WILLIAMTOWN – Students Road-Test Hydrogen Model Cars Ahead of Germany Race

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of High School students have converged on the Newcastle Onroad Remote Car Club at Williamtown today (Friday 30 May) as they fine tune their hydrogen-powered remote control cars for a big race in August.

The students from eight local schools have built the kit cars from scratch over the past few months with guidance and mentoring from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Newcastle.

Horizon Educational Programs Manager Kieran Curry says the cars will need to be able to cope with a four- hour endurance race against other schools in the hope of representing the region and the country in Germany.

“It’s about students thinking outside the box with the modifications, are they going to reduce weight, use different batteries, configure the fuel cells to give them a bit more energy.

“The race is just a celebration of all their work,” he said.

Horizon Educational Programs Manager Kieran Curry

Year 10 Irrawang High School Student Josh Moxie says modifications helped them achieve the fastest lap time in practice.

“[We’ve] got a nice more race-designed body.

“The original one wasn’t as good, it seemed quite an important thing to change so we did,” he said.

Students with Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Wyee

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are appealing for dashcam footage after a motorcyclist died in a crash at Wyee.

Emergency services were called to Gorokan Road just before 9.00am yesterday (Thursday 29 May, 2025) following reports an off-road motorbike had crashed on the bank of Mannering Creek, near a footbridge.

They found a man believed to be in his 20's unresponsive in the water.

He could not be revived and died at the scene.

Police set up a crime scene and the motorbike has been taken for forensic testing.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.  

BREAKING! Body Found During Search For Missing Fisherman At Summerland Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

The body of a man has been located following a marine search for a missing fisherman on Lake Macquarie.

About 4.00pm (Thursday 29 May 2025), police were called to Summerland Point, Lake Macquarie, following reports an 82-year-old man had not returned from a fishing trip.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District and Marine Area Command – with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW – arrived and began searching for the man after his boat was located abandoned.

During the search – with assistance from a Surf Life Saving NSW helicopter – the body of the man was located in the water about 7.40pm.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

 

 

 

STOCKTON - Man Faces Court Over Alleged Drug Supply After $140,000+ Found in Cash

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A man will face court today after police allegedly found $140,270 in cash at a Stockton home.

At about 9am yesterday officers from the Hunter Region Enforcement squad stopped a vehicle at Warnervale.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized over 1 kilogram of methylamphetamine, and $15,370 in cash.

A 43-year-old man and a passenger, a 38-year-old woman, were arrested.

A short time later police executed the search warrant at Stockton where they allegedly found the cash, a paintball rifle and ammunition.

The 43-year-old man was hit with 36 charges to face Wyong Local Court today. The woman was released without charge.

Police say inquiries continue into the supply of illicit drugs in Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Lake Macquarie Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are appealing for help to locate a man who's gone missing from Mount Hutton.

27-year-old Joshua O'Neill was last seen at about 7.30am on Tuesday and the alarm was raised when he couldn't be contacted or located.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a solid build, light brown hair and a moustache, and has a tattoo on the outside of his right arm.

Joshua was last seen wearing a light grey 'Dickies" brand hooded top and dark blue joggers.

He may be driving a white 2001 Toyota Landcruiser single can utility with the NSW registration BVS 24R.

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

 

Missing man Joshua O'Neill. Picture: NSW Police

 

Cars And Property Allegedly Damaged During Drug-Fuelled Rampage At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Thursday 29 May, 2025) after going on a drug-fuelled rampage at Lambton overnight.

Police say a security guard reported the man dressed only in his underwear damaging several cars outside a business on Wyong Road just before 9.00pm on Wednesday.

It's alleged the man also jumped on the roof of the security guard's Toyota Yaris.

Police say 4 vehicles and an air conditioner were left with a damage bill running to $15,000.

Police arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene, who they say was heavily drug-affected and bleeding, and took him to the Mater Hospital for treatment and observation.

He's expected to be charged with destroying and damaging property and will face Newcastle Local Court today. 

 

Fears Held For Missing Central Coast Tween

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a girl reported missing on the Central Coast could be in the Newcastle area.

12-year-old Tori Morrison was last seen at Ourimbah at about 8.00am yesterday (Tuesday 27 May, 2025) and her family raised the alarm when she could not be located or contacted.

