'HIGH RISK': Hunter Businesses Slam Proposed NDIS Cuts

BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter disability service providers are warning the federal government's proposed changes to the NDIS are putting participants and the economy at "high risk". 

The federal health minister has revealed around 160,000 people are expected to be cut from the disability insurance scheme. 

The NDIS is estimated to cost the Albanese Government around $50 billion, with new eligibility rules set to slash the overall price tag. 

With the changes, all NDIS providers will have to be registered, with digital tracking of their services to be put in place. 

However, the CEO of Hunter-based organisation Connectability Australia, David Carey, said the plan was developed with little to no consultation in the sector. 

"It's not a well thought through plan," he said. 

"They didn't consult about why the reforms are needed and how best to do it to minimise the impact on people with a disability."  

Data from the National Disability Services has revealed 73 per cent of providers are operating at a loss or barely breaking even. 

Mr Carey said the changes will compound financial pressures further. 

"We're going to see the job losses in other sectors as well," he added. 

"It's almost recession-causing in the way its been thought out.

"There's no transition plan and justification for this as far as economic sense, as well as social sense to the community." 

Alongside the planned cuts, the first payment of the Portable Long Service Leave levy is due this month, after being launched in July last year. 

Under the levy, providers are required to absorb a 1.7 per cent additional cost without an increase in funding. 

Contributions from employers are collected by the Long Service Corporation, who use the pooled money to pay long service leave to workers, even if they change employers. 

Mr Carey reported his business, which employs around 500 staff, will have to come up with an extra $600,000 each year to pay the levy.  

He said the levy, in conjunction with the cuts, is going to significantly impact families ability to afford proper care. 

"What's happening now is you're going to see people that are virtual prisoners in their own home," he explained. 

"Families will have to cease work or cut back work to look after their kids because we won't be able to do it on their behalf and have the time to enhance their lives, build skills and go out into the community."

 

 

 

 

 

Staffing, Facility Overhaul Planned For Cessnock Hospital

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A major overhaul of Cessnock Hospital's staffing and facilities is underway, following a visit from Health minister Ryan Park. 

Almost one year since construction began, the foundations are now being laid for the hospital's new acute services building as part of the $138 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment. 

The new two-storey building will include an expanded emergency department, operating theatres and day surgery spaces, two new inpatient wards, a sterilising services unit, a new medical imaging service and a modern pharmacy. 

Footings for the building's foundation have been installed, with the final ground floor slab expected to be completed in the coming weeks. 

"We're going to look at the hospital taking shape today," said Health minister Ryan Park ahead of his visit to the Cessnock facility. 

"Over 4,000 cubic metres of concrete are going to be poured and that will form the footprint and the base of the hospital for it to grow over the next little while." 

The redevelopment is expected to be completed by late 2027. 

Alongside the construction, the hospital have now begun rostering to Safe Staffing Levels in the emergency department (ED). 

An additional two full-time equivalent nurses have joined the facility's workforce, bringing the ratio to one nurse to every three patients. 

"This is a really important initiative and it's something that nurses and midwives have rightly advocated for for probably a decade and a half," said Minister Park. 

"56 EDs across NSW have commenced that implementation and 30 have now completed it. 

"We're really happy that Cessnock is one of those where a successful recruitment campaign has taken place and additional nurses have been allocated." 

Artist impression of the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment. Picture supplied. 

BREAKING! Eleebana Resident Robbed At Knifepoint

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been robbed at knifepoint by two strangers in an early-morning break-in at Eleebana.

Police say the man was working in his garage at the Mildura Close home just before 1.00am today (Wednesday 22 April 2026) when two men armed with knives entered through the open garage door and demanded cash.

The pair left with cash and keys in a white SUV believed to have been stolen earlier.

Police say the man's wife and three young children were at home when the incident occurred.

While left shaken, neither the man or his family were injured.

The men are described as being of Caucasian appearance, in their early to mid 20's, wearing hooded jumpers, gloves, pants and wearing face masks - one white and the other blue.

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

 

Fears Held For Hunter Man Missing For More Than Six Weeks.

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are stepping the search for a Hunter man who's been missing since early last month.

69-year-old Gary Millard was last seen at East Maitland on Thursday March 5.

Police say Gary's disappearance is out of character and there are concerns for his welfare.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance with fair skin, medium build, about 170cm tall with grey hair and a beard.

It's thought Gary may be in the Sydney area.
 

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

 

Missing man Gary Millard

 

Experts Flag Holes In High Speed Rail Plans

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

Experts are pointing out supposed holes in the plans for the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project, as the tender process continues. 

On Tuesday, hundreds of national and international industry representatives met in Newcastle to discuss the project's next steps. 

Two tender packages were released following the industry briefing. 

The first will facilitate the design and construction of about 35 kilometres of twin tunnels, associated rail works and an underground railway station on the Central Coast. 

The second is looking into the supply of high speed trains, rail system design, rail depot construction and the commissioning of all relevant systems for the Newcastle to Sydney route. 

