Man Trapped For Two Hours After Crash At Fullerton Cove

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been trapped for 2 hours following a single vehicle crash at Fullerton Cove early Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to Nelson Bay Road between Fullerton Cove Road and Coxs Lane just after 3.00am.

They found a car crashed off the road and overturned at high speed, rolling down a 1 metre embankment and coming to rest against a tree.

The driver, a 27-year-old man, was trapped by confinement and could not be reached by paramedics.

The Port Stephens SES was called in and released the man from the wreckage just after 5.00am.

He's been taken by road ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition with suspected spinal injuries and a dislocated shoulder.

 

Fears Held For Missing Teenager In Lake Macquarie

 

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are asking for help to find a teenager who's gone missing in the Lake Macquarie area.

14-year-old Jai Winters was last seen at Bolton Point on Monday night.

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

Jai is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing pyjama pants, no shirt and red and back Nike TN shoes.

Jai is known to frequent the Teralba and Bolton Point areas.
 

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

Have you seen Jai Winters?

 

 

 

Central Coast Tyre Shop Damaged By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a tyre store on the Central Coast this morning.

Around 20 firefighters from three stations were called to the East Coast Tyre and Auto outlet on the Pacific Highway at Tuggerah just before 4.30.

They took about an hour to bring the blaze under control and stop it spreading to the second level of the shop.

No-one was injured and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

 

6 Hour Standoff Ends With Arrest Of A Man At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Monday 24 March, 2025) charged with domestic violence offences following an alleged stand-off with police at Mayfield.

Emergency services were called to a unit complex in Woodbine Street just before 11.00am on Sunday following reports of a domestic violence incident.

Police were told a 66-year-old woman had been assaulted by a man known to her.

It's further alleged he threatened police who tried to arrest him.

Specialist tactical police, paramedics and firefighters were called in to assist and residents of the unit bloc were evacuated as a precaution.

Around 5.15pm, a 30-year-old man left the unit and was arrested without incident.

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

Emergency services at the scene in Woodbine Street, Mayfield. Photo ABC Newcastle Keeley Johnson 

 

 

Council to Vote On Major Broadmeadow Renewal

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Newcastle Council will be voting on the adoption of a 30-year strategy next week which will shape the future of Broadmeadow.

The Broadmeadow Place Strategy is the next step in the suburbs renewal, which will see up to 15,000 jobs and 20,000 homes created.

The plan comes after the State Government's Rezoning Pathways Program named the precinct as one of ten which will boost housing supply.

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson says the strategy presents a unique opportunity to help set the vision and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located.

"The NSW Government has been working in partnership with the City of Newcastle to develop the Place Strategy," she said.

"We are the only Council in NSW involved in such a partnership, ensuring early input into the strategic planning for the renewal of he Broadmeadow precinct," she said.

 

Artist's impression of Belford Street. Credit: Newcastle Council

 

Big Map Exhibitions To Explore How Hunter Would Cope in Natural Disaster

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents are being invited to see how their homes would cope in a natural disaster.

Disaster Relief Australia is set to host two big map events at Newcastle Wests and Kahibah this weekend.

As the climate changes the risk of disaster is set to steadily increase in the areas-

Lake Macquarie Council’s Derek Poulton says the giant map will help residents understand how to manage different scenarios.

“We get storms, lots of fallen trees, fires. This is an opportunity to create a few scenarios and exercises putting us through [multiple situations] and consider what things we would need to look at,” he said.

Image Credit: Disaster Relief Australia

 

Police Disappointed Following Vandalism at Thornton Skate Park

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Port Stephens Hunter Police say they're seeking information about damage caused to the recently-built Thornton Skate Park

It's been open for a week, but spray painted tags and images have been painted all over ramps.

Officers say they're disappointed about the damage.

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

Vandalism at Thornton Skate Park. Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police

Coalition Commits $100 Million for Maitland Overpass

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Coalition says $100 million is needed to solve gridlock at the Maitland roundabout at the New England Highway.

They'll invest the funds if elected for a westbound flyover near Maitland Station to improve traffic flow. It's a regular pinch point.

