Man In Custody Accused Of Stabbing Muso At Merewether Club

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is assisting police with their inquiries over an alleged stabbing in Merewether overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Merewether Bowling Club on Caldwell Street just after 7.30pm on Sunday 22 Mar 2026 to reports of an assault.

Police were told a man who was working as a musician at the club had been stabbed several times near the entrance to the club by another man.

The 69-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition with stab wounds to his chest and back.

Just after 1.30am today (Monday 23 March 2026) detectives arrested a 53-year-old man at a Stockton home.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where investigations are ongoing.

 

Man Facing Court After Pursuit At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 21 January, 2025) accused of leading police on a pursuit at Merewether.

Just before 2.30pm on Monday, police say they attempted to stop a speeding Aldi.

However, when the driver failed to pull over, a pursuit was initiated which was terminated due to safety concerns.

The car was found a short time later crashed into a brick wall on Wilton Street..

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

A search of the car and the man allegedly found a knife, a pistol and a machete.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with police pursuit and weapons offences.

Charges Laid Over Brawl At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Charges have now been laid over an alleged assault at Merewether which left four men in hospital.

Police were called to Hickson Street in the early hours of Sunday morning to reports a group of people were assaulted by several men before they left the scene.

Paramedics treated four men all aged 22 before they were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with a range of facial injuries.

Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man at a home in Maitland.

He's been charged with five offences including assault ad affray and has been given strict bail to face Newcastle Court on September 12.

Inquiries are continuing. 

Lingard Private Hospital commits to $116 Million Redevelopment

 BY BEN COLLISON

In a boost to the Hunter regions health network, Lingard Private Hospital has committed to a $116 million redevelopment to its Mereweather hospital premises.

Already the largest private hospital in Newcastle, the redevelopment will double Lingard's bed capacity to 210 beds; in addition to providing new staff and office rooms. A medical clinic and 15 consultation rooms are planned for the new multi-story development.

Visiting the hospital will also be made easier with further parking spaces included in the redevelopment plans. A footbridge between the Lingard and Kingsland Buildings will be constructed enabling staff and patients to move between the expanding hospital premises.

Healthe Care, owners of Lingard in partnership with the State Government are inviting Hunter residents to provide their feedback on the proposal that will cater for the growing needs of the Hunter region.

BREAKING! Crews Battling Garbage Truck Fire At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are working to extinguish a large rubbish pile fire at Merewether.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the corner of Darling Street and Chatham Road just before 5.30am on Thursday, where the contents of a garbage truck caught alight, forcing the driver to dump the load on the roadway.

Crews from Merewether and Charlestown are tackling the 10 x 10 metre rubbish pile.

A discarded lithium battery is suspected to have caused the fire.

Pair Caught Trying To Steal Scooter At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been caught red-handed allegedly trying to steal a scooter at Merewether overnight.

Patrolling police noticed the pair hiding behind a parked car in Wilton Street at about 3.00am on Tuesday.

It's alleged they had been wheeling the Honda scooter which had been parked outside a nearby home after attempting to hot-wire it.

The pair, aged 18 and 21, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station - they are expected to face court on Tuesday morning.

Police say the younger man was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The scooter, which sustained minor damage, has been returned to its owner.

E-Scooter Battery Sparks House Fire At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter residents are again being warned about the dangers of overcharging Lithium ion batteries following a house fire at Merewether overnight.

Five fire trucks were called to a triple-level weatherboard home on Macquarie Street just after 11.00pm on Tuesday to find a fire on the second floor.

Newcastle Fire Command says an e-scooter left charging sparked the blaze.

They say a smoke alarm woke a neighbour who then managed to wake the male resident of the home who jumped out a window to escape the blaze - he was treated at the scene by paramedics for minor smoke inhalation.

It took crews two hours to extinguish and mop up the fire which caused extensive damage to the upper levels of the home.

Fire Ravages The Burwood Inn at Merewether

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Fire Crews have spent the past few hours working to control a blaze which engulfed part of The Burwood Inn at Merewether. 

They were called to the scene on Berner Street just before 10:00am, following reports a fire had started and spread from the pub's kitchen, to the restaurant area at the back of the building. 

It's understood the fire may have started in a chimney flue, however an investigation into the cause is now underway. 

Two occupants managed to self evacuate and no one has been injured. 

Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Guy Lightfoot, said the prompt, aggressive attack used by firefighters helped to save the hotel which has been open since 1876.  

Merewether Protest to Call For Action on Sexual and Domestic Violence

BY BLAKE QUINN & PETER HYSLOP

Merewether baths will become a centre for activism at 4:30pm this Saturday as not for profit What Where You Wearing hosts a protest calling for action against domestic and sexual violence.

