UPDATE! Fire Crews Called to Blaze At Adamstown Towing Business: Arson Supected

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have set up a crime scene after an Adamstown towing business was allegedly targeted by arsonists in an early morning fire.

Firefighters were called to Fenwick's Towing in Fletcher Street just after 4.00am today (Wednesday 15 October, 2025) to find a caravan and four cars on fire.

They managed to contain the blaze and stop it spreading to a workshop on the site.

Police say they were called to reports of a break-in at the business just minutes before the fire broke out.

CCTV footage recovered from the scene allegedly shows two people with their faces covered setting fire to the caravan.

Forensic police and fire investigators have been called to the scene.

EARLIER:  

Firefighters have been called to a fire at a commercial premises at Adamstown.

Crews arrived at Fenwick's Towing in Fletcher Street just after 4.00am today (Wednesday 15 October, 2025) to find four cars and a caravan alight.

Firefighters from Lambton and Newcastle have managed to contain the blaze and stop it spreading to a workshop at the site.

Police and ambulance crews have also been called to the scene.

 

Intersection Near Adamstown Rail Gates Set for Safety Upgrades

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The notorious intersection between Glebe Road and Park Avenue at the Adamstown rail gates is being given an upgrade.

Newcastle Council admits while it doesn't have powers to provide an overpass instead of the gates, it's hoped new traffic lights synced with the crossing will improve traffic flow.

Newcastle Mayor Ross Kerridge says he hopes the upgrades will go a long way to fixing the crash black spot.

"There have been a lot of accidents here over the years, we all know about that," he said.

"[We're] putting in traffic lights which will be coordinated with the gates mainly to improve safety.

"It's not going to be a magic solution to the traffic problems here, but it will make it safer," he said.

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the intersection in peak periods.

The project will include a realignment of the intersection to accommodate the traffic lights and the construction of a new median on Glebe Road.

Adamstown rail gates

Mayor Ross Kerridge and Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon announcing the upgrades

Women Charged Over Adamstown Fire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

A woman has been arrested and charged, following a suspicious fire at Adamstown last year.

Emergency services were called to a property on Dibbs Steet at about 4:30am on Tuesday the 26th of April, following reports of a fire.

Upon arrival, police found a number of vehicles alight, with fire spreading to a nearby three-bedroom house.

Several vehicles and the house were destroyed, however, no one was injured as a result of the blaze.

A crime scene was established and detectives established Strike Force Tinebank to investigate.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 27-year-old woman at Thomas Street in Cardiff, at about 11:30am yesterday. 

 

The woman's been charged with several offences, including destroying property in company using fire, possession of prohibited drugs, and custody of a knife in a public place. 

  

She was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BREAKING! Concerns Over Hazardous Material at Adamstown Car Fire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle fire crews are currently investigating a car fire which occurred near Merewether Golf Club last night. 

The owner of the vehicle was able to locate it via GPS tracking, on King Street at Adamstown. 

There's concern over a Moisture Density Meter which is reportedly inside the vehicle, which could have a radioactive source. 

Hazardous materials experts have set up a safety zone around the area, and are seeking to find out if the meter is there, and if it has been breached. 

Crews have assured the area is stable. 

BREAKING! Woman Knifed During Adamstown Home Invasion

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been slashed in the arm during a frightening home invasion at Adamstown.

Police say the 54-year-old answered the door to her Bryant Street home at about 4.00pm on Thursday and was confronted by a man who demanded the keys to her car.

When she refused it's alleged the man produced a knife and slashed the woman's arm before running off empty-handed.

A friend of the victim took her to the John Hunter Hospital where she received sutures for her injury before being allowed to return home.

The alleged offender is described as being of Caucasian appearance, short with a slim build.

Person believed to be trapped after Adamstown accident

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The site has been cleared and northbound lanes are now open.

EARLIER.

A person is believed to be trapped after a multi-vehicle accident at Adamstown on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Brunker Road around 1pm.

The person is also suspected to have leg and chest injuries.

