Fears Grow For Hunter's Flying Fox Population As Starvation Event Continues

 BY WILL MCGRATH

Hunter residents are being urged to keep an eye out for sick and injured flying foxes, with a food supply shortage causing many to become weak or die.

Flying foxes are recognised as a key species in the Australian ecosystem, responsible for pollination and seed distribution.

"About 80 per cent of our gum trees are pollinated by flying foxes because they fly such great distances and spread their seeds around," said Hunter Wildlife Rescue vice president Kerry Walker.

"They are absolutely critical to biodiversity and ecology." 

Due to an unusually warm and dry winter, trees which are used for food by the bats have had their regular flowering patterns disrupted.

This has forced the species to look elsewhere for food, leading them to consume items which are toxic to them, such as fruit from the green cocos palm.

Ms Walker said they've seen a large spike in the number of sick flying foxes reported to the service.

"It's been very widespread, clearly, that the trees haven't come into flower as much as they should, and they don't have enough nectar," she said. 

"That's causing there to be insufficient food for the flying foxes all over the state." 

It coincides with a wave of premature births, and with not enough food to go around, many pups are dying young due to mothers unable to provide sufficient nutrition

Experts say the loss of an entire generation of the species is now on the cards.

Residents wanting to help the species are asked to hang 'garlands' of fruit, such as melon, apple and pear, but not banana, on trees for bats to eat.

Those who come across a sick or injured flying fox are advised leave it alone and call Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418 628 483.

A female flying fox and her newborn pup brought into care after being discovered emaciated in Lake Macquarie. Picture supplied. 

Cessnock Council Demand Meta Take Down Viral Abuse Video

 BY MAJELLA MCGRATH

Cessnock Council is demanding tech giant Meta remove a Facebook video of a council worker being verbally attacked while on the job.  

Last week, 44-year-old Western Sydney man Gregory Tait allegedly filmed an heated interaction with a Cessnock Council worker and posted it on his social media. 

In the video, Tait approaches a worker mowing grass and picking up rubbish along Wine Country Drive at Nulkaba and proceeds to verbally abuse him. 

Council said the videos are still circulating online, despite reportedly going against Meta's guidelines.  

Tait was recently convicted for spouting violent death threats to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the day after the Bondi Beach Terror Attack. 

On Friday October 16, he faced Paramatta Local Court, where he was handed a recognisance sentence and ordered to pay $1000. 

Tait has posted a series of concerning videos on his Facebook page being seen to verbally abuse a number of councils across the state, including Cessnock Council. 

The United Services Union (USU) and Cessnock Council have condemned Meta's failure to promptly remove videos, demanding the company take immediate action to protect workers from further online abuse.  

Mayor Daniel Watton says he's fed up with the way council staff are treated and there is no excuse for people, especially those completing a job, to be abused.

"We are doing everything we can to communicate with Meta, our requests are in line with their standards," he said. 

"So we expect this to be taken down swiftly."

USU general secretary Graeme Kelly said workers safety and wellbeing must come before a social media company's willingness to host abusive content.

"Meta has been asked to remove these videos," he said. 

"It's failure to act is unacceptable. 

"A company with Meta's resources should be capable of responding promptly when workers are being targeted on its platform."

Mr Kelly said the attacks reinforce the urgent need for stronger legislative protections for council employees providing services to the public.

There is now a call for the NSW Government to make legislation to protect council workers and other service workers a priority. 

Gregory Tait leaving Parramatta Local Court on Friday. Picture: Nine News/Sam Mooy

Police Searching For Woman Last Seen in Pokolbin

 Police are looking for information into the disappearance of a woman from the Hunter region. 

38-year-old Georgia Goldstein, also known as Georgia Hall, was last seen on Hermitage Road in Pokolbin at around 9.30pm last Wednesday. 

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

Police say she may be travelling in a navy-blue Volkswagen Tiguan with Victorian number plates 2EM2EF. 

Anyone with information about Georgia's whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley District Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Police Searching For Missing Singleton Teenager

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Police are appealing for information, after a teenage girl was reported missing in the Hunter Valley. 

