SYDNEY JUNCTION HOTEL HOLD UP – Police Appeal to Locate Men

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are still on the lookout for two men who allegedly held up the Sydney Junction Hotel at around 3:40am on Friday September 12.

Officers were called to the premises and told a man allegedly threatened staff with a pistol before taking a significant amount of cash and fleeing west on Hudson Street on an e-bike with another man.

Acting Superintendent Kristen Marshall says new CCTV footage has been released, and shows two men with bizarre accessories.

“The first male is described as wearing dark clothing. He has a black face mask and has a very [distinguishable] brown and blonde long-haired wig. The second male is described as wearing dark clothing, wearing a white helmet, white shoes and riding a black e-bike.

“At this stage we’re just looking at it as an isolated incident and obviously that investigation is underway at the moment,” she said.

 

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.

 

 

Labor Rubbishes Coalition Nuclear Plans Following Inquiry Report

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Government ministers are lashing out at the Federal Opposition for their plan to install a nuclear reactor at the former Liddell Power station site.

A national inquiry into the suitability of the technology in Australia has found the cost to build sites is prohibitive, but the inquiry's being accused of being political.

The interim report cites leading experts.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy has made some firm comments about proponents of a Liddell site.

He says it's not viable.

"Peter Dutton's nuclear fantasy is a recipe for higher power prices, higher greenhouse gas emissions and more community uncertainty," he said.

"To put a nuclear power station in an earthquake zone is an act of lunacy," he said.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy visiting JFD Manufacturing today

Man Charged Over Alleged Drug and Driving Offences Following Tingira Heights Crash

BY PETER HYSLOP

A man has been charged in Newcastle over alleged drug and driving offences following an investigation into a crash at Tingira Heights.

Earlier this month officers were called to Violet Town Road following reports a car had crashed into a fence.

The driver of the ute struck an officer and escaped, the officer sustained minor injuries.

Yesterday, police stopped a car in Newcastle on Perkins Street, they will allege the driver is the man responsible.

A 22-year-old has been charged with multiple offences including causing bodily harm by misconduct and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Violet Town Road. Credit: Google Maps

Police Searching For Man in the Hunter Wanted for Assault

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in the Hunter.

Mark Russell, aged 43, also known as Mark Jarmain, is wanted by virtue of a revocation of parole warrant and an outstanding arrest warrant for an assault offence.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 160cm to 175cm tall, with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent many places in the Hunter region, including Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Anyone who may have seen or heard from Mark or that may know of his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to call Triple Zero (000).

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Man Punched and Robbed in Kotara Park and Teenager Threatened with Knife

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for public assistance following two robberies in Newcastle at the weekend.

About 2.15pm on Saturday, a 23-year-old man was seated in a park on Lexington Parade, Kotara, when he was approached by three unknown men.

The group demanded the man’s phone, wallet and backpack before he was punched in the face.

The group then left the scene before one of the men approached a 15-year-old boy on Park Avenue and threatened him with a knife.

He demanded his phone before fleeing with the remainder of the group.

Both incidents were reported to police a short time later and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.

As police continue their inquiries, officers are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the Kotara area between 2pm and 2.45pm or who may have mobile phone or dashcam footage to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle Researchers Investigating Relations Between LGBTQ+ Community and Police in the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

University of Newcastle researches are hoping to uncover more information about the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the police force between the 1950's and 1980's. 

It's hoped the research will encourage ongoing dialogue about the importance of inclusion and diversity.

Researcher, Dr Justin Ellis says it will shine a light on hidden parts of our history, using oral history to capture local experiences. 

"What's significant about this relationship is that it's involved overtime and in many ways for the better," he said. 

"But we still have gaps in our knowledge about police, queer community relationships in Newcastle, the Hunter and a whole range of other jurisdictions." 

"We also want to tap into those stories of resistance, so that we can develop positive affirmative messages for young queer people today."  

