Man Arrested Following Elermore Vale Operation

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

A man will front Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 7 February 2025) after shots were fired at a home in Newcastle last month.

At about 4:30am on Wednesday 29 January, police were called to a home on Lake Road, Elermore Vale following reports of shots being fired.

Upon arrival, officers from the Newcastle City Police District found projectiles had struck the front of a house and vehicle.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced by Newcastle City Detectives under Strike Force Balgo.

Following inquiries, a 43-year-old man was arrested in Newcastle at about 4:30pm yesterday (February 6 225) and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Bar Beach and seized five firearms, including two rifles, two pistols and a gel blaster machine gun, various firearm parts, ammunition and a NSW Police issued baseball cap. A silver Holden Commodore Utility was also seized with the items to be forensically examined.

The man was hit with 15 offences, including fire firearm at dwelling house with disregards for safety, possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without permit possess prohibited drug and wearing a police uniform when not a police officer and goods in custody.

He's been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Friday February 7 2025).

(photos from Police Multimedia) 

CORRECTION: Earlier this morning 2NURFM Hunter News reported a machine gun had been found. In fact, it was a machine gun.

Second Man Charged Over Council Building Fire

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A second man's been charged following investigations into the alleged arson of Lake Macquarie Council Chambers in November last year.

The fire has forced Council to hold meetings offsite after damage in excess of $12 million was sustained, with Council still convening at Windale while repair work is underway.

Following the blaze, police established Strike Force Komiatum, which issued public appeals for information last month.

Late yesterday afternoon, detectives arrested a 43-year-old man at Newcastle. He was charged with destroying property in company with use of fire, and was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

It comes as a 53-year-old Maitland man remains before the courts, also charged over the fire.

Police say inquiries are ongoing.

Council chambers after fire in November. Credit: LMCC

Appeal for Help Over Missing Woman From Charlestown

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Police are appealing for public help to locate a missing woman last located at Charlestown.

Carley Haenga, aged 41, was last seen at Charlestown Square in Pearson Street yesterday afternoon.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

She's being described as of Caucasian appearance, large build with long black hair and brown eyes.

She's known to frequent Merewether, Charlestown and Hamilton South.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Carley Haenga. Credit: NSW Police

Maitland Mayor Blasts Federal Government Over Urgent Care Clinic Petition

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A petition for a medicare urgent care clinic has been announced by Federal MP Meryl Swanson, to provide Maitland and Port Stephens residents with affordable access to health care.

But critics say access to a free clinic has been needed in the region for years.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says the region already has a clinic, but it charges a high fee.

"We have a private provider... the problem is the fee is $350, and not everybody can afford that," he said.

"I'm sick and tired of the people of Maitland being sick and tired.

"If Ms Swanson supposedly had the ear of the Prime Minister, she shouldn't need a petition to get something done.

"This Government needs to step up," he said. 

 

Medicare cards. Credit: SBS

Appeal for Help to Locate Missing Teenager

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Port Stephens officers are searching for missing teenager.

Jessy, aged 17, was last seen at Maitland on Thursday last week (January 30). He's described as 160 centimetres tall, thin build with bigger arms, short brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers or Port Stephens Hunter Police District.

Jessy, aged 17. Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police District.

Appeal for Information Following Police Operation at Elermore Vale

BY PETER HYSLOP

Detectives are appealing for information after a police operation at Elermore Vale which closed Lake Road for hours on Wednesday morning last week (January 29).

At about 4:30am, officers were called to the road following reports of shots fired. On arrival, police found projectiles had struck the front of a house and a vehicle. No one was injured.

As inquiries continue, police say they're looking for the driver of a grey Holden Commodore ute seen at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Lake Road at Elermore Vale looking North. Credit: Google Maps

Sixth Person Charged Over Alleged Murder of James Callahan

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A sixth person has been charged over the alleged tragic murder of James Callahan at Hamilton in November last year.

Yesterday afternoon police stopped a vehicle on Albert Street in Lambton, where a 39-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station. She was charged with murder, principal in the second degree.

Officers say inquiries are ongoing under Strike Force Mannum. Five people are already before the courts. They include three men aged between 27 and 43, and two women.

