Police Appeal For Help To Find Man Missing From Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A search is under way for a man reported missing from Medowie.

43-year-old Aaron Dege was last seen in Gwalia Close at about 3.00am yesterday (Monday 9 February 2026) and police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Aaron's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing hi-vis clothing.

Aaron may be driving a white Isuzu MUX with the NSW registration DAJ 17D.

He's known to frequent the Medowie, Karuah, Lemon Tree Passage and Soldiers Point areas.

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

Missing man Aaaron Dege

KINGS HILL DEVELOPMENT – Former MP Slams “Ridiculous” Delay

 Former Port Stephens Mayor and MP Craig Baumann says the Kings Hill development near Grahamstown Dam is long overdue.

The land, then for 4,500 homes was rezoned in 2010, but has been turned down by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, who later rejected an appeal in January over storm water and road works.

Councillor Giacomo Arnott is preparing a notice of motion to look at other options for future development.

But Craig Baumann believes the updated application for 2,500 homes should go ahead.

“It’s critical for the growth of Raymond Terrace, and Medowie High School has just commenced without the additional population and demand on Irrawang High School and Hunter River High.

“I’m not quite sure how [Medowie High School] will survive,” he said.

“If another 12,000 people moved into Raymond Terrace, the shops would benefit. The commercial centre would increase in size to everybody’s benefit,” he said.

Credit: Kings Hill Development

Coalition Slams Labor Over Education Spending

 The State Opposition is defending its decision to not fund Medowie High School which began construction works last week.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says she has fought for the school for years in opposition, and claims the Coalition did not come good on a promise to build it in Government.

But Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says she funded a number of upgrades while in opposition.

“We went based on the advice that we were getting from the Department and also in relation to community growth.

“The decision was made to actually make those significant investments in Hunter River High School and in Irrawang High School, which I note [Port Stephens MP] Kate Washington was happy to open those projects and take credit for,” she said.

“I think it’s a bit rich for the Government to continue to blame the previous Government. They’ve been in now for well over two years,” she said.

Medowie High School artist’s impression. Credit: NSW Government

MEDOWIE HIGH SCHOOL – Sod Turning Marks Start to Construction

 PETER HYSLOP

Premier Chris Minns has visited Port Stephens today turn the first sod on Medowie High School, a project years in the making.

The new school will open its doors to students in Term 1 2027, following a long fight from Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

She delivered an emotional speech, saying it had taken since 2011 to get it off the ground.

“This has been a fight from the families of Medowie forever,” she said.

“I know that there are people here that thought they were going to be the first cohort in the new school, and that was decades ago.

“My youngest was in my arms when I first started fighting for this school and she’s now 19. So this is an enormous day,” she said.

It will feature 29 modern classrooms, specialist workshops and labs, play and sport facilities, a multipurpose hall and library.

Chris Minns says it’s long overdue.

“This is the first new high school for the Hunter Valley in 25 years and it’s long overdue for one of the fastest growing communities in New South Wales,” he said.

“I think both sides of politics recognise that this school was absolutely essential for a fast growing community a long time ago,” he said.

Pedestrian Killed At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say poor visibility during wet weather appears to be a factor in a fatal pedestrian crash at Port Stephens.

Emergency services were called to Medowie Road at Medowie around 1.40am on Sunday to find a man had been it by a car.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man, believed to be in his 30's, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Police are asking anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Raymond Terrace Police.

MEDOWIE – High School Granted Planning Approval

 BY IAN CROUCH

Shovels will be in the ground within weeks, with the state government confirming the much-anticipated Medowie High School has been granted planning approval.

The local community has been calling for a public high school in the area for decades and in 2023, Labor committed $53 million to build the school to be located on 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road.

Construction is set to begin in September with the school expected to open for the start of Term One in 2027.

Plans on Public Exhibition for Medowie High School

BY PETER HYSLOP

Plans for a high school at Medowie are progressing with blueprints on public exhibition from today.

The Department of Education acquired 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road last year, with a scheduled opening for 2027.

The Review of Environmental Factors is available through the State Planning Portal and is open for feedback.

