Search Under Way For Missing Lake Macquarie Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

The search continues for a man who's gone missing from Caves Beach.

55-year-old Peter Fekonja was last seen on Palm Tree Crescent at about 4.00am yesterday (Sunday 1 February, 2026) and the alarm was raised when he couldn't be contacted or located.

Peter's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a medium build and brown hair  and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured t-shirt and shorts.

He's known to frequent the Sydney area and may be travelling in a red Toyota Yaris with the NSW registration CG 23 BM.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 000333.

 

Missing man Peter Fakenja

 

Port Stephens Powered Vessel Free Zone Deemed Success

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Officials are deeming the recent trial of Port Stephen's powered vessel free zones a success for the community. 

The trial, held between 24 December and 26 January, saw a series of exclusion zones put in places along popular beaches within the Port Stephens area. 

Any powered vessel, including jet skis, were prohibited from entering the zones in order to protect swimmer safety. 

Transport for NSW (TfNSWM) Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said early feedback indicated a positive response from beach goers. 

"I can happily tell you that in those zones during that trial, everyone was really enjoying the interaction with the water and we were getting few complaints," he said.

"This is opposed to what we saw last year and the year before." 

During the trial, TfNSWM conducted more than 500 consultations with residents, visitors and powered vessel users as part of the independent evaluation process. 

"As we promised, we have independently evaluated this trial so that there can be no bias around the results," he added. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said it was a win for the community. 

"Year on year we had been getting increasing numbers of complaints," she said. 

"But this year I've had none. 

"Instead, I've had a positive response to the zones that we've stood up. 

"So, it's really positive and pleasing to say that on Port Stephens waterways this year it's been calm waters." 

The results of the trial will become available in March. 

Picture: Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and TfNSWM Executive Director Mark Hutchings. 

BREAKING! Teen In Custody After Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young teenager is in custody accused of leading police on a wild chase in a stolen car at Muswellbrook overnight.

Police say a black Mazda CX-5 SUV was reported stolen following a break-in at a home on Rutherford Street just before 1.30am today (Thursday 29 January 2026).

The vehicle was spotted on Haydon Street with police pursuing the car through several streets before it crashed at the bottom of William Street.

Up to 5 young males fled the vehicle but officers managed to arrest one of them, believed to be 14 or 15 years old.

He'll be cautioned and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

It's believed the group had earlier tried to steal a car from the Calvary Retirement Hostel.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers. 

 

 

Hunter Men Charged Over One Tonne Cocaine Bust

 BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Five Hunter men have been charged by prosecutors over attempting to smuggle more than a tonne of cocaine in May last year.

All five men will face a charge of supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The men will also face a back-up charge of participating in a criminal syndicate and contributing to criminal activity.

On May 8th last year, police boarded a luxury cruiser off the coast of Nambucca Heads where they found 1100 blocks of cocaine, weighing more than a tonne and valued at $623.4 million. 

Jacob Malcom and Cooper Hollingworth were arrested on board.

On-shore coordinators, Rodney Hill, Luke Hazell and Chaiwat Thipsing were arrested after attempting to flee the scene.

Four of the men have been granted conditional bail.

The group will next appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court in March.

Picture: NSW Police

Breaking! Crews Battle Fire At Wickham Gym

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are treating a fire at a gym in Wickham overnight as suspicious.

Newcastle Fire Command says eight trucks and more than 30 firefighters were called to the Air Locker Training facility in Albert Street at 12.03am on Friday 23 January, arriving to find thick smoke pouring from the ground floor of the two storey brick building.

They took about an hour to bring the blaze under control, with all firefighting operations wrapping up just before 2.00am.

The fire was contained to the ground floor which also sustained smoke and water damage.

Police have set up a crime scene.

Forensic officers will be joined by the Fire Rescue Investigation Unit to look int the cause of the fire.

 

Day Of Mourning For Bondi Massacre Victims

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Today marks the National Day of Mourning for victims and those impacted by the Bondi terror attack in December. 

A total of 15 lives were lost in the antisemitic attack, marking it one of the nation's deadliest mass shootings in 30 years. 

Earlier today, a special service was held at Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral, with Hunter residents encouraged to pay their respects.

Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal said he is thankful for the community response. 

"A Day of Mourning in Judaism is a time to remember," he said. 

"But, as a nation, people and community, we need to look into the future and that is through light over darkness." 

"This is an attack not just on the Jewish community. 

"This is an attack on our Australian values and our Australian way of life. 

"But even more than that, whether one thinks there's too much media attention or not, it's an opportunity for every individual to do something good." 

