Calls for Telco Tower Maintenance Mandate

 There are calls for telecommunications companies to be held responsible for maintaining reception towers in regional Australia and the Hunter.

The Nationals say one tower towns are at risk of losing connection to emergency services if infrastructure isn’t properly maintained.

It follows fallout from Optus outages, most recently in the Illawarra.

Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Federal Government should reform existing laws to make telcos look after their equipment.

“At the moment, the universal service obligation, where $270 million is put into every year, only goes to landlines and payphones,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t we re-cut the money into something that could save lives and make Australia more productive in making sure these telcos maintain these towers?

“The reality is, unless we force these telcos into maintaining towers, we potentially could see another Optus disaster like we saw on the weekend,” he said.

Man Under Police Guard After Alleged Domestic Violence Incident At Cardiff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man remains under police guard in hospital after he allegedly threatened a woman at Cardiff on Monday night.

Police were called to a home on Darcy Road at about 9.30pm on Monday September 29 to reports a man was making threats to a 37-year-old woman.

It's alleged the man entered the home, smashing a window as the three residents fled into the backyard.

He was arrested a short time later after a struggle with officers in nearby Kirby Street after he allegedly failed to comply with a police direction. 

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and then to the John Hunter Hospital for assessment of a suspected arm injury.

Police none of the residents required medical treatment.

 

SCONE CRASH – Three Girls in Hospital

 Bunnan Road at Scone is closed in both directions and will likely be for the rest of the afternoon following a serious accident involving three teenage girls.

The road is closed between Yarrandi Road and Flemington Drive.

Two young girls were treated by paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical teams for head, rib and abdominal injuries before both were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

Another young girl was also treated at the scene by paramedics and medical teams before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.

Credit: Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Coalition Slams Labor Over Education Spending

 The State Opposition is defending its decision to not fund Medowie High School which began construction works last week.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says she has fought for the school for years in opposition, and claims the Coalition did not come good on a promise to build it in Government.

But Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says she funded a number of upgrades while in opposition.

“We went based on the advice that we were getting from the Department and also in relation to community growth.

“The decision was made to actually make those significant investments in Hunter River High School and in Irrawang High School, which I note [Port Stephens MP] Kate Washington was happy to open those projects and take credit for,” she said.

“I think it’s a bit rich for the Government to continue to blame the previous Government. They’ve been in now for well over two years,” she said.

Medowie High School artist’s impression. Credit: NSW Government

Pair Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery Of Newcastle Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police allege a wig-wearing armed robber had help from an employee of a Hamilton hotel before making off with tens of thousands of dollars.

Just after 3.30am on Friday September 12, police allege a man wearing a Tina Turner wig entered the Sydney Junction Hotel on Beaumont Street armed with a firearm before leaving on an e-bike ridden by another person.

Police executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Waratah West last Wednesday and allegedly found $30,020 in cash.

They also searched a home in James Street Hamilton, finding an e-scooter and helmet.

Inquiries led to the arrest of 46-year-old Christopher James Barsley.

He faced court on Friday September 26 charged with special aggravated break and enter, commit serious indictable offence, and acquiring a firearm while subject to a prohibition order. 

Barsley has been remanded in custody. 

Police also arrested 44-year-old Evie Grace on Friday.

She faced court on Saturday charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence. Police allege Grace, an employee of the hotel, was working at the time of the hold-up and assisted in the incident.

Grace was granted strict conditional bail 

Both have had their cases adjourned until November.  

 

A CCTV image of the alleged wig-wearing armed robber

Appeal Launched To Locate Missing Teenager From Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Concerns are growing for a teenage girl who's been missing from the Lake Macquarie area since last week.

15-year-old Emma Herival was last seen on Awaba Street at Toronto around 2.00pm last Thursday 25 September, 2025 and police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 155cm tall with a thin build, short strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.

Emma is believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast regions.

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

Missing teen Emma Hirival

 

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY – New Expansions Opened

 Locals are being invited to have a first look at the multi-million-dollar Newcastle Art Gallery upgrades.

Newcastle Council says the doubling of exhibition space will attract more tourism and allow curators to show more of the collection.

A recent valuation put the whole collection at $145 million.

Director Lauretta Morton says it’s been a fight to advocate for the region’s biggest gallery.

“It’s really important about getting our collection out because we’ve got the opportunity now to really show a broad cross-section of the collection for the first time,” she said.

“The amount of grant applications, all of the ‘no’s’, ‘you’re regional, you’re metropolitan’, you know, we went through what I like to call some really hard years. And it was a battle,” she said.

