MP Slams SMS Parking Fine Notices in Newcastle

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has slammed Newcastle Council for backing text messages to notify people of parking fines instead of physical tickets.

By July, councils will have to hand out fines on the spot following reforms from the State Government.

Council made the decision to back SMS technology at a meeting earlier this week, saying handing out physical tickets makes workers subject to abuse.

It comes amid criticism of automatic technology mounted on council cars identifying infringements.

Sonia Hornery says text messages aren't a great choice.

"There are many people in the Wallsend electorate that I know who don't have a mobile phone or have a mobile phone that's not a smart phone or don't know how to use apps.

"What do the Councillors suggest that's going to happen to the people who just have a landline?" she said.

 

Credit: GetArchive

Dramatic Police Chase from Denman to Mudgee Ends With Arrest of 30-Year-Old Man

BY PETER HYSLOP

A man is under police guard at Dubbo Hospital following a wild chase from Denman to Mudgee.

At about 6pm on Wednesday, officers were called to a motel on Cumberland Street at Cessnock, due to concerns for a person staying there.

Police will allege a 30-year-old man then attempted to evade police from Denman at about 1am yesterday (Thursday February 27), the vehicle reaching speeds of 170 kilometres per hour.

When it stopped at Mudgee two hours later, the man allegedly deliberately struck an officer- who did not seek medical treatment.

Police fired shots but the man drove away.

The vehicle, understood to be a hire car, was later found abandoned at Dunedoo. The man was arrested almost 40 kilometres away at Mendooran. 

He's been charged with multiple offences, including being on an outstanding warrant and driving dangerously.

Main street of Mendooran. Credit: Google Maps

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Promised By Coalition For Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Opposition's announced they'll commit to building a new urgent care clinic for Maitland if elected.

They say incumbent Labor MP Meryl Swanson hasn't done enough to bring care to the region.

Candidate Laurence Antcliff says the community has been calling for a clinic for years.

"It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor across Maitland and Port Stephens," he said.

"This is something that the people of our electorate have been screaming out for, for years.

"And quite frankly, this should have been delivered in 2022," he said.

Independent Candidate Philip Penfold says it's an announcement made too late.

"When both governments and oppositions announce these things, not during the course of their term, but in the dying weeks of their term while they're campaigning for re-election, I can understand why people will be cynical about that," he said.

Liberal Candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff. Credit: Liberal Party

Labor Rubbishes Coalition Nuclear Plans Following Inquiry Report

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Government ministers are lashing out at the Federal Opposition for their plan to install a nuclear reactor at the former Liddell Power station site.

A national inquiry into the suitability of the technology in Australia has found the cost to build sites is prohibitive, but the inquiry's being accused of being political.

The interim report cites leading experts.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy has made some firm comments about proponents of a Liddell site.

He says it's not viable.

"Peter Dutton's nuclear fantasy is a recipe for higher power prices, higher greenhouse gas emissions and more community uncertainty," he said.

"To put a nuclear power station in an earthquake zone is an act of lunacy," he said.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy visiting JFD Manufacturing today

Road Spikes End Police Chase on Newcastle Link Road

BY PETER HYSLOP

Details have been released by Police regarding a high-speed chase which came to an end on Newcastle Link Road this morning.

Highway Patrol officers at 8:50am identified a vehicle allegedly breaching the speed limit on Majors Lane, Lovedale.

Officers engaged in a pursuit from the Hunter Expressway to Cameron Park where a 24-year-old man was arrested after road spikes had been deployed.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station

Station where he was charged with not comply with direction given by police officer, negligent driving, and class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 30 km/h.

He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 12 March 2025.

The man's licence was also suspended.

Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Two Charged Over Property Offences at Adamstown Heights

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Two men have been charged with property offences following an incident at Adamstown Heights.

Just before 10pm last night (Monday 24 February), police were called to a residence on Lucas Crescent, occupants of the home allegedly saw two people on their property and chased them before they stopped at Hudson Park.

Newcastle City police were called, they allegedly found housebreaking implements from two men, aged 19 and 21.

They've both been hit with a number of charges and refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today.

Nationals Candidate For Lyne Backs Nuclear and Calls for Better Mobile Reception

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Nationals Candidate for the seat of Lyne Alison Penfold says she's backing nuclear power as an energy solution for the Hunter.

She's running to replace incumbent Dr David Gillespie, who's held the seat since 2013.

She says she's disappointed options for reliable coal supply are no longer viable.

"That seems to be off the table now, I am 100% behind the transition to nuclear energy," she said.

"It just simply does not make sense to me that this country would pursue the replacement of base load power with a variable energy source," she said.

She also says more action is needed for better mobile coverage following the shutdown of the 3G network.