He said there are many ways Hunter residents can support the local Jewish community. 

"As an individual you can light a candle and take a minute of silence," he explained. 

"But even more than that, I would encourage everyone to take on a mitzvah. 

"A mitzvah is a commandment but it also means a connection with God, with your friend and fellow people." 

Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal. Picture supplied. 

Fire Destroys Building At Avondale School

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Fire has destroyed a building on the grounds of the Avondale School at Cooranbong.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 20 Triple Zero calls to the fire on Avondale Road at about 7.30pm on Wednesday, arriving to find the single level building fully involved in fire.

Crews managed to save a neighbouring building which was also being impacted by the flames.

Morisset Fire and Rescue were joined by 5 RFS crews, taking about an hour to bring the fire under control.

An RFS crew was called back at 4.40am today (Thursday 22 January 2026) to extinguish a re-ignition.

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

Crews tackle the flames at Avondale School. Picture Cooranbong RFS

UPDATE: Fears Growing For Missing Raymond Terrace Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Good News!

Police have advised Brayden has been found safe and well.

Earlier: 

Concerns are growing for the welfare of a Raymond Terrace teenager who hasn't been seen in almost a week.

16-year-old Brayden Bennett-Schuster was last seen in the Port Stephens suburb at about midday on Friday January 16.

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

Brayden is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Central Coast and Mount Druitt areas.

Anyone with information is urged to call Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Brayden Bennett-Schuster

 

ACTION NEEDED: Maggots Found In Hospital Air Conditioning

BY CAMERON TARAGEL 

Officials are calling for immediate action after maggots were claimed to have fallen onto patients from ceiling vents at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle. 

Earlier this week, patients in the haematology ward were relocated, after the bugs were discovered in a four-bed room. 

It follows the cancer ward being shut down earlier this month due to deadly mould found in the air conditioning. 

The hospital's managing company Novacare, told local media today they were frustrated with the lack of care and maintenance put towards the building and have felt interventions have been drastically stalled.

Health Minister Ryan Park said immediate action is needed. 

"Those patients have been moved to other parts of the hospital," he said. 

"Of course, that's not a satisfactory outcome from my perspective.

"We've been able to resolve it in the short-term, but we need a long-term fix going forward. 

"I've already spoken to the secretary [of the hospital] about making sure we're on it and getting it fixed as quickly as possible." 

A Hunter New  England Local Health District spokesperson said that while maggots were found in the room, they denied any were found in the vents. 

"The safety of our patients is our top priority, and we apologise to those impacted by a recent pest issue identified in one ward at Calvary Mater Newcastle," they said.

"We're speaking directly with impacted patients and their families and carers. 

"We want to reassure our patients, families, carers, staff and the community we are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue quickly and thoroughly." 

Police Investigate Break-In At Muswellbrook High School

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are appealing for witnesses after a break-in at Muswellbrook High School overnight.

Police say neighbours reported the sound of smashing glass at the King Street school at about 11.00pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Officers were quickly on scene, with two males spotted fleeing the school grounds.

They'd managed to gain access to a uniform room.

Police say several windows were smashed during the break-in but it's not clear if anything was taken.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police Station.

Muswellbrook High School

 

Domestic Violence Refuge To Open in Port Stephens

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A new safety refuge is set to be opened in Port Stephens, providing support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. 

The facility will feature six independent units for women, both single and with children, alongside core areas for counselling, group programs, a children's playroom and separate youth space. 

Construction is currently underway, with the build set to be complete later this year. 

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS) Assistant Manager Ann Fletcher said women and children previously didn't have the option of a local refuge in Port Stephens. 

"In the past, if we needed to have a women and/or her children go into a refuge, they would have to leave the area," she said. 

"So, having one locally means women can still stay in their community, the children can still stay in school, and it's not uprooting the entirety of their life." 

The refuge is a partnership between Hume Community Housing and PSFaNS, and is developed under their Core and Cluster model. 

The organisation will open an online donation registry at the end of the month, with the community encouraged to gift whatever they can. 

"The Port Stephens community has always been marvelous at supporting us," said Ms Fletcher. 

"They have always rallied around us and we're very grateful to have such a generous community. 

"So, I know that they will be keen to support us in this activity as well." 

Newcastle Council Warns Schwartz to Focus on Post Office, Not Carousel

BY OLI GOELDNER

Amid a legal battle between property tycoon Dr Jerry Schwartz and City of Newcastle, council are urging for action to be taken on Newcastle Post Office. 