The Gallery will be open to the public Friday through Sunday from 10am till 4pm until the whole gallery opens in February.

MEDOWIE HIGH SCHOOL – Sod Turning Marks Start to Construction

 PETER HYSLOP

Premier Chris Minns has visited Port Stephens today turn the first sod on Medowie High School, a project years in the making.

The new school will open its doors to students in Term 1 2027, following a long fight from Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

She delivered an emotional speech, saying it had taken since 2011 to get it off the ground.

“This has been a fight from the families of Medowie forever,” she said.

“I know that there are people here that thought they were going to be the first cohort in the new school, and that was decades ago.

“My youngest was in my arms when I first started fighting for this school and she’s now 19. So this is an enormous day,” she said.

It will feature 29 modern classrooms, specialist workshops and labs, play and sport facilities, a multipurpose hall and library.

Chris Minns says it’s long overdue.

“This is the first new high school for the Hunter Valley in 25 years and it’s long overdue for one of the fastest growing communities in New South Wales,” he said.

“I think both sides of politics recognise that this school was absolutely essential for a fast growing community a long time ago,” he said.

RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE INQUIRY – Mayor Says Transition “Unplanned”

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A State Inquiry into Renewable Energy Zones at Singleton today heard from local leaders, energy operators and unions about the impacts on regional communities.

Residents have long raised concerns about traffic impacts and little consultation from major energy operators.

An interim report in August found uncertainty over whether projects will proceed is causing anxiety. The report also flagged concerns about impacts to the agricultural industry.

Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton says residents want their fair share of economic benefits.

“This new industry will again bring a real risk that Muswellbrook Shire will carry the load without receiving our fair share of gains.

“This is a cycle that needs to stop. If we keep accommodating what needs to be done for the rest of the country to keep the lights on, our community … needs to start seeing the benefits,” he said.

“EnergyCo has only recently had the resources to plan strategically, and it is now trying to catch up in a fast-moving space. This lack of sequencing creates uncertainty for project proponents, councils and communities.

“This has caused unpredictable workloads for staff because of overlapping projects, loss of social licence as residents grow frustrated with repeated consultations, difficulty planning infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy projects [and] pressure on local services to host temporary construction workforces,” he said.

Cache Of 3D Printed Firearm Parts Discovered At Barnsley

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike Force detectives investigating the manufacture of firearms have uncovered a toolbox filled with 3D-printed firearm parts at a Lake Macquarie property.

Following inquires, detectives from Strike Force Leeville along with Hunter Valley Police searched a property at Barnsley on Tuesday, finding the toolbox in the garage containing two rifles and numerous 3D printed firearm parts.

A 59-year-old man at the property was spoken to and the items have been seized for forensic examination.

Police are urging anyone with information on the ownership or origins of the guns to contact Crime Stoppers. 


 

2 rifles and numerous 3D printed firearm parts were discovered in a toolbox at a Barnsley property

NEW LAMBTON LANDSLIP – Council and Reconstruction Authority At Odds

 Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says the State Reconstruction Authority is participating in efforts to address the New Lambton landslip.

A Lord Mayoral Minute was last night supported at Newcastle Council to write to the Premier calling for the Authority to lead the cleanup.

Residents met with Jodie Harrison this month to raise their concerns. She says she’s relayed them to Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin.

“They are rightly concerned, they are seeking clarity on their futures, they want to know what the status is on their homes.

“Newcastle City Council is leading the work on this, and the Reconstruction Authority is part of the local recovery committee,” she said.

But Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge says the State Government needs to step up.

“This is not a job council is used to, we have engaged a person to lead the recovery effort from Council’s point of view and she’s doing a good job.

“But in the overall scheme of things, this is what the Reconstruction Authority was set up to do, so they should be doing it,” he said.

Taken from when the landslip was first noticed in May. Credit: NSW Police

BREAKING! Teenager Arrested After Pursuit At Waratah West

 BY IAN CROUCH

Wednesday 24 September, 2025 

A teenager is in custody following a pursuit of an allegedly stolen car at Waratah West this morning.

An unmarked police car spotted the silver Toyota Corolla on Stannet Street just before 7 o'clock and gave chase down University Drive when the car failed to stop.

Police say the car crashed at the university roundabout and the two male occupants attempted to flee.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene, while the search continues for a 19-year-old.
 

 

 

CESSNOCK GROWTH – Mayor Wants to Avoid “Western Sydney Situation”

 Cessnock Council is looking to find a way to manage population growth with 112,500 people expected to move in by 2041.

