Fire Tears Through Unit At Birmingham Gardens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused severe damage to a unit at Birmingham Gardens overnight.

Fire crews from Wallsend, Mayfield West and Lambton were called to a duplex in Lee Crescent just after 1.30am today (Tuesday 28 July, 2026) to find a fire on the back patio of unit 1 had taken hold.

Newcastle Fire Command says the occupants were woken by smoke alarms and safely evacuated the unit along with the occupants of unit 2.

The second unit sustained fire damage to the ceiling.

12 firefighters took more than 3 hours to fully extinguish and mop up the blaze before handing the scene to police.

  

Lake Mac Council Addresses ANZAC Day Cost Blowout

 BY MAX HARVEY

Lake Macquarie's ANZAC day services are facing financial pressure amidst growing attendance and safety concerns.

A new report shows council's bill for the events has ballooned by $24,152, or 63.4 per cent from 2025 to 2026.

The report claims the primary driver for this shift is growing size and complexity of ANZAC events, which have led to increased logistical requirements. 

Transportation, complex traffic management, and infrastructure work are cited as major impacting factors.

Lake Macquarie Council's Manager of Arts, Culture, and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley authored the report. 

She said fleet cost was a particular point of financial pain. 

"The costs in particular last year were brought up because we have a fleet of heavy vehicles, which is a really important part of marches, but we've had to have external trucks come and help us do that," she said.

"So that had an additional cost to it."

In 2025, a total of 23 Council-owned trucks and drivers were required across 20 events, costing $7,500. 

However, in April this year, Council spent an additional $17,000 hiring eight contractor trucks for the 19 scheduled events, bringing the total cost to $24,500. 

Ms Hemsley said the extra fleet costs were due to a lack of suitable council vehicles, as well as growing safety requirements. 

It's been reported police attempted to shut down the Morriset event in October last year, primarily due to an insufficient amount of bollards needed to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas during the proceedings. 

The report will be presented during the Ordinary Council Meeting on July 27. 

"We're reporting back to Council what we've done in working with community groups, informing them about a pathway in the future and what we'll be doing for 2027," said Ms Hemsley. 

Picture: Troy Mortier 

BREAKING! Crews Battling House Fire At Millers Forest

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are battling a major house fire at Millers Forest.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews they were called to a single storey elevated weatherboard home on Woodberry Road just before 4.30am today (Thursday 23 July 2026), arriving to find the property engulfed in flames.

Fire and Rescue crews from Tarro, Raymond Terrace and Morpeth are at the scene along with RFS teams from Raymond Terrace and Thornton. 

Bulk water tankers from East Maitland, Cameron Park and Bolwarra have also been dispatched due to issues with gaining access to water.

Crews are working to protect adjacent buildings and are relaying water from the tankers.

It's understood six people have escaped unharmed from the house. 

 

Search Under Way For Missing Teenager From Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police say the disappearance of a teenage girl from Muswellbrook is out of character.

16-year-old Shyanne Millington was last seen on Sunday July 19 and there concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a medium build and dyed dark red hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, ripped black jeans and black and white converse shoes.

Shyanne is known to frequent the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Sydney CBD areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact  Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Shyanne Millington

 

Fuel Spill Sparks Lane Closures at Hexham

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency crews are at the scene of a large fuel spill from a truck at Hexham.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the New England Highway just past the Pacific Highway turnoff at about 3.00am today (Friday 17 July, 2026).

A semi-trailer has lost around 200 litres of diesel from a ruptured fuel tank over a 300 metre stretch of road.

Two of three westbound lanes are closed while the clean-up continues.

 

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Girl Missing From Abermain

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Good News!

Police have advised Shanae Ford has been found.

They've thanked the community for their support in sharing the appeal.

EARLIER:  

Police are asking for out help to find a young girl who's gone missing from the Lower Hunter.

12-year-old Shanae Ford was last seen in Abermain about 2.00pm on Monday 13 July, 2026 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165 to 170cm tall with a medium build, dark hair and brown eyes.

Shanae is known to frequent the Abermain, Cessnock, Maitland, Rutherford and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing girl Shanae Ford

 

 

Port Stephens Mayor Calls for Protection Against Shoal Bay Erosion

BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson is calling for the state government to step in and provide much-needed assistance for erosion along Shoal Bay Road. 

State legislation only allows sandbags to be in place for up to 90 days, but Cr Anderson believes an extension would be beneficial to allow for long-term solutions to begin. 