Paterson Liberal hopeful Laurence Antcliff was flanked by Shadow transport minister Bridget Mackenzie, Hunter Nationals candidate Sue Gilroy, and Deputy Opposition Leader Susan Ley this morning.

Sue Gilroy says locals have been calling out for improvements for years.

"I have knocked on thousands of doors in the Hunter electorate, and what I hear all the time is infrastructure isn't keeping up with growth," she said.

"This is a demonstration of an essential piece of infrastructure that really needs to be delivered," she said.

From Left: Nationals Hunter candidate Sue Gilroy, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, Paterson Liberal Candidate Laurence Antcliff

Concerns Raised For Missing Man and Woman in Newcastle

 IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to locate two people who've been reported missing by their families in Newcastle.

30-year-old Katrina Johnson last made contact with her family on Thursday March 6 and could be in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney.

She's described as being Caucasian with a thin build and pink and blue hair - she also has several tattoos over her body.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Logan Wilson was last seen at New Lambton on Monday this week and his disappearance is out of character.

Logan is described as being Caucasian, about 175cm tall with a medium build and brown hair.

 

Katrina Johnson

 

 

Logan Wilson

 

BREAKING! Man Taken to Hospital Following Valentine Crash

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 There's been a crash on Croudace bay Road at Valentine Public School, still affecting some southbound traffic.

At about 6:30am officers were called to the scene following reports a pedestrian had been struck by a car.

Police and ambulance found a man understood to be in his 70s, with serious injuries.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. The driver of the car, believed to be in his 60s, is assisting with inquiries.

Croudace Bay Road at Valentine Public School. Credit: Google Maps

Man Charged Over Alleged DV Offences at Rutherford

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A man's been charged following an investigation by the Hunter DV High Risk Offender Team into alleged offences at Rutherford.

On Wednesday March 5, police were called to a home following reports of DV, at the scene, police were told a man had allegedly forced entry to the home before assaulting and threatening a woman who is known to him.

A member of the public who tried to assist the woman was also allegedly assaulted.

When officers arrived the man had fled.

Officers commenced extensive inquiries into his whereabouts, and attended a home at Telarah yesterday morning, where a 32-year-old man was arrested.

He's been charged with contravening apprehended violence orders, stalking and intimidation offences, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court yesterday.

If you or anyone you know needs support call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.

 

 

 

Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police

 

Learner Driver Dies in Crash at Black Hill

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 A 17-year-old learner driver has died in a tragic accident on John Renshaw Drive overnight, which has closed the road for hours.

Transport for NSW says the road has reopened in both directions between the Hunter Expressway and Weakleys Drive.

At about 9pm, emergency services were called to the road at Black Hill following reports of a crash between a Holden commodore and a Ford utility.

The boy died at the scene.

The rear passenger of the Holden, also a 17-year-old boy, was treated by paramedics and airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

The front passenger, a 56-year-old man, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver of the ute, a 62-year-old woman, was treated for minor injuries and also taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Cessnock Bypass Announced, Muswellbrook Bypass Construction Brought Forward

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King has visited the Hunter today (18 March) announcing planning of a new Cessnock Bypass and bringing construction on the Muswellbrook Bypass forward by 12 months.

Preparation works on the $304 million Muswellbrook road will begin later this year with major construction slated to begin next year.

Catherine King says the project will have long term benefits.

"It'll see continued work in the region, but also really give people back their main street." she said.

"It'll have that ability to get over 13 thousand to 20 thousand cars every single day out of the main streets of Muswellbrook," she said.

The Federal Government's also committing $5 million to planning of the Cessnock Bypass with a route to stretch from Bellbird, behind the Cessnock Aerodrome and joining up with Wine Country Drive.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi with Federal Transport Minister Catherine King

EPA Investigates Mass Bird Deaths in Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH AND PETER HYSLOP 

The Environment Protection Authority is investigating the deaths of hundreds of birds in Newcastle.

Testing is under way to determine the cause of the deaths of large numbers of corellas, which wildlife experts believe could be a mass poisoning.

Hunter Wildlife Rescue says the birds were found yesterday from Newcastle, Carrington and Hamilton areas, and fears many more could die in days to come.

There are concerns they may have been deliberately targeted.