High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) CEO Tim Parker said it's a crucial step to progressing the project. 

"By doing this work up front, we'll be able to give government more certainty on the costs, the benefits and also make sure that we're construction ready," he said. 

"So, if the government says go, we can start construction immediately from that point." 

However, strategic planner and construction manager Graham R. McDonald has flagged several concerns with the project's current plans. 

"The absence of a strategic plan means that HSRA lacks a long term vision for the development of a high-speed rail network on the East Coast," Mr McDonald explained. 

"Without integrated planning, HSRA decisions are inevitably arbitrary, biased and ill-conceived." 

Mr McDonald has been following the project since it's inception in 2023, and he believes the planned corridor's heavy reliance on tunnelling will significantly impact its overall speed. 

Approximately 115 kilometres or 60 per cent of the planned track consists of tunnels, which would impose operational speed restrictions of around 160 km/h due to safety requirements. 

The lowered speed is only half of the promised full-speed of the trains, set at 320 km/h, meaning a reduction in travel time benefits of around 50 per cent. 

Mr Parker said they're focused on meeting the proposed travel time. 

"The speed in the tunnel is around 200 km/h," he said. 

"That's twice as fast as Sydney Metro and faster than any train in Australia at the moment.

"But, everyone focuses on top speed. 

"What you have to focus on is travel time -- one hour.

"If people could get from Newcastle to Sydney in one hour, I think we're going to take a lot of cars off the road." 

High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker. Picture: Ian Crouch

Missing Indian Man Could Be In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a man reported missing from Sydney could be in the Hunter region.

48-year-old Varum Badmi was last seen in Quakers Hill yesterday (Monday 20 April 2026) and concerns are growing for his welfare as he's been unable to be contacted or located.

He's described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, about 165cm tall with a medium build and short black hair and was last seen wearing a green shirt and black shorts.

Varum may be driving a grey Rav 4 with the NSW registration FEH 27B.

Police say he's known to frequent the Cessnock area.

 

Missing man Varum Badmi could be in the Cessnock area.

Greens Celebrate Result Despite Lord Mayoral Loss

BY MARLEY RAE

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe is celebrating a historic result in this year's Newcastle Lord Mayoral by-election, despite a major loss. 

The Greens received nearly 20 per cent of the overall vote with more than 14,000 Novocastrians voting for the progressive party.

It marks a five per cent increase in the party's primary vote as it stood on Sunday.

Cr McCabe said she is thrilled to see the support for minor parties.

"I'm really thankful to everyone who gave me their support and put number one in the Greens box this time around," she said. 

"It's so great to see that every election, the Greens vote just keeps on growing."

Despite the success, independent candidate Gavin Morris secured a landslide victory, claiming almost 50 per cent of the overall vote.

Cr McCabe said while she is supportive of Gavin, she is concerned around his lack of council experience.

"I think Gavin's definitely going to be on a learning curve but we all understand that," she added.

"I think it would have been preferable to have someone coming to the role who was experienced."  

Trailing behind the Greens in third place was Labor's Declan Clausen who was expected to be Gavin's biggest rival, claiming only 16 per cent the overall vote. 

Additionally, Liberal candidate Jenny Barrie only secured seven per cent of votes, a notable low for the major party. 

Picture: Charlotte McCabe

BREAKING! More Than 100 Firefighters Battle Fire At Glendale Technology High School

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of firefighters are battling a major fire at the Glendale Technology High School.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received four triple-zero calls to the fire just after 1.00am today (Monday 20 April 2026), arriving to find a two storey building up in flames.

Around 120 firefighters from stations across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are battling the flames with Central Coast stations on stand-by.

The roof of the building collapsed at the height of the blaze as crews worked to save adjoining buildings.

There are no reports of injuries.

A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW says it's one of the largest fires in the Newcastle area in recent years.  

The Fire and Rescue Investigation Unit and Police will look into the cause of the fire once it's safe to do so.

A crime scene has been established. 

 

Fire tore through the two storey building at Glendale Technology High School. Picture Fire & Rescue NSW

 

 

Faulty Information Blamed For Mistaken Release Of Inmate

 BY LIAM COLLINS

Faulty court information has been blamed for the mistaken release of a wanted man to Newcastle. 

35-year-old inmate Kyle Quayle was handed down a year sentence at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 14 April for larceny, assault, and other crimes. 

He was taken to Clarence Correctional Centre in Grafton, but was mistakenly released later the same day. 

On Thursday, NSW Police announced following his release they believed Quayle travelled from Grafton to Newcastle, prompting a subsequent city-wide manhunt. 

He was later captured on Boreas Street at Hamilton North on Thursday afternoon, where he was subsequently charged at Newcastle Police Station by virtue of an outstanding warrant. 

The mistake was attributed to an administrative error and miscommunication between the involved parties, with the specific error still undisclosed, with NSW Premier Chris Minns labelling the incident as  "embarrassing."

Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the mistake should've never happened. 

"It's unacceptable that an inmate was inadvertently released," he said. 