Dr Ellis and Dr Kate Senior are inviting members of the LGBTQ+ community in Newcastle and surrounds, who have knowledge and experience of police-queer relations during these years, to tell their stories and have them documented.

Interviews will be conducted between April and June 2021 and will be audio or video recorded at a place of convenience for the interviewee. 

To participate in the research or obtain further information contact Dr Justin Ellis on 0449 255 658 or email Justin.ellis@newcastle.edu.au.

The research is funded by the local Copley Bequest.

State Labor Announces Five Point Plan to Secure Mining Jobs

BY ISABEL EVERETT

State Labor's Upper Hunter by-election candidate, Jeff Drayton says if elected he'll immediately introduce a Bill in State Parliament, which he says will secure jobs and make workplaces safer for mine workers.

Mr Drayton announced the party's five point plan in Muswellbrook on Thursday. 

The plan involves; 

1.    Forcing mining companies to directly employ 80 per cent of workers on sites – Jeff and NSW Labor will require this as a condition of consent which apply to resource planning approvals.

2.    Imposing jail time for mining bosses that breach a new industrial manslaughter offence – Jeff and NSW Labor will create a new industrial manslaughter offence in law that will see individuals and companies prosecuted if they are responsible

3.    Requiring mining companies to engage in safe and fair workplace practices – Jeff and NSW Labor will include this as a requirement of the ‘fit and proper person’ test under the Mining Act 

4.    Ensuring labour hire workers receive the same pay as directly employed workers –  This will be imposed by a registration condition for labour hire companies on mine sites; and

5.    Delivering a local jobs test - when existing mines in NSW are moving towards greater automation of operations, a local jobs test will require them to:

•      Develop and implement a transparent Local Jobs Impact Statement on any proposed automation in mines that must include consultation with the workforce, their representatives and community representative
•      Meet a ‘No Net Job Loss Test’ at the mine as a result of automation
•      Include additional training for existing employees in any transitional arrangements, so they can retrain into new roles at the existing mine site
•      Locate control rooms and technical facilities associated with automated operations at the existing site or its immediate locality.

“Mine workers have been fighting for job security while mining companies cut permanent jobs and replace them with casual labour hire. We need to everything we can to restore permanent secure jobs to the mining industry," Mr Drayton said. 

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay said: “Too many mineworkers are working full-time hours for years, but without the benefits of full-time work - like job security and paid holidays.  How are people supposed to look after their families or pay off a mortgage without a secure job?" 

Labor’s changes will apply to planning conditions for new mines and for the extension and modification of existing mining licenses.

Image Credit: PV Magazine Australia

Labor Commits to Establishing Full-time NSW Dairy Commissioner

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

NSW Labor will establish a full-time Dairy and Fresh Food Commissioner if it wins the next State election. 

Leader Jodi McKay and Upper Hunter by-election candidate Jeff Drayton made the announcement on a visit to a dairy farm in Barrington on Wednesday. 

They were joined by Dairy Connect’s President Graham Forbes and CEO Shaughn Morgan and local dairy farmers.

 
Mr Drayton said Upper Hunter dairy farmers have been left to fend for themselves after the worst drought in the State’s history.  
 
“The Upper Hunter pumps billions into the NSW economy and all our dairy farmers have gotten in return is a part-time bureaucrat."

"The National Party promised to appoint a full-time, independent NSW Dairy and Fresh Food Commissioner but that’s not what they delivered." 
 
He says a full time commissioner would provide a strong, independent voice for the industry.   

“Industry and farmers need urgent guidance and support. They’re being short-changed by the Nationals’ watered down, part-time NSW Fresh Milk and dairy Advocate.”

 
Ms McKay said: “I grew up here in Gloucester and my dad worked in the dairy industry. I know the people and I know the area.”
 
“Labor’s NSW Dairy and Fresh Food Commissioner will become a full-time statutory appointment with legislated powers, independent of Government. That means they’ll advocate for dairy farmers. They’ll be frank and fearless in their recommendations to Government." 
 
