Hunter Water Dips Into Tomago Sandbeds As Stores Decline

 BY JOHN HEWITT

Hunter Water will start dipping into supplies from the Tomago Sandbeds, following a steady decline in the region's overall water stores. 

Overall water storages are down by more than 20 per cent since last November, leaving levels at 63.7 per cent capacity, which is just above the 60 per cent trigger for Stage One water restrictions. 

Stage one restrictions include reducing daytime outdoor watering and the use of trigger nozzles, along with advice to customers to implement their own measures such as fixing leaking taps and toilets, waiting for a full laundry load and aiming for no more than a four minute shower.

With the long-term weather outlook predicting warmer and drier conditions associated with an increased chance of an El Nino event, Hunter Water has decided to begin supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds.

Hunter Water executive manager Glen Robertson said the Sandbeds play a significant role in the region's water supply system, providing up to 20 per cent of drinking water during times of shortfall.

He said there may be temporary changes in water taste and colour for some customers but the water remains safe to drink after having been tested at multiple points before entering the drinking water network.

"Groundwater contains higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese and these minerals can be more difficult to remove during treatment and may occasionally cause some discolouration, which is not a health concerns," Mr Robinson explained. 

In addition to increasing supply through the Sandbeds other initiatives being deployed include working with businesses and communities around ways to save water, and ensuring all water storages remain available to address prolonged periods without rain. 

There is also work underway on a desalination plant, although that won't be available until 2028.

In the meantime, Hunter Water said the additional supply from the Sandbeds, along with smart water choices by consumers, can delay the need for any water restrictions.

It is currently forecasting the 60 per cent threshold for stage one restrictions to be reached in mid to late June.  

Tomago Sandbeds. Picture: Hunter Water

Search Under Way For Missing Man In Newcastle

 BY IAN  CROUCH

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

30-year-old Sunny Jenkins was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital at about 1.00pm on Sunday 23 November 2025 and there are concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Sunny's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall with a solid build, brown hair and  hazel-coloured eyes.

He's known to frequent the Swansea, Belmont and Garden Suburb areas.

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

Missing man Sunny Jenkins

 

Alleged Port Stephens Child Groomer To Face Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Port Stephens man is due to face court today (Friday 28 June 2024) on child grooming charges.

In May, strike force detectives began an investigation into a 52-year-old man after he allegedly attempted to groom a child online using social media.

Police executed a search warrant at a home at Medowie around 7.30am on Thursday.

During the search, detectives say they located and seized electronic devices and arrested the man.

He's been charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 and failing to comply with reporting obligations.

BREAKING! House Destroyed By Fire At Edgeworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

A home has been destroyed in an overnight fire at Edgeworth.

Fire crews from Cardiff, Wallsend, Minmi and Teralba were called to the single level home on Croudace Street at 12.30am on Thursday to find the house totally involved in fire.

It took two hours for crews to extinguish and mop up the blaze.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was injured and it's believed the vacant home was frequently used by squatters, although no-one was found inside.

Sadly though, firefighters found a deceased dog inside the property.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing

 

Hunter Local Woman of the Year Recipients Announced

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A dedicated Maitland volunteer and a Maryville midwife have been recognised in the region's Local Woman of the Year Awards.

The annual awards recognise the support women give to local communities across NSW. 

The Maitland Local Woman of the Year Award was awarded to Barbara Heckman, for her involvement in a number of community groups, including the East Maitland Girl Guide Support Committee, Maitland Meals on Wheels, the Country Women’s Association Maitland Branch, and Maitland’s Slow Food Markets.

Barbara has also catered for Tocal Field Days and the annual Maitland Show. 

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison congratulated Barbara on the honour, and said volunteers like her are the backbone of the local community. 

"One of the things that really heartened me on Saturday night was that there were actually ten nominees for this position. There were people there who had made an outstanding contribution in their work, people like Barbara who had made an outstanding contribution in their community, and other people who had just made an extraordinary contribution given a situation of disadvantage in their own personal life," she said. 

The Local Woman of the Year Award for Newcastle was given to Oceane Campbell.

Ms Campbell worked as a midwife on the frontline of the pandemic, often supporting COVID-positive women through childbirth. 

She has also been influential in improving maternity care for LGBTQI+ people in the Hunter region, educating and training health care workers on how to ensure safe access for all people.