"But fortunately, to the good work of NSW Police and others, the inmate has been recaptured and is now in custody." 

Quayle was refused bail and expects to face trial today.

Minister Chanthivong explained the incident was a failure and the government plans to take steps to address and mitigate the issue.

"When instances like this happen they are concerning," he added. 

"Corrections will always look for ways to improve our processes to make sure that mistakes are not made, because community safety is the Minns Labor Government's top priority." 

Investigations are now underway into how Quayle was allowed to be released, with plans to prevent similar occurrences under development. 

Picture: NSW Police

Officer Injured During Police Operation On The Fernleigh Track: Man In Custody

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Friday 17 April 2026) accused of hitting a police officer with an unregistered motorbike during a police operation on the Fernleigh Track at Kahibah.

Officers on e-bikes were conducting high-visibility patrols on the track at about 11.30am yesterday (Thursday 16 April 2026) following reports of anti-social behaviour.

They were speaking to a 14-year-old boy when a man on a motorbike approached the officers but allegedly failed to stop as directed and struck an officer in the arm before crashing into a guard rail.

The officer was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

The 47-year-old man was arrested - he's been charged with seven offences including drive recklessly/furiously at speed in a manner dangerous and refused bail to face the Bail Division Court today.

 

Officers have been regularly patrolling the Fernleigh Track on E-bikes following reports of anti-social behaviour. Photo NSW Police

NDIS Workers Under Pressure With Rising Fuel Costs

 BY BRONWYN VERWEY

The Australian College of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Australian Services Union (ASU) are pushing for increased fuel allowances for the Hunter's disability support sector. 

The initiative comes as ASU received calls from NDIS workers struggling to support disabled clients, amidst high fuel costs.

Disability support workers are often required to use their own vehicles to transport participants to appointments, activities and services. 

Workers claim they're losing money whilst working without adequate allowances, having to cover fuel costs out of pocket. 

Additionally, shortages in the disability sector shortages are expected to increase, potentially putting clients at risk. 

ASU Secretary Angus McFarland said the government needs to assist. 

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government stepped in with urgent support to keep disability services running." he said

"We need that same urgent now. 

"NDIS workers need a transport allowance that covers high fuel costs so they can keep driving and supporting their clients." 

Picture: ShiftCare

Fire Forces Evacuation of Hamilton Restaurant

 BY IAN CROUCH

Six people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Chinese restaurant at Hamilton.

Newcastle Fire Command says seven trucks from Newcastle, Carrington, Lambton and Merewether were sent to the Beaumont Street restaurant just before 8.30pm on Wednesday 15 April, 2025 to reports of a fire in the kitchen.

Three crews with hoses took just over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze which was confined to the kitchen area.

No-one was injured.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

 

UPDATE! Manhunt Under Way In Newcastle For Man Mistakenly Released From Gaol

 BY IAN CROUCH

Escaped inmate Kyle Quayle is back in custody after being arrested at Hamilton North.

The 35-year-old was mistakenly released from Grafton Gaol on the same day he was sentenced in Newcastle Local Court to one year's gaol for stealing and assault-related offences.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested Quayle on Boreas Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday 16 April 2026).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant for being Unlawfully At Large and will face the Bail Division Court today (Friday 17 April 2026).

A spokesperson for the correctional centre said staff released the inmate according to court information available to them.

A spokesperson for The Department of Communities and Justice says they are looking into how this occurred and will put in place measures to minimise the risk of this happening again. 

EARLIER: 

Newcastle Police are asking for our help to find a man who's been mistakenly released from gaol.

35-year-old Kyle Quayle was serving a sentence for stealing and assault related offences when he was erroneously released from a correctional centre on Tuesday.

Police believe he's in Newcastle area.

Quayle is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes and is unshaven.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest for being Unlawfully At Large.

Wanted man Kyle Quayle

 

Lord Mayoral Candidates Speak Out On Link Road Forest

 BY OLI GOELDNER

The Link Road Forest Campaign is urging Newcastle residents to think carefully at the ballot box this weekend. 

Ahead of the upcoming Lord Mayoral by-election on Saturday April 18, the environmental group requested comments from the six candidates on their plans around Link Road Forest. 

The 574-hectare site is earmarked for a large-scale housing development by the state government, despite it reportedly being home to several endangered species. 

In December, Newcastle council voted in favour of the campaign, calling on the state government to convert the lot into a national park. 

"We're just ensuring through this by-election coming up that we get a Lord Mayor that is going to champion this cause for the people of Newcastle," said Link Road Forest Campaign spokesperson Ian McKenzie. 

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe, Labor's Declan Clausen, independent Gavin Morris and the Socialist Alliance's Steve O'Brien responded positively to the questions. 

"I understand the land forms part of a green corridor which is vital for the ongoing survival of many endangered species," Mr O'Brien responded. 

"I think the broad cross-party and community support for protecting this habitat as a National Park is a powerful story that needs to be told again from the chamber," said Ms McCabe. 

Mr Morris stated simply the "land must not be developed," and Mr Clausen reinstated his continued stance, noting "where the land has high environmental value" he will advocate for its protection. 