James Callaghan. Picture by Sandie Callahan via Facebook

Teen To Front Court Over Alleged Stabbing At Raymond Terrace

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager is due to front court today (Tuesday 4 February, 2025) charged with reckless wounding following the alleged assault of two men at Raymond Terrace.

Police say two men aged 31 were attacked on Benjamin Lee Drive near Lakeside Park in the early hours of Sunday morning - one of them was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition with a stab wound to his back.

The second man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Following extensive inquiries, police went to a home in Raymond Terrace yesterday afternoon and arrested a 17-year-old boy.

He's been refused bail to face the children's court today.

Liddell Battery Given Green Light

BY JJ PILLAY 

The State's Planning department has approved the demolition of Liddell Power Station and replacing the site with a large scale battery complex. 

Construction of the battery is expected to begin in December 2025 according to operator AGL. It's designed to be a 500 megawatt, two hour duration grid scale battery. 

More than 95% of steel will be sourced locally, and more than 150 workers will be involved with the project at a cost of approximately 750 million dollars. 

The project will be the first new development built as a part of the Hunter Energy Hub after Liddell was retired in April 2023. 

It comes after the Coalition announced they would forcibly acquire the site for a nuclear power station if elected to Government.

Concept design of the battery. Credit: AGL

Nuatali Nelmes Resigns From Newcastle Council

 BY IAN CROUCH

Former Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes has today advised Council and the NSW Electoral Commission of her resignation from Council.

Ms Nelmes was elected to council in 2008 at the age of 32 and has served the city for more than 16 years, becoming the second female Lord Mayor in the city's history from a by-election in 2014. Her tenure came to an end when she was defecated at the 2024 Local Government elections.

In a statement released today, Ms Nelmes cited her leadership of the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading the implementation of a $15.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Program, which was supported by an expanded capital works program. Her leadership also facilitated a record $375 million in infrastructure works during her final term, contributing to over $1 billion in infrastructure investment across a decade. 

Ms Nelmes also includes The Bather's Way development and overseeing Council's switch to 100% renewable energy as other notable achievements during her time as Lord Mayor.

She says it's been an honour and a privilege to serve the city as the youngest ever person to be elected as Lord Mayor in Australia.

“I’m extremely proud of the progress we have made during my time as Lord Mayor. Over the last decade, I’ve had the honour of leading a dedicated team that has worked tirelessly to build a more sustainable, inclusive and thriving city. During this period, we transformed the City through astute financial management and collaboration, delivering on our shared vision where everyone is welcomed and valued, she said.”

Following the resignation of Nuatlai Nelmes, the NSW Electoral Commission will conduct a countback from last years' Local Government election which is likely to result in the appointment of Peta Winney-Baartz to fill the vacant position left on council.

 

Nuatali Nelmes has resigned from Newcastle Council

Elderly Woman Taken To Hospital After House Fire At Kahibah

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly woman has been taken to hospital following a house fire at Kahibah.

Emergency services were called to a single story cladding and iron home on Burwood Street just after 7.30pm on Sunday to find smoke issuing from the property.

An 80-year-old woman was evacuated from the house and treated for smoke inhalation and shock before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Crews from Charlestown, Lambton and Merewether took about 2 hours to fully extinguish and mop up the fire, which caused damage to the front and rear of the property.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Intersection Near Adamstown Rail Gates Set for Safety Upgrades

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The notorious intersection between Glebe Road and Park Avenue at the Adamstown rail gates is being given an upgrade.

Newcastle Council admits while it doesn't have powers to provide an overpass instead of the gates, it's hoped new traffic lights synced with the crossing will improve traffic flow.

Newcastle Mayor Ross Kerridge says he hopes the upgrades will go a long way to fixing the crash black spot.

"There have been a lot of accidents here over the years, we all know about that," he said.

"[We're] putting in traffic lights which will be coordinated with the gates mainly to improve safety.

"It's not going to be a magic solution to the traffic problems here, but it will make it safer," he said.

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the intersection in peak periods.

The project will include a realignment of the intersection to accommodate the traffic lights and the construction of a new median on Glebe Road.

