FLOAT YOUR BOAT – Yellow Submarine Takes Out Peoples Choice Award

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Yellow Submarine was one of 18 vessels to light up the night sky in last month’s Float Your Boat event. Creator Megan Evans’ nod to The Beatles won a $1000 prize.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz says this year’s display was one of the best to date.

“From the fantastic and creative designs of the boaties to the colour and excitement of activations on land and lake at our live sites, there was something for everyone to enjoy at Float Your Boat,” he said.

“I congratulate all our entrants and encourage anyone with artistic flair, a boating licence or both to consider coming on board next time around.”

Photos supplied courtesy Lake Macquarie City Council.

Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice and Mayor’s Choice winner Megan Evans with sons Huxley and Koda with Newcastle Permanent’s Matt Talevski and Mayor Adam Shultz

LAKE MACQUARIE – Local Artists to Illuminate Boats in Competition

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lake Macquarie Council says it’s putting final touches on the annual Float Your Boat festival this weekend with thousands of visitors expected.

Entrants from D.I.Y. tinnies to local artists will be taking to the water with lit up vessels, in the running to win a Mayoral prize.

Angela Budden is a local artist entering a giant illuminated seagull stealing a chip

She says it’s been many hours of wrangling with light strips.

“As for the legs, we just need more outlets … we’re in the middle of the build at the moment,” she said.

“I’m hoping to finish it ready for install on Friday,” she said.

Local artist Angela Budden

Mayor Adam Shultz says it’ll be a tourism boost for the region.

“This has been going since 2017, and it’s been building year on year.

“People can vote for their best display, by attending one of those three live sites at Toronto, Belmont or Warners Bay,” he said.

Artist Jakeob Watson, Mayor Adam Shultz and artist Angela Budden

BREAKING! Man Taken to Hospital Following Valentine Crash

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 There's been a crash on Croudace bay Road at Valentine Public School, still affecting some southbound traffic.

At about 6:30am officers were called to the scene following reports a pedestrian had been struck by a car.

Police and ambulance found a man understood to be in his 70s, with serious injuries.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. The driver of the car, believed to be in his 60s, is assisting with inquiries.

Croudace Bay Road at Valentine Public School. Credit: Google Maps

Hunter Athlete Set to Compete at Invictus Games

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lake Macquarie local Alex Hale says competing at this year's Invictus Games in Canada has given him a sense of independence, following an impressive recovery from adversity.

The 41-year-old's time with the Australian Navy was cut short after he was hit by a car in 2023 which made him a paraplegic.

He says sport has given him a way to work on his mental and physical health in his recovery.

"Sport has been crucial to recovery and getting my independence back," he said.

"The Invictus program has ... given me an avenue to get back into the community and aid in my rehabilitation journey.

"I haven't done a lot of winter sports before ... we'll see how it goes!" he said.

Alex will be in action in the biathlon on Tuesday, Vancouver time, before competing in indoor rowing on Sunday.

Alex Hale. Credit: Invictus Australia

Second Man Charged Over Council Building Fire

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A second man's been charged following investigations into the alleged arson of Lake Macquarie Council Chambers in November last year.

The fire has forced Council to hold meetings offsite after damage in excess of $12 million was sustained, with Council still convening at Windale while repair work is underway.

Following the blaze, police established Strike Force Komiatum, which issued public appeals for information last month.

Late yesterday afternoon, detectives arrested a 43-year-old man at Newcastle. He was charged with destroying property in company with use of fire, and was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

It comes as a 53-year-old Maitland man remains before the courts, also charged over the fire.

Police say inquiries are ongoing.

Council chambers after fire in November. Credit: LMCC

Two people charged after the death of a man at Gateshead last week

 By JACK SEYMOUR

A man and woman will front court today (Thursday 16 January 2025) after being charged with the death of a man at Lake Macquarie last week.

Just after 11pm on Thursday January 9, emergency services were called to a property at Gateshead to answer a concern for welfare report.

A 37-year-old man was treated by NSW paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

A postmortem revealed the man sustained multiple stab wounds.

A search warrant was then executed at a home on Long Crescent at Shortland yesterday afternoon where an 18-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

The man was charged with murder and threat/cause injury/harm to prevent information to police, while the woman was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

They were both refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today.

Image supplied by NSW Police media

Garden Suburb Community Group Plan to Take Myall Road Development to Environment Court

 BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Garden Suburb community members are fighting a development approved by the Hunter Regional Planning Panel to clear 12 hectares of land to make room for 66 new residential lots.

The Myall Road development application was first lodged in 2013 and was granted conditional approval in December last year, but locals say the community hasn't been properly contacted and want to take the matter the the Land and Environment Court.

Lake Macquarie resident, Steve Warham said locals attended a meeting on 8th February to discuss challenging the approval.

He said, "the group is forming as an incorporated association so it can lodge in the land and environment court."