15-year-old Monique Hargreaves was last seen in Singleton at about 8.30am Tuesday 13 October. 

When she was unable to be contacted or located, officers were notified and commenced inquiries. 

Police and family hold serious concerns for Monique's welfare. 

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, medium build, dark shoulder length hair and blue eyes. 

She was last seen wearing a blue school uniform consisting of a dark long sleeve t-shirt, blue shorts and black boots. 

Monique is known to frequent Singleton and surrounding areas.

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

Monique Hargreaves. Picture: NSW Police Force

BREAKING! Rutherford Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has gutted a home and garage at Rutherford early today (Tuesday 13 October 2026).

Crews were called to Aberglasslyn Road at 1.43am to find a fire in a detached garage had spread to the adjacent single storey hardiplank and tin roof home.

Newcastle Fire Command says there were concerns for a man living in the garage, but he was later found safe and well.

A couple inside the house managed to escape unharmed.

It's taken almost three hours to bring the blaze under control.

Investigations will get under way into the cause of the fire.

 

Concerns Held For Man Who's Discharged Himself From John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Concerns are growing for the welfare of a man who's discharged himself from the John Hunter Hospital but still needs medical assistance.

Police say 30-year-old Benjamin Hutchison was last seen at about 3.00pm on Sunday and the alarm was raised when he could not be located or contacted.

Benjamin requires regular medication.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a slim build, brown eyes, a dark brown mullet and facial hair.

Benjamin was last seen wearing cream coloured track pants and dark coloured shoes and is known to frequent parks and open areas in Lambton.

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

 

Missing man Benjamin Hutchison

  

Construction Begins On Gateshead Ambulance Station

 BY OLI GOELDNER

The state government is ramping up efforts to improve emergency services across Lake Macquarie, with work to begin on a new ambulance station at Gateshead. 

The Oakdale Road facility will host 14 ambulances and 13 paramedics. 

Construction will soon get underway, with works set to be completed by the end of 2027. 

It comes alongside another station being built at Caves Beach, which is expected to be finished around the same time. 

The stations are part of the Minns government's $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program. 

Assistant Commissioner Jade Marks said it's a welcome addition to the region. 

"It will be hub not only for the paramedics that are stationed here, but also for additional paramedics to provide that coverage through to where we need it within this zone," she said. 

"Our paramedics are a mobile workforce. 

"We certainly see this new facility as part of a network that will allow us to move our staff around to where they're needed to we can respond to everyone when they need us the most." 

Recently, paramedics have been pushing for more resources as workloads, pressure and ambulance ramping levels continue to increase across the state. 

As a result, the state government has faced criticism on its plan to build ambulance stations and boost paramedics in the Hunter. 

"This has been a long-time coming," said Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison. 

"I know our paramedics and local people have been asking for this for a long time and finally the Minns Labor Government is delivering. 

"We're very pleased to be doing that as part of a whole range of upgrades to ambulance stations that we're doing across the state." 

Local paramedics and Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison turning the first sod on the Gateshead station. Picture: Ian Crouch. 

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Newcastle Woman

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police have issued an appeal for help to find a woman who's gone missing from the Mayfield area.

48-year-old Kate-Garriga Haywood may be using another name.

She's described as being of Asian appearance, about 155cm tall with a medium build and dyed hair.

Kate is known to wear gold jewellery and may be wearing a wig.

Anyone who sees her or knows where she is is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing woman Kate Garriga-Haywood

Mixed Opinions Surface Around HVO Mine Approval

BY JOSEPH GIBSON 

Years of discussion have now lead to the approval of the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project by the state's Independent Planning Commission (IPC). 

The HVO facility is an already pre-existing multi-pit open cut coal mining operation situated 24km northwest of Singleton.

The IPC have approved an extension of mining works in the facility's north pit to 2045 and south pit to 2042.  

The project will also include an upgrade to approved mining areas, as well as permission to mine deeper coal seams.

Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Northern Mining and NSW Energy district president Robin Williams said the approval is a major win for workers. 