Adamstown rail gates

Mayor Ross Kerridge and Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon announcing the upgrades

Bonnells Bay Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young family has escaped with their lives after fire engulfed a home at Bonnells Bay on Thursday night.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the two-level home in Wood Street at about 6.45pm to find a fire which is believed to have started in a caravan adjacent to the property had quickly spread to the house.

Police say the six occupants of the home were evacuated without injury.

Fire and Rescue Acting Superintendent Matt Sigmund says crews mounted a search and rescue operation following initial reports of a person trapped inside.

"Subsequent inquires confirmed all persons had evacuated the dwelling," he said.

It's taken more than 5 hours to extinguish the blaze.

Two crews remain at the scene on Friday morning to extinguish hot spots.

A crime scene has been established, and police and fire investigators will be called in later this morning to determine the cause of the fire.

The scene of the fire on Thursday night Picture Peninsula RFS

Calls for Fire Station at Medowie

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The State's Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) is calling for better coverage of the Port Stephens region including a station at Medowie, following a tragic house fire.

On Sunday, 62-year-old Russell Magrath died after he couldn't be saved from his home, which was well alight by the time crews arrived.

State Secretary Leighton Drury has told 2NURFM minutes are precious in crew responses, but calls directed at the State Government for a station have fallen on deaf ears.

"We've been calling for extra resources for the Medowie area for a number of years now," he said.

"Medowie has over 10,000 people, thousands of dwellings, and certainly extra resources are critical in times like this.

"Unfortunately it's crickets from the Minister. They need to fund the services that will keep people safe," he said.

Appeal for Help to find Missing Teenager from Hunter Valley

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are appealing for public assistance to find a missing teenager from the Hunter Valley.

Jordan, aged 14, was last seen at Lochinvar at about 8pm on January 20.

He's known to frequent the Newcastle and Maitland areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is being asked to contact Port Stephens Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Credit: Port Stephens Police District

The Paramedic's Union says new push from the State Government falls short

  BY JOHN THOMAS

To assist with staff shortages in the Hunter, the state government is giving the region 12 additional Paramedics and has set up a temporary ambulance site at Sandgate while the new station at Gateshead remains under construction.

The Paramedics Union has been critical of these changes saying they aren't as effective as promised and complaining about a lack of information.

Minister for the Hunter and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says this new push from the Government includes new stations being built in the Hunter.

However the Union says it's not clear when these new stations will be built.

A legacy of service is being remembered after the passing of Sister Carmel Hanson

 BY CLAUDIA PERRY

Founder of the House of Hospitality and advocate for the homeless Sister Carmel Hanson has died at the age of 79. 

The House of Hospitality is a ministry of the Sister of St. Joseph's, Lochinvar which she was a Congressional Leader of for 33 years.

Carmel joined the covenant at the age of 18, working in numerous professions such as Psychology and Law, she also opened a safe shelter for men struggling with addiction in Adamstown before evolving into the House of Hospitality in Broadmeadow. 

Carmel, over her years of service, helped women and children fleeing domestic violence, asylum seekers and those battling with addiction. 

It is Carmel's life-long devotion to service that the Hunter and beyond pauses to tribute and remember. 

Carmel Hanson receives 2024 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year from MP Tim Crakanthorp.

Credit: Newcastle Herald

Police Appeal for Information to Locate Missing Port Stephens Woman

BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing woman from Port Stephens.

29-year-old Philippa Breslin was last seen at Nelson Bay on Wednesday January 15.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Philippa is known to frequent the Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Mudgee areas.

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

She's being described as being of caucasian appearance, about 170 centimetres tall, with dyed blonde and red hair.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Philippa Breslin. Credit: NSW Police

Kitchen Destroyed After Raymond Terrace House Fire

 BY JJ PILLAY 

A fire's damaged a kitchen in a Raymond Terrace home overnight.

At about 9pm emergency services were called concerning the blaze in Vogele Place. Six trucks and over twenty five firefighters arrived at the home finding the kitchen lit inside the single level residence. 

The property was searched to ensure there was no one in the home and crews brought the blaze under control within twenty minutes. 

NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and NSW RFS attended.

Unattended cooking items is the leading cause of house fires statewide and firefighters are urging locals to implement smoke alarms and to test them regularly.

Hunter Valley Police on Hunt for Missing Birds

By Nicole Creen

Hunter Valley police are currently investigating reports birds have been stolen from a pet shop in Branxton.

