Have You Seen 13-Year-Old Mia Dodds?

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking for the public's help to locate a teenage girl missing from Newcastle. 

13-year-old Mia Dodds, was last seen on Turton Road at Waratah, at about 2:50pm yesterday (Wednesday the 17th of August).  

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare.

Mia is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall, with a medium build, and dark brown hair parted in the middle with a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing black cargo pants, a navy-blue school jumper, and black and white high-top shoes.

Police believe she may have attended the Charlestown Square Shopping Centre at about 4:50pm yesterday, where she changed into grey tights and a black long-sleeve shirt with artwork on the front.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Mia Dodds

Alleged Armed Robber Facing Court Over Charlestown Bakery Hold-Up

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Tuesday 11 July, 2023) accused of holding up a bakery at Charlestown at the weekend.

Police allege the 33-year-old walked into the store at Charlestown Square on Frederick Street at about 7.30am on Sunday and threatened a worker with a syringe while demanding cash - he then grabbed money from the til and left the store.

Following a review of CCTV footage, police went to a home on South Street at Windale at about 4.00pm on Monday afternoon and arrested a 33-year-old man.

He's been charged with robbery with an offensive weapon and refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

14-Year-Old Missing from Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle City Police are seeking public assistance to locate 14-year-old Jett Ford-Lonergan.

Jett went missing from his home in Fletcher at 5.00pm Sunday 12 March 2023.

It's possible he was seen this morning on a public bus near Charlestown Square.

Jett was last seen wearing a black Adidas hat with a yellow image on the front, a black PUMA jumper, black jeans, and black Nike joggers.

Police have concerns for his welfare due to his age and medical condition.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

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)

Local Focus for New Charlestown Eatery

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

GPT Group is looking to the future, after receiving Lake Macquarie Council approval to redevelop Charlestown Square's north-east corner.

The $4.6 million dollar redevelopment, planned for the corner of Pearson and Ridley Streets, is set to feature an outdoor dining and entertainment area celebrating popular local food vendors.

General Manager of the shopping centre, Dwight Hodgetts, said Hunter residents shouldn't be waiting too long to see progress.

"At this stage, subject to final approvals and discussions with prospective tenants, we're expecting the works to start in early 2019," he said.

Mr Hodgetts said the design and vision will be unique to the Square.

"We're really looking at a concept that's quite different to what you might traditionally see in a shopping centre, very much focusing on local operators because that's what customers are looking for."

Artist's impression of the new facility.