Mr Warham believes there are better options and explained, "most residents were concerned about the destruction of the bush. There's plenty of other land already cleared and available for size of development."

However, Lake Macquarie Council is standing by their decision to support the clearing and says 28 hectares will still be spared.

Council said in a statement they are, "satisfied the development won't have significant impact on threatened species," and intends setting the extra land aside, "as a biodiversity offset for the development"

According to council, the land will be managed in perpetuity by the NSW Government's Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

As the development is a Crown development exceeding $5 million, the council is not the determining authority, only the Hunter Regional Planning Panel has the power to approve the project.

Police Looking for Owners of Allegedly Stolen Bikes, Power Tools Found at Bolton Point Home

 BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A man has been charged after allegedly stolen property was recovered from a Lake Macquarie home.

Officers have been investigating alleged break-in at homes and theft from vehicles in the area between January 25th and February 4th 2021. 

Officers attended a home on Quigley Road, Bolton Point, about 4pm on Thursday. 

Police spoke to a 27-year-old male occupant in the shed where a large amount of property – including bicycles, fishing equipment and power tools – was located. 

These items are alleged to have been stolen and were seized.

The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with enter building/land with intent to commit indictable offence, and four counts of goods suspected stolen in/on premises.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on February 23rd. 

Police are now conducting inquiries to identify the owners of the property. 

Anyone who may be able to assist is urged to come forward and contact Belmont Police. However, proof of ownership is required.

Inquiries are continuing.

Images: Lake Macquarie Police District 

16 Lake Macquarie Drivers Arrested During Rainy Day Testing Blitz

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie Highway Patrol were out in force on Tuesday, conducting random drug and alcohol testing in the area.

As a result, 16 drivers were arrested with 14 of them testing positive to driving with illicit drugs in their systems .

One provisional licence holder was charged with drink driving after attending a pub with mates for lunch.

Of those arrested, three were unlicensed, one was driving whilst suspended and one refused to submit to a road side drug test.

Police also issued 10 traffic infringement notices for varying traffic offences along with vehicle defect notices.

"Yes we do conduct random drug and breath testing in the rain," Lake Macquarie Police said.

"We will continue to run these types of operations leading into the festive season and we would like to take the opportunity to remind drivers not to be silly during the silly season."

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Called into Help Find Missing Lake Macquarie Man

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

NSW Police have called in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to assist in a search to find a 60-year-old man missing in the Macquarie Hills area. 

The Helicopter will conduct an aerial search of the area and assist local ground rescue crews in their search to find Patrick Thaidy. 

He was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive, Macquarie Hills around 12am last Sunday, 6th December. 

Mr Thaidy is described as being 180 centimeters tall, with a slim build. He has thin grey-black coloured hair in a crew style cut, and a short grey beard. He walks with a stoop and is frail. 

He was last seen wearing grey Everlast track pants, a blue Everlast long sleeve t-shirt, and black shoes. 

Mr Thaidy has dementia and diabetes, and also left home without his dentures, so his appearance will vary from the supplied image. 

Anyone who has seen Patrick Thaidy, or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Have You Seen Leon? - Man Missing from Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for assistance to help find a man missing from Murrays Beach in Lake Macquarie. 
Leon Evans was last seen by family members on Wednesday December 2nd.   Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation, however he has not been located. He's described as being 175 centimeters tall, with an athletic build, and blond coloured hair. He may be frequenting the North Coast of NSW and is perhaps in the South West Rocks area. Anyone with information information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man Dies After Crashing Motorcycle in Lake Macquarie

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A motorcyclist has died following a crash in Lake Macquarie. 

About 2.35pm on Thursday emergency services were called to Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach, after reports a motorcycle had left the road and hit a fence after colliding with a turning vehicle.

The rider who is yet to be formally identified, believed to be an 18-year-old man, was treated by Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.

The female driver of a Ford Territory wagon involved in the crash was taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police Distrct have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam footage or CCTV footage which might assist police with their investigation is asked to call Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lake Macquarie Woman Charged With Defrauding Bushfire Support Fund

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Lake Macquarie woman will face court next month after being charged with defrauding a bushfire support scheme. 

Police attended a home in Killingworth about 8.30am on Wednesday where they arrested a 28-year-old woman.

Police allege she fraudulently obtained a $10,000 grant through a bushfire small business support scheme.

She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with one count of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception, and granted conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on December 1. 

Strike Force Roche was established by several police districts within the Northern Region to investigate alleged fraudulent claims for bushfire disaster relief and small business grants through government agencies.

To date, Lake Macquarie detectives have charged five people under Strike Force Roche, including a 37-year-old man from Belmont South, who allegedly defrauded a support program of  $110,000 to buy milling machinery. 

Lake Macquarie Man Charged - Allegedly Defrauds Bushfire Recovery Fund $110k to Buy Milling Machinery

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie police have charge a 37-year-old man with fraud offences over the alleged misuse of bushfire recovery funds.