"For a lot of people, [reception] doesn't work at home, and the telcos won't take responsibiltiy for that.

"That's why I think the Universal Service Obligation needs to be changed, and it needs to provide a guarantee that every Australian has access to basic mobile and internet services," she said.

Ms Penfold's held an opening for her office today with Nationals leader David Littleproud.

Opening of Alison Penfold's campaign office in Taree

UPDATE! Fears Growing For Missing Former MP Michael Johnsen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news!

A Police spokesperson has confirmed Mr Johnsen has been found safe and well.

EARLIER: 

Fears are growing for the welfare of former Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen, who's been missing from is West Tamworth home since Friday.

The 60-year-old resigned in 2021 following an allegation of sexual assault on a sex worker in the Blue Mountains.

The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently police there was insufficient evidence to charge the former Nationals MP.

It's believed he was last seen driving a dark grey Toyota Kluger in the vicinity of the Barrington Tops.  

 

Former Upper Hunter Mp, Michael Johnsen has been reported missing

Muswellbrook Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The owner of a home at Muswelbrook has escaped serious injury after fire engulfed the residence last night.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Denman and Singleton were called to the two story home on Brook Street at about 7.30pm.

They were supported by local RFS crews, taking more than three and a half hours to bring the blaze under control.

The owner managed to self evacuate and was assessed by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being transported to hospital for observation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The home ablaze in Brook Street Muswellbrook. Picture Clancy Martin

 

Major Search To Resume For Missing Fisherman Off Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search and rescue operation will resume this morning for a man feared dead in a freak accident involving tangled netting off the coast of Newcastle.

It's understood he was involved in a fishing competition and disappeared after falling overboard about 55 kms off the coast

Search and rescue teams mobilised the Port Stephens Marine Rescue Base at about 2.00pm on Sunday before mounting a multi-agency search including the Toll and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue helicopters.

 

UPDATE! Missing Girl Last Seen At Fassifern Railway Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Great News!

Police have just advised Emily has been found this morning (Monday 24 February, 2025).

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

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for help to find a young girl who's gone missing from Newcastle overnight.

11-year-old Emily was spotted at the Honeysuckle Light Rail Stop on Sunday and was last seen at Fassifern Railway Station at about 6.50pm.

She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve shirt, short overalls and a backpack.

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

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

Missing girl Emily

 

Archive Photos- Maitland Council to Commemmorate '55 Floods 70th Anniversary

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Maitland Council is set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1955 floods on Saturday (22 February).

Council will facilitate an exhibition where visitors can view boats and equipment in the disaster, and recovered video footage.

Mayor Philip Penfold says the event will focus on educating residents. 

"It's a great opportunity for people to come along, hear from experts, see displays, get a better understanding of what happened in Maitland in '55 and understand that ongoing risk for the people of Maitland far too often," he said.

More information about the commemoration ceremony is available on Council's website.

From the archives

 

 

For more photos, head to the 2NURFM website.

Courtesy UON Living Histories 

Three Men Arrested for Alleged Inside Job Robbery at Hamilton North Bowling Club

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Three men have been charged for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery at Hamilton North Bowling Club, which police accuse was an inside job.

The Telegraph reports former Secretary Manager Phil Pereira with club Functions Manager Jamie Lee and John Tutt, allegedly plotted an early morning robbery on December 30 last year.

Police were told two men, allegedly carrying knives and dressed in black, entered the club at about 4am and stole wads of cash. 44-year-old Lee was treated for injuries and taken to hospital, but it's alleged by Strike Force Rummage investigators he was part of the plot.

Mr Pereira spoke to news cameras that night to say he hoped the victim was ok.

The Secretary Manager's fronted Newcastle Local Court. He was granted bail.

The alleged false victim will front court in March.

Phil Pereira being arrested at Cooks Hill. Credit: NSW Police

John Tutt being arrested at Muswellbrook. Credit: NSW Police

BREAKING! Police Investigate Ram Raid At Toronto

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating an early morning ram raid at Toronto.

Police were called to The Boulevarde at about 2.45am on Thursday.

They were told a white Ford Ranger utility had rammed a storage shed.

During the incident a group of people stole tobacco products from the shed before leaving the scene.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

 

Two Boys Arrested Over Alleged Assaults On Newcastle Bus Drivers

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys have charged over the alleged assault of two bus drivers in separate incidents last week.

Police have been told three males were fighting on a bus last Thursday when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights are asked them to get off.

When leaving it's alleged one of the teens punched the driver.

A short time later the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers.

The bus stopped at Glendale where the passengers got off, but police say the trio forced open the rear door and assaulted the second driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear or harm, and hindering police in the execution of their duty.