The road is closed heading northbound, and traffic's being turned onto Brunker Road.

Plans Underway for New Bike Track Between Adamstown and Newcastle West

BY OLIVIA DILLON

City of Newcastle has received funding from the state government to develop a new bike track between Adamstown Station and Newcastle West.

The $110,000 injection will be used to develop a detailed design for the proposed shared track, which will connect the inner-city bypass near William Street to the existing route between Mordue Parade and Wilkinson Avenue. 

The project is one of five city pathways funded by the government's $110 million NSW Get Active program. 

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich, said the cycling community are looking forward to having their say on the project. 

"The funding that's been received from the state government is going to go towards design; investigating the best route and the best treatment on the street," Mr Reich said.  

"The main thing we're always interested in is cycling for utility, cycling for transport; not just recreational riding, but to get people from A to B, from home to the shops, to their schools, or to their workplace." 

The project is part of council's 10-year plan to connect key routes across the city and provide a safe cycling network by 2030. 

A council spokesperson told Newcastle Herald, the public will be consulted during the design process, and Mr Reich said safety should be of utmost concern.  

"We do already have a designated route that takes us into town, but it's on road so it's daunting for less experienced cyclists and for younger cyclists and their families. We're hopeful that all the improvements that are underway in the cycling network, will allow and encourage more people to ride, leaving the cars at home and making it safer for everyone involved." 

He also said local cyclists were looking forward to seeing the wheels in motion. 

"All the improvements we can make to the city cycling network are going to benefit the entire community." 

Plans are underway for a new bike track between Adamstown Station and Newcastle West. 

UPDATE! Crews Battling House Fire At Adamstown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have extinguished a fierce house fire at Adamstown.

Crews were called to Park Avenue just after 4.30am on Tuesday to find the large, abandoned single storey home well alight.

It's understood the house is being used for storage and there was no-one in side when the fire broke out.

Newcastle Fire Command says 7 appliances and a Duty Commander are at the scene.

There were  also concerns for a neighbouring mechanics business, but crews managed to stop the fire from spreading.

Crews from Lambton, Newcastle, Merewether, Charlestown and a ladder platform from Newcastle had the fire extnguished by 6 o'clock.

EARLIER:

Firefighters are battling a house fire at Adamstown.

Crews were called to Park Avenue just after 4.30am on Tuesday to find the home well alight.

Newcastle Fire Command says 7 appliances and a Duty Commander are at the scene.

There are also concerns for neighbouring properties which are under threat.

At this stage, it's believed the house is unoccupied.

More to come.

Police Investigate Armed Robbery On Domino's Store At Adamstown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for information after a take-away store was held up at Adamstown overnight.

Police say a man armed with a meat cleaver entered the Domino's store on Brunker Road at about 9.40pm on Wednesday and demanded cash.

A 21-year-old female employee handed over a sum of money and the man fled south on foot along Brunker Road.

The woman and a 19-year-old male employee were not injured during the incident.

The offender was wearing all black clothing, had his faced covered, was wearing gloves and carrying a green reusable shopping bag.

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

BREAKING! Police Break Up Protest At Adamstown

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been called to a protest demonstration at Adamstown.

Police say about 50 people gathered outside The Foundary building site off Brunker Road just before 7.00am.

It's believed the group were members of the CFMEU protesting over their claim for a 15% pay rise from a Canberra-based formwork company.

Officers arrived a short time later to break up the group - it's not known if any arrests have been made.

Earlier, police dispersed another group of CFMEU members at Huntington Waterfront Apartments site in Honeysuckle - another project being undertaken by the Canberra-based company.

New Mobile Phone Tower Proposed For Adamstown

BY IAN CROUCH

Plans have been lodged with Newcastle Council for a new mobile phone tower at Adamstown.

Telstra is seeking permission to build the 28 metre tower on Crown Land off Court Street near the Motorcycle Training Centre.

The telco says the new mobile phone base station would deliver new and improved 4G and 5G coverage to the suburb to meet growing demand from the community, especially for work-from home requirements.