Currently, no sand bags are in place along the deteriorating foreshore due to the restrictions, with recent harsh weather removing large chunks of sand. 

Cr Anderson said sand management is only a short-term fix. 

"We're trying to do all the studies that we need to do to actually look at what we need to do," she said.

"We need to do something to stabilize the area until we can work out that long-term solution." 

The mayor recent wrote to the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to advocate for a 12 month extension to sand bag limits. 

Additionally, she said with the state government's financial support, a stronger long-term solution can be found.

"We don't have a lot of funding for the works that we need to do," she said.

"We need to apply for state government grants to be able to co-fund long-term solutions." 

Council is seeking the state approval to secure the beachfront as they continue delivering their long-term Coastal Management Program. 

Erosion along Shoal Bay Road in April this year. Picture: Port Stephens Council 

Construction Complete On $890M John Hunter Acute Services Building

 BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

The construction of the $890 Million John Hunter Health, and Innovation Precinct has been completed.

With staff orientation, system testing and equipment instalment underway, the final stage has begun with the acute services building expected to be open to patients later this year.  

The new seven-storey building includes a new emergency department, projected to accommodate up to 95,000 patients each year. 

It also features 22 new operating theatres and nine interventional suites to accommodate increased demand for procedural services, with the services expected to increase the units capacity by 60 per cent. 

Moreover new birthing suites, inpatient maternity, special care units and a neonatal intensive care unit have also been added. 

The recent state budget delivered a $55 million boost to the development, which increased the total investment to $890 Million -- making it the largest hospital redevelopment outside of Sydney.

The new expansion is connected via four bridges to the existing Hunter Medical Research Institute, maintaining a connection between the two buildings and specialties. 

The new infrastructure introduces more opportunities for education, training and further employment to aid the current availability. 

John Hunter Hospital executive general manager Julie Tait said the next step will be finding staff. 

"I think staffing numbers in NSW are challenging"  Julie Tait admitted. 

"We are constantly trying to recruit and fill.

"Certainly we do carry vacancies on occasion but we have many plans to trying to increase that [staffing numbers]."

Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley said it's a massive milestone for the Hunter.

"The Hunter is growing, and our health services need to grow with it," she said.

"For too long, people outside of Sydney have had to travel further than they should for specialist care and our investment means more people across the Hunter can get world-class treatment closer to home."

John Hunter Hospital Executive General Manager Julie Tait, Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp. Picture: Ian Crouch

UPDATE! Fears Missing Port Stephens Man May Have Crashed His Motorbike

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Good News!

Police have advised Jonathan Daniel has been found and have thanked the media and the public for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Fears are growing for the welfare of man who's gone missing from Lemon Tree Passage.

64-year-old Jonathan Daniel was last seen riding away from Cook Parade on his motorbike yesterday morning (Wednesday 1 July 2026) and has failed to return.

His disappearance is out of character and there are concerns he may have crashed his bike.

Jonathan's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall with a medium build, grey hair and brown eyes.

He was riding a 2022 red Honda motorcycle with the NSW registration ERG62.

Jonathan is known to frequent the Tea Gardens, The Branch, Girvan, Crawford River and Bulahdelah areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing man Jonathan Daniel

 

Police Appeal For Two Anonymous Witnesses To Come Forward In Gordana Kotevski Case.

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike force investigators believe two anonymous callers from three decades ago could have vital information about one of the Hunter's most baffling cold cases.

Gordana Kotevski was 16-years-old when she was last seen being bundled into a vehicle on Powell Street at Charlestown about 9.00pm on Thursday November 24, 1994.

She was walking to her aunt's house after shopping at Charlestown Square.

A 2003 inquest concluded she was deceased and her death was the result of foul play.

Investigators from Strike Force Bambil are now calling for two anonymous witnesses, both males, to come forward.

One had phoned Newcastle Police Station at about 6.50pm on December 5 1994 to provide "specific information about a person's involvement in the matter".

Two years later, on September 18 1996, a man contacted radio station KOFM in Newcastle and spoke to a presenter, providing similar specific information.

Police say both calls were anonymous and detectives are urging the callers to come forward and speak with investigators about the information they hold. 

It comes nearly four years after the state government increased the reward for information about the suspected murder to $1 million in 2022.

