Beaumont St CCTV Funding Missed Due To Council Delays

BY NICHOLAS KING

Months of delays and postponing have resulted in the City of Newcastle (CN) missing a vital opportunity to secure funding for the installation of nine CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street.

The NSW Government's Safer Cities grant program opened for applications on January 30 to provide funding to local councils for projects intended to improve public safety, including measures like CCTV in public spaces.

Despite community calls for the surveillance for more than a year, CN failed to endorse the project in time to submit an application.

A formal motion to support a trial for CCTV was tabled for the council's meeting in February, but the vote was repeatedly pushed back to April.

Applications for the grant closed on March 6.

CN submitted an application to the Active Regional Communities Grant program instead, which was not successful. 

Meanwhile, Central Coast Council received $2 million under the Safer Cities program for a similar CCTV rollout. 

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Jenny Barrie has criticised the state government's denial of their application, questioning why the Central Coast Council received the funding. 

However, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp shut down Cr Barrie's comments.

"It [CN's application] probably didn't fit the criteria as well as it would have for the Safer Cities grant," he said. 

"Council had to be dragged kicking and screaming to act on CCTV. 

"They said they would debate it at their first meeting of 2026, then it became the first quarter, then it became the second quarter.

“If we had a cooperative council, including Jenny Barrie, from day dot, we could have CCTV installed already.”

In response to Mr Crakanthorp's comments, CN councillor Callum Pull said the MP is misleading the public.

"When Tim Crakanthorp was a Councillor he not only opposed the installation of CCTV but he and his Labor colleagues made it the formal position of the Council to not support council-run CCTV," said Cr Pull.

"Not only did he close the door but locked it behind him. 

"It was not until 2026 that thanks to the efforts of Councillor Barrie the formal position of Council changed. 

"Council did in fact apply for the grant Mr Crakanthorp refers to and was once again knocked back. 

"The BIA and Council have been identifying strategies to tackle Crime in Beaumont Street through initiatives like the Hamilton Safety Audit, but his Government have been either unsupportive or failed to provide the resources needed to implement them.

"What residents can take away from this is that when Tim Crakanthorp says the NSW Government will fund something, what he really means is that we can send in an application to a grants’ program and we might or might not get it. 

"At no point over the past few months has Tim ever said that there is an asterisk beside the Government’s support for the installation of CCTV. 

"This is yet another lame attempt from Tim Crakanthorp to deflect blame."

State Government Denies Funding For Beaumont St CCTV

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie is slamming the state government's refusal to provide funding for a proposed CCTV trial on Beaumont Street. 

As anti-social behaviour along the Hamilton strip continues to rise, Cr Barrie and the Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) are calling for more protection measures to be put in place. 

In April, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp tabled a petition with more than 1000 signatures to Newcastle deputy lord mayor Charlotte McCabe advocating for the installation, days after the release of the Hamilton Community Safety Audit. 

The audit outlined several recommendations to help reduce anti-social behaviour along Beaumont Street, including the installation of CCTV surveillance at nine different locations. 

Newcastle council and the Hamilton BIA agreed to fund the proposal, as long as the state government covered half. 

The Hamilton BIA applied for $100,000 in state funding for the project to the Active Regional Communities package, which has since been denied. 

Now, Cr Barrie said the state government is kicking it down the road as an election promise. 

"I just don't think that's good enough," she said. 

"What happens if they can't get enough money for Newcastle in the election commitments, and if they do get approved it will be next June before the money comes through and then installed by at least August.

"We've been talking about this for two years." 

However, Mr Crakanthorp said he's still committed to the project, despite the setback. 

"I want to see CCTV on Beaumont St delivered as soon as possible," he said. 

"I'd see this more as a speed hump than a roadblock. 

"I'll continue to advocate for that money."

On Wednesday morning, Cr Barrie met with residents, businesses and the Hamilton Community Safety Committee to discuss their next possible options. 

Newcastle Council To Consider Banning Smart Glasses

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

Newcastle councillors are pushing a motion to ban smart glasses from council facilities, including pools and ocean baths. 

The increased popularity of the glasses with secret imbedded cameras has sky rocketed, with retail stores such as Kmart selling them at cheap prices. 

The spike has prompted many officials to harbour concerns around safety and privacy in public spaces, especially that of women and children. 

