BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Lambton Convenience Store

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is getting under way into the cause of a fire in the upper level of a Lambton convenience store early today (Tuesday 28 April 2026).

Seven fire trucks were called to the Ezy Mart on Elder Street just after 4.00am to find smoke issuing from the second storey above the shop.

They took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, with the blaze fully extinguished by 4.45am.

The fire was contained to the upper level.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was in the building at the time and no-one was injured.

 

Cars And Property Allegedly Damaged During Drug-Fuelled Rampage At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Thursday 29 May, 2025) after going on a drug-fuelled rampage at Lambton overnight.

Police say a security guard reported the man dressed only in his underwear damaging several cars outside a business on Wyong Road just before 9.00pm on Wednesday.

It's alleged the man also jumped on the roof of the security guard's Toyota Yaris.

Police say 4 vehicles and an air conditioner were left with a damage bill running to $15,000.

Police arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene, who they say was heavily drug-affected and bleeding, and took him to the Mater Hospital for treatment and observation.

He's expected to be charged with destroying and damaging property and will face Newcastle Local Court today. 

 

New Social Housing Completed At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is welcoming the completion of a significant social housing project at Lambton.

Five older homes on Robinson Avenue have been replaced with a modern 20-unit development, providing safe accommodation for up to 37 residents.

The $9 million development consists of eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, with two units able to accommodate wheelchair users.

Sonia Hornery says the move will see more homes available for the many people on the social housing waitlist across the Hunter.  

The new social housing development at Lambton

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Young Girl Missing From Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 12-year-old girl reported missing from Lambton has been found safe and well in Waratah West.

She was last seen at Lambton Swimming Pool on Thursday morning and police and family held concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Police say she was located just after 4.30am on Friday.

EARLIER:

Fears are growing for the welfare of a young girl who's gone missing from Lambton.

12-year-old Lara Sutton was last seen at the Lambton Pool in Durham Road at about 11.30am on Thursday and the alarm was raised when she couldn't be located or contacted.

Lara's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build, brown hair and blue eyes.

She's known to frequent the Waratah West, Woodrising and Toronto areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing girl Lara Sutton

Teens Face Court Over Pursuit Through Newcastle And Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested three teenagers over a wild pursuit in a luxury car allegedly stolen from Lambton.

Police say the Audi A6 sedan was taken from a home on Grainger Street early Tuesday morning, with officers spotting the car on Glebe Road at Adamstown before giving chase.

The car eventually stopped at Tomago where the driver, a 15-year-old boy and his two passengers, a boy aged 15 and a 14-year-old girl, were arrested.

The male passenger was refused bail and faced the children's court on Tuesday charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, and being carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. .

The driver and female passenger have been given strict conditional bail to face the children's court on Monday 15 April, 2024.

Three Teens To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three teenagers are expected to face the Children's Court after a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car through Newcastle.

Officers began pursuing a Subaru Impreza on Charlestown Road at Charlestown at about 1.20am on Sunday morning, but called off the chase when the car crossed to the wrong side of the road on Lookout Road near the John Hunter Hospital.

The car was found dumped a short time later in Grainger Street, Lambton.

A police dog found the trio hiding behind a backyard shed.

A 16-year-old boy and his two passengers aged 15 were arrested and charged with multiple offences. 

Teenager Placed In Induced Coma After Crash At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A teenager has been placed in an induced coma following a serious accident between a motorbike and a utility at Lambton.

Police say a Honda motorcycle and a Ford Ranger collided on Croudace Street near Chillcott Street at about 7.40pm on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old motorbike rider suffered head injuries and a broken leg and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A 29-year-old man who was driving the Ford Ranger has provided mandatory blood and urine samples.

Croudace Street was closed for three hours while investigators examined the scene.

 

Lambton Library cards to become after-hours access keys

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lambton Library is set to reopen this weekend, following an extensive renovation.

The library has been closed for months for works to restore the heritage facade, while modernising the facilities behind the scenes.

Library members will also now be able to use their library cards as keys to access the library outside of staffed hours.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it means facilities will be accessible seven days a week.

"Utilizing this new technology, it means it's also a community space," Cr Nelmes said.

"There are some resources in there, but predominantly, it will be able to be accessed by all of our library members and community for free, if they need to have meetings or gatherings.

"There's a lot of trust in that system, and there's also technology like CCTV cameras and the like."

Robert Watson is a member of the Lambton Residents Group.

He says the building has a rich history, but it's exciting to see it more into the future.

"Looking for meeting spaces, for things like garden club or a book club, and things like that, is significant around the Lambton area," Mr Watson said.

"Lambton's kind of a central part of Newcastle, if you like - sometimes I joke about the rotunda like the axle and all the other suburbs rotate around it."

The building was originally built to house the Lambton Council Chambers, until its closure with the creation of the Greater Newcastle Council in 1938.