Tori's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a slim build and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a green and gold jacket and green track pants.

Tori is known to frequent the Tuggerah and Newcastle areas and uses the train network.

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

 

Missing girl Tori Morrison Picture: NSW Police

Newcastle Man To Face Court On Drug Supply Charges

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Wednesday 28 May, 2025) accused of supplying a significant quantity of drugs in the Newcastle area.

Police executed a search warrant at a home in New Lambton early Tuesday morning allegedly finding a quantity of drugs including 1.2kg of cannabis, 98 grams of cocaine and 240 grams of  MDMA.

The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $90,000.

Police also seized $13,000 in cash, an extendable baton, electronics and fireworks.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the house.

He's been charged with 16 offences and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court.

 

 
 

BREAKING! Fire Engulfs Home At New Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been taken to hospital after fire engulfed a home at New Lambton early Wednesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the two storey home on Oxford Street at 3.14am, arriving within minutes to find the residence fully involved in fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says two men were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

Six fire trucks and a ladder platform are at the scene with crews attacking the flames from the street.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.  

 

Fire crews at the scene of the house fire in Oxford Street New Lambton. Picture: Ian Crouch

Man To Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery On Stockton Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Tuesday 27 May, 2025) over an alleged armed robbery on a Stockton hotel.

It's alleged the 30-year-old entered the Boatrowers Hotel on Fullerton Street just before 8.00pm on Saturday and threatened patrons before demanding cash from staff.

It's further alleged he stabbed a 68-year-old man during the incident - the victim left the hotel and later attended John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Patron held the 30-year-old until Police arrived.

It's alleged he had several weapons on him including a gel blaster firearm.

He's been charged with five offences including robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon and wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

 The man's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

The Boatrowers Hotel at Stockton

 

 

Fears Held For Man Missing In Gloucester Area

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of man who's gone missing in the Gloucester area.

38-year-old Daniel Clifton was last seen at about 10.00am on Monday but has not had any communication with his family since.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build, fair complexion, fair hair and brown eyes.

Daniel is believed to be driving a white Isuzu D-Max dual-cab ute with the NSW registration YJU 81A.

The vehicle has a distinctive fully enclosed aluminium tabletop fitting.

Police are expected to issue a Geotarget alert at 7.00am today (Tuesday 27 May, 2025)

 

Missing Man Daniel Cliftton

Serious Crash At Argenton

 BY IAN CROUCH

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

NSW Ambulance says a 29-year-old man has been hit by a car on Lake Road near Margaret Street, suffering serious multiple injuries.

Paramedics have stabilised his condition and have transported hi. to the John Hunter Hospital.

Traffic on Lake Road is affected in both directions and is down to one lane past the crash scene

 

Dozens Of Residents Evacuated After Fire Breaks Out In Newcastle Apartment Block

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of residents have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Newcastle city apartment block overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says five fire trucks responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Sky Apartments on Hunter Street just before 6.30pm on Wednesday.

They arrived to find a fire had started in a unit on the 8th floor.

The automatic sprinkler system activated, dousing most of the fire before crews arrived.

Around 50 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

No-one was in the unit when the fire broke out.

It's believed a faulty electrical appliance is to blame.

The fire was contained to the one unit, which sustained heat, smoke and water damage.

Crews remained at the scene until 9.00pm and all residents were allowed to return to their units.

They also rescued a person who became trapped in a lift. 

 

Man Charged Over Alleged Service Station Robberies In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today accused of robbing two service stations in Newcastle overnight.

Police say a man entered a service station on Parry Street at Newcastle West at about 7.30pm on Sunday and asked the store attendant to use the restroom.

When he returned it's alleged he had his face covered and demanded money from the worker, taking an amount of cash before leaving.

In a separate incident, a man entered a service station on Maitland Road at Mayfield just before 11.00pm and threatened the attendant who activate the alarm and alerted police.

The man was able to unlock the doors and fled.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 24-year-old man at a unit on Fowler Street at Hamilton South.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with demand property with menaces, robbery and breach of bail. He was also charged with common assault and shoplifting for unrelated matters.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 19 May, 2025) .

 

Hunter Valley Farmers Spared Massive Increase In Water Prices

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley farmers have been given a reprieve in the face of a massive hike in water prices.