The State Government says a school at Medowie is aimed at lightening pressure on other institutions with population growth expected.

High School Site on Abundance Road. Credit: Google Maps

Calls for Fire Station at Medowie

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The State's Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) is calling for better coverage of the Port Stephens region including a station at Medowie, following a tragic house fire.

On Sunday, 62-year-old Russell Magrath died after he couldn't be saved from his home, which was well alight by the time crews arrived.

State Secretary Leighton Drury has told 2NURFM minutes are precious in crew responses, but calls directed at the State Government for a station have fallen on deaf ears.

"We've been calling for extra resources for the Medowie area for a number of years now," he said.

"Medowie has over 10,000 people, thousands of dwellings, and certainly extra resources are critical in times like this.

"Unfortunately it's crickets from the Minister. They need to fund the services that will keep people safe," he said.

BREAKING! Crews Battling Garage Fire At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are battling a garage fire at Medowie.

Newcastle Fire Command says firefighters from Raymond Terrace and an RFS crew from Medowie were called to Overland Avenue at about 4.45am on Wednesday to find a 10 x 20 metre detached garage well alight.

Crews have been tackling the blaze in defensive mode from outside the building for almost an hour but are expected to move to offensive mode soon.

It's understood the fire is contained to the garage and a 5 bedroom brick and tile home on the property has not been impacted.

Police and ambulance crews are also at the scene.

Police Investigate House Fire At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a fire which destroyed a home at Medowie overnight.

Several RFS and Fire and Rescue crews were called to the single level weatherboard and tile home in Silver Wattle Drive just after 5.30pm on Monday to find the house and a Toyota Landcruiser up in flames.

It's not clear at this stage if anyone was home when the fire broke out.

Crews worked for three hours to extinguish and mop up the blaze, which also caused minor damage to a neighbouring property.

Police say no-one was injured and a crime scene has been established as investigations continue

Newcastle Fire Command says there were numerous rubbish fires at the rear of the home when crews arrived.

Emergency services at the scene of the house fire at Medowie

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                                                       Picture: Medowie RFS

Alleged Port Stephens Child Groomer To Face Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Port Stephens man is due to face court today (Friday 28 June 2024) on child grooming charges.

In May, strike force detectives began an investigation into a 52-year-old man after he allegedly attempted to groom a child online using social media.

Police executed a search warrant at a home at Medowie around 7.30am on Thursday.

During the search, detectives say they located and seized electronic devices and arrested the man.

He's been charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 and failing to comply with reporting obligations.

Port Stephens Man Missing Since Saturday

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

Police have launched an appeal for assistance to locate a man missing from Port Stephens. 

Andrew Collins, aged 63, hasn't been seen since Saturday evening (5th August 2023), when he left a home on Waropara Road at Medowie.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, of a medium build, with black hair and brown eyes,

Police have reason to believe he's travelling in a white Toyota Tarago with NSW registration BQ2-0PV

If you've seen Andrew or know where he is, please contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

 

Man Faces Court On Break And Enter Charges In Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been refused bail following an investigation into two alleged break and enter offences in the Port Stephens area.

Police say the offences relate to the theft of a safe from the Hexham Bowling Club on July 8 and the attempted theft of another safe from a restaurant on Ferodale Road at Medowie on July 17.

Officers went to a motel on Gowrie Avenue at Nelson Bay on Wednesday morning and arrested a 37-year-old man.

He was charged with break and enter offences and drug possession and refused bail to re-appear in Raymond Terrace Court on September 20.

Labor Promises New High School in Medowie

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Labor has said it will build a public high school in Medowie if it wins the March state election. 

Land was set aside for the project on Ferodale Road forty years ago, but no government has followed through with plans since. 

However, Opposition Education Spokeswoman Prue Car has announced, a NSW Labor government would commit $53 million to the project, and would commence work on the project in the first term of government. 

The school would cater for up to 600 students initially and would be operational in four years.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, said it's something the community has been fighting for for generations.

"Medowie is a town of more than 10,000 people and growing. it has two independent high schools, but no public high school. The need has been there for a long time; everyone knows Medowie needs a public high school," she said. 