The Housing Discussion Paper has received a number of submissions including from the Property Council which is urging Council to relax development planning controls.

Mayor Dan Watton says repairing and building adequate infrastructure will be a key consideration.

“We can’t keep building upon roads which need major repair,” he said.

“The State Government has set targets for us … but it needs to be done in a responsible manner,” he said.

Submissions to the Discussion paper close on Wednesday 24 September (tomorrow).

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

SYDNEY JUNCTION HOTEL HOLD UP – Police Appeal to Locate Men

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are still on the lookout for two men who allegedly held up the Sydney Junction Hotel at around 3:40am on Friday September 12.

Officers were called to the premises and told a man allegedly threatened staff with a pistol before taking a significant amount of cash and fleeing west on Hudson Street on an e-bike with another man.

Acting Superintendent Kristen Marshall says new CCTV footage has been released, and shows two men with bizarre accessories.

“The first male is described as wearing dark clothing. He has a black face mask and has a very [distinguishable] brown and blonde long-haired wig. The second male is described as wearing dark clothing, wearing a white helmet, white shoes and riding a black e-bike.

“At this stage we’re just looking at it as an isolated incident and obviously that investigation is underway at the moment,” she said.

 

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.

 

 

Calls for New Performing Arts Centre at Lake Macquarie

 BY JACK HODGINS

With a growing population across the Hunter Region, a Change.org petition calling for a new Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre has been started.

The petition calls for the building of a new 500 seat theatre to better meet growing patronage.

Organisers argue the region’s Warners Bay Theatre which has a seating capacity of 300 does not have the capacity for an increase in demand.

President of the Lake Macquarie Music Society Mercia Buck says a dedicated centre will provide an economic boost.

“When we have visitors for productions they increase the businesses for accommodation, they go to all the restaurants.

The benefits will huge, people will come from everywhere as they do now but they will increase their tourism,” she said.

The petition has garnered over 500 signatures.

Warners Bay Theatre. Credit: Lake Macquarie Council

NEWCASTLE LINK ROAD – Overpass to Replace Minmi Rd Roundabout

 BY PETER HYSLOP

New designs are on show for the Newcastle Link Road at Minmi Road intersection to replace a roundabout with an overpass and two sets of traffic lights.

It’s hoped the new upgrades will slash travel times for drivers travelling to and from Edgeworth and clear the bottleneck caused by the existing roundabout.

Under plans on public exhibition, new ramps would link onto existing lanes and the road would be open to future housing connections with a Link Road estate on the State Government’s priority list.

The estate is heavily opposed by local environmentalists.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says she’s pleased the design will replace the old roundabout, and residents are encouraged to have their say until October 17.

JUSTIN HOLBROOK – New Knights Coach “Thrilled” to Take Top Job

 BY PETER HYSLOP

New Knights head coach Justin Holbrook says he’s excited to have the job to bring the side from the bottom of the ladder next season.

Holbrook says he has the experience with a wooden spoon side from his time with the Titans.

He says the Newcastle community gets behind its side like few other places do.

“The thing that sticks out is the love of the game. Not just from the players, the whole city, the whole town just loves Rugby League and that’s what sticks out the most.

“Whenever I [came] up here as an opposition team or coach an opposition team, it always gave me good memories and a good feeling,” he said.

He says he wants to continue develop new talent from the pathways system.

“A lot of the sort of things I’ve been asked about to fix are already happening.

“I don’t have to come in and try and tip everything upside down. They didn’t have a great year, we all know that, but I think the upside is the playing squad and things that are getting done already,” he said.

CESSNOCK EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL – New Upgrades Unveiled

 $1.2 million dollar upgrades to the Cessnock East Public School Playground have been opened today.

They include a new sports field, shade trees and a shade sail, and a bigger level playing area.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi says the synthetic grass field will provide benefits to the wider community.

“”It’s a lot of work, it’s been some good funding put into this, $1.2 million and they’ve used just about every cent of it.

“They’ve got a beautiful undercover area with a shade sail and soft fall mat there [that] they can do a lot of work with,” he said.

 

WARATAH WEST – Three Charged with Drug Offences

 BY RUBY PINTER

Three people have been charged following an investigation into alleged drug supply offences at Birmingham Gardens and Waratah West.

Following an extensive investigation under Strike Force Dukin, two search warrants were executed yesterday morning, which allegedly revealed 900g heroin, methylamphetamine and $88,520 in cash.