"It's a great relief for the 1500 mine workers around the Hunter and their families, giving them more certainty for the future," he said. 

MEU general president Grahame Kelly said it will support local businesses and the state's economy moving forward. 

"This project deserved approval, and the Commission has made the right call," he said. 

"Workers have waited a long time for this decision. 

"Today they can finally look ahead with more confidence."

However, concerns over the environmental impacts have surfaced with an estimated 950 hectares of land affected including approximately 185 hectares of native vegetation.

"The approval of the HVO Extension is the largest climate policy failure in NSW history," said Rising Tide spokesperson Campbell Knox. 

“According to two published studies on the mortality impacts of carbon pollution, a conservative death toll for this project’s emissions is 87,000."

HVO has proposed measures to limit their impact on local biodiversity, with the IPC granting the approval with strict conditions to mitigate environmental impacts. 

Meanwhile, the state's Department of Planning concludes that the economic benefits would be considerable, whilst acknowledging environmental impacts.

The project is now pending approval from the federal government. 

Picture: Hunter Valley Operations

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Petrol Station Blaze At Tarro.

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Fire crews are battling a blaze at a service  station in Tarro.

 Newcastle Fire Command says they received around 20 calls at about 10.15am today (Thursday 1 October 2026) to report a column of thick black smoke rising from the Metro station on Anderson Drive.

Crews arrived to find two 300kg gas cylinders at the rear of the service station involved in fire and a nearby home under threat.

Around 25 firefighters from five stations along with a Hazmat crew managed to extinguish the fire and stop it spreading to the nearby property.

It's believed the service station building has sustained only minor damage - crews are checking the roof space for fire extension.

A spokesman for Fire and rescue NSW says one of the cylinders is still venting and crews are using a fine mist of water to help dispel the gas and prevent re-ignition.

Crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time.  

It's understood Anderson Drive was closed for period but has since re-opened.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated. 

 

   

Armed Robbery On Mayfield West Service Station and Teen Boys Stuck On Roof After Alleged Break-In At New Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is under way after an armed robbery on a Mayfield West service station last night.

Police say at about 9.45pm on Monday 28 September 2026, a man entered the Shell outlet on Maud Street and threatened the attendant with a  knife before leaving with cash.

The worker was not injured and police have established a crime scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Meanwhile, three boys have become stuck on the roof of a tobacconist shop in New Lambton after they allegedly tried to make off with goods valued at more than $60,000. 

Police were called to the Alma Road shop just before 1.00am today (Tuesday 29 September, 2026) and arrested the trio - two boys aged 16 and one aged 17.

All three were taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were charged with aggravated break and enter in company - steal more than $60,000.

They've been granted conditional bail to face the Children's Court on October 19.

Beaumont St CCTV Funding Missed Due To Council Delays

BY NICHOLAS KING

Months of delays and postponing have resulted in the City of Newcastle (CN) missing a vital opportunity to secure funding for the installation of nine CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street.

The NSW Government's Safer Cities grant program opened for applications on January 30 to provide funding to local councils for projects intended to improve public safety, including measures like CCTV in public spaces.

Despite community calls for the surveillance for more than a year, CN failed to endorse the project in time to submit an application.

A formal motion to support a trial for CCTV was tabled for the council's meeting in February, but the vote was repeatedly pushed back to April.

Applications for the grant closed on March 6.

CN submitted an application to the Active Regional Communities Grant program instead, which was not successful. 

Meanwhile, Central Coast Council received $2 million under the Safer Cities program for a similar CCTV rollout. 

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Jenny Barrie has criticised the state government's denial of their application, questioning why the Central Coast Council received the funding. 

However, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp shut down Cr Barrie's comments.

"It [CN's application] probably didn't fit the criteria as well as it would have for the Safer Cities grant," he said. 

"Council had to be dragged kicking and screaming to act on CCTV. 

"They said they would debate it at their first meeting of 2026, then it became the first quarter, then it became the second quarter.

“If we had a cooperative council, including Jenny Barrie, from day dot, we could have CCTV installed already.”

