MAITLAND – Woman in Her 80s Sexually Assaulted on Path

 NOTE: This story contains material some readers may find confronting.

Police have launched an investigation following the sexual assault of a woman aged in her 80s near Maitland overnight.

Officers were told the woman was walking in Brooklyn Park between Kilkenny Circuit and Chelmsford Drive at about 7:30pm when she was forced to the ground by a male who attempted to sexually assault her.

The male fled and the woman contacted a family member who then alerted police. She was taken to hospital for treatment.

Strike Force Bosgar has been established to investigate. Police would like to speak with a teenage boy having a dark complexion, wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts who as seen leaving the scene on a push scooter.

Anyone with information or footage is being urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers.

Call to Preserve Walka Water Works Amid Chimney Fears

In a motion raised by Councillor Warrick Penfold, Maitland Council will tonight consider writing to Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison about the deteriorating state of the Walka Water Works.

There’s concern about the structural integrity of the chimney after locals noticed a number of missing bricks.

Chair of the Save Walka Reserve Community Alliance Michele Keith says without funding, the region could lose a valuable landmark.

“There’s been another four bricks that have come out in recent months, which is quite concerning, because how many bricks need to come out before the chimney will collapse?” she said.

“We were hopeful after our meetings [with the State Government], but nothing has come from it.

“Council put in a grant submission back in February this year. That grant hasn’t been forthcoming and that would have been the funding to fix the chimney.

“Walka and Maitland Gaol are our two major tourist attractions and they’re both shut, with no end in sight as to when they’re going to reopen,” she said.

Credit: Cr Warrick Penfold / Facebook

MAITLAND – Council Welcomes Rail Plans

 Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says Council is welcoming plans to investigate electrification of the Hunter Line and new stations.

The recently released Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan will also further investigate potential for a train to Cessnock.

But the plan’s come under fire for only looking ahead 20 years and not providing further promises for Maitland’s road network around Thornton and Chisholm.

Philip Penfold says he’d welcome new stations north of Maitland’s centre.

“There’s been a conversation in the past about potential train stations at Oakhampton to provide for the community at Aberglasslyn and beyond. That would be certainly welcome.

“But we need a strategy that is even more than these 20 years, at least to talk to a longer period and at least to actually make proper funding commitments,” he said.

“The New England Highway is a key element as well, as we continue to provide housing across the city from in the east at Chisholm, out to Lochinvar and in between. The New England Highway continues to feel that strain,” he said.

Credit: Maitland Council

MAITLAND - Appeal to Locate Missing Girl

Police are asking for help to locate a teenager missing from Mailand.

Zoey Pollock, aged 15, was last seen in Metford on Monday night. Officers and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's known to frequent the Maitland, Newcastle and Muswellbrook areas, and she's described as of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, with black hair usually in a bun.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

Credit: NSW Police

 

Morpeth to Walka Shared Walkway on Public Exhibition

 Maitland residents are being invited to put forward suggestions for the new $13 million Morpeth to Walka shared pathway.

Council says the walkway aims to increase transport and connectivity across expanding suburbs.

The project designs have been placed on public exhibition and residents will be able to have their say up until October 7th before a final report is submitted to Council.

Councillor Warrick Penfold says he wants the path to be useful in the broader transport network.

"It's very important we get this right because these pathways are going to be a very big part of ... moving around in the future," he said.

Credit: Maitland Council

Coalition Commits $100 Million for Maitland Overpass

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Coalition says $100 million is needed to solve gridlock at the Maitland roundabout at the New England Highway.

They'll invest the funds if elected for a westbound flyover near Maitland Station to improve traffic flow. It's a regular pinch point.

Paterson Liberal hopeful Laurence Antcliff was flanked by Shadow transport minister Bridget Mackenzie, Hunter Nationals candidate Sue Gilroy, and Deputy Opposition Leader Susan Ley this morning.

Sue Gilroy says locals have been calling out for improvements for years.

"I have knocked on thousands of doors in the Hunter electorate, and what I hear all the time is infrastructure isn't keeping up with growth," she said.

"This is a demonstration of an essential piece of infrastructure that really needs to be delivered," she said.