Anyone who finds a sick or deceased bird is urged to contact authorities to retrieve it.

Supplied: Hunter Wildlife Rescue

Federal Government Announces Cash Splash for Local Creatives

BY LIZZIE COLE

The Federal Government's announcing a cash splash for dance in Newcastle.

Catapult Choreographic Hub in Newcastle West is one of 246 creative groups receiving Government funding across the country.

The funding will enable Catapult to facilitate opportunities for artists to create, collaborate and present new work while being financially supported.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says she's happy to see the boost for Catapult.

"We know that its been a really tough time and its a tough industry and tough sector, particularly in challenging economic times.  It's a real delight to provide some security of funding for Catapult." she said.

Catapult founder Cardi McCarthy and Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon

Hunter Hospitals Suffering From Bed Block

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

The Nurses and Midwives Union says John Hunter Hospital is suffering from bed block with people waiting for aged care or NDIS support unable to leave.

It's creating a back log of beds which would normally be saved for same day surgery or procedures.

John Hunter Hospital Branch Secretary Linda Mobbs believes it's creating pressure on Hunter hospitals and a new seven storey acute services building won't solve the problem

"A shiny new building isn't going to be fully utilised when it's opened," she said.

"Like with the big problem they had at Maitland, there are still areas there that aren't being funded and aren't being used.

"So what is the point of having a great big, new, shiny facility if we don't have enough staff and it's not fully utilised?"

High Ranking Bikies Arrested Over Belmont North Attack

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Several high ranking motorcycle gang members have been charged in relation to what police believe was a targeted attack at Belmont North last month.

Lake Macquarie Police were called to a home in Marian Place just before 2am on Sunday February 23 to reports a group of men had attempted to force their way inside.

A 38-year-old man later presented to hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Three men aged in their 20s were arrested yesterday at a property in Liverpool and hit with a number of charges including aggravated break and enter with intent in company, affray and conceal serious indictable offence of other.

They're set to face court today.

A 47-year-old man was also arrested at Moorebank and charged after police located a cannabis plant and slingshot, while a fifth man was arrested at John Hunter Hospital.

They're both due to front court at a later date.

Credit: NSWPolice

Keolis Downer Under Fire For Poor Communication Following Bus Strike

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle Transport operator Keolis Downer is under fire for providing little communication to schools and locals after a stop work notice issued by the Rail Tram and Bus Union meant all services ground to a halt yesterday afternoon (Thursday March 13).

School and public timetables were thrown into chaos with some students stranded across the region, after the Union claimed a member of the public jumped on a bus and threatened to come back and attack the driver with a machete.

The local Health and Safety Representative then issued a cease unsafe work notice, which meant all buses were called back to their depots at Hamilton and Belmont, causing a slew of delays, before resuming later in the afternoon.

The RTBU has described the violence on buses as out of control, but Keolis Downer has questioned the way the Union handled the action claiming they didn't follow procedure outlined by SafeWork NSW.

The operator says the matter's being investigated.

 

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Mercy Services Slammed for Singleton Closure

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Mercy Services have notified residents of their Singleton aged care facility to leave their homes within fourteen days.

It comes after the company released a warning letter in October 2024 saying they would be closing facilities in the first quarter of 2025.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi says it's poor planning.

"The Aged Care Act is clear, the facility must stay open until every resident has been properly rehomed in a place they choose," he said.

"Mercy is both ignoring the law and basic human decency with doing this. To force people into facilities that they don't want to go to, away from their family and friends, that is just utterly disgusting," he said.

Mercy Aged Care Services Singleton. Credit: Google Maps

Anti-Nuclear Lobby Group Produces Liddell Doomsday Fallout Scenario Map

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lobby group Don't Nuke The Climate has produced detailed maps of what a Chernobyl-style accident would look like at a proposed Liddell site in the Hunter.

The Coalition has vowed to build a reactor at the former coal-fired power station, saying reliable base load power is needed.

Understood to be connected with climate action groups, the organisation says about 35,000 people would theoretically need to be evacuated in suburbs including Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Singleton, Jerrys Plains and Denman.

Anti-nuclear campaigner Dr Jim Green says they've worked on detailed maps.

