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