Massive Cocaine Syndicate Smashed: Arrests In Lake Macquarie And Sydney

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three men are due to face courts in Newcastle and Sydney today accused of being part of a massive international cocaine supply syndicate.

Detectives investigating the gambling of a large amount of money at a casino uncovered the supply ring operating in NSW.

With the help of the United States Navy and Coast Guard, more than 17-hundred kilograms of cocaine was intercepted on vessels off the coat of Columbia and Ecuador in October and April with an estimated street value of 900-million dollars.

It's claimed the haul was part of conspiracy to supply 3000 kilograms of the drug.

Officers substituted the seized drugs destined for a Lake Macquarie storage facility.

A 42-year-old man was arrested yesterday attempting to access the items and a 37-year-old man was arrested in a nearby car park.

A third man, aged 58 was arrested at Sans Souci.

They've been charged with large commercial drug supply offences and refused bail to front court today.

Police Arrest Alleged Suspect At Lake Macquarie

Muswellbrook Hospital to Receive New Operating Theatre Under $32 Million Funding Commitment

BY JARROD MELMETH

Muswellbrook Hospital is receiving some love in the form of a $32 million commitment from State Labor, promising to complete stage 2 of it's redevelopment, should they be elected in 2023.

Labor Leader Jodi Mckay and Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park, joined Upper Hunter candidate Jeff Drayton on Monday to announce the funding. 

Under the new plans, the hospital will be upgraded with a new general ward on the lower ground floor, added maternity services, central sterilising and an operating theatre. 

Currently the hospital reportedly has a surgical ward but no accompanying operating theatre. 

The NSW Government completed a $21.5 million stage two of the redevelopment in June 2019, at a cost of $21.5 million, which has been labelled a "stuff up by" the opposition. 

Jodi Mckay says the so-called completed redevelopment is a slap in the face for the Upper Hunter community.

"A community the size of Muswellbrook that contributes so much funding to the states economy really does deserve a good quality healthcare system."

"This has been an issue that has been around for a really long time. We know that rural health has been left behind. It depends on where your postcode is as to the level of help you receive."

"In Muswellbrook there has certainly been a lack of funding and lack of will to actually improve the healthcare services," Ms Mckay said.

Upper Hunter Candidate Jeff Drayton says the region does a lot of the heavy lifting for the state and its high time they got something out if it. 

"We send nearly a billion dollars down the freeway a year and receive very little in return," Mr Drayton said. 

Concept plans of the NSW Governments upgrades
to Muswellbrook Hospital completed in 2019.
Source: NSWHealth

Drugs, Firearms, Ammunition and Stolen Jet Ski Seized at Swansea Home

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Police have seized several prohibited weapons and precursors for explosives during a search of a Lake Macquarie home.

About 12.30pm on Tuesday Lake Macquarie Police were assisting Sheriff’s Officers with an eviction order at a Swansea property, where they spoke with three people – two women and a man.

All three people left the premises. 

During an initial search of the home, sheriff officers allegedly located a firearm near the front door of the premises.

Police declared a crime scene and subsequently executed a search warrant. 

During the search, officers located and seized, more than a dozen firearms, ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sling shot a crossbow, a jet ski, a trailer believed to have been stolen, cash, prohibited drugs and powders believed to be precursors for the manufacture of explosives.

All items were taken to Belmont Police Station for forensic analysis, while the jet ski and trailer were returned to the owner.

An investigation has been launched into the origins of the items located within the home.

Anyone who may have information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Images: Lake Macquarie Police 

Woman Dies After Car Plunges Into Allyn River

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A female passenger has died and a second woman has been airlifted to hospital after their car crashed into a river in the Upper Hunter.

Police say a Toyota Landcruiser rolled down an embankment and crashed into the Allyn River about 50 kilometres east of Muswellbrook around 11.00am on Sunday.

The 18-year-old driver managed to free herself from the vehicle - she was winched from the river and flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Passers-by freed the passenger and commenced CPR before paramedics arrived, however she could not be revived and died at the scene.

The woman is yet to be formally identified.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing and report is being prepared for the Coroner.  

$1 million Reward Offered For Unsolved 1994 Murder Of Melissa Hunt

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police Minister David Elliott will today announce a $1 million reward for information into an unsolved murder in the Hunter more than 26 years ago.

The body of 22-year-old Melissa Hunt was found floating in a dam at Bluegum Creek near Stockrington on Anzac Day 1994.

A post mortem found she died from massive head injuries before being thrown into the water, with her body weighed down by sandstone rocks placed inside her clothes.

Melissa's family has been calling for an inquest into her death to be reopened after it was suspended in the late 90's because the Coroner believed there was sufficient evidence for charges to be laid against a person of interest, who's never been publicly identified.