Strike Force Roche began investigating alleged fraudulent claims for bushfire disaster relief and small business grants through government agencies.

Officers executed a search warrant at a home on McEwan Street, Belmont South, where they spoke with a 37-year-old man.

The man was charged with numerous offences after allegedly fraudulently obtaining $110,000 through government support grants.

During the search, police located and seized a milling machine, believed to have been purchased with alleged fraudulently obtained funds.

Officers also located and seized ammunition from the property.

The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with one count of deal with proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Thursday. 

Second Person Arrested at Islington Over Alleged Violent Lake Macquarie Home Invasion

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A second man has been charged following an alleged home invasion and assault in Lake Macquarie.

About 12.40am on Sunday November 1st, officers were called to a house on Codrington Street, Barnsley, after reports a man had been assaulted during a home invasion.

Police have been told two males were at the home earlier in the evening for a party, but left after they were allegedly involved in an altercation with a 17-year-old male.

The two males then returned to the home – on two separate occasions – and allegedly assaulted the teenager, before they were seen fleeing in a vehicle.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged in relation to the incident; he remains before the courts.

Following inquiries, officers arrested a 28-year-old man at a home on Fern Street, Islington, about 1.45pm on Tuesday. 

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated enter dwelling with intent in company, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence and intimidation. 

He was also charged with breach of bail, larceny and other unrelated matters.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday. 

Detective Honored at NSW Police Excellence Awards for Investigations in Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A detective has been honored for her investigations in and around the Lake Macquarie area, as part of the NSW Police Force's 15^th annual State Crime Command Excellence Awards.

Detective Senior Constable Natalie Burston was highly commended for her role in Strike Force Kurla – established to investigate suspicious bushfire activity in and around the Lake Macquarie Police District in late 2018 and early 2019.

Det Snr Cst Burston established a teenage boy had called in a number of fires within that period, and after a thorough assessment of a spate of fires, he was charged with bushfire offences. 

She is being commended for her work on a challenging case which required diligent and tenacious investigative and leadership skills.

Assistant Commissioner Smith congratulated each award recipient for their devotion to their work and the wider community.

“Each of these detectives has displayed incredible passion for policing and protecting the people of New South Wales,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“Their diligence, skill and strong commitment to their work have earned them the respect of their peers who nominated them for these awards, and they should be extremely proud of that.

“They are a credit to their commands and the NSW Police Force, and we acknowledged them for their resolve and tenacity in investigating some of the state’s most complex crimes.

Detective Senior Constable Natalie Burston

Man Charged Allegedly Sexually Touching Two Women at Lake Macquarie Service Station Without Consent

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will face court after allegedly sexually touching two women without their consent while they were working at a service station near Lake Macquarie.

On October 24 and 25, two 22-year-old women were working at a service station in Cooranbong, when they were allegedly sexually touched by a man who is known to them.

The incident was reported to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on October 26. 

Following inquiries, police arrested a 62-year-old man at Cooranbong about 9am on Thursday. 

He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with five counts of sexually touching another person without consent.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on December 15. 

Police Searching for Wanted Man Known to Frequent Swansea, Marks Point, Windale

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie Police are searching for a man wanted on a number of outstanding warrants. 

Matthew Betts is wanted over break and enter and domestic violence offences.

He's known to frequent the Swansea, Marks Point and Windale areas. 

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

Image: Lake Macquarie Police District 

Woman Fined $1000 for Lake Macquarie House Party, Crowd Throw Bottles and Rocks at Police

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A woman has been issued a $1000 fine after police broke up a party at a Lake Macquarie Home. 

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Letchworth Parade, Balmoral, about 10.30pm on Saturday, following reports of a large party.

Police arrived to find more than 100 young people congregated and spoke with the resident – a 47-year-old woman – who said many of the guests were uninvited, but she had not asked them to leave.

As police attempted to disperse the crowd, they became hostile towards the officers and threw bottles, rocks, and other projectiles before damaging property, including fences, trees and street signs.

The crowd was eventually dispersed and investigations into the incident are continuing.

Officers have since issued the woman with a $1000 PIN.

Police Seize Allegedly Stolen Motorcycles, Camping Gear, and Cocaine at Lake Macquarie, Central Coast Homes

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged after allegedly stolen motorcycles, camping equipment, cannabis and cocaine were found at a properties across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

On Tuesday officers executed three search warrants at homes at Woongarah, Sunshine and Morisset.

During these warrants, police seized property including five motorcycles, camping equipment and motorcycle gear believed to be stolen.

Police also allegedly seized cocaine and cannabis, an electronic stun device, a replica pistol and fireworks. A 33-year-old man was charged with dealing with property believed to be proceeds of crime, possess prohibited plant, possess unauthorised firearm and possess explosives. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on November 4. Further arrests are anticipated.