In the first year, the Commissioner would develop:

• An effective mediation and arbitration process for NSW farmers, in consultation with local industry and the ACCC (in conjunction with the mandatory code for dairy)
• A truth in labelling policy for fresh food and dairy
• A model for a national standard to deliver consistency in testing, sampling and the calibration of equipment used in fresh milk production to ensure a fair farm price

The Commissioner would work with dairy farmers to review:

• Best practice business models
• Contracts and plans for long-term sustainability
• Competition and succession planning. 

Labor says they will also investigate ways to provide better access to the Farm Innovation Fund and develop a long-term research and development strategy for the industry.

Image: ABC 

Greens Introducing Legislation to Solve Upper Hunter "Air Pollution Crisis"

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Greens are introducing a plan to tackle what they say is an air pollution crisis in the Upper Hunter. 

The corner stone of the plan is the Clean Air bill, which will be tabled in State Parliament on May 5.

The bill would force coal-fired power stations to cut emissions to mandatory levels similar to those in the U.S, Europe and China. 

Other parts of the plan call for a ban on any new or expanded open cut mines being approved in the Upper Hunter, coal trains to be covered, and for continuous monitoring and reporting of all stack emissions from power stations. 

Greens NSW MP Abigail Boyd says 10 pollution alerts were issued in the Hunter Valley in January 2021 alone. 

“Our Bill will force the remaining coal-fired power stations in NSW, including Bayswater, to meet the higher air quality standards legally mandated in the United States, Europe and China. 

“For too long, operators of coal-fired power stations have profited, refusing to pay the costs of reducing emissions while forcing communities here in the Hunter Valley to pay the price with higher rates of serious illnesses like heart disease, lung cancer and asthma.” 

The Party's Upper Hunter by-election candidate, Sue Abbott, says existing pollution controls aren't sufficient.

“No matter where you live you have the fundamental right to breathe clean air."

“Currently people who live within 50kms of coal-fired power stations face a risk of premature death as much as three to four times that of people living further away, with some of these toxic emissions travelling over 200kms."

"It’s not good enough, and that’s exactly why we are introducing the Clean Air Bill.” 

BREAKING! Man Killed After Car Catches on Fire Following Crash on Forster Bridge

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has died after his car caught on fire following a multi-vehicle crash on the state’s Mid-North Coast. 

Emergency services were called to the Forster/Tuncurry bridge at Manning Street, about 9.10pm on Thursday,.

A Holden Statesman was reportedly engulfed in flames after a collision with a Nissan Navara and a Mazda hatchback.

Two off-duty police officers attempted to render assistance; however, the male Holden driver died at the scene. 

He is yet to be formally identified.

The Nissan driver, a 48-year-old man and Mazda driver, a 41-year-old man were taken to Manning Base Hospital for mandatory testing.

The two off-duty police officers were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for smoke inhalation before being taken to Manning Base Hospital as a precaution.

Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The bridge is closed in both directions as of 7.30am Friday morning.  

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Police Dismantle Suspected Major Drug Syndicate Operating out of Cessnock

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police believe they've smashed a major drug syndicate operating in the coalfields.

Officers executed search warrants at four homes in Cessnock on Thursday, seizing a shortened rifle, ammunition, Methamphetamine, cannabis, mobile phones and 8-thousand dollars in cash.

Detective Superintendent John Watson says they believe the syndicate was supplying drugs across the state.

"It will be alleged that this syndicate was well organised. They were capable of high volume drug supply," he said. 

"It's more concerning for us however that these people were choosing to arm themselves with weapons. We all know that it takes one gun, and one bullet to kill either a member of the NSW Police or an innocent member of the public."

"So for us this has been a win." 

Two men aged 34 and 26, and a 27-year-old woman were arrested.

The younger man was charged with;

• three counts of supply prohibited drug 
• deal with property proceeds of crime
• possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority
• custody of knife in public place
• possess ammunition without holding permit
• possess prohibited plant
• possess prohibited drug.