First of its kind, the protest embraces a unique approach of standing on the spot as a form of resistance to raise awareness on domestic and sexual abuse, which continues to affect the lives of many in the Hunter and Newcastle area.

Spokesperson Marcie Cheers says the protest can be both a positive experience for survivors, and draw attention to safety in Newcastle's nightlife.

"In Australia at the moment and from year to date there have been multiple deaths because of domestic violence and sexual assault," she said.

"Unfortunately this is not our first protest on this topic, and this is definitely not going to be our last.

"The reason why we're doing it at the baths is so at the end we can jump into the water and it can be kind of like a metaphor for washing away all the negativity for survivors," she said.

Attendees will hear from a number of distinguished speakers presenting their personal experiences, and they're set to host discussions relating to Indigenous rights, social injustice, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with disabilities.

The organization also wants signatures on a petition to have mandatory drink spiking training for all bar and security staff.

"Newcastle is one of the most reported areas in Australia for drink spiking," Cheers said.

"At the end of the day we just want safety for everyone on a night out and we shouldn't have to worry about putting our drinks down or getting harassed by other people," she said.

Image: Supplied

Man To Face Court On Drugs Charges After Arrest At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

A high-profile surveillance operation around Merewether has resulted in the arrest of a man on serious drugs charges.

Police say a car came under notice of patrolling officers just after 9.30pm on Wednesday.

It's alleged when they pulled the vehicle over a search of the driver uncovered a significant amount of drugs believed to be methylamphetamine.

The 52-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with drug possession and trafficking offences.

He's been refused bail and is due to face court today (Thursday 9 February, 2023).

BREAKING! Concerns Over Hazardous Material at Adamstown Car Fire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle fire crews are currently investigating a car fire which occurred near Merewether Golf Club last night. 

The owner of the vehicle was able to locate it via GPS tracking, on King Street at Adamstown. 

There's concern over a Moisture Density Meter which is reportedly inside the vehicle, which could have a radioactive source. 

Hazardous materials experts have set up a safety zone around the area, and are seeking to find out if the meter is there, and if it has been breached. 

Crews have assured the area is stable. 

Pistol Found During Vehicle Stop At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man's due to front court today (Monday 12 December, 2022) on firearms and drugs charges after police stopped his car at Merewether.

Police conducting proactive patrols of the Merewether area stoped a Subaru Impreza on Wilton Street at about 4.15pm on Sunday.

 Checks  revealed the 27-year-old driver was disqualified from driving.

A search of the man's car allegedly uncovered a .9mm pistol. ammunition, a folding knife , methlamphetamine and cash.

The items were seized for forensic examination and the man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He's been charged with possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place, acquire pistol subject to firearms prohibition order, acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order, supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He's also been charged with affray relating to an incident in May this year.

The man's been refused bail pending his appearance in Newcastle Local Court today.

 

 

Teen Leads Police On High Speed Chase In Stolen Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police fear someone will be seriously injured or killed if teenagers continue to steal cars and lead officers on high speed pursuits.

A grey Kia Sorento was stolen from Merewether in the early hours of Monday morning.

Police spotted the car and gave chase, but it took off at excessive speed and managed to evade officers.

Police say a young male teen was behind the wheel of the speeding car.

It comes after a three day police operation last month resulted in the arrest of 13 teenagers who are now before the courts on a total of  37 charges. 

Police say the thefts were being coordinated online, while the pursuits were also being filmed and posted online.

Unattended candle sparks fire destroying Merewether home

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Fire and Rescue crews say a blaze which destroyed a home in Merewether on Sunday was caused by a candle left unattended on the verandah.

The candle was blown over by the wind and set fire to a couch, quickly spreading to the kitchen and the lounge room of the Caldwell St home just after 8:33am.

Three people escaped to the backyard after smoke alarms sounded.

Seven fire trucks took less than an hour to contain the blaze, but could not save the single-storey home.

Footage Released Of Suspected Tyre Slasher In Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police believe they're closing in on the person responsible for a spate of tyre slashing incidents across Mayfield and Merewether in recent weeks.

They've released CCTV footage showing a man wearing a black hoodie and a face covering appearing to stand up straight from bending down beside a car before walking down Hopkins Street in Merewether at night.

There's been an increase in vandalism attacks on cars in the area in the past few days and residents with CCTV or dashcam footage are being urged to contact Newcastle Police Station.

