HILLSBOROUGH ROAD – Tenders Called for Stage One

BY ISSY KULPER

The State Government says the Hillsborough Road upgrade has hit an important milestone with construction tenders being called for stage one of the project.

The $35 million build will include improvements stretching from the Inner-City Bypass roundabout to the west of Crockett Street.

Transport for NSW says it’s looking to grant the contract for construction to begin early next year. The project is predicted to take 18 months to duplicate the road on a 700 metre stretch and put in new traffic lights at Crockett Street.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says it should improve travel times.

“The 36,000 motorists who use Hillsborough Road daily can look forward to more reliable journeys, with improved traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for all road users,” she said.

Credit: Transport for NSW

BREAKING! Two Boys Charged Over Alleged Stabbing At Charlestown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two boys are expected to front the children's court today (Thursday 21 August 2025) accused of another stabbing at Charlestown overnight.

Witnesses have told police two people allegedly assaulted a 32-year-old man with a knife at the North Piazza outside the Charlestown Shopping Centre on Ridley Street just after 8.30pm before the pair ran off.

The man was treated by paramedics for serious lacerations to his arm before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

Police say the victim did not know his attackers and it's alleged the teens were being rowdy and turned on the man when he told them to leave the area. 

Following inquiries, police arrested two 17-year-old boys nearby.

They've each been charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - one of the boys also charged with drug possession.

 

BREAKING - Man Found Dead at Charlestown

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are on scene near Charlestown Square after a man was found dead in a carpark along Ridley St just before 10am.

Its believed the elderly man was stabbed, the area has now been cordoned off.

He died prior to the arrival of police and ambulance.

Another man was spotted running south along the Pacific Highway shortly after the incident.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene. 

Carpark where the man is thought to have been stabbed.

 

                                          

New Eating Disorders Clinic Set to Open at Charlestown

 BY PETER HYSLOP

People living with eating disorders will now be able to access a new specialist residential care facility in Charlestown.

The 12-bed centre is the first of its kind in NSW and will open today, with a price tag of $13.5 million.

The funding is part of a $63 million dollar Federal Government fund to deliver clinics nationally.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says the facility will provide a compassionate and understanding environment.

State Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says it’s an important addition to support services.

 

Credit: NSW Govt

Appeal for Help Over Missing Woman From Charlestown

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Police are appealing for public help to locate a missing woman last located at Charlestown.

Carley Haenga, aged 41, was last seen at Charlestown Square in Pearson Street yesterday afternoon.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

She's being described as of Caucasian appearance, large build with long black hair and brown eyes.

She's known to frequent Merewether, Charlestown and Hamilton South.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Carley Haenga. Credit: NSW Police

BREAKING! Police Investigate Brazen Robbery On Charlestown Massage Therapist

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for two men wanted over a brazen robbery from a remedial massage therapist at Charlestown.

Police say one of the men entered the front door of the Liyun Chinese Massage business in Smith Street just after 6.00pm on Tuesday.

At the same time, a second man entered the rear door of the premises.

Police say the pair confronted staff before making off with cash and three mobile phones.

Anyone who saw the pair running from the premises or who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Sought Over Alleged Sexual Act At Charlestown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police have released an image of a man wanted over an alleged sexual act performed on a bus at Charlestown.

Police say around 5.25pm on Thursday the 1st of February, the man boarded a bus in Pearson Street before exposing himself and rubbing his genitals.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, in his 50's with a slim build, shaved head and was wearing a black t-shirt, yellow shorts, white sneakers and reading and sunglasses at the time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

A CCTV image of the wanted man

 

Three Teens To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three teenagers are expected to face the Children's Court after a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car through Newcastle.

Officers began pursuing a Subaru Impreza on Charlestown Road at Charlestown at about 1.20am on Sunday morning, but called off the chase when the car crossed to the wrong side of the road on Lookout Road near the John Hunter Hospital.

The car was found dumped a short time later in Grainger Street, Lambton.

A police dog found the trio hiding behind a backyard shed.

A 16-year-old boy and his two passengers aged 15 were arrested and charged with multiple offences. 

Former Charlestown MP Richard Face Dies, Age 80

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Former Hunter Labor MP and State Government Minister Richard Face has died at the age of 80. 

The Former Charlestown MP reportedly passed away last night after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

He held the seat of Charlestown for 30 years, which is believed to be a record for any state or Federal MP in the region. 

Mr. Face also served as the Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development, which is now known as the Minster for the Hunter. 

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Glenrock State Recreational Reserve, and was a staunch advocate for the construction of the West Charlestown bypass, and the redevelopment of McDonald Jones Stadium. 

Alleged Joy Riders To Face Belmont Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men will front Belmont Court today (Friday 7 July, 2023) accused of going on a three-day joy ride in a stolen car.

Police allege a white Hyundai Tucson stolen from Cameron Park on Tuesday was spotted on Wednesday morning being driven in a dangerous manner along Harriet Street at Waratah.