The men, or anyone else with information are being urged to call Belmont detectives on 4922 8774 or get in contact via email at SFBambil@police.nsw.gov.au.

   

Gordana Kotevski

Almost $3 Million Seized in Port Stephens Drug Bust

BY LIAM COLLINS

A police raid in Port Stephens yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026) saw the seizure of almost 64 kilograms of alleged prohibited and restricted drugs.

Port Stephens' Strike Force Korpisalo, assisted by Raptor Squad police, arrested two men in Salamander Bay around 12.00 pm after extensive inquiries.

Officers executed crime scene warrants at addresses in Salamander Bay and Boat Harbour, allegedly finding 50 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, 12.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, $15,000 in cash, 50 items believed to be used in drug manufacturing, and electronic devices.

Police say the drugs have an estimated street value of $2.66 million dollars.

A Salamander Bay vehicle was also searched after the arrest of the two men - police allegedly finding chemical containers and liquids used in the operation.

The two men, aged 34 and 24, were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The 34-year-old was charged with manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity and dealing with property proceeds of crime greater than $100000.

The 24-year-old was charged with taking part in manufacturing prohibited drugs in a greater than large commercial quantity.

The two men were refused bail and are set to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today.

Samples of drugs allegedly seized by police in Port Stephens Picture: NSW Police

Muswellbrook Siege Ends After 16 Hour Standoff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-hour siege at Muswellbrook has ended with a man being arrested and taken to hospital.

Just after 2.00pm yesterday (Thursday 25 June, 2026), Hunter Valley Police went to a home in Parkinson Avenue to execute an arrest warrant and attempted to speak to a 58-year-old man at the address.

However, the man refused to leave the home and allegedly threatened the officers.

Police set up a perimeter and a siege situation developed.

Just before 6.00am today (Friday 26 June 2026), police say several tactics were used in an effort to arrest the man, including the use of beanbag rounds.

The man was assessed by paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for further assessment.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Man Faces Court Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl At Woodberry

 BY IAN CROUCH

Specialist police have arrested a man in Sydney's west accused of sexually assaulting a young girl at Woodberry.

Earlier this month, police began an investigation following a report of an alleged sexual assault of a child by a man known to her between 2022 and 2024.

Following inquiries, officers from the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team stopped a 53-year-old man driving a heavy vehicle at Huntingwood yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026).

He's been charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10, driving while disqualified and breach of bail and has been refused bail to face Blacktown Local Court today.

The man is one of 17 people charged across the North West Metropolitan police region as part of Operation Surge targeting wanted offenders with a history of domestic violence.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said domestic violence was a serious crime, and alleged perpetrators should know police were coming.

"This operation was about targeting the worst offenders - those wanted on warrants, breaching orders, ignoring bail and putting victims at risk," she said.

Yasmin Catley said the government will continue to support the efforts of police in bringing alleged perpetrators to justice.

"There is no excuse, no hiding place and no tolerance for this violence. We will keep backing NSW Police to track offenders down, put them before the courts and protect victim-survivors," she said.

 

Man Faces Court Over Alleged Guns And Drugs Bust At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Raptor Squad police have charged a man with a dozen firearm and drug offences following a raid on a Rutherford home.

Following investigations into the unlawful possession of firearms, they executed a search warrant at the Aberglasslyn Road property last Wednesday (17 June 2026) and allegedly seized three firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, 29 grams of cannabis and four grams of methylamphetamine.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at a home on Garrat Circuit, Thornton yesterday (Wednesday 24 June 2026).

He faced the bail court where he was remanded in custody to appear in Newcastle Local Court on August 26.

 

Motorcyclist Dies After Crash At Aberglasslyn

 BY IAN CROUCH

A motorcyclist has died in hospital following a crash near Maitland.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Denton Park Drive and Kerry Circuit at Aberglasslyn at about 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 June 2026).

They arrived to find a motorcycle and an SUV had collided.

The rider, a 33-year-old man, was treated by paramedics and rushed to hospital but died on arrival.

A 59-year-old woman who was driving the SUV was uninjured and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

As investigations into the crash continue, police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Argenton Murder Investigation: Detectives Release CCTV Footage

 BY IAN CROUCH

Homicide detectives have released CCTV footage as they continue their investigation into the murder of a man at Argenton.

Police were called to reports of an assault on Montgomery Street around 4.00am on Sunday April 19 2026.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 38-year-old man died at scene - he'd suffered horrific stab injuries.

