Business Hunter Warns Stalling Gas Projects Pose Economic Risks

A new report from Business Hunter says the stalling of gas projects statewide could put the local economy at significant risk.

Projects like the Narrabri Gas Project are behind schedule, putting local supplies under strain.

The report suggests industries relying on gas production, including alumina refinement and food processing, are already facing uncertainty as volatile prices and insecure supply push them to the brink.

CEO of Business Hunter Bob Hawes says while many businesses are hooked up to the gas network, the lines are currently running full. 

"We're already seeing major price spikes, which are making it very, very difficult for businesses and industry to remain competitive," he said.

"We need to think about upgrading our infrastructure to get gas to places where it's required."

Man To Face Court Charged With Murder After Elderly Woman Found Dead At Fern Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court charged with murder after an elderly woman was found dead in a Port Stephens home.

Police say around 12.30pm on Thursday December 18, a 61-year-old man attended Newcastle Police Station in relation to an incident at a Fern Bay home.

Officers went to the home on Taylor Road and found the 88-year-old woman deceased.

The man then attended Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with murder (Domestic Violence related).

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 19 December 2025).

Police say the man and woman are known to each other.

 

Awaba House’s Un-Fork-Edible Comeback

 Lake Macquarie’s landmark Awaba House will reopen its doors following an $8 million reconstruction, 6 years after the devastating fire.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz has announced that The Catering Group will be operating the newly refurbished restaurant, slated to open April 2nd 2026.

“The revitalised venue will combine the original historic facade with a modern interior offering dining options that are both exquisite and affordable,” he said.

“I’d like to thank construction company Baseline Projects for their hard work in getting the building to where it is today.

“We’ve tried to keep the historic elements as much as could be salvaged… We’ve tried to hold on to the site’s roots and the essential elements,” he said.

The Catering Company CEO Greg Barclay says the menu will reflect the local area.

"[All the] way we're going to support the local community, using local suppliers, regional suppliers... the product that we're going to be offering is around native Australian ingredients," he said.

The Catering Group CEO Greg Barclay with Mayor Adam Shultz

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Lake Macquarie Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

56-year-old Andrew Leggett was last seen in Belmont at about 8.30 on Monday 15 December 2025.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he lives with a number of health conditions.

Andrew's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 185cm tall with a large build, bald and may be clean shaven and may be wearing a shirt and shorts, although the colour these items is unknown. 

Police believe could be travelling to Queensland.

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

 

Missing man Andrew Leggett

Newcastle Vigil To Be Held for Bondi Shooting Victims

Newcastle residents are being invited to pay their respects to the lives lost at Bondi Beach and stand with the Jewish community at a vigil tonight.

The Newcastle Synagogue on Tyrrell Street at the Hill will welcome people from 7:30pm.

Organisers say Jewish and other locals are being welcomed to grieve together.

Newcastle Rabbi Rossi Rodal says it’s an opportunity to support the community,

“There’s been a feeling of vulnerability and loneliness over the last few years. People, for different reasons, didn’t reach out as much. Maybe they thought it was political … a lot of Jewish people have been feeling vulnerable,” he said.

“We’ve been getting [huge] support from the general community. There’s a lot of emotion, and we felt it’s best to channel it into an event for the whole community.

“Instead of isolated methods of support, it can be a unified response, and people can grieve together,” he said.

Credit / Shawn Anderson / Flickr

Swansea Man To Face Court Accused Of Displaying Nazi Symbol In A Public Place

BY IAN CROUCH

A Lake Macquarie man is due to face court today (Wednesday 17 December 2025) charged with displaying a Nazi symbol in a public place.

Police went to a home on Albert Street Swansea on Saturday December 6 to reports a prohibited Nazi symbol was being displayed on a boat parked at the location.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 32-year-old man at the Albert Street home yesterday (Tuesday 16 December 2025) and executed a search warrant.

They seized two marine vessels and other items for further examination.

The man's been refused bail charged with causing a prohibited Nazi symbol to be displayed in a public place, offensive behaviour and breach of bail.

 

BREAKING! Four People Jump For Their Lives After Fire Engulfs Cooks Hill Unit

 BY IAN CROUCH

Four people have jumped from the third floor after fire engulfed a unit at Cooks Hill overnight.

Around 40 firefighters from six stations and the Hazmat Unit were called to the 3 storey unit block on Parkway Avenue just after 10.30pm on Tuesday November 16 to find a ground floor unit engulfed in flames and several people on the ground suffering various injuries.

They'd broken a window of a top floor unit to escape the intense heat and smoke which was coming through their front door.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews had the fire under control within half an hour and fully extinguished by around 12.30am on Wednesday, with the blaze confined to the one unit 

Four people were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with suspected fractures and orthopaedic injures.

A fifth person was rescued from a second storey unit by firefighters using a ladder and taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

12 people were evacuated from the unit block.