The proposal is out for public comment, with community consultation attracting more than 90 submissions, with residents concerned about safety, visual impacts and property devaluation.

Telstra wants to build a 28 Metre 5G Mobile Phone Tower
 of Court Street, Adamstown. Picture forbes.com

Workers Evacuated After Gas Leak at Adamstown

 BY IAN CROUCH

A gas leak at an Adamstown building site has forced the evacuation of several workers.

Police and Fire crews were called to the residential building site on Jefferson Street just after 3pm yesterday where a medium pressure gas line had ruptured.

25 people were evacuated as a precaution and Jefferson Street was closed as crews assisted the gas company in making the area safe.

The all clear was given at about 3.30pm. 

BREAKING! Brunker Road Adamstown Closed: Tree Down

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services were called to Brunker Road at Adamstown where a tree fell across power lines.

Newcastle Fire Command said the tree has come down outside number 416 Brunker Road between Burn and South Streets.

A crane had to brought in to remove the tree.

A gas leak also complicated the operation, with residents in the vicinity warned to close their windows and avoid open flames.

The gas leak has since been repaired. 

Police closed the road in both directions with Ausgrid emergency crews working to restore power to around 70 homes. 

Ausgrid expect the power to be restored by 1.00pm on Wednesday afternoon. 

L-Plater to Face Court After Passenger Fractures Arm During Drunk Driving Crash at Adamstown

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A teenager is due to face court next month, following a crash at Adamstown. 

Police were called to reports of a collision on Lockyer Street around 2am on Saturday morning. The 18-year-old male learner driver was submitted to a roadside breath test and returned a positive result. The passenger of the vehicle, who was the holder of a provisional licence and was not legally able to supervise the learner, was conveyed to John Hunter Hospital suffering a fractured arm. The driver later returned a breath analysis reading of 0.092 at Newcastle Police station, and his licence was suspended immediately. He's due to face Newcastle Local Court in April, for driving with a mid-range PCA and for not being accompanied by a licenced driver.

Driver Caught Allegedly Seven Times the Legal Limit, After Crash at Adamstown

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A driver will appear in court after allegedly returning a breath analysis reading seven times the legal limit, following a crash at Adamstown. 

About 6pm on Friday August 14, Newcastle City Police attended a car crash at the intersection of Teralba Road and Glebe Road, Adamstown. 

The 45-year-old male driver failed to negotiate a turn and crashed into an oncoming vehicle. 

Police submitted him to a breath test which returned a positive result. 

He was arrested and undertook a breath analysis at Newcastle Police Station reportedly returning a reading of 0.350, seven times the legal limit. 

His licence was suspended and confiscated on the spot. 

He will attend court at a later date.

Student At St Pius X High School At Adamstown Tests Positive For COVID-19

BY IAN CROUCH

St Pius X High School at Adamstown will be closed today and tomorrow for deep cleaning after a student tested positive to COVID-19.

The teenager, who plays with the Newcastle Jets Under 15 side, played a match against the Stanmore Hawks at Dulwich Hill on August 1 - his team mates and members of the opposing team will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

All close contacts of the teenager are being notified and will also be required to self-isolate for two weeks.

Hunter New England Health says the boy caught the number 26 school bus from Hamilton to school on Monday August 3 at 8.20am and everyone on the bus must isolate for 14 days.

The school was advised of the positive test after students had left for the day on Wednesday.

Parents and carers of students have been notified and the school is working with health authorities to identify close contacts of the student.


Hunter New England Health says anyone experiencing even mild respirirtory symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 immediately to limit the spread of the virus.

A student at St Pius X High School has tested positive for COVID-19

BREAKING! Man Injured In Four Car Crash At Adamstown

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been taken to hospital after a crash involving four cars at Adamstown overnight.

Residents of Gosford Road were woken by a loud bang just after 11.30pm on Wednesday, to find a Holden Commodore had clipped two cars and crashed heavily into a third.

Police, fire and ambulance paramedics arrived to find the 59-year-old male driver trapped.