The older man was charged with supply prohibited drug.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Friday. 

The woman was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug. 

She was refused bail and appeared at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday. 

Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.

Images: NSW Police Force

Rental Vacancy Rates in Newcastle Drop to Lowest of Any Major City in NSW

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle’s residential rental vacancy rate has fallen to the lowest of all NSW major cities, according to new data from the Real Estate Institute of NSW.

The Institute’s March 2021 survey has found a vacancy rate of 0.7 per cent in Newcastle, compared to 1.6 per cent in Wollongong and an average of 4 per cent in Sydney.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp says the end of JobKeeper and a moratorium on rental evictions in March, are seeing the housing crisis worsen. 

“There's been widespread reporting of locals being priced out of their areas as result of pandemic-driven regional migration, rental bidding and offers of significant upfront payments,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“Having locals pushed out of the market by new residents who can offer a lot more money has an enormous impact on these individuals and the support services who assist them."

Kelly Hansen, CEO of Nova for Women and Children, says ongoing under-investment in social housing and the pandemic has created a perfect storm.

“This is an emerging humanitarian crisis – people without shelter, utilising precious funds to get by, unable to sustain a standard of living."

“We are exhausted, attempting to address the un-addressable, with those experiencing homelessness having to jump through unnecessary hoops and meet unrealistic obligations only to find themselves no closer to resolving their housing crisis.”

Mr Crakanthorp says figures show 46 social housing properties of three or more bedrooms have been sold-off in the last decade, but only 13 had been constructed in their place.

Meanwhile, State Labor is introducing legislation which would end ‘no grounds’ evictions, but would add three new grounds for eviction to the nine already in place – need to occupy premises, significant renovations and danger.

Image Credit: Perfect Agent

Work to Start on $3 Million Trade Workshop in Scone's Town Centre

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The State Government plans to expand TAFE facilities in Scone with the construction of a $3 million trade workshop, and mobile training storage facility.

The announcement is the latest pledge in the campaign for the Upper Hunter by-election. 

The workshop will be built at the town's Connected Learning Centre, offering courses such as wool classing, horticulture, small motor maintenance, welding, animal studies, chemical skill sets, agricultural fencing, and chainsaw operations. 

“It'll deliver hands-on skills and meet industry demand for practical training and the mobile facility will extend training in agribusiness across the Upper Hunter," Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on Thursday. 

The announcement follows the sale of Scone's TAFE campus to Racing NSW. 

Racing NSW CEO, Peter V'landys says the sale means the workshop can offer training in new fields, while they operate the TAFE Campus as an equine training facility. 

"No ones got anything to be frightened about, if anything they should be excited that this is going to be expanded dramatically," he said. 

"We knew that the number one career path here is thoroughbred racing, and we've got a shortage of staff. We've had to bring in staff from the Philippines in track work riding, so we've got a skill shortage, this will fix that." 

Construction of the new facility is projected to commence in late 2021 to support course delivery during Semester 2 2022.

Police Release CCTV as they Investigate Raymond Terrace Break-in

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate a break and enter at a Raymond Terrace business. 

About 1.20am on Thursday March 4,  two men approached an automotive business on Port Stephens Street and walked around the perimeter before leaving on foot.

The pair returned about 20 minutes later, before one of the men climbed under a fence and entered the premises.

They left a short time later and returned with a third man about 2.20am and again entered the premises before leaving on foot along Kangaroo Street.

No items were taken from the business during the incident.

As police continue their inquiries, they have released CCTV footage of three men who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The first man is described as being of a slim build, between 175cm to 180cm tall, with a light-coloured hat, a jumper, long pants and a backpack.

The second man is described as being of a medium build, between 175cm to 180cm tall, wearing a hat, a jumper and shorts.

The third man is described as being of a medium build, wearing a jumper and long pants.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"Everyone in the Hunter Valley is S**t Scared"- Dale McNamara Named One Nation's Candidate in Upper Hunter By-election

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Pub owner, and property development manager Dale McNamara has been named as One Nation's candidate for the crucial Upper Hunter by-election.