A man and woman, both aged 35, were arrested at a Waratah West Property, during the arrest, the woman allegedly assaulted a Senior Constable but the officer was uninjured.

At Mayfield, a motorcycle rider was arrested as part of the operation.

All three were refused bail and will appear before bail court today.

Investigations continue.

Credit: NSW Police

Police Search For Utility Over Child Approach At Bellbird

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released a photo of a distinctive-looking utility as they investigate a child approach incident at Bellbird.

Between 4.30 and 5.15pm on Saturday August 23, a 13-year-old girl was walking along Doyle Street when a ute stopped next to her and the driver asked if she wanted a lift.

The driver attempted to get out of the car as the girl refused and managed to run away.

The driver left the scene.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 60's or 70's with light grey hair, grey beard with a  dark colour at the bottom and a crooked nose. 

He was driving a two-door ute with black chalky paint and white flames along the side with a spoiler on the tray and black wheel rims.

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

Police believe a man driving this vehicle approached a 13-year-old girl at Bellbird

 

Man Assaulted During Home Invasion At Warners Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital after a home invasion at Warners Bay.

Police say two men forced their way into a Queen Street home at about 7.30pm on Wednesday September 17 armed with a pole and a knife.

It's alleged they assaulted a 48-year-old man before leaving on foot.

The man was taken to Belmont Hospital where he was treated for a gash to his head.

Police say the alleged assailants and the victim were not known to each other - it's believed the incident relates to the purchase of an item.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

HILLSBOROUGH ROAD – Tenders Called for Stage One

BY ISSY KULPER

The State Government says the Hillsborough Road upgrade has hit an important milestone with construction tenders being called for stage one of the project.

The $35 million build will include improvements stretching from the Inner-City Bypass roundabout to the west of Crockett Street.

Transport for NSW says it’s looking to grant the contract for construction to begin early next year. The project is predicted to take 18 months to duplicate the road on a 700 metre stretch and put in new traffic lights at Crockett Street.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says it should improve travel times.

“The 36,000 motorists who use Hillsborough Road daily can look forward to more reliable journeys, with improved traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for all road users,” she said.

Credit: Transport for NSW

Dungog Mayor Calls for Local Net Zero Authority Presence

BY LIZZIE COLE

Digby Rayward wants officials on the ground from the Net Zero Economy Authority as coal mines in the Hunter close down.

He’ll tonight raise a motion to call on the State Government for funding post mining land use initiatives.

Councillor Rayward says the pointers to send to the Annual Local Government Conference reflect the desires of Councils across the Hunter Valley.

“There’s a real risk we’re going to lose in the order of 12,000 jobs in the next few years when BHP shuts down.

“We want to make sure those people [who] are working in Dungog and travelling across to those mining jobs have got another job, whether it’s based in Dungog, Muswellbrook or Singleton,” he said.

Also among the motions to send to the Local Government Annual Conference, a number of roads which have been on Council’s agenda for years. He wants them re-categorised as State roads.

“Going from Clarence Town … towards the Medowie side, and there’s some around Gresford.

“The formula [the State Government have] got is population going from point A to point B,” he said.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

REDBANK POWER STATION – IPC Refusal Welcomed

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Independent Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Redbank Power Stations biomass burning plan is being welcomed by environmentalists.

The proposal put forward by Verdant Earth would have burned 700,000 tonnes of vegetation annually.

The Commission received nearly 600 submissions, with 94.6% of them against the project.

Greens MLC Sue Higginson says it’s a welcome decision.

“What is so clear is that the IPC had enough material Infront of it to determine this is not a project in the public interest to be proposed here and now in 2025,” she said.

Nature Conservation Council CEO Jacqui Mumford says the Commission’s made the right decision.

“We already have a land clearing crisis in New South Wales, so to propose [this kind of] project at this time is a really terrible idea for the environment and the climate,” she said.

Photo credit: Verdant Earth Technologies

NEWCASTLE BUSES – Drivers Vote for More Industrial Action

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie bus drivers with the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) have voted to take further industrial action, but the operator is yet to be formally notified.

Action may include service cancellations. Earlier action this year left school children and commuters stranded with little notice. It’s expected at least for the next few days, services will continue as normal.

The union says they will advise the company and the Fair Work Commission with ample notice if a stoppage takes place.

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Grech says opal readers have already been switched off.

“This was an extension of the first Protected Action Ballot, and this gives us further movement on that.

“We probably foresee a stoppage, or withdrawal of work in the coming weeks,” he said.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

BREAKING! Muswellbrook Rocked By Earthquake

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Upper Hunter has been shaken by an early-morning earthquake.