Police wants to speak to this man in connection with tyre slashing incidents in Merewether Picture: NSW Police

Beach Hotel Wins Battle To Trade Until 3am

 BY IAN CROUCH

A controversial development at a popular Merewether hotel has been approved by the Land and Environment Court after initially being rejected by Newcastle Council.

The $3 million renovation of the Beach  Hotel included plans to have the ground floor open until 3.00am every night except Sunday - a move opposed by many nearby residents and some councillors.

The hotel's liquor licence allows it to trade until 3.00am which cannot be amended by council.

The hotel's licensee and Council have reached agreement to allow the extended trading hours with limitations on live and recorded music and the provision of security guards and a courtesy bus.

An artist's impression of a $3mil refurbishment of the Beach Hotel which has been given approval to have its ground floor open until 3.00am 6 nights a week.

SES Performs Flood Rescues At Merewether As Fierce Storm Lashes The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Volunteers from the Newcastle SES have carried out two flood rescues after a fierce electrical storm hit the region last night.

Homes and businesses at Elermore Vale, Wallsend, Maryland and Sandgate lost power shortly after the storm moved through at about 9.00pm.

Ausgrid says 19 customers in Gunsynd Crescent at Maryland and 13 on Maitland Road at Sandgate are still without power and are not expected back on the grid until later this morning or early this afternoon.

The SES responded to 30 calls for assistance mainly for roof damage and trees down.

The SES says the occupants of two vehicles had to be rescued after getting caught in flash flooding, with water up the doors.

In one instance Newcastle Fire Command says a crew from Carrington helped a woman to safety after she became trapped in her car on Industrial Drive at Tourle Street in Mayfield West at about 9.30pm

Tocal recorded the highest rainfall during the storm with 52 millimetres, while Waratah Reservoir recorded 43 and  42 millimetres fell at the Belmore Bridge.

Police Release CCTV of Merewether Assault and Car Theft

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance, after a man was assaulted and his car stolen in Merewether over the weekend. 

About 3pm on Saturday, a 45-year-old man parked a blue BMW M2 coupe on Lloyd Street, Merewether, and sat down on a nearby bench.

A short time later, three unknown men arrived in a Toyota Kluger 4WD – believed to have been stolen from an Islington address on Friday – when they approached the man and punched him before taking his keys, wallet and phone.

All three men drove away in the BMW and were last seen heading west towards Scenic Drive.

Police have released CCTV images of three men they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

They are all described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance and aged in their mid-20s.

One man is also described as being of a solid build, with mohawk-style hair and a ponytail. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie.

A second man is described as being of slim build, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

Police are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a blue BMW M2 coupe with NSW registration DSS 71W, or with information about the incident to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Fire Breaks Out in Merewether Unit

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Fire crews are investigating the cause of a blaze which broke out in a unit on Watkins Street, Merewether on Friday.

Crews arrived at the scene just after 12.10pm, following reports of a fire on the third floor of a unit block, to find one unit well alight and black smoke billowing from the building.

There was smoke, heat and water damage to one unit, with crews bringing the fire under control at around 1.00pm.

There are no reports of injuries, with all residents accounted for.

Police and Fire Investigation Units are yet to determine the cause of fire.

Merewether Man Receives Australian Bravery Award For Daring Shark Attack Rescue

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Merewether man, Billy James Eitz, has been named as one of 29 Australians to receive an Australian Bravery Award, awarded by the Governor General to recognise and celebrate extreme courage. 

Mr Eitz was awarded the Bravery Medal, for his daring rescue of a man following a shark attack at Booti Booti Point in New South Wales on December 1st 2016.

At around 9am Mr Eitz and other surfers were surfing at Bulls Paddock beach when they were surrounded by a pod of dolphins.  One surfer caught a wave into the beach with some of the dolphins following. Without warning another nearby surfer was launched into the air as a large great white shark attacked, also sending the man's surfboard out of the water.  Mr Eitz immediately began paddling towards the surfer who was clinging to broken pieces of his surfboard.   The man had sustained significant injuries to his foot and arm. On reaching the injured man, Mr Eitz managed to wrangle him onto his own surfboard and, not knowing the whereabouts of the shark, entered the water and paddled behind the board pushing it towards the shore. When they reached the shore, Mr Eitz and another surfer quickly administered first aid to the injured surfer and emergency services were called and the man was taken to hospital.

“On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate and thank the individuals being recognised today. Their deeds and selflessness are inspirational,” the Governor-General said.

“The people receiving awards didn’t wake up in the morning and decide that they would be brave – each was faced with an unexpected situation and made a conscious choice, in the moment, to turn towards the danger and help others."

Reluctant Hero, Billy James Eitz
Image Credit: Channel 7