According to the environmental group, independent Milton Caine was personally supportive of retaining the forest but failed to answer the questions. 

Liberal Jenny Barrie also did not provide a response. 

Pre-polling for the by-election is currently open. 

Picture: Link Road Forest Campaign

Search Under Way For Missing Hunter Valley Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched a search for a teenage girl who's gone missing in the East Maitland area.

16-year-old Dakoda Burns was last seen at Green Hills about 1.00pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April, 2025) and police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a number of health issues.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 167cm tall with a solid build and red/brown coloured hair.

Dakoda was last seen wearing a black jumper with the word "Stashouse" in white down the arms, black pants and black sandals with sox.

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

Missing teen Dakoda Burns

 

Man Arrested During Police Operation At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

A police operation in the heart of Cessnock has ended with the arrest of a man on domestic violence-related offences.

It's alleged the 34-year-old forced his way into a unit on North Avenue around 2.30am on Sunday and threatened a woman with what's believed to be a firearm.

Following investigations, officers from the Tactical Operations Unit and local police sealed off the area around midday yesterday (Monday 13 April 2025), with the man taken into custody at about 4.30pm.

He's been charged with four offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm DV and will face the bail court today (Tuesday 14 April, 2025).

 

Police deployed heavily armoured bearcat vehicles to the area around North Avenue at Cessnock

Union Backs Reintroduction Of Cessnock Passenger Trains

BY LIAM COLLINS

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is calling on the Minns Government to reinstate passenger train lines between Maitland and Cessnock.

Current and expected population growth in both regions have spurred the union to advocate for the lines to be reopened, hoping to put forward a motion at the NSW Labor Party State Conference this July.

Currently, residents travelling between Newcastle and Cessnock don't have any direct public transport options, with the Train to Cessnock Campaign having voiced concerns since 2023.

The Maitland-Cessnock passenger line has been closed since the 1970s after patronage declined.

The union's Loco Division secretary Farren Campbell said reinstating passenger trains is a common sense position.

"Good, cheap, reliable, efficient public transport is so important for communities everywhere, and that's particularly the case in the Hunter," he said.

"We've seen regional communities really struggle with public transport - we think this is a no-brainer.

"It's good for working families and good for the Hunter."

Mr Campbell further stated the opportunity the union had to advocate for the line reopening would be beneficial.

"We're proud to be spearheading this at the upcoming Labor conference," he said. 

"It's something that we absolutely support, and we commend anyone who's willing to get behind it."

The NSW Labor Party State Conference will be held at the Sydney Town Hall on the 4th and 5th of July.

BREAKING! Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Gateshead Tavern

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for three people involved in an armed robbery at Gateshead overnight.

Police say three young males entered the Gateshead Tavern on the Pacific Highway at about 5.30pm on Thursday 9 April, 2026 and stole alcohol from the bottle shop before threatening a 25-year-old male employee with a knife.

The group then fled - police say there were no reports of injuries.

They've set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Garbage Truck Driver Killed In Tragic Crash Near Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to fatal crash near Singleton.

Police say just before 9.00am yesterday (Thursday 9 April 2026), emergency services were called to Mirannie Road at Mirannie to reports of a crash.

They found a garbage truck had veered off the road and hit a tree before rolling down a steep embankment.

The male driver, believed to be in his 40's, died at the scene - he's yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established as investigations continue and a report is being prepared for the Coroner. 

 

Police Investigate Suspicious Unit Fire At Bar Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a unit at Bar Beach overnight.

Eight fire trucks were called to a multi-unit complex on Light Street at 7.20pm on Thursday 9 April 2026 to find a top floor unit on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says the occupants of the unit were accounted for and all residents of the complex were safely evacuated.

It took crews about an hour to douse the flames.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Forensic officers and fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.

 

Case of Measles Confirmed In Newcastle

BY JACK HODGINS

Hunter residents are warned to remain cautious, with a case of measles detected at John Hunter Hospital. 

Earlier this month, an unvaccinated child recently returned from a holiday in Asia attended the hospital's emergency department, unknowingly infected with measles. 

The child was presented on two occasions, the first on April 1 from 6.30pm to 1am the next morning, and the second on April 6 from 1.30pm to 3pm. 

Anybody in the emergency department during these times is being urged to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. 

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough usually followed three or four by a red, blotchy rash which spreads from the head to the rest of the body. 

Public Health Physician with the Hunter New England Local Health District Dr David Durrheim said vaccinations are crucial to quash the disease. 

"We're seeing around the world, unfortunately multiple outbreaks of measles which is a real great pity," he said. 

"Anybody who's travelling overseas should make sure that they're protected against measles and they've had two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

"If they're unsure whether it's safe to get an extra dose, it's much better to be protected than to be exposed to measles." 

A full list of case locations is available on the NSW Health website here. 

Picture: John Hunter Hospital

M1 Motorway Extension A Year Ahead Of Schedule

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Progress on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is expect to be open later this year, more than a year ahead of schedule. 