In response to the pledge, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, said Labor's commitment won't be enough to build a brand new high school.  

However, Ms Washington, says it's about time a commitment was made. 

"If she wants to quibble about the dollars, she should be putting a high school in Medowie and telling us how much she will fund it. Her solution is to squeeze more kids into the high schools in Raymond Terrace. That is the cheapest and nastiest solution for the families of Raymond Terrace and Medowie," Ms Washington said.  

"The upcoming state election couldn't be clearer; if the families of Medowie want a public high school, they must vote for Labor, because only a Labor Government will deliver it." 

Update! Concerns For Missing Medowie Teenager

 BY IAN CROUCH

Josie was found safe and well at a house in Raymond Terrace on Friday afternoon. Police have thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

Port Stephens police are appealing for help to find a young teenage girl who's gone missing from Medowie.

13-year-old Josie Pritchard was last seen on Wednesday and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Josie's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165sm tall, of thin build with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a striped white and blue school shirt and navy long pants and is known to frequent the Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle areas.

If you've seen her or know where she is, contact Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

Missing teenager Josie Pritchard

BREAKING! Elderly Man Bashed During Home Invasion At Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly man has been assaulted during a violent home invasion at Medowie.

Police say two men and a woman forced their way into the home on Kindlebark Drive just after 6.30pm on Tuesday and assaulted the 82-year-old man before leaving.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Police say the alleged offenders were not known to the victim and nothing was taken from the house.

Detectives have set a crime scene and are pursuing a line of inquiry.  

 

 

Man Facing Court After High Speed Pursuit Through Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today accused of leading police on a high speed pursuit through the Port Stephens area.

Officers noticed a Toyota Hilux on Government Road at Nelson Bay late on Saturday night and directed the driver to stop as he was wanted on outstanding warrants.

But the ute took off with police in pursuit, allegedly reaching speeds of 130 km/h.

Officers cornered the vehicle in Ferodale Road at Medowie and police say the driver reversed into two police cars before running off .

The 38-year-old was tracked down by the Polair helicopter and was arrested in bushland.

It's alleged a homemade firearm, starter pistol, metamphetamine and stolen jewellery were found in the ute.

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.

Unlicensed Motorcyclist Allegedly Caught More than Double the Speed Limit near Nelson Bay

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

An unlicensed motorcyclist has been charged after he was allegedly caught travelling more than double the speed limit near Nelson Bay. 

About 10.40pm on Monday officers on Nelson Bay Road at Bob’s Farm, detected a Yamaha R3 motorcycle travelling 160km/h in an 80km/h zone. 

When police went to pull the rider over, the motorcyclist allegedly increased his speed to 200km/h, before stopping near Cromarty Lane.

The rider, a 19-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station, where he was charged with drive whilst disqualified, driving in a manner dangerous and exceed speed by more than 45km/h.

The Medowie man has been granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on November 30. 

Couple To Face Court Over Pursuit Through The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Two people are due to face court today (Wednesday 2 September, 2020) over a pursuit through the Hunter in ute with false number plates.

Police spotted the Mitsubishi Triton on the Pacific Highway at Karuah around 11.40am on Tuesday and started following the vehicle but called off the chase a short time later due to the manner of driving.

The ute was seen again on Medowie Road at Ferodale and road spikes were successfully deployed with the vehicle hitting a concrete barrier.

A 24-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were arrested.



The 24-year-old woman has been charged with multiple offences,
• Police pursuit (Skye’s Law) (two counts)
• Use unregistered vehicle (two counts)
• Use weapon to prevent lawful detention
• Use vehicle displaying misleading number plates (two counts)
• Use unregistered vehicle (two counts), and
• Use uninsured motor vehicle (two counts).
She has also been charged with three outstanding warrants.
The 27-year-old man has been charged with use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.

They’ve been refused bail and are due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 2 September 2020).


It's also alleged the couple were involved in an incident at Bingara in the state's north west last Sunday where an officer was dragged by a moving vehicle and suffered head and shoulder injuries while trying to stop the driver from leaving.