Union Calls For Action After Violent Bus Attack

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Local unions members are calling for better safety protections on Newcastle buses, after a driver was violently attacked by a passenger earlier this week. 

At around 11pm on Wednesday night, police were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown following reports a bus passenger allegedly punched and stabbed a driver in the hand. 

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with numerous offences. 

However, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has said the attack has worsened fears around the current safety measures present on Newcastle buses. 

The incident comes alongside more than 12 months of enterprise bargaining between the RTBU and private transport operator Keolis Downer, over safety measures, pay and working conditions. 

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Gresch said the attack highlights the ongoing safety risks drivers are currently facing within the region. 

"This is a horrific attack on a worker who was simply doing his job," Mr. Grech said.

"We've seen a string of violent incidents on Newcastle buses in recent months. 

"Drivers have been spat on, bashed, assaulted - and now even stabbed. 

"This cannot continue."

Mr Gresch added the incident should not be overlooked by Keolis Downer. 

"It should be a strong wake-up call for not only Keolis Downer, but for the NSW Government and Transport NSW as well," Mr Gresch said. 

"They need to act and react to what's happened. 

"We've been calling for these changes for many, many years and everyone keeps sitting on their hands."

The RTBU is calling for immediate discussions to ensure stronger protections are put in place to keep both drivers and passengers safe.

Picture: RTBU

Nationals Concerned Over Future of High Speed Rail

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell is unsure whether a Coalition government would continue on the High Speed Rail project if elected. 

Earlier this week, the project's business case was released to the public, disclosing the current plans to its development. 

The High Speed Rail Authority has set the estimated cost of the Newcastle to Sydney line at nearly $90 billion, with the next two years to be spent on developing the final route plans.  

It was also announced the federal government would be investing an additional $230 million into the project, putting the current expenditure at $660 million overall. 

However, Senator Cadell is concerned the project may never come to fruition. 

"We're spending hundreds of millions of dollars on feasibility studies for a project that will cost $100 billion in today's dollars," he said. 

"We all know these budgets flow out and there is no allocation in the future.

"I don't think we'll see the start of this in two years, I don't think we'll see the finish of this in 50 years." 

Ahead of next year's state election, Senator Cadell said if the vote goes to the Coalition, it's uncertain whether the project will be continued. 

"I can't speak for everyone, but clearly I've got some concerns and I'll be voicing those concerns" he said. 

"If our party room and shadow cabinet allay those concerns that will be supportive.

"But, I have not seen anything at the moment that shows a funding source where we can come up with $100 billion - that the government doesn't have - to fund it." 

Picture: Nationals Senator Ross Cadell. 

Man Goes Missing From John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing in the Newcastle area.

37-year-old Timothy Trippier was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital last Saturday (21 February, 2026) and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Timothy's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175 to 185cm tall with a medium build and light brown hair and is believed to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Missing man Timothy Trippier

 

Details Revealed On High Speed Rail Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK 

The business case for the High Speed Rail project has been released to the public today. 

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King visited Newcastle early this morning to announce the next phase of the major project. 

She said the federal government would be injecting an extra $229.6 million into the development phase, increasing its total investment to $659.6 million overall.

The High Speed Rail Authority will use the next two years to lock in the design, approval processes, scope and costs. 

Estimated to cost up to $90 billion, it's likely to be one of the most expensive pieces of infrastructure funded by the federal government so far. 

It comes as a major step forward in the development, set to revolutionise travel between Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and Sydney. 

Minister King said the project will provide a range of benefits to local communities. 

"High-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney will change the way people live, work and travel in our country's most populous region," she explained. 

"It will connect the Newcastle and Central Coast communities to Sydney in a way that has never been done before." 

The Newcastle to Central Coast stretch is slated to be completed by 2037, followed by an extension to Sydney Central by 2039 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2042.

The project would include stations at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. 

Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office

UPDATE! Land and Sea Search Launch For Man Missing From Catherine Hill Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised the search for Paul Ellis concluded on Monday afternoon when he was found at Flowers Drive in Catherine Hill Bay. 

The 48-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for assessment.

Police have thanked the community for sharing the appeal.

EARLIER:  

 A search is under way for a man reported missing from Lake Macquarie.

48-year-old Paul Ellis was last seen on the beach at Catherine Hill Bay at about 2.30pm yesterday (Sunday 22 February 2026).

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

PolAir and Marine Rescue were involved in the search during daylight hours with local police supported by Police Rescue and the SES in a land search overnight.

Paul is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 195cm tall with a thin build, short blonde hair and a goatee beard.

He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue shorts.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

 

Missing man Paul Ellis

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Jack Taylor was last seen on Schank Drive at about 8.25am yesterday (Thursday 19 February 2026) and the alarm was raised when he failed to return home and couldn't be contacted.

He lives with a number of medical conditions which require regular medication.

Jack's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build and short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of black shorts, white shirt and black shoes.

Jack was last seen heading towards Metford Railway Station and is known to frequent the Thornton shopping centre.

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

 

Missing teen Jack Taylor

  

Councilor Condemns Proposed Cooks Hill High-Rise

BY LOUISE LIMBERS

Newcastle councillor Declan Clausen has voiced his strong disapproval of high-rise apartment blocks proposed for Cooks Hill. 

He, alongside many residents, have sent in submissions slamming the proposal, claiming they will cause parking issues, as well as overshadow the surrounding heritage infrastructure. 

Sydney company Vivacity applied to the NSW Housing Delivery Authority for development approval to build two apartment blocks, one 13 storeys and the other eight, creating 113 dwellings. 

Located in between Civic Park and the Newcastle Art Gallery, the proposed 45-metre tall build is more than triple the current permitted height limit of 14 metres. 

Cr Declan Clausen said he believes the build will significantly impact the area. 

"Putting a 45 metre residential tower in the middle of a residential conservation area where there are clear zoning rules," he said. 

"I think would be an enormous mistake." 

Set to cost more than $133 million dollars, the development will exceed the threshold of state significant development of  $30 million and 40 dwellings for a proposal in regional NSW. 

"We are a council that absolutely welcomes additional growth and new housing but it's got to be in the right locations," said Cr Clausen. 

He lodged a formal objection to the project on Tuesday. 

"I hope that they take seriously, the submissions that I've made, and the submissions that have been made by hundreds of Novocastrians, who just expect a fair outcome where the planning rules are respected for our city," he added. 

Man Arrested Following Fatal Kooragang Crash

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A third driver has come forward following a fatal two-vehicle crash at Kooragang this morning. 

At about 9.25am, emergency services were called to Cormorant Road, following reports of a crash.

At the scene, police were told a sedan and van had collided head-on in the northbound lanes. 

NSW Ambulance paramedics assisted the two occupants of the sedan; however, they died at the scene. 

They are yet to be formally identified. 

The driver of the van was treated at the scene for minor injuries, and taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing. 

Following the crash, at 9.45am, a 42-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station allegedly reporting he was involved in the crash. 

The man was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing. 

He stated he was not in either of the vehicles, with his involvement in the crash still being investigated by Newcastle City Police with assistance by the Crash Investigation Unit. 

As inquiries continue, police urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

CCTV Footage Released of Thornton Business Fire

BY OLI GOELDNER

Detectives are appealing for information after a suspicious fire at a Thornton business last week. 

At about 1.05am on Tuesday 10 February, emergency services were called to the business on the New England Highway, following reports of a fire. 

Fire and Rescue NSW crews brought the fire under control and extinguished the blaze.  

The building sustained minimal structural damage; however, large amounts of stock were destroyed, and a cash register was stolen.

Police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the fire.

The men are depicted in the CCTV wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, and are believed to have left the area in a light-coloured hatchback.