The accelerated timeline comes following the completion of the new five kilometre motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass. 

As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also been completed.

The M1 extension will be open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year. 

Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said it's a major step forward. 

"It's been a massive effort to get this essentially more than a year ahead of schedule," she said. 

"This project has created so many jobs in our region, with 2,700 people having worked on this project.

"It's something that generations of people across the Hunter can be very proud of the work that is here." 

Following opening, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment and targeted maintenance as required.

The monitoring will be carried out for up to two years on the southern section and one year on the northern section. 

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said it marks a big day for the Hunter. 

"The school holiday traffic we're seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital," she said. 

"Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks."

Picture: Ian Crouch

Concerns Held For Teenage Girl Missing From Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's been missing from the Port Stephens area for a week.

14-year-old Aubree Way was last seen at Soldiers Point at about 9.00am on Thursday 26 March 2026 and Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Aubree's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall with a thin build and brown hair.

She's known to frequent the Soldiers Point, Liverpool, Casula and Cabramatta areas.

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

Missing teen Aubree Way

 

Fernleigh Track Signs To Combat Anti-Social Behaviour

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti-social behaviour on the popular pathway. 

A total of 14 signs have been put in at all access points on the track, encouraging users to report incidents to police. 

Lake Macquarie Council Community Partnerships manager Matt Holloway said the signage will play an important role in combatting dangerous behaviour. 

"We're really encouraging people to report any incidents or unsafe behaviour they see or experience along the track," he said. 

"This can be done either through the triple zero emergency number, Crime Stoppers, the police assistance line or the online portal." 

Over the past 12 months, police have conducted regular bike and foot patrols of the popular walking track. 

NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse reported they've had hundreds of interactions with users of the path discussing their concerns and providing education in relation to e-bikes. 

During that time, ten infringement notices have been issued, and 24 offences have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. 

However, Mr Holloway said users should be more vigilant with reports. 

"We're really hoping to see an increase in reporting," he explained.

"The reporting at the moment is quite static over the last six months, I don't believe the numbers have increased or decreased. 

"And, what we're hoping to see out of this is if these incidents are occurring, we see them being reported through these channels rather than through social media or other means." 

The signage is the first of many safety measures to be enacted by a dedicated subcommittee, formed during a Fernleigh Track roundtable meeting with key representatives in late 2025. 

"What we're looking to do is identify these signs and look for other safety-related signage," Mr Holloway said. 

'We also want a big focus back on etiquette ad acceptable behaviour. 

"Also, focusing not particularly on e-bikes, but the illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour along the track." 

Picture: Lake Macquarie City Council

Hunter Gamblers Lose $660 Million On Pokies

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Recent data from the state's Office of Liquor and Gaming revealed Hunter residents lost more than $660 million to poker machines last year. 

The figure comes following the release of the Office's final quarter summary for 2025. 

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie were found to be the biggest spenders, with Newcastle gamblers putting in $55 million into poker machines from August to September alone. 

Wests New Lambton raked in the most gambling profits in the Hunter throughout the year, ranking 20th in the state. 

The venue currently has 533 gambling machines. 

However, Muswellbrook and District Workers Club made the most profits per machine locally, ranking in at number 27 in the state, despite only having 61 gaming machines. 

Across NSW, gamblers lost more than $9.2 billion to poker machines, breaking records for the most in a single year. 

Greens MP and gambling harm minimisation spokesperson Cate Faerhmann said the figures are concerning. 

"It's clear that the Minn's Government's program of what they call gambling harm reduction isn't working," she said. 

"People in the Hunter are losing record amounts to the pokies and that's just extraordinary when you hear how tough people are doing it too. 

"We know that pokies are designed to be addictive and there's a lot of people out there who just can't help themselves when it comes to putting their money into poker machines.

"So something has to be done, we can't keep seeing record losses every single year, but that's the fact that we're seeing in NSW." 

Currently, Newcastle hosts 2,705 gaming machines across both clubs and hotels, with Lake Macquarie following closely behind at 2,472. 

"I think local communities should speak up about this because we're losing a million dollars an hour in NSW to poker machines," Ms Faerhmann added. 

"And, $660 million in the Hunter is dissapointing. 

"That's $660 million that isn't going into local businesses, families. 

"It's going to big clubs and it's a real crisis." 

Mangoola Coal Mine Workers Fighting New Pay Agreements

BY LOUISE LIMBERS 

Concerns are being raised surrounding a proposed enterprise agreement at Glencore's Mangoola coal mine in the Hunter. 

According to the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), the agreement is said to introduce tiered pay structures, cut contractor earnings and embed a cheaper workforce, with contractor earnings estimated to fall by around $36000 as a result. 

The MEU's Northern Mining and NSW District president Robin Williams said the agreement is concerning for local workers.  

"In effect, they're putting in place an agreement that will reduce the rate of contractors by 10 or 20 percent," he said.

"It's really an introduction of a tiered wage system to reduce the current rate, and then they can use that rate as a comparative for contractors."