Last week, thirteen birds went missing over two separate robberies on Wednesday, January 15 and Friday, January 17.

Five white Fantail pigeons, three superb parrots, four eclectus parrots and one king parrot are included in those missing.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers.

Credit: Hunter Valley Police District

Credit: Hunter Valley Police District

BREAKING! Boat Sinks In Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to Lake Macquarie where a boat has sunk off Booragul.

Newcastle Fire Command says firefighters were called to the Booragul Wharf off First Street just after 9.00am on Thursday.

First responding crews reported a boat has sunk to the bottom of the lake about 70 metres from shore.

Crews have attached booms to the wharf to contain an oil slick from the sunken vessel.

A Hazmat crew,  RFS Boat and Marine authorities have been called in to assist.

It's not known at this stage if anyone was on the boat at the time of the incident.

Two Men Taken To Hospital After Serious Crash At Richmond Vale

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been taken to hospital after a single car crash at Richmond Vale overnight.

Emergency services were called to George Booth Drive about 100 metres from the Orica exit just before 7.00pm where a car had left the road and crashed into a tree at high speed.

The 18-year-old driver managed to climb out of the wrecked car, however his passenger, also aged 18,  was trapped for about 30 minutes before being freed and airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition with chest and pelvic injuries.

The driver was taken by road ambulance to the John Hunter for treatment of non-life threatening injuries

Investigations into the crash are continuing.

 

Emergency Services at the crash scene. Picture Media Response Newcastle

Fears Held For Man Missing In Lake Macquarie Region

 BY IAN CROUCH

There are growing concerns for a man who's been missing in the Lake Macquarie area now for more than a week.

Police say 35-year-old Andrew Dumbrell was last seen at a hospital in Waratah at about 6.50am on Tuesday January 14.

They are concerns for his welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

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

He's known to frequent the Windale, Warners Bay, Charlestown and Belmont areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Missing man Andrew Dumbrell

UPDATE! Police Appeal for Help to Locate Missing Teen from Newcastle

 BY JACK SEYMOUR.

Police have advised Savannah has been found safe and well.

EARLIER: 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Newcastle.

Savannah Bamblett, aged 15, was last seen in Shortland about 1pm on Sunday (19 January 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified yesterday (21 January 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Savannah’s welfare due to her young age.

Savannah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 160cm tall, of medium build with brown hair and brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Merewether, Hamilton South, Shortland and Fletcher areas.

Anyone who has information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woman Faces Court On Drug Supply Charges After Vehicle Stop In Mayfield West

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been granted conditional bail after police allegedly found thousands of dollars is cash and drugs during a vehicle stop at Mayfield West.

Patrolling police spotted a Volkswagen Golf on Bull Street on Monday afternoon and stopped the car on Gregson Avenue.

A search of the car allegedly found almost $80,000 in cash, drugs including 29g of methamphetamine and 18 LSD tablets, scales and mobile phones.

41-year-old Sasha Lee Black faced Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday charged with four counts of possessing a prohibited drug, drug supply, dealing with the proceeds of crime and goods in custody.

She's been ordered to report daily to Toronto Police Station and not to enter Mayfield.

Her case returns to to court on February 6.

 

Police Appeal For Help To Find Man Missing From Cardiff

 BY IAN CROUCH

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

45-year-old Matthew was last seen in the vicinity of Pavilion Place last Wednesday January 15 and is known to frequent the Cardiff, Argenton and Hamilton areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers

Matthew

Overnight Salvage Operation Wraps Up After Truck Crash At Whittingham

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Golden Highway has re-opened after an overnight salvage operation to clear a truck crash at Whittingham.

A B-Double tanker loaded with almost 24,000 litres of ammonium solution left the road just after 2.00pm on Monday and crashed into a power pole, bringing down power lines.

Newcastle Fire Command says the truck stayed upright, but the trailer ended up on it's side.

Several fire crews and a Hazmat unit were called to the scene.

The driver escaped uninjured.

A recovery vehicle was called in from Port Kembla and work to decant the tanker and tow it away wrapped up just before 5.00am on Tuesday.

 

Man Facing Court After Pursuit At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 21 January, 2025) accused of leading police on a pursuit at Merewether.