One of the men is seen leaving the area with the lower half of his body engulfed in flames.

Police believe the man might have suffered burns following the incident.

As inquiries into the incident continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Charged With Threatening Shoppers At Waratah Village

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 17 February 2026) accused of threatening to assault shoppers at the Waratah Shopping Village.

Police were called just to the Turton Road shopping precinct just before 7.30pm on Monday 16 February 2026  to reports a man was randomly harassing shoppers at the K Mart store and allegedly threatened to assault a female.

Other shoppers intervened and performed a citizen's arrest until police arrived a short time later.

The 32-year-old from Sydney was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with affray.

 

State Government Steps In On Calvary Mater Repairs

BY EVIE JONES 

Cladding remediation works will soon begin at Waratah's Calvary Mater hospital, with a state government intervention. 

The hospital's private manager NovaCare has been issued multiple notices of breach, after it was found cladding on the facility's facade was not up to code. 

It's believed the unsatisfactory exterior has caused water to leak into the hospital and create significant mould infestations, which have led to several wards closing in the past month. 

Progress for the works has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing commercial discussions between NovaCare and NSW Health, leading the state government to step in. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said they had no other choice. 

"We had to intervene to make sure that work was done on time," she said. 

"Unfortunately, the private provider hasn't stepped in as quickly as they should have, and that's why the state government has stepped in."

A contractor has been employed by the state government to begin the works in March, which are set to be completed by mid next year. 

The intervention comes as staff and concerned civilians rallied outside the facility last month protesting unsanitary and unsafe conditions. 

Sonia Hornery said she agrees with staff, labelling the mold as an unacceptable safety concern. 

"It's important for us to expedite this work because it's a continuing safety problem, particularly for people who are very ill," she said.

"We know that the Mater is a leader in treating cancer patients.

"We can't afford to have very ill people getting sick because the building isn't clean and safe and sanitary.

"It also provides problems for people with pneumonia and other chest and lung infections. "We really do need to urgently get rid of it."

NSW Health indicated it will work closely with the Calvary Mater team to coordinate remediation works while minimizing disruption to patients, staff and visitors. 

The state government also showed its support for the Calvary Mater, claiming it will take all necessary steps to support remediation and ensure the continued safety, functionality and reliability of the hospital. 

Teen Killed In Tragic Crash Near Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage boy has been tragically killed in a crash at Bishops Bridge overnight.

Emergency services were called to Wollombi Road about 10km west of Maitland at about 8.30pm on Sunday 15 February 2026 to reports of a crash between a car and a push bike.

They arrived to find a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.

Despite the efforts of paramedics he died at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and are urging anyone with information,  CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

 

Gavin Morris To Run For Newcastle Lord Mayor

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Former NBN weatherman Gavin Morris has announced he will be running for Lord Mayor in the upcoming by-election. 

He announced his candidacy on Friday morning, with the endorsement of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge. 

Mr Morris said he plans to run as an Independent. 

"There is a lot to do from here on in," he said.

"I have to build a campaign, I need volunteers, I need to build funding, I need to engage with the community, and that is my focus right now.

"If I were elected Lord Mayor, I would take what I learn over the next week and help it guide with the decisions that need to be made for the betterment of our city in the future."

It follows Cr Ross Kerridge resigning from the position on Monday due to his ongoing battle with cancer. 

Mr Morris said he believes his skills in the media will be beneficial if he is to be elected. 

"I've been a member of the media for more than 40 years and I have a unique skill set and I think a lot of those skills from my days in media and engaging with the community carry over beautifully into the position of Lord Mayor," he explained.

"And I feel it's really important to come in completely afresh.

"I am not connected and I am not influenced by any past goings-on in the council and I think that is really important, not just for me but for the future Lord Mayor.

"I think it's really important that that future Lord Mayor is completely and truly independent.

"I think that's more important than just about anything else."

The upcoming by-election for the position is expected to be held in mid-April.