It follows a Fair Work Commission order given to the mine's labour-hire workers which lifted their pay to replicate that of permanent workers. 

Now, Mr Williams said the mine is taking a step backwards. 

"They can't just move to different industries," he said. 

"Those employees would have to accept those lower rates and continue to work for these contractors." 

Workers at the Mangoola coal mine are set to vote on the agreement from 31 March to 1 April.

However, despite being the main subject to the changes, contract workers won't have the ability to vote. 

Picture: Mangoola Open Cut Coal Mine

Senator Says Hunter Businesses Will Pay Following EU Deal

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based senator Ross Cadell said Hunter businesses will face unprecedented costs with the new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement. 

Signed yesterday, the deal will see European goods, including food, wine and cars, become cheaper for Australian buyers. 

Under the agreement, the federal government will remove the five percent tariff places on European goods. 

Additionally, EU tariffs will be taken off Australian imports, including critical minerals, manufactured items and many dairy products. 

However, the deal poses infringements on the classification of multiple Australian produced food and wine products. 

It's reported Australian producers will be allowed to keep using the term "prosecco" for domestic sales, but they will have to be phase out the term over the next decade for exports. 

Domestic manufacturers will also keep the rights to describe their wares as parmesan and kransky, but other cheese names such as feta, romano and gruyere will eventually be phased out as well. 

Ross Cadell said it could have serious implications for several Hunter Valley businesses, including vineyards, abattoirs and dairy producers. 

"What they'll do is they'll have to shrink their markets again," he explained. 

"They'll have to find new markets by going out and spend their own money to try and find different places to sell things. 

"They'll have to look at repackaging things and renaming things, there's costs involved with that." 

He said he fears it may be the beginning of a hoard of new legislation adopted from European nations. 

"If the EU legislation on deforestation on these things comes in, are we going to lose our grazing land," he said. 

"Are we going to lose our farming land up in the valley?

"It's a real problem for us. 

"I just want our farmers to be able to farm, vineyards to be able to make wine, miners to be able to mine and make Australia stronger." 

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell. Picture: NSW Nationals

Missing Sydney Girl Could Be In The Hunter Valley

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a missing Sydney teenager could be in the Hunter Valley.

14-year-old Jade Baxter from Rossmore in Sydney's south-west was last seen on Macquarie Street, Singleton at about 9.00am on Friday March 13.

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall with blonde hair and green/blue eyes.

Police believe Jade could be in the Singleton, Cydesdale or Bellambi areas.

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

 

Missing teen Jade Baxter

 

 

 

E Bikes Banned At Local High School

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A Newcastle high school has made the call to ban all e-bikes on school grounds following a string of accidents. 

Parents of Kotara High School students received a letter last week stating the vehicles would be banned from the first day of Term 2, Wednesday April 22. 

Traffic around the school, which backs onto Lexington Parade, is known to be extremely busy during peak hours, with several incidents reported between e-bikes and vehicles in 2025 and 2026. 

Principal Mark Snedden said they've seen a rapid increase in students using the bikes. 

"We're in a very congested area of Newcastle here in the morning at drop off and pick up time with all the buses," he said. 

"There have been concerns raised by community members, as well as staff and parents, around the use of e-bikes and the safety of them with regard to other road users." 

He noted while the bikes are a useful form of transport for students, the safety risks are too large to ignore. 

"Under the Department of Education policy around to and from school, it's still a parent's priority to make a decision on how a student does get to and from school," he explained. 

"But, what I am able to do within the policy is make a decision on what things can be brought into school grounds.

"So the decision has been made to no longer house e-bikes on school." 

Principal Snedden also argued they don't have the proper storage facilities for the e-bikes as they are much larger than ordinary push bikes, whilst also featuring lithium batteries which can pose a fire risk. 

The ban comes alongside new state-wide laws giving NSW Police and Transport for NSW the power to seize and crush illegal e-bikes. 

The new legislation targets the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-bikes, which are said to fuel anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries. 

Picture: Department of Education

Calls For New Nature Reserves As Part Of Hunter Transmission Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is calling on the state government to re-think the Hunter Transmission Project.

The major initiative is set to incur a sweep of deforestation across a large portion of the Hunter's bushland, with the Conservation Council asking for additional nature reserves to offset it's predicted impact. 

It follows submissions from fellow environmental groups slamming the planned deforestation which will take place during to the project's construction, including at Olney, Watagan and Pokolbin state forests. 

In an effort to combat the impacts, the Conservation Council has released a report identifying 11 new strategic reserves to be added in conjunction with the major project, set to strengthen ecological connectivity across the region.

The listed reserves include 700 hectares of former BHP land at West Wallsend, 580 hectares adjacent to Newcastle Link Road, and about 3,000 hectares of land in the Hunter Economic Zone at Tomalpin. 

The Conservation Council's Policy and Advocacy Director Brad Smith said their main goal is to stop the decline in some of the State's most critically endangered species.

"The [Hunter Transmission] Project itself is about 100 kilometres long and the area it will disturb is about 1,000 hectares," he said.