In response to Mr Crakanthorp's comments, CN councillor Callum Pull said the MP is misleading the public.

"When Tim Crakanthorp was a Councillor he not only opposed the installation of CCTV but he and his Labor colleagues made it the formal position of the Council to not support council-run CCTV," said Cr Pull.

"Not only did he close the door but locked it behind him. 

"It was not until 2026 that thanks to the efforts of Councillor Barrie the formal position of Council changed. 

"Council did in fact apply for the grant Mr Crakanthorp refers to and was once again knocked back. 

"The BIA and Council have been identifying strategies to tackle Crime in Beaumont Street through initiatives like the Hamilton Safety Audit, but his Government have been either unsupportive or failed to provide the resources needed to implement them.

"What residents can take away from this is that when Tim Crakanthorp says the NSW Government will fund something, what he really means is that we can send in an application to a grants’ program and we might or might not get it. 

"At no point over the past few months has Tim ever said that there is an asterisk beside the Government’s support for the installation of CCTV. 

"This is yet another lame attempt from Tim Crakanthorp to deflect blame."

State Government Denies Funding For Beaumont St CCTV

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie is slamming the state government's refusal to provide funding for a proposed CCTV trial on Beaumont Street. 

As anti-social behaviour along the Hamilton strip continues to rise, Cr Barrie and the Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) are calling for more protection measures to be put in place. 

In April, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp tabled a petition with more than 1000 signatures to Newcastle deputy lord mayor Charlotte McCabe advocating for the installation, days after the release of the Hamilton Community Safety Audit. 

The audit outlined several recommendations to help reduce anti-social behaviour along Beaumont Street, including the installation of CCTV surveillance at nine different locations. 

Newcastle council and the Hamilton BIA agreed to fund the proposal, as long as the state government covered half. 

The Hamilton BIA applied for $100,000 in state funding for the project to the Active Regional Communities package, which has since been denied. 

Now, Cr Barrie said the state government is kicking it down the road as an election promise. 

"I just don't think that's good enough," she said. 

"What happens if they can't get enough money for Newcastle in the election commitments, and if they do get approved it will be next June before the money comes through and then installed by at least August.

"We've been talking about this for two years." 

However, Mr Crakanthorp said he's still committed to the project, despite the setback. 

"I want to see CCTV on Beaumont St delivered as soon as possible," he said. 

"I'd see this more as a speed hump than a roadblock. 

"I'll continue to advocate for that money."

On Wednesday morning, Cr Barrie met with residents, businesses and the Hamilton Community Safety Committee to discuss their next possible options. 

Newcastle Council To Consider Banning Smart Glasses

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

Newcastle councillors are pushing a motion to ban smart glasses from council facilities, including pools and ocean baths. 

The increased popularity of the glasses with secret imbedded cameras has sky rocketed, with retail stores such as Kmart selling them at cheap prices. 

The spike has prompted many officials to harbour concerns around safety and privacy in public spaces, especially that of women and children. 

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said she understands the concerns of the community as a mother herself

"It just feels insurmountable to sort of address this on your own and to take responsible measures around what you can control as an individual to protect yourself, protect you kids, especially if you're quite vulnerable in the community," she said. 

The motion, being put forward by herself and councillors Declan Clausen, Peta Winney-Baartz, Paige Johnson and Elizabeth Adamczyk, will look to prohibit the use of wearable technology in council buildings and facilities. 

The notice of motion requests Council "work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle (CN) owned facilities, including Beresfield childcare centre, CN swimming centres, ocean baths and sporting facility change rooms". 

However, the motion does note some people do use the technology as a method of assistance, including those who are visually impaired. 

"There are people out there in the community who use smart glasses as assistive technology and for them it's life changing," said Cr Richardson. 

"But, as we know, historically with the use of technology, the onus has been on the individual to use it ethically and responsibly. 

"And, we know that doesn't always happen." 

Council will discuss the matter at Tuesday night's Ordinary Council Meeting. 