From Left: Nationals Hunter candidate Sue Gilroy, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, Paterson Liberal Candidate Laurence Antcliff

Camp Quality Convoy to Get Underway in Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

Camp Quality is set to launch it's Newcastle Convoy at the weekend, bringing together 100 trucks for a 38-kilometre journey through Newcastle and Maitland.

Trucks are in competition to be the best of the convoy with a goal of raising $120,000.

Camp Quality's Sandy Hall says it'll provide much-needed funds.

"We do a lot in the local John Hunter Hospital. These funds raised across the day will go towards supporting kids and families in the local area and across New South Wales," she said.

"We couldn't do these events without our incredible community.

"To our long-standing Newcastle supporters, the trucking community, our partners, our sponsors, we couldn't do it without community support and I hope people come along and check it out on the day," she said.

Transport for NSW is advising of changed traffic conditions on Sunday in roads through Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Heddon Greta and Beresfield.

A convoy from a similar event. Credit: Camp Quality

Appeal to Locate Missing Teens from Maitland

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Update: Police say all three children have now been located.

Police are searching for three children missing from Maitland since Friday.

Amelia and Tyson Spedding, aged 12 and 14, were last seen in Metford at 11:30pm on February 28.

12-year-old Kyia Wade was last seen leaving a home in Tenambit earlier that evening.

Port Stephens Hunter officers are commencing inquiries into their whereabouts.

They may be together. Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Kyia, Amelia and Tyson. Credit: NSW Police

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Promised By Coalition For Maitland

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Opposition's announced they'll commit to building a new urgent care clinic for Maitland if elected.

They say incumbent Labor MP Meryl Swanson hasn't done enough to bring care to the region.

Candidate Laurence Antcliff says the community has been calling for a clinic for years.

"It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor across Maitland and Port Stephens," he said.

"This is something that the people of our electorate have been screaming out for, for years.

"And quite frankly, this should have been delivered in 2022," he said.

Independent Candidate Philip Penfold says it's an announcement made too late.

"When both governments and oppositions announce these things, not during the course of their term, but in the dying weeks of their term while they're campaigning for re-election, I can understand why people will be cynical about that," he said.

Liberal Candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff. Credit: Liberal Party

Maitland Mayor Blasts Federal Government Over Urgent Care Clinic Petition

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A petition for a medicare urgent care clinic has been announced by Federal MP Meryl Swanson, to provide Maitland and Port Stephens residents with affordable access to health care.

But critics say access to a free clinic has been needed in the region for years.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says the region already has a clinic, but it charges a high fee.

"We have a private provider... the problem is the fee is $350, and not everybody can afford that," he said.

"I'm sick and tired of the people of Maitland being sick and tired.

"If Ms Swanson supposedly had the ear of the Prime Minister, she shouldn't need a petition to get something done.

"This Government needs to step up," he said. 

 

Medicare cards. Credit: SBS

Appeal for Help to Locate Missing Teenager

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Port Stephens officers are searching for missing teenager.

Jessy, aged 17, was last seen at Maitland on Thursday last week (January 30). He's described as 160 centimetres tall, thin build with bigger arms, short brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers or Port Stephens Hunter Police District.

Jessy, aged 17. Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police District.

Missing Sydney Teen Could Be In Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who they believe may have travelled to the Hunter from Sydney.

14-year-old Christian Nicholls from Carlton was last seen getting on a train at Central at about 9.45am on Tuesday 11 November, 2024.

Police believe he may have travelled to Maitland.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age and because he lives with a medical condition.

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

Christian was last seen wearing cream-coloured pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and black shoes and was carrying a brown Nike bag.

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

 

Missing teen Christian Nichols

 

Concerns For Missing Teen From Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a missing schoolgirl from the Maitland area.

Emma Thompson was last seen at Maitland High School at about 1pm on Wednesday 6 November, 2024, and police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being 155cm tall with a slim build, weighing about 40kgs and with brownish blonde hair.

Emma was last seen wearing a white school shirt and black shorts and was carrying a bag.

Police say she's not in trouble, they just need to find her and ensure she's safe and well.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police Station.

Missing Teen Emma Thompson

 

Teen Charged Over Maitland Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged a teenager following a serious crash at Maitland on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to The Long Bridge on High Street after a motorbike and an allegedly stolen Toyota Hilux utility collided.

A 58-year-old  man who was riding the bike suffered a traumatic leg injury and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for surgery.

A 16-year-old boy allegedly driving the ute was taken to Maitland Hospital under police guard.

Officers attended the hospital yesterday (Wednesday 6 November, 2024) where they charged the boy with a raft of offences including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

 

UPDATE! Emergency Services Called To Serious Crash At Maitland: Teenager Arrested

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following a serious crash at Maitland.

Emergency services were called to The Long Bridge on High Street at about 6.15am on Tuesday where a white Toyota Hilux Utility and a motor scooter collided.

The 58-year-old male rider was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested near the scene -police allege he was driving the utility which was reported stolen from Pelaw Main overnight.

He's been taken to Maitland Hospital under police guard for injuries, as well as mandatory testing.

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash at Maitland.

A car and scooter collided near the intersection of High Street and Regent Street just after 6.30.am on Tuesday.

NSW Ambulance says the 58-year-old male scooter has suffered significant injuries to his right leg.

He's been transported by road ambulance to Rutherford Airport where the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter will fly him to the John Hunter Hospital.

High Street is closed to traffic between Regent and Hannan Streets.

Melville Ford Bridge Upgrades

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Construction has begun on the new Melville Ford Bridge near Maitland.

The upgraded bridge will stand seven meters taller than the existing bridge, and will be built with concrete rather than timber.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says the 8.2 million dollar project will enhance access during flooding and will have no weight restrictions.

"Those who cross that bridge know that even a small flooding event will cause it to be closed for many days if not weeks, so this will make a great improvement." 

He also says Maitland residents will benefit from more upgrades in the future.

"It is important as Maitland grows that we keep on top of all these issues."

"It it is a rapidly growing place, but I'm committed to keeping on top of such things, and making sure that roads and traffic flow are the priority." 

Works are set to be completed by mid 2025.

Image credit: Maitland City Council

Climate Activists Disrupt Trains On The Hunter Line For A Ninth Day

 BY IAN CROUCH

Climate activists are again causing disruptions to the rail network on the Hunter line this morning (Wednesday 3 July, 2024).

Police were called to Church Street Maitland and Brunswick Street at East Maitland just after 4.30am to reports of protest activity and alleged trespassing.

The Hunter line has again been closed overnight, with buses replacing trains between Newcastle Interchange and Dungog and Newcastle Interchange and Scone this morning.

It comes as a 35-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman, both from Victoria, were arrested for disrupting coal trains in separate incidents at Farley and Thornton.

 

Firefighters Called To Unit Fire At Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have contained a unit fire at Maitland.

Crews from East Maitland, Maitland and Rutherford were called to Bourke Street at about 4.45am on Tuesday to find two separate fires had broken out at a mixed commercial and residential premises.

Newcastle Fire Command says all the occupants have been safely evacuated without injury.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Man Facing Court After Pursuit At Maitland.

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Wednesday 5 June, 2024) accused of leading police on a pursuit in a stolen car at Maitland.

Police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously near a white utility on Finney Close at Rutherford at about 11.00am on Tuesday.

A short time later the car was spotted on High Street at Maitland, but the vehicle took off when officers tried to pull it over, sparking a pursuit.

The chase was called off for safety reasons.

The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later on the banks of the Hunter River.

A 28-year-old man was arrested nearby.

He's been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with seven offences including vehicle theft, police pursuit and having custody of a knife in a public place.

Maitland Disability Support Hub Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

A disability support service provider is counting the cost of a devastating fire at its Maitland hub.

Firefighters were called to the Sunnyfield Disability Services premises on High Street just after 3.15pm on Thursday to find the single level weatherboard cottage well alight.

It's taken about an hour to bring the fierce blaze under control - fortunately no-one was in the building when the fire broke out.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the fire, with crews remaining on scene until just before 7.00pm, extinguishing hot spots and mopping up the blaze.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed but it's not believed to be suspicious.

Crews arrived to find the Sunnyfield hub at Maitland well alight . Picture Trevor & Teena Johansen