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said she understands the concerns of the community as a mother herself

"It just feels insurmountable to sort of address this on your own and to take responsible measures around what you can control as an individual to protect yourself, protect you kids, especially if you're quite vulnerable in the community," she said. 

The motion, being put forward by herself and councillors Declan Clausen, Peta Winney-Baartz, Paige Johnson and Elizabeth Adamczyk, will look to prohibit the use of wearable technology in council buildings and facilities. 

The notice of motion requests Council "work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle (CN) owned facilities, including Beresfield childcare centre, CN swimming centres, ocean baths and sporting facility change rooms". 

However, the motion does note some people do use the technology as a method of assistance, including those who are visually impaired. 

"There are people out there in the community who use smart glasses as assistive technology and for them it's life changing," said Cr Richardson. 

"But, as we know, historically with the use of technology, the onus has been on the individual to use it ethically and responsibly. 

"And, we know that doesn't always happen." 

Council will discuss the matter at Tuesday night's Ordinary Council Meeting. 

Pictures: Meta, City of Newcastle

BREAKING! Tenambit Home Destroyed In Fierce Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a home at Tenambit overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 15 triple zero calls to a medium-sized single level brick and tile house in Lavinia Close, with the first crew arriving just after 12.30am today (Friday 18 September 2026) to find the property engulfed in flames.

Five fire trucks and an aerial appliance responded to the blaze.

Around 20 firefighters fought the flames for almost 4 hours, unable to enter the property due to the intensity of the blaze.

The roof collapsed at the height of the fire, with the property reduced to a pile smouldering rubble.

All the occupants have been accounted for and an investigation will get under way to determine how the fire started.  

 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Jesmond Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

Police have advised Darren has been located.

They've thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from Jesmond.

57-year-old Darren Daley was last seen in Michael Street at about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2026) and there are concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia and a number of medical conditions.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a beard.

Darren was last seen wearing a green/khaki jacket, purple jumper, black tracksuit pants, black sneakers and a Koori Knockout hat.

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

 

Missing Man Darren Daley

Port Stephens Jet Ski Restrictions To Return This Summer

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A restriction on powered vessels along popular Port Stephens swim spots will be put in place this summer after a successful trial run.

From 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, three locations at Port Stephens put in restrictions preventing powered vessels, including jet skis, from operating within 30 metres of the shoreline. 

Dutchman's Beach, Fly Point and Shoal Bay were included in the trial, with clear signage installed at the sites and launch points. 

An evaluation report has since been released, showing more than 85 per cent of residents, visitors and powered vessel users were in support of the initiative. 

Throughout the trial, there were no cases of powered vessels observed speeding near the shoreline at the restricted areas. 

Stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered watercraft activity increased substantially in the powered vessel free zones as well. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the results of the trial speak for themselves. 

"The results from last season are overwhelmingly supportive and positive," she said. 

"What we saw was a reduction in conflicts and a much safer, calmer summer." 

NSW Maritime Executive Director Nicole Watts echoed the MP's statements. 

"Port Stephens is one of our state's most popular waterways and this trial is about keeping everyone safe while enjoying the water," said Ms Watts. 

"With zones in place at the same locations this summer, there are still extensive areas across Port Stephens where powered vessels can operate safely and responsibly." 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison in Port Stephens. Picture: Ian Crouch

Police Search For Alleged Sexual Touching Offender In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to track down a man accused of sexually touching a girl on a bus in the Hunter this week.

Three girls were travelling on a bus from Rotary Park at Kurri Kurri to Cessnock Road at Gillieston Heights on Wednesday September 9 just before 4.00pm when an unknown man allegedly touched one of the girls on the hip and thigh.

The girl wasn't injured.

The man's described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40's or 50's with a medium to large build and short grey hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with a white logo on the front and white writing on the sleeve, grey tracksuit pants and white Nike joggers,

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Police want to speak to this man about an alleged sexual touching incident.

 

Newcastle Ocean Photographer Crowed Best Of The Best

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle-based photographer Matty Smith has won the global 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category with his beautiful snaps of marine wildlife. 

The winning pic is a black-and-white portrait of a nurse shark, flanked by remoras in perfect formation. 

Mr Smith received the accolade from the Australian National Maritime Museum, with his images to be on display from November 19. 