Police have set up a crime scene and forensic police will commence their investigation on Wednedsay morning.

 

NORDS WHARF – Cyclist dies after SUV collision

A cyclist has died after a hit and run with an SUV in Lake Macquarie at the weekend. 

At about 11am on Sunday, emergency services were called to the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Awabakal Drive following reports of a crash.

At the scene, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told a 42-year-old male cyclist and an SUV had collided.

The vehicle is believed to be a black Toyota FJ Cruiser, which failed to stop after the crash.

The cyclist was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

However, at about 9.50 am on Monday, he died in hospital.

A crime scene was established by the Crash Investigation Unit, who have since commenced inquires into the incident.

Police are calling for anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hunter Jewish Community Mourns Lives Lost at Bondi Beach

 A Hanukkah event went ahead at Civic Park in Newcastle without incident on Sunday night, but as the service went on, people pulled out their phones and watched in horror, hearing the news that 15 innocent people died at Bondi Beach, when a father and son pair began opening fire on an assembled crowd celebrating the Jewish festival.

Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal says it’s hard for the community to comprehend.

“Very confronting to know that could have happened here too. People are very scared,” he said.

“Two of my good friends were killed, and a third victim I knew pretty well.

“If you know of anyone that’s Jewish locally or anyone, just reach out to them, tell them that you’re there for them. They’re feeling very vulnerable and scared and they could use all the support [they can get],” he said.

Leaders are offering a message of calm and love.

“Jewish response to tragedy is not to fight hate with hate, we fight with love. And I encourage everybody to do one kind act that you possibly wouldn’t have done a different day,” Rabbi Yossi said.

Police Appeal For Information Over Suspicious Barber Shop Fire At East Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Raptor Squad Police have released CCTV images they believe could assist with their inquiries after a barber shop at East Maitland was torched in an arson attack earlier this year.

Around 1am on Saturday September 14, police and fire crews were called to the shopping precinct on Garnett Road to reports of a fire.

Detectives believe two men were seen walking from Alfred Close into the shopping precinct around 10.20pm on Friday September 14 - one of them, a hooded man wearing grey tracksuit pants, dark jumper and a moon boot returned to the barber shop with another man before they left in a silver Commodore and white van.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

 

Police want to speak with this man 

Man Dies In Hospital After Mayfield Crash In November

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died in hospital almost a month after a serious crash at Mayfield.

Emergency services were called to Industrial Drive at about 12.15pm on Tuesday 18 November 2025 where a motorbike had collided with a truck.

The rider, a man aged 60, was treated at the scene before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, however he's sadly succumbed to his injuries .

A 48-year-old man who was driving the truck underwent mandatory testing in hospital.

As investigations into the crash continue, police are urging anyone with dashcam footage to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner. 

 

New Program to Help Female Inmates Re-enter Community

The state government has launched a new intensive support program to assist vulnerable women leaving prison.

Delivered through a partnership between Corrective Services NSW and not-for-profit Embrace People & Place, the $5.7 million project aims to provide wrap-around support for women leaving custody to help them rebuild their lives to prevent crime.

The program will provide six months of pre-release assistance with a focus on identifying and addressing their post-release needs, as well as providing practical supports.

After they’ve left custody, the initiative plans to offer support for up to two years with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, due to their disproportionate representation in prisons and unique barriers to reintegration.

It builds off 2021 BOSCAR data which identified education and skills training play an important role in reducing recidivism, with a 45% reduction in theft offences amongst participating inmates after release.

The program will utilise a former Periodic Detention Centre in the Port Stephens area as the temporary accommodation facility.

Work has already begun to prepare eligible women for the program, with the first cohort to be housed at the facility in 2026.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said they are committed to enhancing rehabilitative outcomes.

“We need to offer intiatives that acknowledge and respond to the unique experiences of women who enter custody,” he said.

“Reintegration and rehabilitation is really important to ensure there are no new victims, a safer community for all and that women post-release can live much better lives.

“We know that women’s pathways to criminal behaviour are often a result of abuse, disadvantage and trauma – and this project will support community safety in an effective and meaningful way.”

Embrace People & Place CEO Coralie Nichols said those leaving prison need to return to community life with dignity and confidence.

“Really difficult problems are often solved when people come together,” she said.

“So, having a moment where philanthropy, works with government and a non-for-profit to support those most vulnerable in our community – it’s a mark of who we are.”

BUS STRIKE – Services to Halt From 4am Friday

 The Rail Tram and Bus Union says they’ll be on strike from tomorrow, with services including regular routes, school services and night owl Saturday services suspended from 4am on Friday to 4am on Saturday.

The 24-hour strike is an escalation following a refusal of Operator Keolis Downer’s proposed enterprise agreement when it was put to a ballot.