In 1950, it was reopened as the Lambton Library.

Mr Watson says it's good to see the city's historic buildings, still being used as community assets.

"By any measure, that's an incredible success in having a library building and a meeting room available for that huge amount of time now," Mr Watson said.

"Most other things are closing down or winding back."

Image credit: City of Newcastle

BREAKING! Teens Arrested After Crashing Stolen Ute At Lambton

BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenagers are set to front court after crashing an allegedly stolen car at Lambton early Wednesday morning.

Patrolling police came across the crash on Durham Road at about 4.30am.

They found a white Mitsubishi Triton had crashed into a power pole - the vehicle had earlier been reported stolen from Jesmond.

A boy and girl inside the vehicle, both aged 15, were not hurt - another person in the car fled and is still on the run.

The pair were arrested and are assisting police with their inquiries.

Man Facing Court Over Alleged Break in of Elermore Vale Home, Prohibited Drug and Knife Possession

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is due to face court day accused of breaking into a home at Elermore Vale, and carrying prohibited drugs and a knife at Lambton. 

The 38-year-old was arrested with assistance from the Police Dog unit at around 1 o'clock in Lambton on Thursday, after entering the residence in Elermore Vale at around  4.30am in the morning when the occupants were asleep.
He is also accused of entering enclosed land at Hamilton, and was found with gloves, torches, box cutters and other tools used to break into properties. 

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

Police Appeal for Information to Find Missing Newcastle Man

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Newcastle City Police are appealing for assistance to find missing man, Christopher Hassan. 

Mr Hassan from Newcastle West, was last seen on Saturday night in Lambton. 

Police believe he may be using a blue Ford Falcon, with the number plate BAL13Z. 

Police and family have concerns for Mr Hassan's safety.

They believe he may be in the Newcastle or Maitland area. 

If sighted or if friends have any knowledge of Mr Hassan's whereabouts, they are being urged to contact Newcastle or Waratah Police.

Photo: Newcastle City Police Facebook Page

Novacastrians Asked to Choose Location of Cities New Dog Park

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

A new dog park is set to be built in Newcastle with residents being asked to have their say which suburb would be best.

Lambton Park and Armstrong Park have been flagged as potential sites for the fenced off-leash park.

The changes are a result of the Dogs in Open Space Plan which showed high demand for more dog-friendly fenced areas.

According to Council, 60% of Novocastrians want more off-leash areas for their pets, expressing feedback on shade, signage and seating for the next dog park.

Site selection has opened for consultation and a detailed plan will become available when an area is decided.

The City of Newcastle is also exploring opportunities to improve canine facilities in Adamstown, Islington and Maryland.

Newcastle's first off leash park on Acacia avenue in North Lambton opened in October last year and has received lots of positive feedback.

Locals and community groups are able to provide feedback for the new dog park until the 5pm on the 6th of August at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay

Lambton Residents Matt Brooker (left) and Mary Webster (right) with Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen (centre)

Young Woman Arrested At Shortland After Police Pursuit

BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been arrested following a pursuit through Newcastle's western suburbs early Thursday morning.

Police say a Nissan Pulsar refused to stop for a random breath test on Griffiths Road at Lambton just before 4.00am, with the driver continuing west at moderate speeds.

The car failed to negotiate a roundabout at Sandgate Road at Shortland and crashed into a road sign.

A 23-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

She's expected to face court today charged with police pursuit and other alleged offences.

Former Newcastle Salvation Army Member Charged With Historical Child Sex Offences

BY IAN CROUCH

A former Lambton Salvation Army member has been charged with historical child sexual abuse.

It follows an investigation by detectives from Strike Force Georgiana.

The 69-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police Station in April - he's accused of abusing two boys on numerous occasions in the late 1990's when they were aged 10 and 14.

Police say he met the boys through his work with the Salvation Army.

He's been charged with 15 offences including 3 counts of sexual intercourse with a minor and remains in custody ahead of his appearance in Newcastle Local Court today.
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Newcastle Man Charged for Online Child Exploitation

BY ADRIANA FLAHERTY

Strike Force Trawler have arrested a Newcastle man over allegedly grooming a child online.

Strike Force detectives arrested the 22-year old man yesterday in his Lambton home after months of engaging with him online.

The investigation began in January 2018 when the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) believed the man was sending indecent material to a 14-year-old girl.

The man was charged at Waratah Police Station for using a carriage service to groom a persons under 16 years of age.

A search warrant was granted for police to undertake the search of the property, where investigators found multiple electronic devices that will undergo forensic examination.

He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 11 April 2019 and until then has been granted strict conditional bail.

Anyone with information about internet predators should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

Wallsend MP Demands Answers over Speed Limit

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has labelled speed cameras stinging drivers along Thomas Street, Wallsend as well as Griffiths and Newcastle Roads, Lambton as "cash cows" for the state government.