"I've done some research and worked hard to educate people on why it matters to give the same care, the same dignity and respect, to anybody accessing maternity care, no matter their family structure or background," Ms Campbell said. 

Ms Campbell is also a strong advocate for removing the stigma around mental health, and recently shared her own experience with trauma and mental heath issues, in her double memoire The Silence Between Us.

Ms Campbell said she was shocked and grateful to be recognised in this year's Local Women of the Year Awards, and feels honoured to be an inspiration to other women in the community. 

"We matter, our voices matter, and we're worth listening to," she said. 

Oceane Campbell (holding the award), with friends and family. 

Students to Take Part in Second Sustainnovation Challenge

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Students from a number of local high schools will take part in the City of Newcastle's second Sustainnovation Challenge this week.

In this challenge, students are being asked to answer the question: How do we overcome the barriers to Newcastle and Hunter businesses recycling or using recycled products?

Participating students will attend a two-day virtual workshop, which will include a series of sessions with industry specialists. Students will then create and pitch their ideas to a judging panel.

Sustainnovation Challenge Program Director Duncan Burck, said the project aims to develop a workable and sustainable future for the city. 

"We've been going out into the community to try and find out what things matter to them most. We then bring those challenges to students from across the city, to come up with their ideas on how to solve them," he said. 

Mr Burck also said since the program's launch in 2021, the contributions from students have exceeded expectations. 

"The changes that we've seen and how teachers have been delivering opportunities for students to learn over the past decade, has seen a great shift towards students learning things like problem solving, critical thinking and digital literacy. When we put all these things together, the best prepared people we have in our community are actually our young people."  

Schools taking part include San Clemente High School, Mereweather High School, Macquarie College, Hunter School of Performing Arts, Newcastle Grammar School, and Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College.

The most impressive ideas to emerge from the challenge will progress to Council's Living Lab accelerator program, where they will be developed and implemented into the community.  

"The idea is not just sitting back and hearing these ideas, but actually turning them into something for our community to use," Mr Burck said. 

Blackbutt Village Upgrade to Commence Next Month

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The $3.7 million upgrade to Blackbutt Village in New Lambton is set to commence next month. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the results from community consultation on the project last year revealed concerns about safety, particularly when crossing the busy Orchardtown Road.

"Our team have been busy developing a design that both improves safety and encourages pedestrians and cyclists to the area, as well as making it a safer place to park your car and visit the local shops," Cr Nelmes said.

The upgrade will include an off-road shared pedestrian and bike path, a new pedestrian crossing, and the introduction of a 40km per hour speed limit. 

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade will also focus on improving the entire public domain to help promote local businesses.

"Wider footpaths and new plazas will improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the area, while its look and feel will be improved with renewed drainage, kerbs, gutters, road surfaces, footpaths, lighting, street furniture, tree planting and landscaping," Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024. 

Image: City of Newcastle

$75 Million for Mining Affected Communities

 BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government has announced $75 million for the latest round of the Resources for Regions fund.

Round eight is set to benefit 24 local government areas across NSW, with the aim to return royalties to coal mining affected communities.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro was in Singleton on Monday to announce the funding and says its about giving back to the regions that bare the brunt.

"I genuinely believe if we can continue to return more money of the royalties back into the region, it is a good outcome.

"Royalties come in different ways. This is a targeted program, but royalties come back in the form of general expenditure, through roads, schools and hospitals," Mr Barilaro said.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said council was already finetuning applications and is looking forward to hopefully receiving some funding for local projects.

Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested Over Crash At Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court in June over a crash at Belmont overnight.

Police were called to Merleview Street at about 8.00pm on Tuesday where a car had crashed through the fence of a private residence.

The driver, a 32-year-old man, returned a positive breath test at the scene and was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

It's alleged a further test returned a reading almost 5 times the legal limit.

He's been charged with High Range PCA and will face Belmont Court on June 16. 

UPDATE! Fears For Missing Singleton Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news, Jessica was found safe and well on Thursday afternoon.

EARLIER:

 Hunter Valley Police are appealing for public help to find a teenager who's gone missing from Singleton.

15-year-old Jessica Retallick was last seen at the Singleton Heights shopping centre between 3.00pm and 5.00pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 January, 2021) and police have concerns for her welfare.