He was extricated on a back board through the front passenger door and placed on a stretcher before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition with a head injury.

Police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Meanwhile, the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to a car roll over on the New England Highway at Murulla north of Wingen just after 2.30am on Thursday.

The 30-year-old male driver was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital.

A 30-year-old female passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries, while a 20-year-old female was not injured.

Report Finds Bus Driver "Lost Consciousness" Before Fatal Crash At Adamstown

BY IAN  CROUCH

An investigation into a bus crash which claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman at Adamstown last year has found the driver suffered a Transient Loss of Consciousness in the moments before the tragedy.

Raani Bennett and her dog were waiting at the pedestrian crossing on Brunker Road on the afternoon of Tuesday November 5 2019 when they were struck by the bus carrying school children.

Despite the frantic efforts of nearby workers, Ms Bennett was unable to be revived and died at the scene along with her dog.

A report by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations found a review of the bus's CCTV footage shows the 61-year-old male driver appeared incapacitated and had lost control of the bus.

He told investigators he "felt dizzy and was looking for a place to pull over when everything went black".

The report found he lost consciousness for 16 seconds.

It also found the driver was aware of feeling unwell before the incident but did not anticipate becoming incapacitated.

The report has recommended a review of the health assessment standards for commercial passenger vehicle drivers and that bus operators should review their polices to ensure drivers are aware they should stop their bus when they recognise they are affected by ill-health.

The crash scene at Adamstown in November 2019 Picture: Ian Crouch

BREAKING! Driver Seriously Injured In Adamstown Heights Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has suffered serious injures in a crash at Adamstown Heights early today.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash on Brunker Road at 12.47am on Monday, arriving to find the man, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, with a serious leg injury.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

The police crash investigation unit is looking into the circumstances leading up to the crash.

The Police Rescue Squad is still at the scene providing lighting for crash investigators and there are traffic diversions in place.

Newcastle Council Plants Hundreds of New Trees, Children Encouraged to Write Love Letter to Favourite One

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hundreds of trees have been planted along local streets as part of Newcastle Council's Living Streets Program to expand the City’s urban forest.

The Council has been capitalising on Autumn rains, digging holes on street verges and reserves for around 500 trees - 40 different species - across Wallsend, Adamstown and Adamstown Heights ( full list of streets). 

Around 1,000 street trees will be planted this year as part of the City’s commitment to deliver cleaner air, reduced storm water runoff, habitat for local biodiversity, more shade and a cooler urban environment. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who joined City staff to plant trees along Tyrrell Street Wallsend today, said autumn offered the perfect weather for new plantings and that today’s work followed a council decision to join a global initiative aimed at enhancing nature in and around cities.

“While most community requests for tree plantings come during Summer when we are all feeling the need for more trees, Summer isn’t the ideal time to plant and establish trees,” Councillor Nelmes said.

“The weather conditions are more favorable at this time of year as it’s cooler and more rain is about."

“We know a five per cent increase can reduce summer temperatures by one to two degrees, and that 17 trees will offset the use of one car a year in terms of carbon emissions."

Council’s City Greening Services team will complete regular maintenance of the new trees, among 6,000 recently planted across the local government area, carrying out mulching, weeding, watering and formative pruning.

The City is running a series of education activities in conjunction with tree planting, encouraging children during the COVID-19 lockdown to observe animals that visit their favourite tree and write a love letter to it.

Ward 4 Councillor Jason Dunn said kids were invited to submit a letter and photo of the tree to naturalconnection@ncc.nsw.gov.au to encourage conservatory thinking and see which trees are the most popular across the local government area.

“We want kids to take a moment to visit their favourite tree and stop, watch and listen and then write to us about how many different animals visit the tree, how long they think it’s been here and what could be lost if it was cut down," Councillor Dunn said. 

“As well as planting trees, we want to educate the next generation about how native and non-native trees support a huge amount of life in urban environments."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Jason Dunn on Tyrrell Street

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and in Cr Jason Dunn on Tyrrell Street