Pictures: Meta, City of Newcastle

BREAKING! Tenambit Home Destroyed In Fierce Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a home at Tenambit overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 15 triple zero calls to a medium-sized single level brick and tile house in Lavinia Close, with the first crew arriving just after 12.30am today (Friday 18 September 2026) to find the property engulfed in flames.

Five fire trucks and an aerial appliance responded to the blaze.

Around 20 firefighters fought the flames for almost 4 hours, unable to enter the property due to the intensity of the blaze.

The roof collapsed at the height of the fire, with the property reduced to a pile smouldering rubble.

All the occupants have been accounted for and an investigation will get under way to determine how the fire started.  

 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Jesmond Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

Police have advised Darren has been located.

They've thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from Jesmond.

57-year-old Darren Daley was last seen in Michael Street at about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2026) and there are concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia and a number of medical conditions.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a beard.

Darren was last seen wearing a green/khaki jacket, purple jumper, black tracksuit pants, black sneakers and a Koori Knockout hat.

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

 

Missing Man Darren Daley

Port Stephens Jet Ski Restrictions To Return This Summer

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A restriction on powered vessels along popular Port Stephens swim spots will be put in place this summer after a successful trial run.

From 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, three locations at Port Stephens put in restrictions preventing powered vessels, including jet skis, from operating within 30 metres of the shoreline. 

Dutchman's Beach, Fly Point and Shoal Bay were included in the trial, with clear signage installed at the sites and launch points. 

An evaluation report has since been released, showing more than 85 per cent of residents, visitors and powered vessel users were in support of the initiative. 

Throughout the trial, there were no cases of powered vessels observed speeding near the shoreline at the restricted areas. 

Stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered watercraft activity increased substantially in the powered vessel free zones as well. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the results of the trial speak for themselves. 

"The results from last season are overwhelmingly supportive and positive," she said. 

"What we saw was a reduction in conflicts and a much safer, calmer summer." 

NSW Maritime Executive Director Nicole Watts echoed the MP's statements. 

"Port Stephens is one of our state's most popular waterways and this trial is about keeping everyone safe while enjoying the water," said Ms Watts. 

"With zones in place at the same locations this summer, there are still extensive areas across Port Stephens where powered vessels can operate safely and responsibly." 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison in Port Stephens. Picture: Ian Crouch

Police Search For Alleged Sexual Touching Offender In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to track down a man accused of sexually touching a girl on a bus in the Hunter this week.

Three girls were travelling on a bus from Rotary Park at Kurri Kurri to Cessnock Road at Gillieston Heights on Wednesday September 9 just before 4.00pm when an unknown man allegedly touched one of the girls on the hip and thigh.

The girl wasn't injured.

The man's described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40's or 50's with a medium to large build and short grey hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with a white logo on the front and white writing on the sleeve, grey tracksuit pants and white Nike joggers,

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Police want to speak to this man about an alleged sexual touching incident.

 

Newcastle Ocean Photographer Crowed Best Of The Best

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle-based photographer Matty Smith has won the global 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category with his beautiful snaps of marine wildlife. 

The winning pic is a black-and-white portrait of a nurse shark, flanked by remoras in perfect formation. 

Mr Smith received the accolade from the Australian National Maritime Museum, with his images to be on display from November 19. 

There were 10 Australian or Australian-based photographers nominated as finalists in the competition, with more than 15,000 images entered from around the world. 

Mr Smith said he knew the nurse shark photograph would be a winner. 

"The planets aligned at the end of a late afternoon dive in the Maldives," he recalled. 

"Upon ascending from the depths, I crossed paths with this beautiful tawny nurse shark bathed in ethereal evening light.

"I instantly knew it would make a great black and white shot." 

Picture: Matty Smith

In addition to his category winning image, Mr Smith also had a second picture which received highly commended in the Wildlife category. 

The image shows Southern elephant seal pups exploring shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands. 

Picture: Matty Smith 

Search Under Way For Teen Missing From Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

16-year-old Kobi Hughes was last seen at Thornton on Wednesday September 2nd.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build and short light brown hair.

Kobi is known to frequent the Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton and Erina areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000