Jessica's described as being about 140 centimetres tall with bright red long died hair.

She was last seen wearing a small green top and small green shorts.

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

Missing teen Jessica Retallick

Out-dated and Asbestos Ridden, The University of Newcastle's Hunter Building Reaching the End of it's Life

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The University of Newcastle has confirmed it will conduct a staged closure of it's Hunter Building over safety concerns. 

The Hunter Building was constructed in the early 1970s and like many buildings of its era, asbestos materials were used in its construction. 

The University says while it has continued to take preventative, industry-standard safety measures, the measures are not sustainable long term, and the building has reached the end of it's life. 

"Please be reassured that these new measures are being taken with staff and student wellbeing and safety as the priority," says Vice Chancellor, Alex Zelinsky. 

The University recently commissioned a further feasibility study to determine the future of the building, which showed the time and cost required to upgrade the building’s features was unfeasible due to the building fabric and age. 

On Monday, teaching activities began relocating from the building to other parts of the University. The Huxley Library will continue to be used until alternative arrangements are put in place.

The University aims to have the building entirely vacated by mid-2021.

The current Hunter Building asbestos management plan will continue until the building is fully vacated. 

Newcastle's New Renewable Energy Blocks

BY TAHLIA HALE.

The University of Newcastle has patented a new type of thermal storage material, housed in blocks like LEGO®, which could help convert coal-fired power stations to run entirely fossil-fuel free.

The blocks, called Miscibility Gaps Alloy (MGA), are capable of receiving and safely storing energy generated by renewable energy sources.

The stored energy can then be used to run steam turbines at power stations instead of burning coal.

MGA blocks can be retrofitted to retired power plants or introduced to existing power plants to help them transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

A team of engineers at the university spent years perfecting the innovation to enable

renewable energy to be used reliably to meet consumer needs. 

The blocks will solve renewable energy's previous issues of being generated in inconsistent peaks which overloaded the electric grid and not consistently meeting consumer's needs. 

MGA blocks are stackable like LEGO® so they can be added or removed to scale the electric grid system up or down to meet market demand.

The blocks are made from non-toxic, 100 per cent recyclable material and can store millions of kilowatt hours of energy. 

The MGA Thermal team are establishing a NSW-based manufacturing plant to commercially produce their modular storage blocks.

The plant will have the combined funding of close to $1 million from CP Ventures and an Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Accelerating Commercialisation Grant. 

Co-founders of MGA Thermal (L-R) Dr Alex Post and Professor Erich Kisi. 

Man Charged Over Unprovoked Attack On A Woman At Charlestown Square

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man will face court today after an alleged unprovoked assault in the Hunter region.

About 8.40am yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2020), a 31-year-old woman was at Charlestown Square, when she was approached by an unknown man who allegedly pulled her hair until she fell to the ground.

It’s further alleged the man yelled at the woman, before he ran away.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, police attended the Newcastle Motel on the Pacific Highway, Charlestown, about 10am the same day.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the motel and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and affray.

He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Friday 4 September 2020)

Alleged Drink Driver Threatens Police At Bonnells Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police have a charged a man with High Range Drink Driving after he crashed his car at Bonnells Bay.

Police say the 36-year-old lost control of his Holden Commodore Station Wagon on Princes Street at about 4.30pm on Wednesday and crashed into telegraph pole, bringing down live power lines.

It's alleged the man threatened to touch the wires and assault police.

He's been charged with a range of offences including high range PCA, driving while suspended and resisting arrest.

The man's been granted strict conditional bail to face Toronto Court on October 13.

The crash scene at Bonnells Bay Picture: Lake Macquarie Police District

BREAKING! Truck Fire Closes Southbound Lanes of M1 at Calga

BY IAN CROUCH

The southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway are closed at Calga due to a truck fire.

A truck loaded with scrap metal caught alight at about 4.45am on Monday about 1km from the southbound side of the Mooney Mooney Bridge.

Fire crews are using foam to douse the flames and a heavy hazmat unit is on the way.

Police say the driver has not been injured.

There is heavy southbound traffic on the M1 which is being diverted onto Peats Ridge Road and rejoining the freeway at Calga.

