Funding Announced for Hunter STEM Career Pathways

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Government is committing $3.2 million to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways in Hunter schools.

The program includes $1.9 million awarded to the University of Newcastle to support its Next Gen STEM program, delivering hands-on science and engineering days for students from Years 7 to 10, and $1.3 million for pathways into STEM careers.

Trevor Smith from regional development Australia, the agency responsible for managing the careers program, says it's an exciting initiative.

"[Seeing] Students getting involved, taking up the challenges being put to them, thinking outside the box, working together in teams, being creative, and creating brand new solutions, is such a joy to watch," he said.

 

Science and Engineering Challenge in action. Credit: University of Newcastle

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.

Culprits On the Run After Break and Enter in Shortland

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Residents of a home on Sandgate Road in Shortland have narrowly escaped injury after a break and enter into their home.

About 3am this morning (Thursday, 9 January), police were called as three people used a baton to damage the home and two vehicles parked outside.

At the scene, officers were told the people confronted the residents and demanded cash.

The offenders fled the scene and are yet to be found.

Anyone with further information is being asked to contact crime stoppers.

The break and enter took place on Sandgate Rd. Photo: Google Maps

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Teen From Shortland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for help to find a teenager who's gone missing from Shortland.

14-year-old Bailey Nelson was last seen on Sandgate Road at about 8 o'clock last night.
 

Police commenced inquiries when he couldn't be located or contacted.

Bailey's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 177cm tall with a thin build, short dark brown hair and brown eyes.
 

He was last seen wearing a white/cream shirt, light green/brown shorts, black cross body bag and white joggers.
 

Bailey is known to frequent the Shortland and Newcastle areas. 

 

Missing Teen: Bailey Nelson

 

Verdict Delivered Over Fatal Shortland Stabbing

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A judge has found the man who fatally stabbed well-known Shortland local Robert "Bobby" Palmer outside a service station did not know what he was doing when he committed the act. 

Justice Stephen Campbell found this morning Zach Mavin had "no appreciation of the wrongfulness of his actions" on the night of December 12th 2020. 

Mr Mavin stabbed Mr Palmer once in the abdomen, after demanding cash and cigarettes from a service station attendant on Sandgate Road. 

Justice Campbell has delivered special verdicts of "act proven but not criminally responsible" to the charges of attempted armed robbery and murder. 

It means Mr Mavin will be referred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal and detained as a forensic patient until it's determined his release is unlikely to endanger himself or anyone in the community. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Priority areas revised in hopes to cure Hunter's GP shortfall

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has changed the rules for recruiting doctors across the Hunter, in hopes to make it easier to get more GPs into the region.

The Distribution Priority Areas have been updated in more than 700 areas across the country, in hopes to cure the GP shortfall.

International medical graduates and overseas trained doctors are only able to access Medicare if they work in a priority area.

The change applies to the Kurri Kurri – Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Morisset – Cooranbong, Toukley – Budgewoi, Cessnock, Cessnock Region, and Nelson Bay catchment areas.

New Social Housing Project Under Way At Waratah West

 BY IAN CROUCH

Work is under way on a new social housing project at Waratah West.

Two ageing homes in Landa Parade are making way for a 10-unit double story architect-designed complex featuring six two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units.

It's part of the state government's $250 million investment to fast-track the delivery of homes across the state and is one of six projects either completed or in the pipeline across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland over the next two years.

NSW Land and Housing Corporation Acting Chief Executive, Deborah Brill says it follows a memorandum of understanding signed in December with Newcastle Council to boost the stock of social housing.

"We're working closely with the City of Newcastle as a priority to create and deliver more social and affordable housing across the region," she said.

The Landa Parade project is due for completion in December 2022.

Artist's impression of the social housing project in Landa Parade at Waratah West

Court awaiting mental health report for man charged over Shortland murder

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The man charged with the stabbing murder of a Shortland man, has undergone a psychiatric assessment. 