Just before 2.30pm on Monday, police say they attempted to stop a speeding Aldi.

However, when the driver failed to pull over, a pursuit was initiated which was terminated due to safety concerns.

The car was found a short time later crashed into a brick wall on Wilton Street..

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

A search of the car and the man allegedly found a knife, a pistol and a machete.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with police pursuit and weapons offences.

Police Appeal For Information to Locate Missing Windale Man

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Police are asking for public assistance to help locate a missing man from Lake Macquarie.

35-year-old Andrew was last seen at Myall Street, Windale on Wednesday January 15.

He's known to use public transport and frequent the Windale, Charlestown, Warners Bay, Hillsborough and Belmont areas.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers.

Man Faces Court Accused Of Hit And Run At Cardiff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been refused bail over an alleged assault and hit-and-run at Cardiff.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Main Road and Harrison Street just before 1.30am on Friday where they found a 36-year-old man lying injured on the roadway outside the Iron Horse Inn.

He's still recovering in the John Hunter Hospital.

Following inquiries, police located a vehicle on Devon Street at Wallsend and arrested a 24-year-old man.

He's been charged with attempted murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and traffic offences,

Green Energy Boost For Aluminium Industry Announced In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in Tomago today to announce a support package for the aluminium industry.

As part of an election pitch the Albanese government is pledging $2 billion to encourage Australia's aluminium smelters to shift their reliance from fossil fuels to renewable.

The Financial review reports a 10 year production credit would be designed to turbo-charge the shift to green, low-carbon aluminium.

Producers like Tomago Aluminium would receive taxpayer support for every tonne of green aluminium they make in a decade to 2036.

Tomago Aluminium is the single largest consumer of power in Australia, consuming more than 10% of NSW energy supply.

The federal opposition has slammed the move saying weather dependent renewables are not the cheapest and will never sustain industry in Australia.

Tomago Aluminium set to benefit from green energy boost

Hunter Switches To Assessment And Recovery Mode After Wild Weather

 BY IAN CROUCH

The massive recovery effort is getting under way following wild weather in recent days across the Hunter.

River levels are mostly falling across the region, with eh Paterson River at Gostwyck Bridge now at 6.5 metres after peaking at 10.45 metres on Sunday morning.

The Williams River at Mill Dam falls is now below the minor flood level at 4.2 metres.

Around 1500 homes and business at still without power, with some residents in Port Stephens reporting electricity being cut again after being restored - Ausgrid these are just temporary outages.

The SES has been called to almost 2,600 jobs across the Northern Region of NSW since Wednesday night.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Cribb says the recovery effort will take weeks.

"We are still going to be mopping up, so our operations will continue as we try to get our community back to their houses in a safe state. (There's lots of)  tarping and tarp maintenance to go. We will be going for weeks," he said.

Natural Disaster declarations have been made for Port Stephens and Maitland, but Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock have not yet reached the threshold for a declaration, however the state government is still assessing the situation with assistance from local councils.

The SES has begun damage assessments in impacted areas.

Community hubs are open in Maitland and Port Stephens offering support to affected residents, while Community Liaison Officers have been deployed to Dungog, Maitland and Raymond Terrace.

Waste levy fees have been lifted in Newcastle, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper Hunter Shire council areas to allow residents to dispose of damaged items and storm debris without charge.  

SES Chief Superintendent Andrew Cribb

Man charged over Council Building Fire- Lake Macquarie

BY JJ PILLAY 

A man has been charged over an arson attack on Lake Macquarie Council Chambers. The fire in November last year caused council meetings to be moved offsite and significant damage was sustained.

Following extensive inquiries and public appeals for information, detectives attended a unit at East Maitland about 10am yesterday, where they executed a search warrant. 

During the search, police allegedly located and seized a dark grey utility, a firearm, a small bag containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and other items of interest.

A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged multiple offences to appear before Maitland Local Court today.

Solar Panels Blown Off University Building At Honeysuckle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strong winds from an East Coast Low lashing the Hunter have blown two solar panels off the roof on the University of Newcastle's Q Building at Honeysuckle.