The SUV was again noticed on the M1 at Wahroonga at about 4.00am on Thursday allegedly travelling at speeds of up to 180km/h, with a pursuit terminated for safety reasons.

Then around 7.30am, the vehicle was spotted on Croudace Bay Road at Belmont before it collided with a police car and took off.

The Hyundai was found a short time later in Gari Street at Charlestown where police were told two men were seen running into nearby bushland.

The pair, aged 18 and 22, were arrested with the assistance of the dog unit.

Armed carjacker faces court

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

A man appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday morning relating to an armed carjacking on Monday.

At 4pm it is alleged Scott Burns threatened three people with a firearm at a Charlestown shopping centre before stealing their vehicle.

Lake Macquarie police officers were unable to locate the vehicle on Monday, arresting the man on Wednesday at a home on Emerald Street at North Lambton.

At the home, the police seized clothing and items believed to be illicit substances, which are awaiting forensic examination.

It is alleged he aimed a firearm at police during the arrest.

The thirty-two year old was charged with fourteen offences including robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon and possessing a loaded firearm in a public place. 

The man was refused bail and will re-appear in court in August

Newcastle Courthouse

Teen Charged After Crashing Motorcycle into Charlestown Shop

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A teenage boy has been arrested after allegedly riding an unregistered motorbike on the footpath at Gateshead before crashing into a shop at Charlestown. 

Police were called to the Pacific Highway at Gateshead at about 8:50am on Thursday the 24th of May,  following reports a motorcyclist was riding on the footpath.

At about 10.15am, officers spotted the rider allegedly driving dangerously near pedestrians on the footpath along the Pacific Highway at Charlestown.

Police arrested the 14-year-old rider after he crashed into the counter of a nearby sporting goods store. 

He's been charged with six offences including reckless driving and use of an unregistered motor vehicle. 

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a Children's Court on Monday the 10th of July. 

Police Investigate Alleged Charlestown Robbery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie Police have commenced an investigation into a robbery in Charlestown overnight. 

It's alleged a 31-year-old man was walking to his parked vehicle on Carl Close at about 10:30pm, when he was approached by two unknown males.

There was an altercation, and the pair allegedly stole cash and a car key before fleeing the scene. 

The victim sustained a wound to his knee and was taken to John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone who may have information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

BREAKING! Man Facing Court After Pursuit From Sydney Ends At Charlestown

 

A man will appear in court today (Tuesday 18 October, 2022) charged with driving offences following a pursuit in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.

About 3pm (Monday 17 October 2022), officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol were conducting patrols of the Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga north bound, when they noticed a Ford Focus XR5 exit the North Connex Tunnel.

Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle due to the manner of driving, however it is alleged the driver accelerated from police and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated near the Hawkesbury River Bridge due to safety concerns.

The vehicle continued travelling north where it was involved in a collision with another vehicle on Manns Road at Gosford, where it failed to stop. No one was injured.

With assistance from PolAir, the vehicle was located, and road spikes were deployed twice, with success at Charlestown where the vehicle stopped.

The driver – a 32-year-old man – was arrested after a short foot pursuit and taken to Belmont Police Station.

A 28-year-old female passenger was also arrested and released pending further inquiries.

The man was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and unlawfully possess number plates.

He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

Shared path route selected for Charlestown to Whitebridge

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The preferred route has been selected for a new shared path between Charlestown and Whitebridge, after consultation with the community.

Investigations are set to start to get construction started on the project.

It'll begin at the corner of Frederick Street and the Pacific Highway before turning down Milson Street, behind Charlestown Swim Centre.

From there, the route will run through vacant land between Milson Street and Kaleen Street, then continue along Kaleen Street before following a track through bushland to Flora Close next to Whitebridge High School.   

A final stretch along Lonus Avenue and down an existing path on Kopa Street will connect to the Fernleigh Track at Whitebridge. 

More than 50 percent of respondents preferred the above route, compared to other options.

BREAKING! $1milion Reward Offered For Information Into Disappearance Of Gordana Kotevski

The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, will today announce the reward for information into the suspected murder of Lake Macquarie teenager Gordana Kotevski has been increased to $1 million.

Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road about 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994.

Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Gordana has not been located.

In a Coronial Inquest into Gordana’s disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, Mr John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.

To assist ongoing investigations, the NSW Government and the NSW Police Force announced the reward has now been increased to $1 million.

The new reward coincides with International Missing Children's Day.

 

Gordana Kotevski

Lake Macquarie Man Gaoled For Sharing Child Abuse Material Online

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Lake Macquarie man has been gaoled for sharing child abuse material online.

The 23-year-old was arrested by Federal Police at his Charlestown home in November 2020.

It followed a tip off from Homeland Security Investigations in the United States.

The man pleaded guilty to four offences in Newcastle District Court and was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months.

With time served and parole he'll be due for release in January 2023.

Federal Police arrested the man at Charlestown in November 2020