The 3.7 magnitude quake struck in the centre of the Mount Arthur coal mine just south of Muswellbrook at about 2.20am today (Tuesday 16 September, 2025).

The quake was recorded at a depth of 3km and was picked up on seismic monitoring hundreds of kilometres away.

Geoscience Australia has received around 90 felt reports, with dozens of Muswellbrook residents reporting the jolt.

There have been no reports of damage or injury at this stage.

 

Geoscience Australia shake map shows dozens of felt reports around Muswellbrook 

BARTON OVAL NO 1 – Club Says Vandalism “Frustrating”

 A club which uses Barton Oval Number 1 at Belmont says field vandalism has caused headaches for management and regular users. 

It’s estimated the damage caused by cars tearing up the field during the weekend will cost ten thousand dollars to fix.  

Lake Macquarie Council says suspicious activity from Friday night should be reported to police.  

Lakes United Seagulls Club Executive Committee Member Grant Thompson-Lang says they’ve had minor problems with vandalism before.

 “It’s a very open field area, opened park area so we get a lot of motorbikes and electric scooters and things like that, and they have created damage before but not to this extent and this one was a car,” he said.

BREAKING! Firefighters Battling Blaze At Edgeworth Shopping Centre

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a shopping centre fire at Edgeworth.

Emergency services were called to Edgeworth Town Square on Main Road at about 4.45am to find a loading dock on fire.

Six fire trucks are at the scene.

Newcastle Fire Command says 24 firefighters are battling the blaze which has been contained to the loading dock where a large industrial bin is on fire.

It's understood some people have been safely evacuated and no-one's been injured.

 

BREAKING! Popular Hamilton Pub Held Up At Gunpoint

 BY IAN CROUCH

A popular Hamilton hotel has been held up at gunpoint early today (Friday 12 September, 2025).

Police say around 3.40am an unknown person entered the Sydney Junction Hotel on Beaumont Street armed with a pistol and threatened staff.

The alleged offender took an amount of cash before leaving the business.

No-one was injured.

Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

 

Drugs and Knife Allegedly Found During Vehicle Stop At Cameron Park

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today for a man after police allegedly found drugs and a knife in his vehicle at Cameron Park.

Around 10.30am on Tuesday September 9, Highway Patrol officers stopped a vehicle on Cameron Park Drive.

It's alleged the 22-year-old driver returned a positive reading to methamphetamine, cannabis and cocaine.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a large knife, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

The man's been refused bail charged with drug supply and possession offences and having custody of a knife in a public place. 

 

Police Investigate Unit Fire At Jesmond

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a unit at Jesmond overnight.

Firefighters were called to a two storey six unit complex in Harvard Close just before 1.00am today (Wednesday 10 September, 2025) to find unit 4 engulfed in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says the occupants of all the units were safely evacuated and no-one was injured.

Around 30 firefighters took more than an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Two neighbouring units also sustained structural damage.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue into the cause of the fire. 

 

Four Arrested Over Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 17-year-old boy is accused of stealing a car and leading police on a pursuit near Cessnock.

He's one of three boys and a 24-year-old man arrested after the chase ended at Cessnock on Monday night.

Police pulled the vehicle over for an RBT on Cessnock Road at Neath.

They say the car stopped briefly before being driven from the scene.

The car was pursued to Cessnock where it's alleged the occupants stopped and tried to flee on foot.

Three boys aged 15,16 and 17 and a 24-year-old man were arrested.

The 17-year-old has been charged with several offences including take and drive conveyance without consent and deliberately blackening or disguising  his face to avoid detection.

The 15 and 24-year-old's were also charged while the 16-year-old was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.  
 

 

Girl Dies In Hospital After Dog Attack At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl has died in hospital after being mauled by a dog at Singleton last week.

Emergency services were called to a home on Broughton Street at about 11.30am last Thursday (4 September 2025) and found 17-year-old girl Annalyse Blyton suffering critical injuries to her head, neck and body.

Police were told Annalyse was at a friend's home when the incident occurred.

She was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but police were notified yesterday of her death in hospital. 

The 10-year-old dog, described as a large dog of mixed breed has been put down.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

 

 

 

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Missing Woman From Merriwa

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have found a body believed to be that of a woman reported missing from Merriwa at the weekend

25-year-old Celeste Proctor was last seen around 1.00pm on Saturday.

When she couldn't be located or contacted, Hunter Valley Police were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Around 3.30pm on Monday, police located the body of a woman during a search of bushland in Coolah Tops National Park.