There were 10 Australian or Australian-based photographers nominated as finalists in the competition, with more than 15,000 images entered from around the world. 

Mr Smith said he knew the nurse shark photograph would be a winner. 

"The planets aligned at the end of a late afternoon dive in the Maldives," he recalled. 

"Upon ascending from the depths, I crossed paths with this beautiful tawny nurse shark bathed in ethereal evening light.

"I instantly knew it would make a great black and white shot." 

Picture: Matty Smith

In addition to his category winning image, Mr Smith also had a second picture which received highly commended in the Wildlife category. 

The image shows Southern elephant seal pups exploring shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands. 

Picture: Matty Smith 

Search Under Way For Teen Missing From Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

16-year-old Kobi Hughes was last seen at Thornton on Wednesday September 2nd.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build and short light brown hair.

Kobi is known to frequent the Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton and Erina areas.

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

 

Lithium Ion Battery Suspected In Fierce Townhouse Fire At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police and fire investigators are looking into whether an e-bike left on charge was responsible for a devastating townhouse fire at Mayfield overnight.

Eight fire trucks and around 50 firefighters were called to the row of Department of Housing townhouses in Elizabeth Street just before 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 September to find one two level unit engulfed in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was inside the unit at the time and 10 occupants from the complex were safely evacuated without injury.

It took about an hour to bring the blaze under control, with crews remaining on scene until just after midnight to mop up and make the area safe.

Fire investigators will arrive on Thursday morning to confirm the cause of the fire.

While the blaze was confined to one unit, there are concerns about the structural integrity of the remaining townhouses.

 

Transportation Revolutionised with Opening of Long-Awaited M1 Extension

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will open on Friday 10 September, marking the completion of Hunter's largest road infrastructure project.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He said the project will revolutionise travel across the East Coast.

"When this road opens in less than 48 hours, we will have no traffic lights all the way from Melbourne right up to Coffs Harbour and later this year you'll be able to go to the Queensland border," he said.

Planning for the $2.24 billion dollar project began in 2004, with major construction finally beginning in 2023.

The project provided employment to over 2700 workers, over 70 per cent of whom hailed from the Hunter.

Works wrapped up recently, over a year ahead of the original schedule.

The 15 kilometre corridor will bypass existing local roads, removing around 25,000 vehicles from notoriously congested chokepoints around Hexham and saving nine minutes during peak traffic.

Infrastructure Minister Catharine King said the project will provide much-need relief for local motorists.

"This takes out five sets of traffic lights, and of course removes a really significant pinch point that has been the bane of the local community for some time," Minister King said.

Included are additional interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, alongside a 2.6 kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and surrounding floodplains.

Prime Minister Albanese said the project means a lot to him personally. 

"I'm named after my cousin who was four years old who died on the Pacific Highway just before I was born back in 1963," Mr Albanese said.

"The tragedies that have occurred on the Pacific Highway up and down is something that drove me to be very passionate about fixing the Highway."

Tim Crakanthorp, Catharine King, Kate Washington, Jenny Aitchison, Anthony Albanese, Meryl Swanson, and Sharon Claydon. Picture: Ian Crouch

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news!

14-year-old Xavier Powrie has been found. Police have thanks the media and the public for their assistance. 

 EARLIER:

A search is under way for a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Xavier Powrie was last seen on Marshall Avenue on Tuesday September 1 and he hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a thin build, short curly hair in a rats tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

It's believed he may be wearing a black hoodie and track pants and is known to frequent the Metford and East Maitland areas.

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

 

Missing teen Xavier Powrie

 

Police Release CCTV Footage Of Alleged Getaway Driver In Commonwealth Hotel Armed Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released CCTV footage of a man and a vehicle which they believe were involved in the violent armed robbery on the Commonwealth Hotel at Cooks Hill two years ago.

Last week, 37-year-old John Jarrett and 32-year-old Marley Tiopira were each gaoled for a maximum of 7 years after storming the pub in the early hours of February 28, 2024 armed with a machete and baseball bat respectively.

It's alleged a getaway driver assaulted a cleaner before all three men escaped with $125,000 in a white Mercedes A190 hatchback with damage on the rear left side passenger door.

The third man was wearing a hooded jumper, baseball cap, tracksuit pants and black shoes with a distinctive while mark or stain on the right shoe.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries