Club Calls on Council For Protection After Smith Park Vandalised Again

BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Hamilton Azzurri Football Club is calling on Newcastle Council for more ground protections after yet another vandalism incident.

Players found their changing sheds and visitor rooms sprayed with bright blue paint on Tuesday night.

It follows an incident earlier this year where the club's field was found torn up by vandals in cars.

The club has issued a plea to Council for CCTV and proper fencing to deter any future vandals.

Club Vice President James Sneesby said due to costs, Council would need to assist in funding the installation.

"The investment going into these parks are not just financial but the investment of like communities," he said.

"A bit more of an investment could lead to less destruction."

Wallsend MP Sonia Horney also recently launched a petition calling on Newcastle Council to install CCTV and fencing in local sporting grounds.

"We know the points where people are making the damage," Mr Sneesby said.

"We know where you'd put the CCTV and I think that would probably be a good way to manage things."

Additionally, he said the damage prevents kids and volunteers from playing.

"It's little kids you're disappointing that are showing up on weekends," he said.

"It's also volunteers that are putting their hard earned time and their own money in.

"So just please stop it."

The club is asking anyone with information to contact them or the police.

Graffiti on visiting team's change room. Picture: Hamilton Azzurri FC Facebook

Business Hunter Warns Stalling Gas Projects Pose Economic Risks

A new report from Business Hunter says the stalling of gas projects statewide could put the local economy at significant risk.

Projects like the Narrabri Gas Project are behind schedule, putting local supplies under strain.

The report suggests industries relying on gas production, including alumina refinement and food processing, are already facing uncertainty as volatile prices and insecure supply push them to the brink.

CEO of Business Hunter Bob Hawes says while many businesses are hooked up to the gas network, the lines are currently running full. 

"We're already seeing major price spikes, which are making it very, very difficult for businesses and industry to remain competitive," he said.

"We need to think about upgrading our infrastructure to get gas to places where it's required."

Awaba House’s Un-Fork-Edible Comeback

 Lake Macquarie’s landmark Awaba House will reopen its doors following an $8 million reconstruction, 6 years after the devastating fire.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz has announced that The Catering Group will be operating the newly refurbished restaurant, slated to open April 2nd 2026.

“The revitalised venue will combine the original historic facade with a modern interior offering dining options that are both exquisite and affordable,” he said.

“I’d like to thank construction company Baseline Projects for their hard work in getting the building to where it is today.

“We’ve tried to keep the historic elements as much as could be salvaged… We’ve tried to hold on to the site’s roots and the essential elements,” he said.

The Catering Company CEO Greg Barclay says the menu will reflect the local area.

"[All the] way we're going to support the local community, using local suppliers, regional suppliers... the product that we're going to be offering is around native Australian ingredients," he said.

The Catering Group CEO Greg Barclay with Mayor Adam Shultz

Newcastle Vigil To Be Held for Bondi Shooting Victims

Newcastle residents are being invited to pay their respects to the lives lost at Bondi Beach and stand with the Jewish community at a vigil tonight.

The Newcastle Synagogue on Tyrrell Street at the Hill will welcome people from 7:30pm.

Organisers say Jewish and other locals are being welcomed to grieve together.

Newcastle Rabbi Rossi Rodal says it’s an opportunity to support the community,

“There’s been a feeling of vulnerability and loneliness over the last few years. People, for different reasons, didn’t reach out as much. Maybe they thought it was political … a lot of Jewish people have been feeling vulnerable,” he said.

“We’ve been getting [huge] support from the general community. There’s a lot of emotion, and we felt it’s best to channel it into an event for the whole community.

“Instead of isolated methods of support, it can be a unified response, and people can grieve together,” he said.

Credit / Shawn Anderson / Flickr

Hunter Jewish Community Mourns Lives Lost at Bondi Beach

 A Hanukkah event went ahead at Civic Park in Newcastle without incident on Sunday night, but as the service went on, people pulled out their phones and watched in horror, hearing the news that 15 innocent people died at Bondi Beach, when a father and son pair began opening fire on an assembled crowd celebrating the Jewish festival.

Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal says it’s hard for the community to comprehend.

“Very confronting to know that could have happened here too. People are very scared,” he said.

“Two of my good friends were killed, and a third victim I knew pretty well.

“If you know of anyone that’s Jewish locally or anyone, just reach out to them, tell them that you’re there for them. They’re feeling very vulnerable and scared and they could use all the support [they can get],” he said.

Leaders are offering a message of calm and love.

“Jewish response to tragedy is not to fight hate with hate, we fight with love. And I encourage everybody to do one kind act that you possibly wouldn’t have done a different day,” Rabbi Yossi said.

REDHEAD FIRE – Lake Macquarie Added to Disaster Declaration List

 The Federal Government has activated Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for locals at Redhead, Gateshead, Whitebridge and Dudley, who may have had property damaged or might be in need of essentials.

Measures include assistance to meet emergency accommodation needs, grants for uninsured residents and financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

The fire at Redhead Road has now burned through over 90 hectares, and did threaten homes, but thanks to water bombing aircraft and firefighters on rolling shifts, they were able to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby aged care home.

The Fernleigh Track after the Redhead fire. Credit / Lake Macquarie Council

SWANSEA CHANNEL – Community Consultation Underway on 10 Year Plan

 The State Government says it wants to hear from residents on a Review of Environmental Factors for approving dredging works to maintain reliable access through the channel, following the third stage of maintenance dredging completed earlier this year.

Progress is also being made on the $10 million Dredge and Sand Transfer System, which will use excess sand from the channel to deal with erosion at Blacksmiths Beach.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says once the plan’s put into action, it will clear up issues with access.

“It will make sure that as we see markers that indicate that there’s [sand banking up], Maritime will be able to go in there and do the dredging programs without us having to wait sometimes more than 12 months for approvals,” she said.

“The construction of the Sand Transfer System will begin in March and it will conclude in May and that’s transferring the dredged sand onto Blacksmiths Beach, just up near the golf course. This will really address the issues that we have over there of severe coastal erosion,” she said.

Credit / Lake Macquarie Council

RFS Positions Resources Ahead of Hot Weekend

 Temperature forecasts of up to 40 degrees on Saturday is not any help to the Rural Fire Service who are stretched battling blazes across the Hunter.

The Buladelah grass fire closed the Pacific Highway on Friday morning from Twelve Mile Creek all the way to Nabiac, causing significant headaches for commuters who have been forced to use The Bucketts Way instead. As of Friday afternoon, it had burned through over 760 hectares.

There are a number of fires crews are keeping an eye on, including at Cedar Creek, the ongoing Milsons Gully fire near Merriwa, and at Upper Rouchel near Scone.

RFS Spokeswoman Victoria Quested says they’re getting help from the ground and the air.

“We’ve seen some strike teams deployed from other areas of the state to come in and assist those local crews. And no doubt people in the area have noticed [a number] of our aircraft operating. So crews are doing a great job,” she said.

“We’ve got high fuel loads right across the state including in the Hunter and as we are now in this period of drying, which we obviously haven’t seen in the last few years, that fuel is very much drying out.

“So under conditions like we’re seeing today and certainly going into tomorrow where we’re expecting those winds to pick up, fires can start very quickly and spread very rapidly,” she said.

Locals are being advised to download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings.

Credit / Buladelah RFB / Facebook

LINK ROAD FOREST – Campaigners Hoping to set up Second Council Motion

 Backlash is continuing against the state significant housing estate proposal for the Link Road Forest at Wallsend, which could see more than 4,000 homes built.

Campaigners are calling on the State Government to instead rezone the land as a national park to protect threatened species.

It’s hoped another motion for writing to the State Government calling for the housing project to be dropped, will pass at next Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Campaign Convener Ian McKenzie says its a vital decision for generations to come.

“I think Council’s generally on side. They’ve already passed a resolution asking the State Government to consider rezoning this area for conservation in perpetuity. But I think the information that we brought them [at this week’s public briefing] strengthened their resolve,” he said.

“It’s important for Newcastle now. It’s important for Newcastle for well into the future.

“If we look back in 30 years’ time, we want to say, ‘yes, that was a good decision. We’ve got something that is valuable for the city’,” he said.

Newcastle Link Road. Credit / Transport for NSW

STOCKTON FERRY - State Government in Talks to Restore Service

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the State Government and Keolis Downer are working on solutions for the out of service Newcastle to Stockton ferries.

Bus replacements have been called up since Saturday after the MV Shortland was called back for urgent repairs.

The MV Hunter has been out of service since February.

The bus replacements turn a five-minute ferry trip into up to an hour's long commute through peak hour traffic. 

Tim Crakanthorp has called for a replacement of the current fleet. He says for now, the State Government's working on immediate solutions.

"The fleet's getting old, and I share the community's frustrations," he said.

"We need to really do something about an update of those ferries, but I am in ongoing discussions with the [Minister for Transport's] office about an immediate solution to provide a consistent ferry service.

"Newcastle deserves that, and I'll continue to fight for a good, reliable ferry service," he said.

Tomago Aluminium Talks Focusing on “More Renewable Energy” – Bowen

 Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says conversations are ongoing about the future of Tomago Aluminium.

Government agencies are reportedly working on a power purchase agreement, where the Federal Government would guarantee a long term stable price of electricity for the plant, which has warned it may be forced to close if power prices don’t come down.

Chris Bowen believes the solution to the manufacturer’s woes is to pump the grid with more renewables.

“We have [Government] agencies [that] have been looking to see whether we can’t provide more renewable energy to Tomago,” he said.

“Tomago’s management said when they announced they were considering Tomago’s future, the problem is there’s not enough renewable energy. Not that there’s too much, there’s not enough.

“We agree with that. So let’s see what more we can do,” he said.

Chris Bowen with Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley, and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery.

BUCHANAN – Police Appeal for Help Following Suspicious Grass Fires

 Police are appealing for public help to locate a white Mazda SUV last seen in Kurri Kurri after a number of suspicious grass fires were sparked across the Hunter Valley.

At about midday on Sunday emergency services were called to a grass fire at Frame Drive and Gingers Lane at Sawyers Gully. A short time later crews were called to two more fires on John Renshaw Drive at Buchanan. The Rural Fire Service attended and extinguished both blazes.

At 3:40pm firefighters were called to a fire at John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill and another at Averys Lane. They were both extinguished.

Police have established a crime scene at all locations, and have commenced inquiries. Officers are appealing for anyone with information or dash cam footage of the white Mazda, or footage of any of the grass fires between 12pm and 4pm, to contact Crime Stoppers.

The white Mazda SUV. Credit / NSW Police

Appeal for Information over City Road Dirt Bike Crash

 Police are appealing for information following a six vehicle crash at the intersection of City and Brunker roads at Adamstown Heights yesterday (Wednesday 26 November).

It’s understood a dirt bike with two teenagers on board ran a red light and collided with a car at the intersection at 5:35pm.

The scene was difficult to attend for police in peak hour gridlock, but when they arrived a 17-year-old boy, the rider was treated by paramedics- he’s at John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The passenger of the motorbike, a 14-year-old boy, is also in hospital in a critical condition.

The five car drivers were uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The Crash Investigation Unit is asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

Credit / Google Maps

Total Fire Bans Could Last All Week – RFS

 The RFS says it’s important for Hunter Families to be aware of the risks with extreme fire danger and storms forecast today and hot weather for the next few days.

Another total fire ban is forecast tomorrow (27 November) with dry weather taking us to the end of the week. There’s concern lightning strikes could spark new blazes.

Authorities they haven’t been able to get on top of back burning due to recent wet weather, but the highest risk areas near homes have been taken care of.

Lower Hunter District Manager Superintendent Martin Siemsen says it’s important to be prepared.

“There are potential ignition sources, we saw a couple of fires late yesterday afternoon, occur from that storm cell [in Muswellbrook]. Not a lot of rain and potential for lightning. So those ignition sources potentially exist today, which is a risk,” he said.

Police Appeal for Information on Break and Enters at Lake Macquarie

 Police are appealing for information on multiple break and enters in the early hours of October 28.

Eight males were captured on CCTV unsuccessfully attempting to enter a house on Maddie Street at Bonnells Bay, and were seen leaving in two vehicles, a white MG SUV and black Toyota Corolla.

Just before 4am police allege the males drove the vehicles to Freemans Drive at Cooranbong, where they tried to break into a service station with poles and hammers.

As daylight approached they attempted to access more homes at Catherine Hill Bay and entered a home on Macquarie Grove at Caves Beach, where an Isuzu ute was stolen.

Detectives with Operation Soteria have commenced an investigation, they wish to speak with occupants believed to be in their late teens who were spotted in the cars.

Anyone with information is being urged to come forward.

Port Stephens Councillor Lashes Out at New BOM Website

 A Port Stephens Councillor will tonight call for the Bureau of Meteorology to reverse its new $96 million website design, saying “ordinary Australians” are finding the new layout difficult to navigate.