UPDATE! Belmont Man Accused Of Making Death Threats To NSW Police Minister

BY IAN CROUCH

A Lake Macquarie man has been charged with allegedly sending threatening messages online.

The Fixated Persons Investigation Unit began inquiries on Sunday after NSW Police Minister, David Elliot reported receiving the messages.

Investigators searched a Belmont home on Monday afternoon where it's alleged they found cannabis, medication without a prescription, two gel blasters and ammunition.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the home and has been given conditional bail to face Belmont Court on 20 July, 2020 charged with using a carriage service to threaten to kill as well as drugs and firearms offences.

Police alleged they found weapons and drugs at the Belmont home

Newcastle Council Facing $18M Loss Due To COVID-19

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council is facing a massive loss in revenue due to the impact of the Coronavirus lockdown.

Council's March Quarterly Budget Review shows income is set to fall by $17.8 million by the end of June, leaving a budget deficit of $8.3 million.

The loss was caused by a fall in ticket sales from the Civic Theatre, reduced waste volumes at the Summerhill Tip, loss of bookings from the Stockton Caravan Park as well as reduced income from Newcastle Airport, investments, parking meters and traffic infringements.

Council CEO, Jeremy Bath says despite the $18 million COVID-19 hit, the organisation's long-term financial sustainability remained sound.

"Just like the majority of businesses and organisations in our city and region, our income has been significantly affected by COVID-19. However, because of prudent management of the City's finances in recent years, we have the ability to get through this economic downturn, albeit with a budget deficit this year. " he said.

City of Newcastle CEO, Jeremy Bath

Owner Of Stolen Car Spots Vehicle Being Worked On At Wangi Wangi

BY IAN CROUCH

A lucky find for the owner of a stolen car - spotting his vehicle parked in the driveway of a home at Wangi Wangi on Thursday night.

Police say the owner noticed someone working on his Mitsubishi Triton in Dobell Drive at about 6.00pm and approached the man.

As this was happening, an off-duty police officer was driving past and saw the altercation developing. He spoke to the resident and tried to calm him down.

Police say the alleged offender then tried to get away on a motor bike which was also stolen, but he was apprehended as other officers arrived.

The 26-year-old man has been charged with 5 offences including taken and drive conveyance without consent and has been refused bail to face Toronto Local Court today ( Friday 8 May 2020).

Northern NSW Football Welcomes Infrastructure Funding

BY IAN CROUCH

Grassroots football clubs across the Hunter will continue to grow and prosper after a $1.9 million dollar boost from grants and government funding.

Among the 19 facilities to receive funding are a new multi-purpose building at Tomaree Sports Complex which has received $300,000, and the construction of two grandstands at the Westlakes Wildcats Football Club to accommodate around 520 spectators, visitors, officials and volunteers.

Smaller grants have been made from the Community Building Partnerships Fund including:

$20,000 to the Mayfield United JSFC to update changerooms to become female friendly.
$16,000 to the Gresford Vacy Football Club to replace a mower.
$8,482 to the West Wallsend Amateur Soccer Club for a high boundary fence to prevent balls leaving fields.
$3,410 to the Cessnock City Hornets Football Club to expand junior football training facilities.

Despite community sports being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Northern NSW Football Head of Football, Peter Haynes is elated that government at all levels continue to see the importance of honouring grants and funding for public sporting fields for the long-term health and wellbeing of the community.

"It is great to see that funding hasn't halted for such important community projects, many of the projects which have received money are for shared facilities used by multiple sports and community groups. These venues will be essential for communities to become active again when public health orders are lifted as well as in the long-term," he said.

Grassroots football facilities are sharing in $1.9 million in infrastructure funding

Emergency Services Called To Crash At Muswellbrook and Tanker Jackknifed On Hunter Expressway

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash at Muswellbrook.

Two cars collided on Thomas Mitchell Drive just south of the Mount Arthur turnoff at about 5.00am on Thursday.

It's understood one the cars is on it's side and Thomas Mitchell Drive is blocked in both directions.

NSW Ambulance says no-one has been seriously injured.

Meanwhile, a petrol tanker has jackknifed and collided with the rear of a car on the Hunter Expressway near Heddon Greta.

The crash is affecting northbound lanes and motorists are being advised to proceed with caution.

It's understood the petrol tanker is empty but around 30 litres of hydraulic oil has spilled onto the road.