"Of the 1,000 hectares, around 200 is endangered bushland.

"We're saying to just give those State forests back to National Parks.

"At the moment, they're being logged, and by removing the logging threat from those State forests, it would have a great impact for nature in the region."

Mr Smith went further to call on Newcastle Council to back them in their push for renewed ecological health in the region.

"We hope everyone would be on our side, because this is a good outcome for nature," he said.

"We know we need to get ahead with this transmission line and bring the solar, wind power to the businesses and home who need it, but we don't want to see nature sidelined in the process.

"This is really a once-in-a-generation opportunity to really take hold of some of these beautiful natural areas in the Hunter and protect them for everyone into the future."

Currently, project refinements are continuing to be made following field surveys, agency consultation and community feedback.

Picture: NSW Government. 

Police Seek Help To Find Morriset Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search continues for a man who's been missing from the Morisset area for more than a week.

32-year-old Codie Sams last seen at about 4.00pm on Friday 13 March 2026.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Codie's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build, short blonde/brown hair with a similar coloured beard and moustache

He also has a tattoo on his right hand.

Codie was last seen wearing a green hoodie, green pants and black shoes.

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

 

Missing man Codie Sams

Man In Custody Accused Of Stabbing Muso At Merewether Club

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is assisting police with their inquiries over an alleged stabbing in Merewether overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Merewether Bowling Club on Caldwell Street just after 7.30pm on Sunday 22 Mar 2026 to reports of an assault.

Police were told a man who was working as a musician at the club had been stabbed several times near the entrance to the club by another man.

The 69-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition with stab wounds to his chest and back.

Just after 1.30am today (Monday 23 March 2026) detectives arrested a 53-year-old man at a Stockton home.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where investigations are ongoing.

 

Train Manufacturing Returns To The Hunter

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Nearly 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the fleet will return to the region for much-needed maintenance. 

A $447 million injection from the state government will see two new production lines established at Cardiff's rail facility. 

The program will extend the life of 55 eight-carriage trains by over a decade through a variety of maintenance works. 

Works include the replacement of internal cladding, computer software, the installation of additional accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system and CCTV. 

Regional Transport Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said it's a positive step forward. 

"This allows us to ensure that we have that reliability of the Tangaras that people have come to rely on over so many decades," she said. 

"This is really a vote of confidence in the Hunter and a way of building our capacity to ensure that we can deliver the trains for the future right here in the Hunter. 

"We know that the Hunter has a proud history of building trains. 

"This refurbishment work will help to redevelop and extend the skills of that workforce." 

Around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships are expected to be created locally through the program. 

The passenger train manufacturing workforce has not been in operation in the Hunter since 2013, with a national focus put on locomotives built offshore. 

The two new production lines in the Hunter, in addition to the existing three lines at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20. 

A new Tanagra fleet is planned to be built through the program, set to begin procurement by 2027. 

To date, four Tanagra trains are undergoing upgrades with the first train now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service. 

"This is what rebuilding public transport capability in NSW looks like," Minister Aitchison added. 

"More skilled jobs in the Hunter, more apprentices and more work being done here in Australia, instead of offshore."

Picture supplied. 

Police Investigate Fatal Crash At Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is underway after a man was killed in a crash at Maitland.

Emergency services were called to Flat Road at Largs just before 12.30pm on Thursday (19 March 2026) to reports a man had been hit by a vehicle.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was unable to be revived and died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

A 32-year-old woman who was driving the vehicle was taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

Hunter Region Feeling Pinch Of Additional Interest Rate Increase

 BY REUBEN AGYEI DANSO

Hunter residents are increasingly calling for financial assistance, following additional interest rate increases. 

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Reserve Bank of Australia has added another increase to national interest rates, bumping up the total to 4.1 percent. 

Following the initial spike, the National Debt Helpline has recorded it's highest number of calls recorded for the month of February since 2020. 

Last month, the service handled more than 15,800 calls and online chats about mortgage stress, credit card and ATO debts, growing energy bills and personal loans, a nine percent jump on the same time last year.

Helpline coordinator Vicki Staff said the increase is bad news for people who are already struggling. 

"The kind of decisions that people are now having to make; do I pay for rent or do I pay for my medicine?" she said. 

"So, the more interest rates go up, the more pressure it puts on people". 

Ms Staff explained it comes at a time where additional financial pressures are already rampant. 

"We already know that the reason behind this rate hike is related to what's going on globally," she said. 

"Some people are struggling to put petrol in their cars at the same time. 

"So, it's just coming down to those really tough decisions that people are having to make everyday." 

Yesterday's increase is expected to add about $100 a month to the repayments on a $600,000 loan. 

It comes as inflation sits at 3.8 percent, which is outside the Reserve Bank's target range of between two and three percent. 

Financial Counselling Australia CEO Dr Domenique Meyrick said people who are struggling need to know they are not alone. 

"They should contact their bank or lender as soon as possible," she said. 

"It's critical that banks and lenders respond constructively when customers ask for help." 

However, Ms Staff said there is still reason for optimism. 