CCTV footage shows a man getting out of the back seat of a white hatchback and filling up at a Mayfield Service Station a few hours before the alleged incident, and police believe he may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He's described as being in his 20's, of Caucasian appearance with blonde hair and was wearing a black jacket, black pants with a white graphic, black cap and black shoes.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the incident, or who may have mobile phone or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A still from CCTV footage released by investigators

 

 

Mayfield Man Facing Court Accused Of Threatening Federal Parliamentarian

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Mayfield man is due to front court next month charged with allegedly posting a video threatening a Federal parliamentarian.

The Australian Federal Police National Security Investigations team launched an investigation earlier this month after receiving a report about concerning content being posted on a social media platform, including threats to harm a high office holder.

Further inquiries revealed further alleged threats, linked to the same social media account were posted between October 2025 and June this year. 

Officers searched a Mayfield property yesterday (Tuesday 23 June 2026), allegedly finding an electronic device, USB storage device, a black replica pistol with two magazines, clothing and face coverings.

They arrested a 35-year-old man.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Court on July 30 charged with possessing a prohibited weapon and threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth official.

 

UPDATE! Police Issue Urgent Appeal To Find Severely Injured Newcastle Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised 42-year-old Peter Bates has been located and have thanked everyone who shared the appeal.

EARLIER: 

Police say a man's life is at risk unless he receives urgent medical treatment after going missing from the John Hunter Hospital.

42-year-old Peter Bates presented with a severe stomach wound yesterday afternoon (Thursday 12 June 2026) but was then seen boarding a bus at about 3.00pm.

The cause of his injury is unknown, but hospital staff have told police his life is in danger unless he receives treatment within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Peter's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey beanie, black hooded jumper, light grey track pants, red shoes and was carrying a white plastic bag.

If you've seen Peter or have any information on whereabouts, contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000.

Missing man Peter Bates. Images supplied by NSW Police

 

Mark Hughes Foundation Commits $18.9 Million Donation to University of Newcastle

 BY CAMERON TARAGEL

The Mark Hughes Foundation has donated a landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift to the University of Newcastle to fast track brain cancer research.

The announcement this morning now brings the MHF's total contribution to the university to over $36 million. 

The donation places it as one of the largest philanthropic investments in brain cancer nationally and the university's biggest donation to date.

The foundation and university hope to collaborate to find a cure for brain cancer as it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and adults under 40.

Under previous donations, the university's Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research was established in 2022.

The collaboration will further strengthen Newcastle's current research centres for brain cancer and help translate current research into a clinical practice, allowing for more treatment options.

Mark Hughes Foundation Centre Director, Professor Mike Fay says the gift has boosted the first phase of research.

"We're building research platforms, forming partnerships, developing new drug developments and clinical trials," he said.

"Which is absolutely going to change the outlook for brain cancer patients across Australia." he said..

With the new funding, Professor Fay said the next 5 years will be taking research and implementing it practically.

"One of the things we are planning to develop is a treatment called theranostic treatment," he said.

"We give the patient a drug, initially it's got an imaging radionuclide on the back of it and then put the patient in a scanner so we can see where it's going in the body," he said.

"We change that over for a therapy isotope once we know the patient's appropriate for that sort of treatment," he said.

"It then floats around the body and binds to the brain cancer and we hope helps destroy it." he said.

Professor Fay hopes the new treatments like the blood test for cancer will allow the foundation to explore new treatments as quickly as possible.

"Some will be new drugs. Others will be drugs that already exist that we've found new uses for." he said.

The foundation and centre also hopes that raising awareness of brain cancer will help speed up research.

"We think with all this extra attention on brain cancer that things are starting to move an awful lot faster." he said.

Professor Mike Fay

UPDATE! Search Stepped Up For Missing Wallsend Teenager

 BY IAN CROUCH

Word just in from Police - 14-year-old Latanah has been found.

They've thanked everyone for sharing their appeal.  

EARLIER:

Police are stepping up the search for a teenage girl who went missing from Wallsend two weeks ago.

14-year-old Latanah Widders was last seen in Bousfield Street on Tuesday May 26.

She's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 130cm tall with a thin build with dyed black/burgundy hair.

Latanah was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black track suit pants and black and white Nike slides.

She's known to use public transport to travel and my have been at Liverpool Train Station in Sydney's west at about 1.00am on Thursday June 4.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Latanah Widders