Police Searching For Missing Singleton Teenager

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Police are appealing for information, after a teenage girl was reported missing in the Hunter Valley. 

15-year-old Monique Hargreaves was last seen in Singleton at about 8.30am Tuesday 13 October. 

When she was unable to be contacted or located, officers were notified and commenced inquiries. 

Police and family hold serious concerns for Monique's welfare. 

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, medium build, dark shoulder length hair and blue eyes. 

She was last seen wearing a blue school uniform consisting of a dark long sleeve t-shirt, blue shorts and black boots. 

Monique is known to frequent Singleton and surrounding areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Singleton Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Monique Hargreaves. Picture: NSW Police Force

Missing Sydney Girl Could Be In The Hunter Valley

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a missing Sydney teenager could be in the Hunter Valley.

14-year-old Jade Baxter from Rossmore in Sydney's south-west was last seen on Macquarie Street, Singleton at about 9.00am on Friday March 13.

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall with blonde hair and green/blue eyes.

Police believe Jade could be in the Singleton, Cydesdale or Bellambi areas.

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

 

Missing teen Jade Baxter

 

 

 

Singleton Shaken By Small Earthquake

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Singleton shire has been shaken by an early morning earthquake.

The 2.5 magnitude quake struck just before 4.00am today (Thursday 5 February 2026) in the north-western edge of the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine just south of the Golden Highway to a depth of 3 kilometres.

Although the tremor was picked up by seismic stations as far south as Canberra, there have been no immediate reports of damage.

 

The quake struck in the north-western edge of the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine southwest of Singleton 

 

 

BREAKING! Massive Reward Offered To Solve Cold Case Death Of Singleton Toddler

 BY IAN CROUCH

The NSW government has announced a massive increase in the reward being offered for information over the suspicious death of a toddler at Singleton 20 years ago.

Jordan William Thompson was just 21 months old in March 2005 when his mother returned home from running errands after leaving him in the care of her then partner, to find him unresponsive in a bedroom.

Police were told Jordan had earlier been found face down in a bathtub.

His mother rushed him across the road to Singleton Base Hospital but he couldn't be revived.

A postmortem later found a lethal dose of prescription medication used to treat depression in his system.

Cecil Kennedy has stood trial twice for manslaughter, however juries were unable to reach unanimous verdicts.

Despite a $100,000 dollar reward offered in 2015, no-one has been convicted over Jordan's death.

It's hoped a new reward of $500,000 will encourage someone to come forward with information which leads to an arrest and conviction.

 

Jordan William Thompson 

Man to Face Court Following Singleton House Fire

 Court today for a 41-year-old man accused of throwing fuel on a 68-year-old man known to him and lighting a house fire on Castlereagh Street at Singleton yesterday afternoon.

At 5:30pm on Sunday, police were told the older man had rinsed the fuel off and ran from the scene uninjured. A short time later, flames were seen coming from the home, which was later destroyed.

During a search of the 41-year-old man police allegedly located methamphetamine. He was charged with a string of domestic violence related offences to face court today.

File / Wikimedia Commons

UPDATE! Search Under Way To Find Missing Sydney Man In The Hunter Valley

 BY IAN CROUCH

GREAT NEWS! Police have confirmed that David was found safe and well on Tuesday morning and have thanked the community and media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police have issued an appeal for help to find a Sydney man who may be in the Hunter region.

49-year-old David Fowler was last seen at a Mobil service station at Singleton just before 6.00pm on Monday 20 October, 2025.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as his behaviour is considered out of character.

David is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 182 cm tall with a medium build and shaved head.

He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved light blue business shirt, black jeans, blue belt and brown shoes.

David may also be driving a white 2020-model Nissan Navara with the NSW registration, EYS 76A, which has black roof racks and a white canopy.

 

Missing man David Fowler

REDBANK POWER STATION – IPC Refusal Welcomed

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Independent Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Redbank Power Stations biomass burning plan is being welcomed by environmentalists.

The proposal put forward by Verdant Earth would have burned 700,000 tonnes of vegetation annually.

The Commission received nearly 600 submissions, with 94.6% of them against the project.

Greens MLC Sue Higginson says it’s a welcome decision.

“What is so clear is that the IPC had enough material Infront of it to determine this is not a project in the public interest to be proposed here and now in 2025,” she said.

Nature Conservation Council CEO Jacqui Mumford says the Commission’s made the right decision.