The Police rescue and Firefighters were called to the building at the corner of Honeysuckle Drove and Worth Place just before midday on Friday to find two solar panels had been dislodged and lying on the ground next to the building.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one's been injured and a restricted access zone has been set up.

Maintenance staff from the university's Callaghan have been called into to isolate the electricity supply.

The westbound lanes of Honeysuckle Drive are closed as crews use a Fire Brigade Ladder platform to inspect the remaining solar panels on the roof.

Copper Thieves Allegedly Found Over Telecommunications Loss at Cooranbong and Morisset

BY PETER HYSLOP

Police believe they've found the copper thieves allegedly responsible for bringing down telecommunications in Morisset and Cooranbong this month.

Late yesterday, Lake Macquarie Police attempted to stop a Ford sedan and a pursuit was initiated.

At Wyee two people ran from the vehicle when it crashed, a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman. 

Both were arrested and a search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of copper wiring, which police believe are the proceeds from a recent break and enter at a telecommunications facility at Dora Creek.

The alleged driver, a 26-year-old man, was charged with three outstanding warrants linked to more than 30 offences dating back to 2021. The woman was charged with drug related offences.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 39-year-old man at Crangan Bay in a separate car chase, he's been charged with theft of the cables.

All three will appear at Belmont Local Court in coming days.

Telecommunications tower. Picture: Wikimedia commons

Respected Hunter Police Chief Inspector Loses Battle With Cancer

 BY IAN CROUCH

Officers from the Port Stephens Hunter Police District are mourning the loss of Chief Inspector Dan Skelly after a five year battle with cancer.

He grew up in Georgetown and worked in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie commands before a stint in Dubbo.

He returned to the region in 2020 to become the officer in charge of the Port Stephens Hunter command.

After more than 20-years as a police officer, he was honoured with a passing out parade by staff and colleagues on Christmas Eve.

Dan Skelly lost his battle with Leukemia on Monday at the age of 61.  

Chief Inspector Dan Skelly Picture: News Limited

Massive Clean Up Continues After Wild Storm Lashes The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been stretched to the limit after wild storms lashed the Hunter overnight.

Almost 55,000 customers remain without power, with more than 32,000 of those in the Port Stephens area.

Ausgrid says 90% of the outages were caused by lightning strikes and complex repairs could take until later on Thursday to be completed.

Near cyclonic winds were reported in some areas, with wind gusts reportedly reaching 120km/hr at Williamtown at about 9.00pm on Wednesday.

The State Emergency Service has responded to around 500 calls for assistance, with just over 200 coming from the Maitland area alone. Many homes in the area have lost rooves and sustained flash flooding, while trees and power lines are down over a wide area of the Lower and Upper Hunter region. 

Several sets of traffic lights have also been blacked out and police are urging people to stay home unless it's essential to be out on the roads and for motorists to drive with caution.

Port Stephens SES volunteers attending to one of hundreds of trees brought down in overnight storms. Picture Port Stephens SES

 

 

Two people charged after the death of a man at Gateshead last week

 By JACK SEYMOUR

A man and woman will front court today (Thursday 16 January 2025) after being charged with the death of a man at Lake Macquarie last week.

Just after 11pm on Thursday January 9, emergency services were called to a property at Gateshead to answer a concern for welfare report.

A 37-year-old man was treated by NSW paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

A postmortem revealed the man sustained multiple stab wounds.

A search warrant was then executed at a home on Long Crescent at Shortland yesterday afternoon where an 18-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

The man was charged with murder and threat/cause injury/harm to prevent information to police, while the woman was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

They were both refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today.

Image supplied by NSW Police media

Man Killed In Motorbike Crash At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash at Cessnock overnight.

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road at about 7.20pm on Wednesday where a motorcycle had left the road and crashed into a power pole.

The rider, a 32-year-old man, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Investigations into the crash are continuing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Woman Dies In Hospital After Crash At Martindale

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a fatal crash at Martindale in the Upper Hunter.

Emergency services were called to reports of a head-on crash involving a car and a B-Double truck on Martindale Road at about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

The driver, an 81-year-old man and his 82-year-old female passenger were trapped for some time before being freed.

The man was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition by the region's Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The woman was taken by road ambulance to Denman Hospital where she later died.

The truck driver, a 43-year-old man, was not injured. 