"I think that certainly there is hope that things will ease globally and will provide a pressure release back here in Australia," she added. 

Picture: Pexels 

Work To Begin On Hillsborough Road Upgrade

BY OLIVIA HADWEN

The long-awaited Hillsborough Road upgrade is set to begin in April.

The project's first stage involves the upgrade of Crockett Street intersection. 

New traffic lights will be installed and 700 metres of the road along Hillsborough Road will be duplicated. 

Early site establishment activities will begin in April, with major construction expected to start in May and take around 18 months to complete, depending on staging arrangements. 

The state government is investing $35 million to complete initial stage, set to be undertaken by Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd. 

The entire project will ultimately upgrade the 1.8 kilometer stretch of road running from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication of west Crockett Street. 

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project will assist the thousands of motorists using the road everyday. 

"After years of congestion and frustration for local drivers, we're getting on with the job of delivering real upgrades that make a difference," she said. 

"It's harder to do this work without causing some disruption, but motorists will be pleased when they're seeing there is going to be significant improvements to their daily commute.

"We ask motorists to take care around construction areas and to follow all road signs."

The project was shaped through community feedback, with Transport for NSW consulting on the concept design and environmental assessment in 2022 and publishing the submissions report in August 2023. 

Picture: Transport for NSW

Multi-Million Dollar Boost For Flood-Damaged Mandalong Road

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

An $8.7 million redevelopment began at Mandalong's Deaves Road today, following extensive damages from an April 2022 storm. 

It's a main arterial road located in one of the Hunter's biggest future growth corridors and provides an alternative route for the M1 Motorway and Freemans Drive.

Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, both the state and federal governments have been able to provide funding for the project to go ahead.

While Mandalong doesn't currently have a big population, the western Lake Macquarie-based suburb is earmarked for potential growth in the coming years.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the re-development aims to improve the road's stability, given it's in an area with a history of flooding and natural disasters.

"We'll be doing a major upgrade to the culverts to improve the drainage," he said.

"There'll also be specialist work, including pavement treatment that doesn't deteriorate over time."

While no set time for project completion was given, Mr Repacholi spoke on the importance of the project, in regards to flood-proof infrastructure in rural areas.

"Investing in flood-proof infrastructure is so important in the Hunter because we've been through natural disasters," he said.

"Since coming into the seat in 2022, we've experienced some horrendous rain events, some fires, and we need to make sure we are able to get people and families to and from areas."

Picture: Google Maps

"Cover-Ups And Intimidation" Alleged At Waratah's Calvary Mater

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Whistleblowers have come forth to publicly allege the downplaying of serious risks at Waratah's Calvary Mater Hospital.

As part of a parliamentary inquiry into the Mater's management, it's been reported workers who flagged safety and health risks were threatened or pushed out of their jobs as a result.

The hospital is run under a public-private partnership between Novacare and NSW Health, with Honeywell the company in charge of maintenance. 

In their submission to the inquiry into the hospital's operations, the Health Services Union (HSU) has included staff reports of a "sweep it under the rug" culture from Honeywell and upper management. 

The HSU is using its submission to call for a full review of the contract compliance, as well as greater accountability and transparency among the state's health infrastructure.

Former Mater employee Luke Carroll said he experienced intimidation first-hand after writing various technical reports.

"I personally was pulled into rooms for impromptu meetings after writing various reports or technical positions on the maintenance or serviceability of certain equipment," he said.

"I was screamed at to change my position and essentially coerced into following the narrative Novacare and Honeywell were putting back to the facility."

Mr Carroll went further to add the facility's culture of altering and destroying documents was "common knowledge" amongst staff.

"If you left stuff on your desk, it'd go missing," he said.

"It was common knowledge within the Honeywell Facilities team and various parts of site that the mould testing regime was essentially being falsified.

"For lack of a better term, to produce artificially low results in problem areas."

Mater Hematologist Dr Katherine Rankin echoed Mr Carroll's sentiment in speaking about a general lack of accountability across the parties involved.

"Accountability has been diffused across a labyrinth of entities, Calvary, NovaCare, Honeywell, and the Ministry, leading to a situation where responsibility for safety has been repeatedly shifted due to contractual ambiguity," she said.

"As a consequence of this, there has been an 11-month delay in getting hazardous mould remediation work commenced." 

Parliamentary Inquiry Meeting. Picture: Holly Ogilvie

Missing Telarah Teen Spotted In Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenager who's been missing from Telarah for almost a month.

15-year-old Callum Schonewille was last seen on February 18 but police believe he may have been at a chemist in Beaumont Street, Hamilton at about 8.45am on Monday 9 March.

Police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Callum is described as being of Caucasian appearance, abut 160cm tall with a slim build, light brown hair and a blonde rats tail and mullet.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, shorts, slides, socks and black jumper with a TUPAC logo and carrying a black satchel bag. 

Callum is believed to frequent the Telarah, Maitland, Edgeworth, Charlestown, Windale and Campsie areas. 

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

 

Missing teen Callum Schonewille