While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the missing woman.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.  

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to locate a woman who's gone missing from Merriwa at the weekend.

25-year-old Celeste Proctor was last seen in the area around 1.00pm on Saturday.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a small build, medium-length light brown hair and blue eyes.

Celeste may be travelling in a black Toyota Hilux with the NSW registration  DB 89 JT.

She's known to frequent the Coolah Tops and Merriwa areas.

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

Missing woman Celeste Proctor

 

 

ELEEBANA – Red Bluff Boardwalk Repairs to Cost $200,000

 BY PETER HYSLOP

It’s going to take $200,000 and five weeks to complete a temporary fix on the Red Bluff Boardwalk at Eleebana, with more permanent repairs likely to take more from Council coffers.

The walkway has been closed to the public since May when a houseboat came off its mooring and crashed into the bridge during a storm.

Pedestrians and cyclists have been seen using Macquarie Drive as a detour, which has no shoulder in the bridge stretch.

 

MAITLAND - Appeal to Locate Missing Girl

Police are asking for help to locate a teenager missing from Mailand.

Zoey Pollock, aged 15, was last seen in Metford on Monday night. Officers and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's known to frequent the Maitland, Newcastle and Muswellbrook areas, and she's described as of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, with black hair usually in a bun.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

Credit: NSW Police

 

Police Seek Help To Find Missing Telarah Teenager

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing from Telarah.

15-year-old Jada Hill was last seen on Saturday August 30 at about 3.00am and police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Jada's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build and long red hair.

She was last seen wearing black track pants and a black school jumper.

Jada is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, Hornsby and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
 

Missing teen Jada Hill

 

UPDATE! Truck Crash Closes New England Highway At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man in his 30's has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with facial injuries and suspected leg and rib injuries following a truck crash at Singleton.

A truck carrying frozen chickens and an empty truck collided at the intersection of  Maitland Road and Kennedy Street just before 4.00am today (Tuesday 2 September 2025). It's understood one of the trucks crashed into the rear of another which was parked by the road.

Maitland Road re-opened to traffic just before 7.30am. 

EARLIER: 

The New England Highway has been closed at Singleton following a truck crash.

Newcastle Fire Command says two trucks collided at the intersection of Maitland Road and Kennedy Street just before 4.00am today (Tues 2 September, 2025).

It's understood one of the drivers has been injured but all occupants of the trucks are out of the vehicles.

Maitland Road has been closed to traffic with diversions in place while crews work to clear a diesel spill. 

Crews have requested a Hazmat unit to assist with the clean-up, with one of the trucks carrying approximately 700 litres of fuel. 

 

UPDATE! Firefighters Battling House Fire At Boolaroo

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire investigators have been called in to determine the cause of a fire which has destroyed a shed at the rear of a home in Boolaroo early Tuesday.

Crews were called to Second Street just after 3.30am to find a large amount of smoke and flames issuing from the rear of the weatherboard home.

They took almost two hours to completely extinguish and mop up the fire.

It's believed an E-Scooter left on charge may have sparked the blaze.

EARLIER: 

Firefighters are battling a house fire at Boolaroo.

Emergency services were called to the single story weatherboard home in Second Street just after 3.30am on Tuesday to find the rear of the house well alight.

A shed at the rear of the property was also on fire.

Fire crews from Cardiff took about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and are now working to fully extinguish the blaze..

Newcastle Fire Command says all the occupants safely evacuated, although a pet dog is still missing.

The cause of the fire has not been determined at this stage.

 

NEWCASTLE COUNCIL – Proposed Meeting Reforms Welcomed

Proposed State Government reforms to Council meeting standards are being welcomed by local Councillors.

The new rules, if passed, would require more community forums and rowdy councilors could be thrown out of meetings by Mayors for bad behavior.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge says he welcomes the new rules.

“The Minister [Ron Hoenig] has had huge experience in local council, and has been concerned for sometime about the dysfunctionality of some councils.

“We had problems in Newcastle… with meetings that go on for extraordinary long lengths of time,” he said.

Woman Critical After Multi-Vehicle Crash At Glen Oak

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a serious a multi-vehicle crash at Glen Oak.

It's understood 3 cars collided on Clarence Town Road  just before 7.00anm on Monday.

NSW Ambulance says the drivers of two of the cars suffered minor injuries but a woman driving a third car was trapped after her vehicle collided with a tree.

It took about an hour to free her from the wreckage. 

She's being flown to hospital in a critical condition by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter.