BREAKING! Crews Battling House Fire At Wangi Wangi

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a home at Wangi Wangi.

Newcastle Fire Command says 5 fire trucks were sent to Lakeview Road just before 6 o'clock on Thursday November 20, arriving to find a fire in an external garage had spread to the single level timber and cladding home.

Crews have managed to control the blaze, which has caused damage to two bedrooms.

Fire and Rescue says no-one was home when the fire broke out.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

Crews are still working to fully extinguish the fire.

 

Hunter Valley Police on Hunt for Missing Birds

By Nicole Creen

Hunter Valley police are currently investigating reports birds have been stolen from a pet shop in Branxton.

Last week, thirteen birds went missing over two separate robberies on Wednesday, January 15 and Friday, January 17.

Five white Fantail pigeons, three superb parrots, four eclectus parrots and one king parrot are included in those missing.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers.

Credit: Hunter Valley Police District

Credit: Hunter Valley Police District

UPDATE! Police Appeal for Help to Locate Missing Teen from Newcastle

 BY JACK SEYMOUR.

Police have advised Savannah has been found safe and well.

EARLIER: 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Newcastle.

Savannah Bamblett, aged 15, was last seen in Shortland about 1pm on Sunday (19 January 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified yesterday (21 January 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Savannah’s welfare due to her young age.

Savannah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 160cm tall, of medium build with brown hair and brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Merewether, Hamilton South, Shortland and Fletcher areas.

Anyone who has information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

University of Newcastle announces mandatory placement for all undergraduate students

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

The University of Newcastle has announced all students commencing undergraduate courses from 2023 onwards will complete mandatory placement within a workplace in their chosen industry.

Although placement has been an important part of medicine and teaching programs for years, science, arts, and business students have not had the same experience and take longer to gain employment after graduation across the country.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Tim Crakanthorp says the program will allow students to experience in the vocation they intend to go into after graduation and make an informed decision about their education and career path going forward.

"I am a perfect case example as I did a degree, got into work, and realised it wasn't for me. This is a great program and I can clearly see the benefit," Mr Crakanthorp said.

The program is one of the first of its kind in Australia, showing the University is a leading force not only in the state but in the country.

The 2021 Australian Skills Commission report found 75% of employers look for experience before even considering an applicant, and 40% of roles were given to someone the employer already knew.

These findings show how important it is for students to gain industry experience while studying and to grow their network of contacts within their industry to improve their chances of future employment.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic at the University of Newcastle, Mark Hoffman says the university has great relationships with local businesses and "they are really passionate about supporting us in this program".

"This is possible particularly for the University of Newcastle because of the great industry support and relationships we have in the region and nationally," Mr Hoffman said.

$150,000 Park Opens in Birmingham Gardens

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes attended the opening of a new playground at Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens today.

The new park cost $150,000 and features new walking paths and all new playground equipment, with more seating and shade set to be added in the future.

The playground is part of City of Newcastle's $750,000 investment into five new parks being opened this year across the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the opening events for new parks are important celebrations to bring the community together, particularly during school holidays.

Nelmes says its important for the council to "invest in quality facilities in our western suburbs" and create spaces for local families.

The council has invested $9.5 million in playgrounds over the past five years, with Newcastle now boasting 134 local playgrounds.

In addition to the investment in playgrounds currently being built, a $10 million, fully accessible playground is now in the planning stage and is set to be built at Foreshore Park.

"I'm really proud to be a part of a council that unanimously supports the investment into our city and suburbs," Nelmes said.

Plans lodged for $35 million Hunter Sports Centre expansion

BY LILLY HAINES

Lake Macquarie City Council has released a new $35 million plan to upgrade the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale, lodging a development application for the site last week.

The plan proposes a three-storey state of the art gymnasium and athletic centre with an athletic warm-up and testing area, a 1,975 square-metre trampoline hall housing a 450-seat grandstand. 

Proposed expansion to the Hunter Sports Centre Facilities. Image: EJE Architecture

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser says these new facilities would see the centre given tier-one athletic status which would provide greater opportunities for regional athletes. 

"We don't have anywhere really in regional NSW where young people and people who want to be in this sporting arena can actually come and participate and hone their skills.

"This is an area that is growing, we know that a lot of young people are going to athletics, we know gymnastics is really popular and we need a facility here to accommodate our needs and at the moment we are nearly at capacity." Cr Fraser said.

If funding for the project can be secured the proposed plans would see additions to the current track and field facilities, new community function areas and meeting rooms, new road access to the centre, landscaping upgrades around the site, and bus and car parking spaces.

Proposed upgrades to the Hunter Sports Centre Facilities. Image: EJE Architecture

"Visitation of the centre has grown to the point where we really need this Hunter Regional Sports centre because there is an increase in demand for event and community use in the growing Hunter region.

"This extension will improve community access to the facilities and programs and it will support many community groups in a state of the art sporting facility and given the other sporting facilities in our community, this fits in nicely with the overall plan for our city," Mayor Fraser said.

Other proposed facilities in the area include a $25 million basketball facility holding 10 courts and 4000 spectators on Hillsborough Rd, which the NSW government promised to deliver in the lead up to the March election.

Last year Lake Macquarie City Council outlined plans for a $10 million Trampoline Centre also at Glendale but was unable to secure state funding, which Cr Fraser said has not deterred the council from advocating for sports infrastructure funding for the region.

"Unfortunately, it hasn't received funding in the past, but we continue to advocate for funding to deliver this project.

"Once we receive a development application approval we are shovel ready.

Which means we are more in a position, if there are funds available, to start building this facility straight away," Kay Fraser said.

Image: EJE Architecture

Singleton Considers Mandatory Water Restrictions

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Low Level water restrictions could become mandatory for Singleton residents, as Council looks at preserving its falling water supply levels.

Levels at Glennies Creek Dam have fallen to 54-per-cent and if dry weather continues, enforced restrictions could come into place in the area.

Singleton Mayor, Councillor Sue Moore, says Council is working carefully to preserve the water supply.

“Water is an important resource and we need to be mindful of how we use and preserve water even in good conditions,” she said.

The Level 1 (low level) restrictions were applied to Singleton last year, but only on a voluntary basis.

Council says its pleased to see residents have already been saving water, but is considering enforcing its low level restrictions, similar to Sydney.

"It’s great to see the people of Singleton have taken on board tips to save water".

Cr More says water levels and usage are being monitored and Council will consider enforcing water rules if drought conditions continue.

“Council is closely monitoring the status of water in order to inform the need to implement mandatory low level restrictions in the next few months, because of concerns about the supply of water into the future particularly if drought conditions worsen," she said.

According to Singleton Council, the restrictions for residential properties would mean:

• Watering of lawns by watering systems, microsprays, drip systrems, soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter 
• Watering of residential gardens by watering systems, microsprays, drip systems, soaker hoses, non fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter
• Topping up or filling of garden water features is permitted
• Irrigation of new turf is permitted for one week after laying, which after level 1 restriction of watering lawns applies
• Washing down of walls or paved surfaces is not permitted.

Residents are advised that if the restrictions come into place, they will be enforced.

“If mandatory restrictions are introduced, penalties will apply to customers found to be misusing water," Cr Moore said.

The restrictions were introduced on a voluntary basis, but could become mandatory if dry conditions continue. (Image: Singleton Council)

Labor to fund University of Newcastle's Gendered Violence Project

BY LILLY HAINES

Labor will invest $1.65 million for the University of Newcastle to deliver a project aimed at helping people who have experienced domestic and family violence into higher education and to change community culture.

The funding is a part of a $174 million Labor commitment to boost equity and participation in higher education.

The project consists of four complementary programs focusing on creativity and learning beyond trauma; choice, change, and opportunity; supporting students beyond domestic and family violence; and challenging gendered inequalities in leadership.

The pilot project will reach up to 1400 participants at different ages from high-school students to higher education participants from across the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Shadow Minister for Universities and Shadow Minister for Equality, Senator Louise Pratt, said the project will be significant in creating important pathways for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We want to support more people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable who might not get a good go at higher education into university.

"I know so many of my own friends who have had these experiences where they haven't made it through their degrees because relationships broke down because of domestic or gendered violence and you will hear these stories in your own communities here," Senator Pratt said.

The project includes tailor-made pathways into university for people who have experienced domestic and family violence and will offer ongoing support during their time as a student.

Last year, the Hunter region showed higher numbers of domestic violence than the state average.

"Gender violence is reaching epidemic proportions in Australia and we need to find really serious ways to prevent gendered violence, to better support people who are leaving gendered violence, and to break the cycle which is why I am especially happy about this program trying to bring about cultural change," Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said.

Part of the project will target high school students and raise awareness about the damaging impacts of gender inequality and provide the tools to challenge harmful attitudes.