The owner of Rydges Hotel and the historic post office Dr Schwartz is in the process of taking council to the Lands and Environment Court over their refusal of his plans to build a merry-go-round on Newcastle Harbour. 

Both council and Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe have voiced their concern for the lack of progress on the inner-city building. 

Dr Schwartz purchased Newcastle Post Office seven years ago from the Awabakal Aboriginal Land Council for $3.5 million. 

Last year, he received a $1 million government grant to reopen the building, which came with a two-year deadline. 

However, councilor Declan Clausen is worried the funds will not eventuate to any progress. 

"I think it will be a really poor outcome for there to be no progress and for that money to be then repaid to the state as a result of those conditions not being met," he said. 

"So, I'm hopeful that it's a successful strategy in trying to get some momentum to see the post office restored." 

He further stated the current legal battle is will come at the cost of ratepayers. 

"I think the merry-go-round is a smaller item in a broader discussion," he added.

"I'd really prefer that Dr Schwartz on the post office and it's restoration and revitalisation. 

"Putting a lot of effort into a merry-go-round that didn't receive planning approval because it's not consistent with the zoning of that part of the city is a really poor outcome." 

Canoe Big Bash Set For Newcastle Harbour

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Almost 400 paddlers will take to Newcastle Harbour on 17 January forming the state's largest regatta for outrigger canoes. 

Organised by Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club, the Pasha Dasha Regatta will bring the ancient Polynesian tradition, now turned popular sport, to our local waters with teams from across NSW to go head to head in competition. 

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia says it's an exciting event for the community. 

"This is a big event for our club," he said. 

"It definitely takes a lot of organising and it's all run by volunteers. 

"And, we're so fortunate we've got a lot of club members who really pitch in and help lighten the load, and it's really well supported by the community." 

The event is one of 19 events to have shared in more than $150,000 from Newcastle Council's annual event sponsorship program. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the funding program helps support the growth and sustainability of the local visitor economy.

"City of Newcastle is committed to getting behind events at all levels, from local community activations to nationally recognised events, helping us drive visitation and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the city," she said. 

"We're thrilled to welcome hundreds of competitors, their families and supporters to Newcastle for this weekend's event, which will also provide a fantastic spectacle for locals to watch and enjoy." 

BREAKING! Home Destroyed By Fire At Lochinvar

 BY IAN CROUCH

A fire which destroyed a home at Lochinvar overnight is believed to have been deliberately lit.

Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to the home on St Helena Close just after 1.00am today (Wednesday 14 January, 2026) to find the house fully involved in fire.

It's taken more than 3-and-a-half hours to bring the fire under control - crews are still mopping up hot spots.

Newcastle Fire Command says all occupants were accounted for - it's alleged a resident suffering a mental health episode set fire to the home.

Police are yet to confirm details but say the fire is suspicious and under investigation.

 

Beresfield Golf Course Now Open To The Public

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Beresfield Golf Course will open its doors to the public tomorrow morning, after its closure in September last year. 

The site has remained closed for the past five months following the end of it's previous lease, with a new 15-year contract now signed between leisure service providers ClubLinks Management and City of Newcastle. 

The Victoria-based company operates a suite of other sites across the country, including Moore Park in Sydney and Bundoora Park in Victoria. 

During its closure City of Newcastle conducted a series of key upgrades on the site to restore previous damages. 

Several failed bridges were replaced, and multiple on-course buildings and facilities underwent repairs as well. 

ClubLink outlined a suite of plans they intend to enact for the site, including a multi-bay driving range and the city's first dedicated courts for Padel, a sport incorporating elements of tennis and squash. 

National Relationships Manager Thomas Zappulla said the developments are expected to be completed this year. 

"In terms of the developments and upgrades, we will go through a process with Council to get the approvals," he said. 

"But, we're hoping to have the driving ranges, Padel courts and other improvements as per our plan completed in the next three to six months once we start to get going." 

City of Newcastle Ward 4 councillor Deahnna Richardson said ClubLink's involvement is exciting for the community. 

"I know the community here in Beresfield has really been wanting the golf course to reopen and I'm really excited to hear about the improvements that are going to be made to the course which will provide enormous benefits to the community," she said. 

Search Under Way For Missing Lake Macquarie Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search is resuming today (Tuesday 13 January 2026) for a man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

41-year-old Joshua Campbell was last seen at Toronto around 10.00am yesterday and police and family have concerns for his welfare.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 183cm tall with a thin build, short brown hair and brown eyes and has a distinctive tattoo on his face.

Joshua was last seen wearing black shorts, no shirt and grey joggers and is known to frequent the Toronto area.

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

Missing man Joshua Campbell