He faced the children's court on yesterday and was refused bail to face the same court next Monday, February 24.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of a second 14-year-old boy yesterday.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with common assault and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to face the children's court on Monday February 24.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Singleton Council To Seek Permission To Lop Trees As Bats Cause Havoc For Residents

 BY IAN CROUCH

Singleton Councillors have supported a Notice of Motion to write to the local state and federal members seeking support to deal with a growing flying fox problem.

Bats have long roosted in Burdekin Park, but they are now roosting in large numbers in nearby streets, causing noise and major sanitation issues for residents, business owners and a childcare centre.

Councillors voted overnight to seek approval to lop trees in the hope the bats will move on.

Councillor Hollee Jenkins told council more needs to be done to address the issue.

 "Whether there's any new technology available to us which we could try with sound attenuation, or whether or not the flying foxes are still on the endangered list - these are all questions I'd expect our state and federal representatives to push on our behalf", she said.

 Councillor Jenkins said she was not in favour of culling the flying foxes but having them living alongside residents is not acceptable.

 

   

 

Four People Arrested As Police Crack Down On Unregistered Trail Bikes At Windale

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested four people in connection with illegal trail bike offences in the Windale area.

With the help of the Polair helicopter, several trail bikes were tracked to a home in Moorilla Close.

Two men who police alleged were seen riding unregistered motorbikes at speed and doing wheelies around South Street, were arrested.

The pair aged 20, have been charged with several traffic offences and are due to face court on April 9.

Police also seized an unregistered motor bike.

While at the home it's alleged two males, one aged 15, assaulted police.

The older male has bee charged and the teenager will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

 

Man Charged Over Alleged Drug and Driving Offences Following Tingira Heights Crash

BY PETER HYSLOP

A man has been charged in Newcastle over alleged drug and driving offences following an investigation into a crash at Tingira Heights.

Earlier this month officers were called to Violet Town Road following reports a car had crashed into a fence.

The driver of the ute struck an officer and escaped, the officer sustained minor injuries.

Yesterday, police stopped a car in Newcastle on Perkins Street, they will allege the driver is the man responsible.

A 22-year-old has been charged with multiple offences including causing bodily harm by misconduct and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Violet Town Road. Credit: Google Maps

Elderly Man Taken To Hospital After Bus and Car Crash At Waratah

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly man has been taken to hospital after a crash involving a bus and a car at Waratah.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Turton Road and Georgetown Road just before 11.00am on Tuesday to reports a BMW hatchback had collided with a bus.

 The driver of the car was trapped, and fire crews removed the side of the vehicle to free him.

NSW Ambulance says the elderly man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition with leg and chest injuries.

Three people on the bus were assessed by paramedics and declined further treatment.

The southbound lanes of Turton Road were closed for more than an hour while emergency services treated the injured man and worked to clear the scene.  

Appeal to Locate Teenager from Rutherford

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Port Stephens and Hunter police are on the lookout for a missing teenager from Rutherford.

13-year-old Austin was last seen in the area at about 6pm on Saturday.

He's known to use public transport and may be in the Central Coast or Sydney.

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

HMRI Announces New Partnership for Cardiovascular Treatment

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Hunter Medical Research Institute says it will have greater capacity to provide new clinical treatments for cardiovascular disease.

The institute has signed a memorandum of understanding with pharmaceutical giant Novartis, to explore new research opportunities.

Chief executive FRANCES KAY-LAMBKIN says she hopes more treatments are on the way.

Novartis Australia and New Zealand President Matt Zeller says the partnership is an important step for advancing quality treatment.

“Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia, and we must be willing to work together, across the ecosystem, to try new things and see what can actually reduce the burden on communities, patients, and their families," he said.

HMRI Chief Executive Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin says it will fast-track research into practice.

"Traditionally, it can take up to 17 years for research discoveries to make it from the lab to the hands of clinicians. Collaborations like this with Novartis provide the additional funding, resources, and linkages needed to significantly shorten that timeline, directly benefiting patients and the broader community," she said.

Researcher in action. Credit: HMRI

Driver Charged Over Horrific Crash In Hunter Economic Zone

 BY IAN CROUCH

An 18-year-old man will face court in April over a crash in the Hunter Economic Zone at the weekend which left seven people in hospital.

Police say a Subaru Liberty spun out of control during a street race on Bromage Road just after midnight on Sunday, colliding with six people including two girls aged 8 and 10.

All six and the driver were taken to hospital - the 8-year-old remains in the John Hunter with suspected internal injuries.

The 18-year-old driver has now been charged with six offences including two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive manager dangerous, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, not wearing a seatbelt and use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard.

He's been issued a court attendance notice to face Kurri Kurri Court on April 29.