Police established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Police Appeal For Information After Alleged Stabbing Murder At Gateshead

 BY IAN CROUCH

Homicide detectives are stepping up their appeal for information following the stabbing death of a man at Gateshead.

The 37-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds just after 11.00pm last Thursday (9 January, 2025) at a home on Mahogany Crescent and died at the scene.

It's reported there was a house party at the home earlier in the night.

A post mortem on Monday revealed the man sustained several stab wounds.

His death is being treated as suspicious and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man Charged With 11 Offences Over Wild Pursuit And Crash At Wickham

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 26-year-old man is due to face Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 15 January, 2025) charged with 11 offences after a wild police pursuit and crash at Wickham.

Just after 6.00pm on Tuesday Police attempted to stop an SUV at Waratah West which had been reported stolen.

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

The chase continued for some time before the SUV collided with a motorcycle and a police vehicle at the intersection of Maitland Road and Sheddon and Albert Streets at about 6.30pm.

The rider, a 27-year-old man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The police officers in the caged truck were not injured after their vehicle ended up on its side.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He's been refused bail and charged with 11 offences including Police Pursuit, being carried in a conveyance without consent of owner, possess shortened firearm, possess loaded firearm, drug possession, goods in custody and resisting arrest.

A second man in the SUV fled the scene and is still on the run.  

The crash scene at Wickham Picture: Carey Harris

   

Nationals Candidate Announced for Seat of Hunter

BY MEREDITH BLAIR

The Nationals have announced their candidate for the seat of Hunter in the lead up to the Federal election.

Sue Gilroy will be pitted against incumbent Dan Repacholi and Greens candidate Louise Stokes.

She formally ran for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in the 2023 state election, but quit the race following controversy involving leader Robert Borsak.

She was formally president of the Singleton Business Chamber for six years.

Ms Gilroy says the Nationals will give her the platform to stand up for regional Australia.

"[The Nationals] are supporting regional Australia which is what I’m on my soapbox about every day."

She shared that she looks forward to discussions with constituents across the electorate, beyond her home of Singleton.

"That's a really important part of the campaign, that door knocking, understanding what the issues are and what you need to do as a candidate to address and stand up for those issues," she said.

"I understand Singleton and the Hunter Valley pretty well; coming down to [Lake Macquarie] I need to learn but that’s okay because that’s why I’m here as a candidate, to get out there and talk to our constituents." 

Sue Gilroy alongside Nationals Leader David Littleproud.

Sue Gilroy

UPDATE! Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes Hunter Expressway At Seahampton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say the driver of a car travelling on the wrong side of the Hunter Expressway at Seahamptonon Monday night before colliding with an oncoming vehicle, was under the influence of alcohol.

It's alleged the southbound station wagon collided with a northbound SUV at about 9.00pm.

The driver of the station wagon, a 71-year-old man from Fern Bay, allegedly returned a positive breath test before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing and treatment for hand and chest injuries.

The driver of the SUV, a 61-year-old woman from West Wallsend, was taken to the John Hunter with chest and back injuries.

The northbound lanes of the expressway were closed for about an hour.

Police are awaiting the outcome of the test results. 

EARLIER:
 

Two people have been taken to hospital after a multi-vehicle crash on the Hunter Expressway at Seahampton.

Emergency services were called to the westbound lanes of the expressway at about 9.15pm on Monday to find three cars had collided and one was on its roof.

A man in his 70's and a woman in her 60's were taken to hospital with chest and pelvic injuries.

The westbound lanes of the expressway were closed for some time while the crash scene was cleared.

There are reports one of the vehicles was travelling on the wrong side of the expressway when the crash occurred.   

Police Release Photos Over Arson Attack at Lake Mac Council Chambers

 BY JJ PILLAY 

Detectives have released images relating to the suspected arson attack which put Lake Macquarie Council chambers out of action.

CCTV images show a dark grey ute around the area during the time of the fire in November last year. It's understood the vehicle and persons inside could be responsible for the fire.

Strike Force Komiatum has been tasked to investigate the origins of the fire. Council will re-convene following a building repair, next month.

Anyone able to recognize the persons or vehicle is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The grey ute believed to be involved with the incident. Credit: Lake Macquarie Police