But nothing eventuated.

Melissa’s brother, Mr Peter Hallett, said he hoped the reward may help detectives uncover new leads to finally provide justice for his sister and family.

“Melissa was deeply loved by our family and we have never stopped missing her and desperately wishing that her life had not been cut short,” Mr Hallett said.

“We should not just have memories of Melissa’s beautiful dark eyes, her mischievous laugh, musical talent, eye for detail, passion for writing and fierce love for her family and two children – we should all be able to hold her now.

“After 26 years of despairing grief, we are hoping that someone will come forward and help police identify those responsible for her death.

“Melissa was robbed of her life and of her right to know and love her children, and as a family we cannot rest until justice is served,” Mr Hallett said.

It's hoped the reward will encourage the community to come forward with information to assist detectives with their investigation.

                                             Melissa Hunt died from massive head injuries

Hunter Valley Woman Faces Court Over Alleged Bushfire and COVID-19 Assistance Fraud

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Strike force detectives have arrested and charged a Hunter Valley woman as part of ongoing investigations into alleged fraudulent claims for bushfire and COVID-19 assistance grants.

Police allege that between Thursday 12 March and Sunday 13 September 2020 the 31-year-old fraudulently applied for 34 grants, with 11 of those granted valued at $104,000.

It's also alleged the woman obtained a further $268,000 in grants to which she was not entitled.

Officers arrested Ellen Howard at an Aberdare home on Friday and charged her with 16 counts of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception.

She faced Newcastle Local Court on Saturday where her application for bail was refused.  

Appeal for Information After Reports a Child was Approached by Man at Medowie

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for information after reports of a child was approached by a man at Medowie. 

About 5.40pm on Thursday, a seven-year-old boy was walking in Willow Close, Medowie, when a man riding an orange and black motorbike pulled up beside him.

Police have been told the male rider asked the boy to get on the bike. He refused and walked away. The man then conducted a U-turn and drove out of Willow Close in an unknown direction.

The incident was reported to officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District who commenced an investigation.

As inquiries continue, police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is only described as having greyish coloured hair and wearing a khaki-coloured back-pack.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have been in the Medowie area yesterday and either saw the motorbike or has dash-cam footage, to come forward.

Inquiries are continuing.

Funding Announced For Shared Pathway Network In Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Cessnock residents will soon be able to get around the CBD and surrounding areas a little easier with state funding announced for a network of shared pathways.

Council has secured a $1.5 million dollar state grant to be used to construct more than 3 kilometres of shared path linking the CBD with two public schools, sporting complexes and community centres.

Mayor Bob Pynsent says it's fantastic news which will improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians. 

 

New Direct Flights Connecting Newcastle with Lord Howe Island

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle airport will soon be offering direct flights between the Hunter region and World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island. 

From November 14, Port Macquarie based airline, Eastern Air Services will be operating direct services on a 10-seat Beechcraft B200 aircraft providing the region with what Newcastle Airport says is "an ideal opportunity to experience an ‘overseas’ holiday whilst staying within the jurisdiction of NSW."

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said he was buoyed by the growing optimism in the aviation industry and excited about the ability of the airport to help connect its region with one of the most beautiful places on earth.

“With domestic borders starting to open, I think we’ll see strong demand for leisure travel within Australia in the coming weeks,” he said.

“We know our customers are keen to fly and with international travel still some way off, we feel the people of our region deserve a range of exciting and unique holiday options. The eco-tourism experience at this World Heritage island certainly fits that category.”

“Importantly, an opportunity also exists for our region to provide direct support to Lord Howe Island residents, acting as the key service centre for the Island providing medical, retail, and other services to the population,” said Dr Cock. 

Also speaking today, CEO of Eastern Air Services Christian Corse said he was very excited about the new opportunity.  

“Lord Howe Island is incredibly popular with the people of the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast, so we expect this service to grow quickly,” he said.

With a flight time of just under 2-hours, the schedule will commence on Saturday, 14 November with one service a week, initially, on a Saturday.

Frequency will increase with demand over the peak summer months and as awareness of the service increases. People can book now on the Eastern Air Services website or via their local travel agent.

Image: Lord Howe Island Info

Police Appealing for Help to Find 12-Year-Old Boy Missing From the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 12-year-old boy whose gone missing boy from the Hunter. 

Connor Fitzsimmons, was last seen leaving a home and riding his scooter on Kookaburra Street, Woodberry, about 11.10am on Monday.

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

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age and a medical condition.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall, with a thin build and dark brown faded hair. He was last seen wearing a camouflage cap, a grey hooded jumper, black jeans and black ‘Nike’ runners.

He is known to frequent the Wallsend and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.

Connor Fitzsimmons