 

The crash scene in the Hunter Economic Zone. Picture Newcastle Media Response

Funding Announced for Hunter STEM Career Pathways

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Government is committing $3.2 million to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways in Hunter schools.

The program includes $1.9 million awarded to the University of Newcastle to support its Next Gen STEM program, delivering hands-on science and engineering days for students from Years 7 to 10, and $1.3 million for pathways into STEM careers.

Trevor Smith from regional development Australia, the agency responsible for managing the careers program, says it's an exciting initiative.

"[Seeing] Students getting involved, taking up the challenges being put to them, thinking outside the box, working together in teams, being creative, and creating brand new solutions, is such a joy to watch," he said.

 

Science and Engineering Challenge in action. Credit: University of Newcastle

Hunt for Half Naked Man at Booral

BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are on the hunt for a man from Port Stephens who's understood to be last seen half naked.

Officers gave chase to a stolen Ford Falcon on the Bucketts Way at Booral early yesterday morning (Thursday 13 February).

when the chase finished at Twelve Mile Creek, the man fled the vehicle without pants on.

A search was initiated with assistance from police helicopters and the dog unit, but he couldn't be located.

He's described as of Caucasion appearance, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees him is asked to contact triple zero immediately.

Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police District

Police Appeal for Help to Locate Teenager

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Concerns are growing for a young girl who's gone missing from Raymond Terrace.

13-year-old Ahleighaa Waters was last seen in the area on Tuesday night (11 February) and the alarm was raised when she couldn't be located or contacted.

There are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Ahleighaa's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 135cm tall with a slim build and blonde hair.

She's known to frequent the Tenambit and Raymond Terrace areas.

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

Ahleighaa Waters. Credit: NSW Police

BREAKING! Burst Water Main Causes Flooding At Glendale.

 BY IAN CROUCH

A burst water main is causing major flooding issues for residents and businesses at Glendale.

Fire crews from Cardiff were called to the intersection of Main Road and Lake Road just after 5.30am on Thursday to find a 500mm water main had burst, causing flooding to several units nearby.

There's also a large amount of water over the road.

Newcastle Fire Command says Hunter Water has advised it's unlikely the water will be shut off until around 6.45am.

 
 

BREAKING! Man Hit By Car At Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

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

First reports say a man in his 20's has been hit by a car on the Pacific Highway at the intersection of Gen Street.

He's reported to be in a serious condition with a head injury.

Traffic is heavy past the scene in both directions on the southbound lanes have been closed.

 

Hunter Athlete Set to Compete at Invictus Games

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lake Macquarie local Alex Hale says competing at this year's Invictus Games in Canada has given him a sense of independence, following an impressive recovery from adversity.

The 41-year-old's time with the Australian Navy was cut short after he was hit by a car in 2023 which made him a paraplegic.

He says sport has given him a way to work on his mental and physical health in his recovery.

"Sport has been crucial to recovery and getting my independence back," he said.

"The Invictus program has ... given me an avenue to get back into the community and aid in my rehabilitation journey.

"I haven't done a lot of winter sports before ... we'll see how it goes!" he said.

Alex will be in action in the biathlon on Tuesday, Vancouver time, before competing in indoor rowing on Sunday.

Alex Hale. Credit: Invictus Australia

Hunter GPs Call For Better Medicare Subsidies

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

There are calls for the Federal Government to provide better medical subsidies for Hunter locals visiting a GP.

The Royal Australian College of GPs says it's proposed a plan which would halve out of pocket costs, from the average of $59 to $25.

It comes after a report found there are no bulk billed clinics across the Newcastle, Shortland and Lyne electorates.

Hunter GPs association president Dr Fiona Van Leeuwen says it's an urgent problem.

"Government rebates are really insufficient and people are being required to live on very little money," she said.

"It doesn't seem right that the Medicare rebate is the same for every person if you're on a pension or a healthcare card you can have the same Medicare rebate as somebody who's working full time."

Two Men Charged Over Stolen Tools And Drug Offences

BY PETER HYSLOP

Two men have been charged, one with allegedly stealing power tools, the other with drug offences and breach of bail at Wallsend.

In late January, a ute containing a large amount of power tools was stolen from a home at Hamilton North.

The vehicle was located in Wallsend with tools removed from the car. A house was then identified by police as a premises of interest on Lewis Street.

On Friday (7 February) officers stopped a different vehicle which left the home, they then allegedly seized several stolen tools, a gel blaster, and 50 grams of methamphetamine.

A 36-year-old man has faced Newcastle Local Court at the weekend over drug charges and breach of bail, a 35-year-old man has also been arrested and charged with stolen goods. He'll face court in March.

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