Rail, Train and Bus Union Divisional President Peter Grech says the proposed agreement is a three-year contract which would continue past 2027, when it’s expected Keolis Downer’s agreement with the State Government will run out.

“So we don’t want to be locked into an agreement where where there’s no Keolis Downer anymore. So we’re just ensuring that the money which is put in our pockets is negotiated through the Keolis Downer,” he said.

“We just apologise for the inconvenience to the commuters. We didn’t want to get to this. We’ve been trying not to inconvenience commuters and we’re hoping for some sort of resolution,” he said.

It’s understood a last minute meeting has been held today in an attempt to reach an agreement to stop the action.

Credit / Wikimedia Commons

BREAKING! Murder Investigation Launched After Death Of A Man At Cooks Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died after an alleged assault in Cooks Hill this morning.

Emergency services were called to unit block on Darby Street just before 3.30am today (Wednesday 10 December 2025) following reports of an assault.

The 53-year-old man was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

His death is being treated as suspicious.

Police have set up a crime scene and detectives have commenced an investigation with the assistance of the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.

 

Tragedy At Tanilba Bay: Toddler Killed After Being Hit By Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

A toddler has died after being hit by a car at Tanilba Bay.

Emergency services were called to Lloyd George Grove at about 5.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 December 2025), arriving to find the 1-year-old girl had been hit by a Toyota utility at the property.

She was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but sadly succumbed to her injuries.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, was not injured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

An investigation is under way and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

 

REDHEAD FIRE – Lake Macquarie Added to Disaster Declaration List

 The Federal Government has activated Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for locals at Redhead, Gateshead, Whitebridge and Dudley, who may have had property damaged or might be in need of essentials.

Measures include assistance to meet emergency accommodation needs, grants for uninsured residents and financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

The fire at Redhead Road has now burned through over 90 hectares, and did threaten homes, but thanks to water bombing aircraft and firefighters on rolling shifts, they were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby aged care home.

The Fernleigh Track after the Redhead fire. Credit / Lake Macquarie Council

Truck Loaded With E-Bikes And Batteries Destroyed By Fire At Nerong

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have worked through the night to extinguish a truck fire at Nerong north of Newcastle.

Newcastle Fire Command says a B-Double with a mixed load which included E-bikes and batteries caught fire in the northbound lanes of the Pacific Highway about 2 kilometres south of the town just after midnight on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Fire and Rescue crews from Tea Gardens along with a bulk water tanker from Toronto and a Hazmat team from Newcastle were sent to the blaze.

It's taken 5 hours to completely extinguish the fire and make the area safe.

The truck driver wasn't injured and a salvage operation is getting under way.

 

SWANSEA CHANNEL – Community Consultation Underway on 10 Year Plan

 The State Government says it wants to hear from residents on a Review of Environmental Factors for approving dredging works to maintain reliable access through the channel, following the third stage of maintenance dredging completed earlier this year.

Progress is also being made on the $10 million Dredge and Sand Transfer System, which will use excess sand from the channel to deal with erosion at Blacksmiths Beach.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says once the plan’s put into action, it will clear up issues with access.

“It will make sure that as we see markers that indicate that there’s [sand banking up], Maritime will be able to go in there and do the dredging programs without us having to wait sometimes more than 12 months for approvals,” she said.

“The construction of the Sand Transfer System will begin in March and it will conclude in May and that’s transferring the dredged sand onto Blacksmiths Beach, just up near the golf course. This will really address the issues that we have over there of severe coastal erosion,” she said.

Credit / Lake Macquarie Council

Newcastle Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Teenage Boy

 BY IAN CROUCH

Concerns are growing for the welfare of a teenage boy who's gone missing from Hamilton South.

14-year-old Darcey McKay was last seen in the area at about 4.45pm on Friday and police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Darcey's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a predominantly black t-shirt with red and white graphics, tan shorts and brown Birkenstock shoes.

He's known to frequent local skate parks, public parks, the Junction Fair, Bar Beach skate park and Newcastle area.

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

Missing teen Darcey McKay

 

RFS Positions Resources Ahead of Hot Weekend

 Temperature forecasts of up to 40 degrees on Saturday is not any help to the Rural Fire Service who are stretched battling blazes across the Hunter.

The Buladelah grass fire closed the Pacific Highway on Friday morning from Twelve Mile Creek all the way to Nabiac, causing significant headaches for commuters who have been forced to use The Bucketts Way instead. As of Friday afternoon, it had burned through over 760 hectares.

There are a number of fires crews are keeping an eye on, including at Cedar Creek, the ongoing Milsons Gully fire near Merriwa, and at Upper Rouchel near Scone.

RFS Spokeswoman Victoria Quested says they’re getting help from the ground and the air.

“We’ve seen some strike teams deployed from other areas of the state to come in and assist those local crews. And no doubt people in the area have noticed [a number] of our aircraft operating. So crews are doing a great job,” she said.