“We already have a land clearing crisis in New South Wales, so to propose [this kind of] project at this time is a really terrible idea for the environment and the climate,” she said.

Photo credit: Verdant Earth Technologies

Girl Dies In Hospital After Dog Attack At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl has died in hospital after being mauled by a dog at Singleton last week.

Emergency services were called to a home on Broughton Street at about 11.30am last Thursday (4 September 2025) and found 17-year-old girl Annalyse Blyton suffering critical injuries to her head, neck and body.

Police were told Annalyse was at a friend's home when the incident occurred.

She was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but police were notified yesterday of her death in hospital. 

The 10-year-old dog, described as a large dog of mixed breed has been put down.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

 

 

 

UPDATE! Truck Crash Closes New England Highway At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man in his 30's has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital with facial injuries and suspected leg and rib injuries following a truck crash at Singleton.

A truck carrying frozen chickens and an empty truck collided at the intersection of  Maitland Road and Kennedy Street just before 4.00am today (Tuesday 2 September 2025). It's understood one of the trucks crashed into the rear of another which was parked by the road.

Maitland Road re-opened to traffic just before 7.30am. 

EARLIER: 

The New England Highway has been closed at Singleton following a truck crash.

Newcastle Fire Command says two trucks collided at the intersection of Maitland Road and Kennedy Street just before 4.00am today (Tues 2 September, 2025).

It's understood one of the drivers has been injured but all occupants of the trucks are out of the vehicles.

Maitland Road has been closed to traffic with diversions in place while crews work to clear a diesel spill. 

Crews have requested a Hazmat unit to assist with the clean-up, with one of the trucks carrying approximately 700 litres of fuel. 

 

5.1 Magnitude Quake at Singleton – Did You Feel It?

 BY PETER HYSLOP

People across New South Wales have reported shaking after a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Singleton and Broke.

There’s been almost 3000 felt reports of the tremor- it struck just before 3am at a depth of 10 kilometers.

People as far down as Sydney have reported shaking. In Newcastle homes have rattled- but emergency services haven’t recorded significant injuries or damage, though reports could come in during the morning.

It’s a bigger quake than the one felt in August last year, which caused minor damage to the town centre at Muswellbrook.

Experts say the Hunter-Mooki fault line is close to the region and could be to blame, which caused Australia’s deadliest earthquake in Newcastle in 1989, but locals are wondering if surrounding coal mine blasting could be playing a role.

The quake has been reported in world media including the New York Times.

Image Credit: GeoScience Australia

 

Mercy Services Slammed for Singleton Closure

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Mercy Services have notified residents of their Singleton aged care facility to leave their homes within fourteen days.

It comes after the company released a warning letter in October 2024 saying they would be closing facilities in the first quarter of 2025.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi says it's poor planning.

"The Aged Care Act is clear, the facility must stay open until every resident has been properly rehomed in a place they choose," he said.

"Mercy is both ignoring the law and basic human decency with doing this. To force people into facilities that they don't want to go to, away from their family and friends, that is just utterly disgusting," he said.

Mercy Aged Care Services Singleton. Credit: Google Maps

Nationals Candidate Announced for Seat of Hunter

BY MEREDITH BLAIR

The Nationals have announced their candidate for the seat of Hunter in the lead up to the Federal election.

Sue Gilroy will be pitted against incumbent Dan Repacholi and Greens candidate Louise Stokes.

She formally ran for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in the 2023 state election, but quit the race following controversy involving leader Robert Borsak.

She was formally president of the Singleton Business Chamber for six years.

Ms Gilroy says the Nationals will give her the platform to stand up for regional Australia.

"[The Nationals] are supporting regional Australia which is what I’m on my soapbox about every day."

She shared that she looks forward to discussions with constituents across the electorate, beyond her home of Singleton.

"That's a really important part of the campaign, that door knocking, understanding what the issues are and what you need to do as a candidate to address and stand up for those issues," she said.

"I understand Singleton and the Hunter Valley pretty well; coming down to [Lake Macquarie] I need to learn but that’s okay because that’s why I’m here as a candidate, to get out there and talk to our constituents." 

Sue Gilroy alongside Nationals Leader David Littleproud.

Sue Gilroy

Pair To Front Court Over Vehicle Inspection Racket At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people are due to front court next month accused of fraudulently issuing vehicle inspection reports at a Singleton business over the past 12 months.

Early last year, Muswellbrook Highway Patrol and and Transport for NSW commenced an investigation which allegedly found vehicle inspections were taking place without the mandatory checks taking place and in the absence of an authorised examiner.