"On the website people can choose any of the seven proposed nuclear power sites and they can choose a wind direction and that will show the spread of radioactive fallout based on the Fukushima disaster," he said.

"So it gives a rough idea of the spread of radioactive fallout and also the concentration of fallout in different areas.

"Fukushima is an appropriate basis for this project primarily because it's an advanced industrial wealthy country like Australia is, and the reactors that they're proposing in Australia are much the same as the reactors that were in operation at the Fukushima disaster 14 years ago," he said.

 

Credit: Nuclearplume.au

Appeal to Locate Missing Teenagers

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Police are appealing for information to locate two teenagers missing from the Hunter.

13-year-old Austin Glynn was last seen on Saturday at Rutherford. He's described as Caucasian, 160cm tall with solid build and short brown hair.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he has several medical conditions,

Meanwhile,

19-year-old Summa O'Reilly was last seen in Waratah on March 6, she's known to frequent the Wallsend area.

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

Austin Glynn. Credit: NSW Police

 

 

Summa O'Reilly. Credit: NSW Police

Ribbon Cut on Expanded Hunter Sports Centre

 BY PETER HYSLOP

An updated 52-million-dollar Hunter Sports Centre has now opened at Glendale.

The new site boasts a trampoline Centre of Excellence, a three-level sport and community centre and facilities for students at the University of Newcastle to run programs improving community health.

Government representatives attended to cut the ribbon on Saturday. 

It's hoped the facilities will provide a boost for nurturing new trampolining talent with Australia set to host the Olympic Games in 2032.

Representatives open the Centre (including University of Newcastle VC Prof. Alex Zelinsky, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, Shortland MP Pat Conroy, Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper)

Man Who Fled Police Half Naked at Booral Found and Charged

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A 40-year-old man's set to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 10 March), who evaded police, fleeing into bush half naked last month.

At about 8am on Thursday February 13, police attempted to stop a blue Ford Falcon on the Bucketts Way at Booral.

Inquiries revealed the vehicle was stolen from Queensland and allegedly contained a firearm- a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle did not stop.

The man then left the car and fled on foot at Twelve Mile Creek without his pants on.

Despite help from the Dog Unit and PolAir, officers couldn't locate him.

Following extensive inquiries, he was arrested at Fassifern railway station late last month.

He's been charged with multiple offences, including possessing an unauthorised firearm and pursuit charges.
 

Credit: Port Stpehens Hunter Police

Police Appeal for Information on Gateshead Shooting

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are appealing for information on how a 22-year-old man appeared at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest last night.

Lake Macquarie officers attended at about 8pm and were told the man had suffered a serious wound.

He was transferred to another hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Anyone with footage or information is being encouraged to get in touch with crime stoppers.

 

Police say the incident occurred on Sydney Street at Gateshead. Credit: Google Maps

Camp Quality Convoy to Get Underway in Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

Camp Quality is set to launch it's Newcastle Convoy at the weekend, bringing together 100 trucks for a 38-kilometre journey through Newcastle and Maitland.

Trucks are in competition to be the best of the convoy with a goal of raising $120,000.

Camp Quality's Sandy Hall says it'll provide much-needed funds.

"We do a lot in the local John Hunter Hospital. These funds raised across the day will go towards supporting kids and families in the local area and across New South Wales," she said.

"We couldn't do these events without our incredible community.

"To our long-standing Newcastle supporters, the trucking community, our partners, our sponsors, we couldn't do it without community support and I hope people come along and check it out on the day," she said.

Transport for NSW is advising of changed traffic conditions on Sunday in roads through Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Heddon Greta and Beresfield.

A convoy from a similar event. Credit: Camp Quality

Men Charged at Port Stephens for Possession of Stolen Firearms

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men at Port Stephens for allegedly possessing four stolen firearms.

Last month officers attended an address on Salamander Way in Salamander Bay where they had reportedly been stolen.

Police commenced inquiries, and attempted to stop a black Toyota Hilux on Hillsborough believed to be linked.

A pursuit was initiated- it was found abandoned at a school nearby.

During a search of the surrounding area, police found three of the four firearms, the matter was then referred to Strike Force Blaine.

Following further inquiries, in the early hours of Monday morning (3 March), two 23-year-old men were arrested on a boat at Shoal Bay. They were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, charged with break and enter and the pursuit.