Zack Mavin remains on remand after the alleged murder of Bob Palmer at the Metro service station in December 2020.

The 25-year-old also faces an armed robbery charge, allegedly holding up the nearby 7-11 store with an "improvised explosive device".

Newcastle Local Court has heard, prosecutors have requested a four week adjournment.

They're awaiting a supplementary report from a psychiatrist, "in relation to a mental impairment defence". 

BREAKING! Crash At Shortland Service Station Sparks Emergency

BY IAN CROUCH

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

An elderly man drove into the Metro service station on Sandgate Road just before 9.30am on Wednesday, crashing into a fuel pump.

The service station attendant quickly shut off the bowsers and firefighters and paramedics arrived a short time later.

Crews have contained a small fuel leak while paramedics treated the man in his car before taking him to hospital for observation.

The crash caused extensive damage to a fuel pump, however Newcastle Fire Command says the situation is in hand. 

Garage Up In Flames At Shortland

 BY IAN CROUCH

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation after fire engulfed a garage at Shortland.

Firefighters from Wallsend and Lambton were called to the two storey townhouse on Sandgate Road at 8.15pm on Monday to find the garage well alight.

It's taken about an hour to fully extinguish and mop up the fire, which left the garage severely damaged.

Newcastle Fire Command says the townhouse was not damaged.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Shortland Residents Mourn Death Of Bobby Palmer As Accused Murderer Faces Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

 The Shortland community is in mourning after the tragic death of much-loved local resident Bob Palmer.

The 54-year-old was walking his dog on Sandgate Road at about 8.00pm on Saturday when it's alleged he became involved in an altercation with 24-year-old Zack Mavin, who police say attempted to rob the Metro Service Station at knifepoint after an earlier unsuccessful attempt at the nearby 7-11.

Mr Palmer, who is not known to Mavin, was allegedly stabbed in the stomach and died at the scene.

Acting on information, police went to a nearby address where Mavin was arrested.

He faced Newcastle Local Court on Sunday charged with murder and was refused bail to reappear today.

The Police Prosecutor told the court there was nothing to explain the behavior of the accused and the incident "was entirely unprovoked".

Bobby Palmer was a stalwart of the Shortland Rugby League Club where he devoted thousands hours of volunteer service.

Bob Palmer was a much-loved and respected member of the Shortland community

Elderly Woman Woken by 19-year-old During Alleged Shortland Home Break In

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will face court on Friday charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter at Shortland. 

About 3am on Sunday, an 84-year-old woman was asleep at a home on Marsden Street, Shortland, when she was woken by an unknown man standing in her room.

The man spoke to the elderly woman before she called to family members for assistance and the man left the home.

The elderly woman wasn’t injured.

Following extensive inquiries, police attended a separate home on Marsden Street and arrested a 19-year-old man on Wednesday. 

He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence with people there.

He was formally bail refused to reappear at Newcastle Local Court. 

Police Arrest Man on Parole After Allegedly Stealing Land Cruiser from Newcastle East

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle City Police say stolen vehicle offenders remain in their sights, following the arrest of a 44-year-old man on Monday. 

On November 1st, a Toyota Landcruiser was reported stolen from Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle East. 

Police commenced an investigation and about 1:45pm on Monday, officers located the man on King Street, Newcastle West where he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The man was found to be on parole until  May 2021 and disqualified from driving until 2024.

He was was charged with three offences including take and drive conveyance without consent, larceny and drive whilst disqualified. 

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

BREAKING! Drug Lab Uncovered At Shortland

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police have uncovered a clandestine drug lab at Shortland.

Officers executed a search warrant at a home on Thursday afternoon.

A 40-year-old man was arrested at the home and is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Friday morning charged with manufacturing a prohibited drug.

It's believed police uncovered a large amount of chemicals to be used in the making of the drug ice along with a working laboratory.