Born in Singleton, Mr McNamara worked as a coal miner for over 10 years, before investing in a number of companies like PPK, GE Mining and Industrea. 

While being unveiled as the party's candidate on Thursday, he said the current government is pulling the wool over the Upper Hunter's eyes. 

"I think the people in the Upper Hunter are smart enough to know they've had a gut full. Everyone is s**t scared in the Hunter Valley, because they don't know what's coming next." 

"It scared the s**t out of me when I heard (Malcom) Turnbull was going to be our renewable manager."

Mr Turnbull was dumped from the role. 

Mr McNamara said if elected he'll fight to ensure the Upper Hunter receives it's fair share of mining royalties, with $1.1 billion reportedly collected from the Singleton and Muswellbrook LGA'S, and only 10% returning to local projects.

"There's a lot of money that goes out of this valley, and there's a lot of jobs in this valley, and they've got to stay here." 

Mr McNamara says large sums of money are being funneled into Sydney, when sporting clubs in Singleton cant afford change rooms for female players.

"Our girls in Singleton are playing Rugby league, Rugby Union, AFL and cricket, they're getting changed in cars and toilets." 

Mr McNamara also said he wants more money invested into local health, vocational training, and roads.

"Let me tell you, I've been driving up to Dungog for a long time and if you don't have a 4WD then don't go up there." 

With strong ties to the Coal industry, he said the electorate cannot survive without the resource. 

"All I can say is coal is my life. All this coal we're not going to sell, how about we build some coal fired power stations and we can use our own, there's a site right next to Bayswater power station." 

Mr McNamara may be vying for the seat against former One Nation member Stuart Bonds, after he flagged making a possible move to State politics and running as a independent.  

A former Federal member, Mr Bonds was dumped from the party after expressing opposition to it's support of industrial relations laws passed by the Federal Government, which he said allows for the further casualisation of the mining workforce.

Mr McNamara said he wishes Mr Bonds all the best. 

"Stuarts moved on and I'm here." 

One Nation Leader Mark Latham said he understands coal miners in the Upper Hunter may have  different reactions to the industrial relations bill. 

"The laws were passed in the Senate, and we're running for State Parliament."

"But it's not surprising there are a range of views. I've spoken to coal miners who've looked at the package and they've see pluses in it." 

Upper Hunter By-election Candidate Dale McNamara and One Nation Leader Mark Latham

State Labor Doesn't Support Ban on New Upper Hunter Coal Mines Despite Poll Showing Voter Support

BY ISABEL EVERETT

State Labor says it doesn't support a ban on new coal mines in the Upper Hunter, despite a recent poll showing most voters in the area are supportive of the idea. 

An Australia Institute poll of 668 people in the electorate found 57.4 per cent support a moratorium on new coal mine approvals and a remediation plan for existing mines in the Hunter Valley, against 35.1 percent opposing the measures.

Research from the institute also recently found proposals for new coal projects in the Upper Hunter have a combined output of 98 million tonnes of coal per year, equivalent to ten new Adani-sized mines. 

Opposition Leader Jodi McKay said the party doesn't support the ban, while announcing the party's candidate for the up-coming Upper Hunter by-election on Tuesday, former coal miner Jeff Drayton.

"We do not support a moratorium on coal mines, let's get that out of the way," she said. 

Mr Drayton dismissed the poll.

"I must be talking to a different 600 people," he said. 

The call for a moratorium was made by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, which resulted in him being dumped as the NSW government's new climate economy chief.

Ms McKay said despite not supporting the idea, the party remained committed to tackling climate change and environmental issues.

"We need to be pursuing renewable energy, we all know that, but we also need to make sure that we're protecting jobs in the coal industry."

"What frustrates me... is that if you're in this corner, supposedly you can't accept that corner," she said.