They've appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court.

 

 

Firearms seized by police as part of the operation. Credit: NSW Police

 

Crews Called Back to Blaze at Fingal Bay

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A house fire at Lentara Street has reignited just after 6am after crews failed to put the initial blaze out.

Fire and Rescue were initially called just after 11:30pm last night (Wednesday 5 March) to reports of two explosions, including in the garage- the whole house was alight, firefighters worked on keeping neighboring properties out of harm's way.

The RFS was called in to help, but crews were called back to the scene this morning after flames were seen issuing from the roof.

One person has been treated by ambulance for minor injuries, all occupants are safe and accounted for.

Lentara Street. Credit: Google Maps

Hunter Community Alliance Set to Meet Tonight

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Hunter Community Alliance is set to meet today (March 6) at the University of Newcastle's Great Hall.

It's a gathering of unions, religious, disability and community action groups, which registered an attendance of about 1000 last year.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen is set to attend. The alliance will ask his Government for a $5 billion energy bill savings plan, which would involve subsidies and funds to reduce the upfront cost of home energy upgrades.

The alliance will also push for local energy hubs where residents can access information on Hunter projects, similar to the one delivered by the High Speed Rail Authority.

Hunter Community Alliance meeting in 2024

Shot Fired at Home in Waratah West

BY PETER HYSLOP

There's been a shot fired at a house in Waratah West this morning, no one has been injured.

Police attached to Newcastle City Police District responded following reports a shot was fired at a house on Acacia Avenue, at about 6.30am.

They established a crime scene and have conducted a canvass of the area.

No injuries have been reported- a crime scene has been established and police investigations are continuing.

Governments Hail Progress on Maitland Rd Widening at Hexham

BY PETER HYSLOP

Progress is being made on the Hexham straight widening project, with demolition of the old northbound bridge over Ironbark Creek now complete.

Construction is underway on a second bridge- completed works will involve two bridges carrying three lanes in each direction.

Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says the project should mean relief for commuters on the notorious stretch.

"It is an extremely well used road," she said.

"I know that both Tim and I get lots of enquiries about the progress of this project because people are very, very excited to see some improvements here," she said.

State Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says  the upgrades should go a long way.

"I am a 10-year veteran of living in Newcastle, working in Maitland, and I know the massive difference that this project will mean for tens of thousands of people doing that same commute," he said.

Progress of the new bridges at Ironbark Creek. Credit: Sharon Claydon MP

Fatal Crash at Merriwa

 BY PETER HYSLOP

There's been a fatal single vehicle crash at Merriwa overnight.

Just before 6pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Scone Road about five kilometres north of the town.

Officers found an SUV had veered off the road and crashed into a deep culvert before rolling over and resting on its wheels.

The driver, a 67-year-old woman, was assisted by a passing motorist and an officer who provided CPR.

Despite help from paramedics she couldn't be saved.

A crime scene's been established and investigations commenced.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Scone Road at Merriwa. Credit: Google Maps

Fire Crews Battle Blaze Which Engulfed Rutherford Mechanical Workshop

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully battled a fire which engulfed part of a large mechanical workshop overnight at Rutherford.

FRNSW crews from Maitland, East Maitland and Rutherford rushed to the business in Mustang Drive around 12.15am to discover flames had spread through the reception area of the workshop.

Firefighters forced their way inside and attacked the blaze, containing it in just over an hour, limiting the spread to nearby businesses.

They doused several spot fires and used positive pressure fans to disperse smoke from the scene.

Firefighters have handed control of the site to New South Wales Police amid suspicions about the cause of the fire.

Fire investigators are liaising with Police as investigations continue.

Image from FRNSW Media

Plans on Public Exhibition for Medowie High School

BY PETER HYSLOP

Plans for a high school at Medowie are progressing with blueprints on public exhibition from today.

The Department of Education acquired 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road last year, with a scheduled opening for 2027.

The Review of Environmental Factors is available through the State Planning Portal and is open for feedback.

The State Government says a school at Medowie is aimed at lightening pressure on other institutions with population growth expected.

High School Site on Abundance Road. Credit: Google Maps