According to new data revealed to Fairfax under freedom of information, close to $1.2 million worth of speeding fines have been issued along the stretch, since a speed reduction came into force in March.

The limit was changed from 70km/h to 60km/h.

In the period from April to September 2018, 6193 fines were issued, representing a 544% increase on the same period in 2017. Revenue is also up by 469%.

It's causing Sonia Hornery to renew her push for crash data, with the RMS citing safety concerns as the reason for the speed reduction. After months asking Roads Minister Melinda Pavey to release crash statistics, the MP is not convinced the speed reduction is justified.

"They [the RMS] told me the reason they made that reduction is because the crash statistics are too high. And so I said to them, 'tell me at what speed people are crashing so then I'm convinced that speed limit reduction should have occurred,'" Ms Hornery said.

"In just six months the government's raked in $1.18 million in speeding fines," she continued, "that's a lot of money our commuters are being slugged. If you're travelling on Lake Road [Glendale] you know you're able to do 70km/h quite safely so it doesn't make sense to me, and it doesn't make sense to our frustrated commuters."

Griffiths Rd, Lambton. 

Aqua Aerobics not just for the oldies

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Although many may think that aqua aerobic exercise is only for the old and infirm, the pools will be filled with people - both young and old - this Saturday for World Aquathon Day.

Aqua aerobics instructor and event organiser, Hannah Hartley is encouraging everyone to dip their toes in the water at Lambton Pool this weekend.

"This event will be fantastic because of the people that come, it's about family, community, it's for all ages, young and old," she said.

The event this year will incorporate an Around the World theme for participants. Instructors will be dressed in costume as pilots and air-hostesses leading the class on a trip to places including Africa and South America.

Ms. Hartley says the exercise "equalises" people and is an easy and accessible way for people to get build fitness.

"Once you're in the water, people don't look below the surface. Everybody is the same and are all able to do the same thing together."

As part of the jet-setting theme, musical performances will guide the body movements and immerse the swimmers in the experience.

The event is expected to have many jumping in the water and participating in the exercise. Ms. Hartley says the theme choice will be a fun opportunity for people to jump in the water and give aqua aerobics a try.

"Check that off your bucket list, when have you ever done aqua fitness to live African drumming?"

Money raised from the event will go to the Cancer Council, and will also promote healthy activity.

The class will include synchronised swimmers and other aqua activities.

"It's going to be fun, you're going to feel invigorated. We've got a barbeque, just come down and have a great time with us," Ms. Hartley Said.

Classes are $10 for the event which will splash-down at 9am Saturday, with classes running until 12 at Lambton Pools.

People of all ages are invited to give aqua exercise a go at Lambton Pool.
Picture: Newcastle City Council

Armed Robbery at Lambton Pub

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A group of armed robbers remain on the run following a frightening ordeal at Lambton over the weekend.

Around 10pm on Saturday night, a group of men armed with baseball bats broke-in to a licenced premises on Elder Street, Lambton.

The men threatened staff and stole cash before fleeing the scene.

Investigations are continuing, while police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woman Stabbed With Scissors - Lambton

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man has faced Newcastle Court today, accused of stabbing a woman multiple times last night with a pair of scissors.

Around 9 o clock, police and paramedics were called to Young Road at Lambton, where they were told the man allegedly choked the 24-year-old woman before stabbing her repeatedly in the chest and neck.

The 23-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station.

The victim was treated at the scene and remains in the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Police say the man and woman were known to each other.

Not here for good: Newcastle Permanent closure disappoints Wallsend MP

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

"When you think about Permanent, it means we're here for good."

That's the slogan popularised by the old Newcastle Permanent advertisements, however, it seems the brand may not be living up to that statement.

Another Newcastle Permanent branch has closed, leaving Lambton residents without a local branch.

Several banks have closed their Newcastle branches in the last few months in the move to get consumers to take advantage of online services instead, while the Permanent have closed vital bricks-and-mortar branches at the John Hunter Hospital and Callaghan University campus in addition to the Elder Street location.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery believes Australian financial institutions are abandoning disadvantaged people in regional areas.

"It's difficult for residents, especially the elderly or disabled, to get to another Newcastle Permanent branch a few kilometres away.

"It's all well and good for building societies to say you can do what you want online," Ms Hornery said, "but there are many people that don't have access to computers and there are many elderly and disabled people who like to actually talk to somebody.

"So taking away a service from the community is really taking away the opportunity for locals to communicate..." she continued.

Ms Hornery also fears there will be a loss of convenience which will hamper businesses on Elder Street and surrounds.

"With the closure of the Perm in Lambton," she said, "it means there are no services - no banks or building societies- making it difficult for local businesses to do their banking."