Labor's By-election Candidate Vows to Protect Miners but Accepts Coal Industry Will Decline

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Labor has announced former coal miner and union official, Jeff Drayton as it's candidate for the Upper Hunter by-election.

A Muswellbrook resident, Mr Drayton worked at the Mount Arthur Coal mine for 20 years before working for Energy Australia and then as District Vice President of the Mining Union.

He says he's understands the issues facing the Upper Hunter electorate, better than any of the other candidates. 

"I believe I can fix them, I've spent my whole 51 years in the electorate."

"Obviously mining forms a big part of the electorate...I don't just deal with one coal miner, or my next door neighbor, I'm dealing with thousands of mine workers yearly." 

"Surely it's the case that a coal miner can have some security and confidence that their job will still be there in a few years time." 

Mr Drayton acknowledged the coal industry will decline over time, and says the Government must act now to determine what industry workers will transition to. 

"We appear to be talking about moving away from the coal jobs when we haven't worked out what jobs are there, or what we're going to move to."

"We've got to work hard to have jobs for people to move to." 

He said he's confident the Labor Party will support mine workers going forward. 

"Every time I open the newspaper, or every time I turn the TV on I see someone having a go a coal miners, and that has to stop, and I'm going to fight bloody hard to make sure it does." 

He also said he'd like to see more of the money generated from local coal mining, equine and agricultural industries funneled back into the electorate. 

"A lot of money goes into the State's coffers through those industries, disappointingly though it appears that we don't see much coming back. I plan to change that." 

Mr Drayton conceded the election would be difficult for Labor to win, with the Nationals Party holding the Upper Hunter seat for more than 90 years. 

Labor secured 28 per cent of the primary vote in the Upper Hunter at the 2019 state election.

Image: Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington 

Company Directed By Newcastle Councillor Allan Robinson Fined $8000 for Illegal Dumping

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Newcastle based company, ARSK Civil Pty Ltd, has received another conviction and been fined $8000 in Maitland Local Court for illegally dumping 52 tonnes of demolition waste.

In 2020 the company, based in Warabrook, was engaged to conduct demolition work at the site of the former Maitland Leagues Club in Bulwer Street. 

The original approval for the demolition of the club required that all waste be taken to lawful waste facilities. 

Around March 24 2020, the company transported 52 tonnes of demolished brick, tile, metal and general waste from Maitland Leagues Club, to a property on Turners Road, Woodberry where it was dumped. 

The waste had intended to be used as fill for a construction project on the rural property. Demolition waste, including bricks and concrete, cannot be used for this purpose.

The Director of ARSK Civil Pty Ltd, Mr Alan Robinson, appeared representing his company at Court. 

Although initially set down for hearing, a plea of guilty was subsequently entered and accepted, with the magistrate imposing an $8000 fine.

Demolition Waste: Image Lake Macquarie Council

Over 5 Thousand Students Suspended from Hunter and MidCoast Schools

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Education Department data reveals over 5000 students were suspended from Hunter and MidCoast Schools in 2020. 

5,160 students were suspended from schools in Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog, MidCoast, Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter, despite many transitioning to online learning throughout part of the year due to the pandemic. 

The NSW Government recently released a new Behaviour Strategy focusing on prevention, early intervention and teaching students new ways to manage their own behaviour.

The Strategy also addresses the fact that suspensions should not be used as a punitive measure. 

In NSW, 961 suspensions were issued to kindergarten students alone in 2020 for reasons such as violence and bringing a knife to school. 

Students in Year 8 were the most likely to kept out of school, with nearly 13,000 teenagers told to stay home. 

17-year-old Boy Killed in Crash Near Cessnock

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Inquiries are underway into a single-vehicle crash near Cessnock overnight.

About 11.15pm on Thursday emergency services were called to a private road at Pelaw Main and found a Subaru Forrester had hit a barrier.

A 17-year-old youth suffered critical injuries after he was thrown from the front passenger seat and died at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries; he’s also undergone mandatory testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.