Vice Chancellor for the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zalinsky, welcomes the announcement to fund the programs as the university is "strongly committed to equity and excellence".

"Equity means helping the disadvantaged and people who have been subjected to gendered violence are disadvantaged and they really are set back and we are committed to addressing those issues," Professor Zelinsky said.

Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, Professor Penny Jane Burke, said this project is important because of the power of higher education in creating change, hope, and possibilities for disadvantaged people.

"There is transformative power of education in rebuilding people's lives, I know that firsthand as a survivor of domestic violence myself," Professor Burke said.

"I know what role higher education can play in transforming not only their own lives but the lives of their children and their families.

"Not only the individual women are touched by this but it also extends into their families and communities."

L-R: Vice Chancellor Alex Zalinsky, Senator Louise Pratt, Professor Penny Jane Burke & Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon at the University of Newcastle's NewSpace. 

85-Year-Old's Narrow Escape Raises Safety Concerns

BY NADIA D'ANDREA

An 85-year-old Stockton woman avoided death yesterday afternoon after a window fell from a two storey building.

June Daniels was waiting for a bus outside a construction site on the corner of Newcastle's Perkins and King Streets when the window smashed onto the ground less than a metre from where she stood.

University of Newcastle lecturer, Paul Scott, was walking across the street when he heard the window land and says it could have been avoided if the worksite was fenced off.

He was one of the first to attend to Mrs Daniels and made sure to photograph the smashed glass, later reporting the incident to SafeWork NSW.

“Mrs Daniels was extremely lucky she wasn’t very seriously injured or perhaps even killed," Paul Scott told 2NURFM News.

"She said to me, look, I’m 85, I don’t expect to be around forever but I didn’t think a window falling from the sky would be the thing that took me out!”

Mrs Daniels was left shaken by the incident but fortunately escaped unharmed.

Picture: Paul Scott Via Newcastle Herald.

MP Sharon Claydon Calling To Reverse University Budget Cuts

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon is calling on the government to reverse damaging cuts to the University of Newcastle, ahead of tonight's budget announcement.

She says modelling indicates the University is set to lose $69-million-dollars between now and 2021.

Ms Claydon claims the cuts will affect the whole region.

"These cuts are damaging in every way imaginable, they are short-sighted in terms of skills development- they are just plain silly in terms of the additional kinds of burdens and costs that they're going to be trying to shift," she says.

Ms Claydon says despite the university's best efforts at mitigation, the cuts would soon start to bite.

"I applaud the university for protecting the student places from the cuts in 2018, but that is simply not going to be possible for the university to maintain."

Sharon Claydon MP

Hunter Preschools To Receive Funding

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Three preschools around the Hunter have received funding to support disadvantaged families needing early childhood education.

Two centres in Cessnock and one in Newcastle have been selected, as part of the state government's Community Grants program.

Gretta Community Preschool and Hunter Mobile Preschool in Cessnock will receive $5000 and $7000 respectively, whilst Cooks Hill Preschool in Newcastle will receive close to $2000.

The money will go towards transport for those in remote areas and providing things such as backpacks and healthy lunches.

Parliamentary Secretary for The Hunter Scot Macdonald says all children should be given the opportunity to receive a quality education.

"We've got some families in the community who really struggle to pay those preschool fees, and we think there would be a good outcome if we could get some of those children into the preschool system," he says.

Mr Macdonald says the benefits will be seen in the future.

"I think if we start early with some of the children who have otherwise missed out, we will see the benefits all through the schooling system and then even later in life," he says.

"If you get that good strong start with quality early childhood education, that will mean a better schooling experience, and then that means better vocational and higher education outcomes."

Port Stephens To Receive $3 Million Dollars For Koala Hospital

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Animal rescue organisation, Port Stephens Koalas, will receive $3 million dollars to go towards a new koala hospital.

It is hoped the hospital will take the burden off local volunteers, who, up until now, have been operating out of their own homes.

Port Stephens Koalas Care and Rescue Coordinator Simone Aurino says having adequate facilities will mean more progress can be made.

"We need to contribute to conservation in many ways and without a central facility, it makes it very difficult for us to do this," she says.

However, Ms Aurino says getting the government on board has not been an easy process for volunteers.

"This has been an absolute mammoth task- it's not something that has happened overnight, we've had a team working on this project dedicated solely to this for several years," she says.

"They've had to really petition the government, supply all the supporting data that really shows why this should move ahead, and it's brilliant that it's finally being recognised."

$20 million dollars has also been allocated to purchase land for preservation.

It comes after six hectares of the Mambo Wetlands was sold last year, which is prime koala habitat.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says the funding is long over due.

"We've been critical of the government in its delay on even releasing its koala strategy," she says.

"Whilst that's been delayed, we've seen our koala numbers plummet."

Ms Washington says she hopes the government will consider buying back the section of the Mambo Wetlands which was sold for $250 thousand dollars last year.

"We are renewing our calls heartily for the government to spend some of that allocation of funds to returning the Mambo Wetlands to public hands."

Police Shortage In Maitland

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is criticising the state government for failing to enlist more police in Maitland.

The region was promised ten new officers, however, they are still three short.

"We've just had 234 new police recruits coming into the state- three of those have come into the Hunter, but none to Maitland," she says.

"We've only got seven out of ten of the promised recruits, and that is not good enough."

Ms Aitchison feels the area is being overlooked, despite a growing population and crime rate.

"Our population has topped well over 80 thousand now, we need these services to be delivered and yet the government just seems to ignore us," she says.

"They're very happy to build and to knock down stadiums in Sydney, but when it comes to putting police on the ground in Maitland, they can't cut a ribbon for that one."

Since the start of the year, seven outlaw motorcycle gang incidents have occurred, on top of day to day crime.

Ms Aitchison says this, paired with a high domestic violence rate, should be acknowledged.

"In 2016 we were the third highest increase in domestic violence in the state, and we have the highest Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) application rate," she says.

"There have been six to seven incidents of outlaw motorcycle gang violence in the first two months of this year, and a lot of that violence was centred in Maitland,"

"That takes time out of police in their busy schedules, so that makes it even harder."

University of Newcastle Hosts Family and Community Strengths International Symposium

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Experts are gathering at the University of Newcastle today and tomorrow for the 3rd Family and Community Strengths International Symposium

One hundred delegates from around the world will take parts, and look at issues such as family violence, economic and structural change.

The two-day conference will allow academics, practitioners and policymakers to learn from each other in an attempt to facilitate change.

Professor Alan Hayes says a key factor of the event will be exploring support options for families.

"We're facing much more complex problems these days, and in many cases, they're entrenched and inter-generational," he says.

"The sorts of supports that can be offered to families and the ways in which we can mobilise community strength is extremely important."

Professor Hayes says it is important to hear from other nations to combat these problems.

"Most nations are really starting to struggle with this, and the discipline of family studies is starting to emerge in countries like Indonesia," he says.

"We're all facing the challenges, but if they're not addressed through effective supports to families and communities, they risk becoming exacerbated and entrenched."

$2 Million Upgrade To Merewether's Clarke Grandstand

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Clarke Grandstand at Merewether's Townson oval is set to receive a two million dollar upgrade in September.

The redevelopment will cater to both spectators and players, including new public amenities, a top-floor glass pavilion and a new gym.

Council will contribute $1.5 million to the project, with the remaining $500 000 coming from the Merewether Carlton Rugby Club.

Board member John Davis says the current facilities are in urgent need of an upgrade.

"At the moment, we're operating from the old pavilion, which is probably nearly ninety years old I think- it's in bad repair, it's small, it doesn't comply with regulations- it has all sorts of issues around its use," he says.

"So this alternative adaption of the Clarke Grandstand really addresses all of those issues in a very economic and rational way."

Mr Davis says the redevelopment will be appreciated by the whole community.

"It is a ground that is used intensely, both for rugby union, for rugby league, for cricket, so it certainly gets a lot of use," he says.

"There is no doubt that it will provide probably one of the best viewing situations for rugby in the Hunter Valley."

Mr Davis says the upgrade is a positive step forward for the club, with it being around fifty years since any revamps.

"We think it's the only sensible solution to the facilities on the ground and it's a very economic one as well," he says.

"By adapting the grandstand that currently exists we're saving a lot of money."

New plans for the grandstand.

Homes With Combustible Cladding To Face Hefty Repair Bill

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Homeowners around the Hunter could rack up a bill equaling millions of dollars if their building has combustible cladding.

The New South Wales Government has identified four hundred and twelve buildings in need of repairs as a preventative measure.

Shadow Minister for Innovation Yasmin Catley says innocent homeowners are now facing the consequences.

"The cladding debacle overseen by this government stands to have a massive financial impact on property owners," she says.