Following extensive inquiries police arrested a 56-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman.

They've each been charged with a combined 216 offences relating to the issuing of false or misleading inspection reports and given court attendance notices to face Singleton Local Court on Thursday February 25.

Man Charged With Animal Cruelty Offences Which Allegedly Occurred At Singleton

BY JORDAN REGNIS

A man who owns a property neighbouring the Singleton army base has been charged with animal cruelty offences.

On October 8, 98 dead kangaroos were found on the army base, along with an ammunition box and two cartridges.

Following inquiries police executed a search warrant at a property in Williamtown around 8am on Friday.

Officers seized three firearms and arrested a 43-year-old man who was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He was charged with six offences including committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon on an animal; discharging a firearm upon/over Commonwealth prohibited area; trespassing onto Commonwealth land; not keeping a firearm safely; harming or attempting to harm a protected animal; and holder of Category A or B licence not having approved storage.

Police have since seized a number of firearms from a property neighboring the army base.

The man's been granted strict conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on January 13.

                 One of the firearms allegedly seized by police. Picture by NSW Police

Man Dies In Single Vehicle Crash At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died in a single vehicle crash at Singleton overnight.

Police say the 56-year-old man was behind the wheel of a Isuzu ute on Dangar Road at about 8.00pm on Tuesday when the vehicle crashed into a parked car before hitting a fence.

Paramedics arrived a short time later but were not able to revive the man.

Police believe he suffered a medical episode in the lead-up to the crash.

A post mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

Singleton Couple Share In Massive Powerball Jackpot

 BY IAN CROUCH

A couple from Singleton have shared the largest ever jackpot in Australian history in Thursday night's $200 million Powerball draw.

They're sharing the money with a winner from Queensland, with each pocketing $100 million after winning the division one prize.

The Lott says the Singleton couple purchased a 50-game Quick Pick entry - which costs $67.40 - online.

They answered their phone call on the first ring while lying in bed.

The winning woman thanked The Lott representative, saying "It's a lot of money. A lot of money to fathom".

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To House Fire At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to a house fire at Singleton.

The blaze broke out at the Barton Street property shortly after 6.30am on Thursday.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews arrived to find the single level house well alight.

One person has been evacuated and taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, firefighters have extinguished a garbage truck fire at Merewether.

The truck driver noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear of the vehicle at the corner of Chatham Road and Darling Street just before 5.30am on Thursday.

He was forced to dump the 10 by 10 metre load on the roadway.

A council crew is currently pulling apart the pile and preparing to have it removed. 

Singleton Mother Kathleen Folbigg Has Her Convictions Quashed

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal has quashed Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg's convictions over the deaths of her four children. 

It comes after she was granted an unconditional pardon back in June, after having served almost 20 years in gaol. 

She had been convicted of three counts of murder and one of manslaughter. 

But, Justice Andrew Bell said new scientific evidence had brought to light reasonable doubt about her guilt, and it is appropriate she be acquitted.  

Speaking outside the court, the 56-year-old said it's been a long time coming. 

"For almost a quarter of a century, I faced disbelief and hostility.

I hoped and prayed that one day I would be able to stand here with my name cleared."

Justice Bell also noted how a Special Commission of Enquiry into Ms. Folbigg's case, heard it would be unreliable to rely on her diary entries as admissions of guilt.

She said there were legal avenues to prove her innocence back in 1999, and she never should have been put behind bars.

"Those books contained my private feelings which I wrote to myself. No one expects those types of things to be read by strangers, let alone opinionated on. 

They took my words out of context and used them against me; they accused me of something I never wrote about, never did, and never would do. 

I hope no one else will ever have to suffer what I have suffered," she said. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

Kathleen Folbigg To Face Possible Appeal For Her Convictions

BY OLIVIA DILLON

An appeals court will likely consider overturning Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg's convictions over the deaths of her four children, following the release of the final report on the matter. 

The 55-year-old was earlier this year released from gaol and pardoned, after having served 20 years in prison for killing her 4 children; Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura. 

She was released after an inquiry heard there was evidence her children could have died from natural causes and there was reasonable doubt about her guilt.

In his report, Inquiry Commissioner Tom Bathurst KC found there was an identifiable cause for three of the deaths. 

He also said Ms. Folbigg's diary entries should not have been used during her trial. 

Mr. Bathurst has confirmed he will refer the matter to the Court of Criminal Appeal. 

Image: Supplied