Water NSW had applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for price increases ranging from 3% to 35% every year plus CPI.

The NSW Irrigators Council told IPART the proposed increase would price farmers out of business and lead to massive increases in the cost of produce sold at supermarkets.

IPART's draft determination released on Wednesday now proposes on a 1.9%  increase in rural water bills for the next financial year plus CPI, indexed only by CPI increases for the following two years.

 

Irrigation from Lake Glenbawn is administered by Water NSW

 

Police Search Bushland At Birmingham Gardens For Missing Woman

 BY IAN CROUCH

Detectives have taken over the investigation into the disappearance of a Newcastle woman three weeks ago.

68-year-old Meilee Chen was last seen at Birmingham Gardens on Thursday April 24 and there are concerns for her welfare as she lives with medical conditions which require medication.

A search of bushland around Birmingham Gardens on Wednesday afternoon by Newcastle Police and SES volunteers failed to find any trace of her.

Meilee is described as being of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall with a thin build and black hair.

Anyone with information on Mailee's whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00.

Meilee Chen has been missing since April 24. Picture NSW Police

 

NSW DPP Set To Appeal Sentence Handed To Killer Of Mayfield Mother Mackenzie Anderson

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Director of Public Prosecutions is poised to appeal the sentence handed down to the killer of Mayfield mother, Mackenzie Anderson.

Tyrone Thompson was sentenced earlier this month to 22 years and six months gaol after he admitted to stabbing Ms Anderson 78 times just 16 days after he was released on parole for domestic violence offences against her.

Currently, Thompson could be eligible for parole in 15-and-a-half years and could be released before he turns 40.

News Corp reports Mackenzie's mother, Tabitha Acret was advised on Wednnesday night Director of Public Prosecutions, Sally Dowling is set to appeal the sentence.

The decision comes after Ms Acret met with Premier Chris Minns last week as part of calls to appeal the sentence, which she described as outrageous.
 

Mackenzie Anderson was brutally stabbed to death by her former partner, Tyrone Thompson

 

Former Cessnock Councillors Sue Liberal Party Over Botched Local Government Elections

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two former Cessnock councillors are leading a class action against the Liberal Party over the botched pre-selection Local Government saga last year.

Court documents show John Moores and Paul Paynter are the lead plaintiffs in the Supreme Court class action.

It comes after dozens of NSW Liberal candidates were not able to run in local elections last year after the state Liberal branch failed to meet a crucial pre-selection deadline.

The former councillors say the damage they suffered included the loss of councillor fees as well as distress and disappointment.

In a Statement Of Claim filed with the court, the councillors claim they were each required to pay a nomination fee $1200 for each winnable position on council and a $2000 donation to the Liberal Party toward the Cessnock City Council election campaign.

A directions hearing is scheduled for this Friday, May 16 2025. 

Former Cessnock Councillors John Moores (left) and Paul Paynter (right) Picture courtesy Inside Local Government

M1 Closes Southbound Just Days After Metal Spill

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The M1 has closed just in time for peak-hour traffic southbound on the Hawkesbury River Bridge.

There are reports of a man in his 20s trapped in a multi-vehicle accident. Transport for NSW says motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use the Pacific Highway instead.

It comes just days after a major metal spill shredded the tyres of hundreds of motorists.

Looking South at Hawkesbury River Bridge – LiveTraffic

Dozens Evacuated After Fire Breaks Out At Westfield Kotara

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a restaurant at Westfield Kotara.

Firefighters were called to the busy shopping centre just after 5.30pm on Wednesday to find smoke pouring from a level 3 rooftop Chinese restaurant.

Newcastle Fire Command says around 50 people were evacuated but no-one was injured.

Multiple sprinkler heads activated to douse the flames.

Police say oil caught alight, sparking the fire emergency.

 

Lithium Battery Being Blamed For House Fire At Teralba

 BY IAN CROUCH

A rechargeable battery in a remote control toy car is being blamed for a fire which severely damaged a home at Teralba overnight.

Eight fire trucks and 32 firefighters were called to a 2 storey home on Fishermans Drive just after 6.00pm on Tuesday to find a fire in the garage.