Man Stabbed In Lip And Robbed At Shortland

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been stabbed in the lip during a violent armed robbery at Shortland.

Police say the 43-year-old was approached by two men in the driveway of a unit complex on Sandgate Road just before 5.00pm on Tuesday.

It's alleged one of the offenders stabbed the man through the lip with a screwdriver before the pair fled with his wallet and cash.

The man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he received stitches before being released.

Investigations are continuing.

Hunter MP'S Criticize Plan To Stop Scheduled Pension Pay Rise For 12 Months

BY KEELY JOHNSON

For the first time since 1997, Hunter age pensioners will not receive a scheduled increase to their payments until March next year.

In the most recent Senate inquiry it was confirmed there will be no September increase due to a period of negative inflation in the June quarter.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says pensioners have been struggling with rises to health, energy and food expenses and it is unacceptable that they go 12 months without their payment being indexed.

"Labor and I are calling on the Prime Minister to intervene and say this is not on, there needs to be an indexation of the pension in September as everyone expects there to be... I think its very unfair for the Government to be attacking pensioners,' Pat Conroy said

The Government also confirmed several other payments would not be indexed either, including the Disability Support Pension (DSP).

"This means a further 6,000 Shortland residents will be impacted... Almost 30,000 Shortland residents on the age pension or the DSP will be affected by having their pension cut because of this very mean, half-hearted decision by the Coalition Government," Pat Conroy said.

"Pensioners aren't living a life of luxury, they are doing their best everyday to pay their bills and this means the pension will have to go a bit further because prices are rising."

Image credit: Gladstone Observer

Man and Woman Arrested, Allegedly Assaulting Three Police Officers in Shortland

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A man and woman have been charged after allegedly assaulting three police officers in Shortland on Tuesday. 

About 4.10pm on Tuesday 23 June 2020, emergency services were called to Long Crescent, Shortland, following an altercation between a group of people.

Upon arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District spoke to a man and a woman who allegedly became abusive towards police and refused to leave the premises.

The 30 year-old man allegedly grabbed an officer, resisting arrest and kicking a Sergeant and Senior Constable.

A 35-year-old woman allegedly tried to intervene, spitting at officers and pushing and kicking a Senior Constable, before stealing a set of handcuffs.

Pepper spray was deployed and both were detained taken to Waratah Police Station where they allegedly continued to act aggressively towards police. 

The three officers sustained minor injuries including abrasions to their knees and hands and some swelling and were affected by the pepper spray.

The man was charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.

He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday June 24th. 

The woman was also charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday July 23rd. 

BREAKING! Four Men In Custody Over Separate Confrontations With Police In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

Two men are due to face court today (Wednesday 24 June, 2020) over a confrontation with police at Hamilton South.

Police say officers were patrolling in Fowler Street at about 3.00pm on Tuesday when they were confronted by the pair who then became aggressive.

One of them was allegedly armed with a knife.

The officers called for back-up as a crowd of onlookers took camera phone footage of the incident.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with being armed with an offensive weapon with intent, while a 35-year-old man has been charged with affray and hindering police in the execution of duty.

Both men have been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Another two men are in custody over separate confrontations with police at Warabrook and Shortland.

No officers were seriously injured during the incidents.

It comes after 3 officers were allegedly assaulted following a vehicle stop at Telarah on Sunday night.

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.

Hunter Wetlands Centre Devastated By Overnight Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

Thousands of dollars worth of equipment has been lost in an overnight fire at the Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland.

Firefighters from seven stations and the Newcastle Hazmat unit were called to the centre just before 8.00pm on Monday to find a seven-bay storage shed engulfed in flames.

The shed contained a ute, mowers and farming equipment as well as garden chemicals.

It's taken crews about 90 minutes to fully extinguish and mop up the fire.

Police have launched an investigation with the fire being treated as suspicious.

Crews tackle the blaze at the Hunter Wetlands Centre on Monday night. Picture Fire & Rescue Station Teralba