“We’ve got high fuel loads right across the state including in the Hunter and as we are now in this period of drying, which we obviously haven’t seen in the last few years, that fuel is very much drying out.

“So under conditions like we’re seeing today and certainly going into tomorrow where we’re expecting those winds to pick up, fires can start very quickly and spread very rapidly,” she said.

Locals are being advised to download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings.

Credit / Buladelah RFB / Facebook

LINK ROAD FOREST – Campaigners Hoping to set up Second Council Motion

 Backlash is continuing against the state significant housing estate proposal for the Link Road Forest at Wallsend, which could see more than 4,000 homes built.

Campaigners are calling on the State Government to instead rezone the land as a national park to protect threatened species.

It’s hoped another motion for writing to the State Government calling for the housing project to be dropped, will pass at next Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Campaign Convener Ian McKenzie says its a vital decision for generations to come.

“I think Council’s generally on side. They’ve already passed a resolution asking the State Government to consider rezoning this area for conservation in perpetuity. But I think the information that we brought them [at this week’s public briefing] strengthened their resolve,” he said.

“It’s important for Newcastle now. It’s important for Newcastle for well into the future.

“If we look back in 30 years’ time, we want to say, ‘yes, that was a good decision. We’ve got something that is valuable for the city’,” he said.

Newcastle Link Road. Credit / Transport for NSW

BREAKING! Massive Reward Offered To Solve Cold Case Death Of Singleton Toddler

 BY IAN CROUCH

The NSW government has announced a massive increase in the reward being offered for information over the suspicious death of a toddler at Singleton 20 years ago.

Jordan William Thompson was just 21 months old in March 2005 when his mother returned home from running errands after leaving him in the care of her then partner, to find him unresponsive in a bedroom.

Police were told Jordan had earlier been found face down in a bathtub.

His mother rushed him across the road to Singleton Base Hospital but he couldn't be revived.

A postmortem later found a lethal dose of prescription medication used to treat depression in his system.

Cecil Kennedy has stood trial twice for manslaughter, however juries were unable to reach unanimous verdicts.

Despite a $100,000 dollar reward offered in 2015, no-one has been convicted over Jordan's death.

It's hoped a new reward of $500,000 will encourage someone to come forward with information which leads to an arrest and conviction.

 

Jordan William Thompson 

STOCKTON FERRY - State Government in Talks to Restore Service

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the State Government and Keolis Downer are working on solutions for the out of service Newcastle to Stockton ferries.

Bus replacements have been called up since Saturday after the MV Shortland was called back for urgent repairs.

The MV Hunter has been out of service since February.

The bus replacements turn a five-minute ferry trip into up to an hour's long commute through peak hour traffic. 

Tim Crakanthorp has called for a replacement of the current fleet. He says for now, the State Government's working on immediate solutions.

"The fleet's getting old, and I share the community's frustrations," he said.

"We need to really do something about an update of those ferries, but I am in ongoing discussions with the [Minister for Transport's] office about an immediate solution to provide a consistent ferry service.

"Newcastle deserves that, and I'll continue to fight for a good, reliable ferry service," he said.

Tomago Aluminium Talks Focusing on “More Renewable Energy” – Bowen

 Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says conversations are ongoing about the future of Tomago Aluminium.

Government agencies are reportedly working on a power purchase agreement, where the Federal Government would guarantee a long term stable price of electricity for the plant, which has warned it may be forced to close if power prices don’t come down.

Chris Bowen believes the solution to the manufacturer’s woes is to pump the grid with more renewables.

“We have [Government] agencies [that] have been looking to see whether we can’t provide more renewable energy to Tomago,” he said.

“Tomago’s management said when they announced they were considering Tomago’s future, the problem is there’s not enough renewable energy. Not that there’s too much, there’s not enough.

“We agree with that. So let’s see what more we can do,” he said.

Chris Bowen with Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley, and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery.

BUCHANAN – Police Appeal for Help Following Suspicious Grass Fires

 Police are appealing for public help to locate a white Mazda SUV last seen in Kurri Kurri after a number of suspicious grass fires were sparked across the Hunter Valley.

At about midday on Sunday emergency services were called to a grass fire at Frame Drive and Gingers Lane at Sawyers Gully. A short time later crews were called to two more fires on John Renshaw Drive at Buchanan. The Rural Fire Service attended and extinguished both blazes.

At 3:40pm firefighters were called to a fire at John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill and another at Averys Lane. They were both extinguished.

Police have established a crime scene at all locations, and have commenced inquiries. Officers are appealing for anyone with information or dash cam footage of the white Mazda, or footage of any of the grass fires between 12pm and 4pm, to contact Crime Stoppers.

The white Mazda SUV. Credit / NSW Police