It's believed the toy car had not been used for some time and was being recharged in the garage when the fire broke out.

Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry says the occupants managed to escape the home unharmed.

"Fortunately, four occupants had self evacuated. They were all okay. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the garage. Fortunately it had vented out a side window, letting the hot gases escape and stopping it from going through the main house," he said.

Superintendent Dewberry said the fire serves as a timely reminder not to charge batteries which have been in storage for some time outside away from the home.

More People Found Sleeping Rough In Newcastle And Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

There's been a significant increase in the number of people sleeping rough in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Minister for Homelessness, Rose Jackson has released the 2025 Street Count which shows 49 people were found to be sleeping rough in Newcastle in 2024, up from 6 on the previous year's count, while in Lake Macquarie, 40 people were found sleeping in cars or public places - up from 31 in 2023.

Across the Hunter and Central Coast, 188 people were found sleeping on the streets, up from 100 on the previous count.

Homelessness NSW Chief Executive Dominique Rowe has told Nine Radio it reflects a state-wide trend. 

" It really shows the need for funding of homelessness services and building more houses. We've seen an increase of 8% in people sleeping rough in NSW," she said.

 

Homelessness NSW CEO Dom Rowe

 

Man Accused Of Firing Shots At Tenambit And Toronto Faces Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man accused of firing a sawn-off shot gun from a moving vehicle at Tenambit and Toronto has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

Police allege 26-year-old Brandon Rogan fired the gun on three occasions in a public place including at Toronto where he filmed himself driving through the suburb at about 4.00pm on Sunday when he held the firearm out the window, pulled the trigger and then said "whoops".

Rogan and a 22-year-old woman were arrested at a Coal Point home after a stand-off with police early Monday morning.

It's alleged the sawn-off shotgun and a replica pistol were found following a search of the property

He's been charged with 11 offences including 3 counts of firing a firearm in a public place, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.

The woman's been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence and having goods in custody suspected of being stolen.

Accused shooter Brandon Rogan appeared in Toronto Local Court on Monday

 

Fears Held For Missing Muswellbrook Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of a man reported missing from Muswellbrook.

41-year-old Robert Baker was last seen in the area at about 2.30pm on Saturday April 19.

Police and family say his disappearance is out of character.

Robert's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, shaved head, fair complexion, brown eyes with tattoos on his forearms.

Police believe he may have been seen recently in the Hamilton and Newcastle areas.

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

Missing man Robert Baker

 

Four People Rescued As Flash Flooding Causes Havoc In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Four people have been rescued after heavy rain caused flash flooding across Newcastle overnight.

A slow moving storm moved across the LGA late Wednesday afternoon dumping 55 millimetres of rain in just one hour at the Merewether Pump Station.

Adam Williams from the SES says they were called out to 138 jobs as water quickly overflowed drains in the city and nearby suburbs. 

"The majority of these calls were for trees and branches down and leaking rooves. However NSW SES members to four flood rescues in the Merewether and Hamilton South area due to flash flooding caused by this rainfall. One person was rescued from a property due to waist-high water levels and another person was rescued from their car stuck in floodwaters by NSW Fire & Rescue," he said.

 

 

Three Under-18's Charged Over Pursuit In Allegedly Stolen Car At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three young people have been arrested following a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car at Muswellbrook.

Police attempted to stop a Volkswagen SUV on Wollombi Road just before 8.0aam on Wednesday - they say the vehicle had earlier been reported stolen from Scone.

A pursuit was initiated when the car failed to stop but was terminated at Denman due to the manner of driving.

Officers monitored the SUV until it stopped on Bengalla Road, with the alleged driver, a 14-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy arrested  in the grounds of the Bengalla Coal Mine.

A 13-year-old boy was also arrested at a nearby property.

They were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The 14-year-old girl was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, take and drive conveyance withourt consent of owner, and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.

The tow passengers were charged with being carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.

All three have been granted conditional bail to face the children's court on May 28.
 

 

Fears Held For Missing Lake Macquarie Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

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

14-year-old Indi Warby was last seen at Windale at about 5.00pm last Saturday April 26, and concerns are held for her welfare due to her age.

Indi's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build, blonde hair and a nose piercing.

She's known to frequent the Windale and Charlestown areas.

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

Missing teenager Indi Warby