A notice of motion being tabled by Councillor Giacomo Arnott will ask Council to write to Environment Minister Murray Watt and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson expressing “deep frustration” with the change.

Councillor Arnott says locals can’t get basic information.

“It’s an absurd and obscene amount of money to spend on a website that’s been delivered without the needs of Australians in mind and with services that are nearly unusable and inaccessible for local people, for local councils, for emergency management services,” he said.

“There’s certain bits of data that haven’t made the transition over to the new website at all. And that means the people that used to rely on that data just can’t access it. I think people are very lucky that they can still access the old website,” he said.

Rising Tide Labels Port Exclusion Zone “Cowardly”

 Protest Group Rising Tide has labelled a marine exclusion zone in the Port of Newcastle “cowardly” and “draconian”.

No unauthorised vessels or people other than commercial vessels approved by the harbour master will be allowed to enter the Port during the planned Protestival, which begins on Thursday.

Authorities made an attempt to enforce the rule last year, but it was overturned in a last minute Supreme Court decision. Organisers say Transport for NSW has used a different section of the Marine Safety Act, and they won’t be challenging it in court.

Organiser Zack Schofield believes the State Government is repressing a peaceful protest.

“What it shows is a desire to keep the engine of the coal industry running 365 days a year without any sort of recourse for our young people, or for Hunter workers who are facing the collapse of that industry in the next five years,” he said.

“If the Government thinks that they can arrest their way out of their own policy failures, then they’re very much mistaken,” he said.

Credit / Rising Tide

“Not Good Enough” – Calls for Stockton Ferry Fleet Replacement

Frustration is growing among Stockton residents after the Newcastle to Stockton service went out of service yesterday for the second time this year.

Commuters had to wait nearly 30 minutes for bus replacements, taking their total travel time up to an hour for what would usually be a five minute trip.

Calls for new replacement ferries have been made by Newcastle Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp. Current vessels have been in service since 1986.

Stockton Resident Barbara Whitcher says the State Government needs to find a plan soon.

“The people I’m really concerned about are those that don’t have a car and those that need, such as students, [who] need to catch the ferry and get into town and then either walk to appointments or get on the light rail,” she said.

“So, it’s exceedingly inconvenient for people here at Stockton, people at Fern Bay, others that come down and catch the ferry.

“There needs to be a minimum of two ferries operable all the time. It would be handy to have three, but at the moment we’ve got one faulty one that’s operating and that’s just not good enough,” she said.

Fed Govt Commits $5 Million For Post Mining Land Use

 The Federal Government will spend $5 million on paperwork for the future uses of the Mount Arthur Coal Mine at Muswellbrook and Glencore’s Macquarie Coal site near Lake Macquarie, with closures expected in coming years.

Industry Minister Tim Ayres says the spend will support the Hunter’s transition and ensure mining re-use reflects the priorities of local communities.

It comes as a University of Newcastle study is published today on what 70 Muswellbrook locals would like to see after the Mount Arthur Mine closes.

Ideas include establishing a multi-purpose community hub supporting local enterprises.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Hedda Askland says there was discussion on the economic impacts of mining.

“We really wanted to speak to the grassroots. We wanted to speak to the people that we don’t normally hear, the voices that are normally that may be discussing these things around the kitchen table, but we don’t hear them in the public,” she said.

“Everybody agreed that there will be a change in what mining looks like. People wanted to, I guess, honour the industrial heritage.

“A lot of people spoke about the implications of the drive-in, drive-out workforce, the implications of shift work, The fact that Muswellbrook now has a two-tiered economy between those who work within the mining industries and those [who] don’t,” she said.

The State Government has also today introduced legislation to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which was promised in June.

The Bill gives the Authority the power to provide workforce support, and facilitate post mining land use.

Mount Arthur Mine. Credit / BHP

National Tertiary Education Union Members Protest at State Parliament

 National Tertiary Education Union Members are at State Parliament today protesting at the University of Newcastle's 60th anniversary celebrations.

Members are also striking for 24 hours today, claiming management should not be celebrating while staff are pressured under heavy workloads.

Branch Secretary Terry Summers believes the University can afford to pay academics better.

"Putting a lens on on people who are celebrating what a great job they're doing, when we believe they're not doing a great job," he said.

NTEU Members strike at Callaghan today