"Properties that have cladding on them are finding it very difficult to get house insurance, it's imperative that the government provides assistance to these people so they can get the rectification work done."

Ms Catley says these owners may be forced to pay for repairs, even if they did not build the property.

She says it is essential that homeowners contact the government to ensure the original developer covers the costs, as repairs do not come cheap.

"What we've seen in Melbourne at the Lacrosse Building is an estimated 15 million dollars worth of repairs, so it is quite a costly exercise," she says.

"There is no doubt that the owner of the building will definitely be out of pocket."

As well as the repair costs, owners are also faced with the risk of their property decreasing in value by up to 90 percent as a result of the illegal cladding.

Grenfell Tower in London in flames as a result of combustible cladding.

Catholic Diocese To Open More Long Day Care Centres

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is planning to overcome the current struggle to keep up with demand for long day care centres in the area.

With five centres already up and running, they are looking to expand to twenty over the next five years.

Diocese CEO Sean Scanlon says there are plans all for the whole region.

"We've got a number of sites already ear-marked, we've got development applications approved, we've got agreements to take over some existing centres so whilst it's optimistic, or perhaps even ambitious, it's probably not outside the realms of possibility," he says.

"We've got plans to be in Raymond Terrace at the beginning of next year, we'll be in Maitland where we're also setting up a training centre so we can train staff. Gillieston Heights will be following that as well as Muswellbrook, Scone, and the expansion of our existing centre in Newcastle West, so we're looking to be across the region."

The new plans come after three centres were opened this year in Chisholm, Cardiff and Lochinvar.

Upgrade For Stockton Surf Life Saving Club

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

The Stockton Surf Life Saving Club will receive a much-needed upgrade, due to population growth in the area.

The club has not been upgraded since the 1970's, and the new designs will improve access for people with disabilities.

Club President, Callan Nickerson says he would like the club to be more accessible to all members of the public.

"Our club is an old club and is not quite fit for everyone in our community so we're pretty passionate about making a building that's a first-class building, that's an asset to Stockton, and that's accessible by everyone," he said.

Mr Nickerson says the local community is looking forward to the new development.

"There's a bit of a buzz, certainly amongst our membership, and people around Stockton," he says.

"I think people are generally excited to have a first class building so close to the beach, and it's something that the community can be proud of."

The club is funding the initial stages of the upgrade, however, they hope the local and state government will offer some support.

"We're building a community asset, and hopefully they can support us in that endeavour."

The new design, as seen in The Newcastle Herald.

Locals Blame Seismic Testing For Washed Up Remains

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Hunter locals have taken to social media to blame the seismic testing for what appears to be whale remains that have washed up on Blacksmith's Beach.

The testing took place off the coast of Newcastle last week, however, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says it has no connection to the body parts.

She says the washed-up remains are common in this area, and that the testing was not a factor.

"Marine life is washed up onto our beaches up and down the eastern seaboard on a regular basis and it can be said that this is another example of that," she says.

"There is certainly no suggestion that the body parts that we see on Blacksmith's Beach have any relationship whatsoever to the testing that's going on off Newcastle recently."

Catley says the community should not jump to conclusions, as measures were put in place to protect marine life in the area.

"During the testing, the vessel saw a pod of dolphins at one stage- they immediately ceased their activities until the dolphins left the exclusion zone," she says.

"The safety authority NOPSEMA were actually present on the vessel, and they put in place the highest safety precautions and environmental protection that we would expect,"

"If the community is concerned, then they should ask fisheries to do an examination of those body parts, and get some conclusive evidence."

Worth Place Reopens Today

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Motorists in Newcastle will now be able to use Worth Place again this morning, after months of light rail construction.

The closure of the intersection has meant limited access to Honeysuckle Drive since January.

The reopening marks the completion of one of the most complex sections of the light rail construction, according to Revitalising Newcastle Program Director, Michael Cassel.

"Construction at Worth Place was always going to be a challenge, with a number of services of varying types, sizes, ages and conditions crisscrossing just beneath the ground next to trees and their root systems," he said.

However, construction along Hunter Street is not fully completed, with the section between Auckland and Merewether Street set to close today.

"This provides us with the opportunity to get in and complete much of the finishing work in the Civic precinct, which includes building track, Civic stop and footpath works," said Cassel.

"As a result, Worth Place will be the best way to get between Honeysuckle and the city centre while we undertake work."

The closure is expected to last six to eight weeks.