Gun Pulled During Stockton Road Rage Incident

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A Sydney man will face court today after he allegedly pulled out a fire-arm during a road-rage incident in Newcastle.

At around 11.50am yesterday, a minor collision occurred on Stockton Bridge, with both vehicles damaged.

Both drivers stopped on Teal Street in Kooragang, where their conversation escalated and one man allegedly threatened the other with a firearm.

They both quickly fled the scene.

One of the drivers, a 56-year-old man, later reported the incident at Waratah Police Station.

Following extensive inquiries, a 77-year-old man was arrested and a firearm was seized at a home in Ryde.

He was charged with two offences and refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court today.

 

 

Man To Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery On Stockton Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Tuesday 27 May, 2025) over an alleged armed robbery on a Stockton hotel.

It's alleged the 30-year-old entered the Boatrowers Hotel on Fullerton Street just before 8.00pm on Saturday and threatened patrons before demanding cash from staff.

It's further alleged he stabbed a 68-year-old man during the incident - the victim left the hotel and later attended John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Patron held the 30-year-old until Police arrived.

It's alleged he had several weapons on him including a gel blaster firearm.

He's been charged with five offences including robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon and wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

 The man's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

The Boatrowers Hotel at Stockton

 

 

Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Stockton Grandmother Stacey Klimovitch

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A jury has reached its verdict in the case of a man accused of murdering Stockton Grandmother Stacey Klimovitch. 

48-year-old Jason Paul Hawkins has been found guilty of shooting the 61-year-old at the front door of her home in 2021.

He's the second man convicted over the shooting, with 65-year-old Stephen John Garland last month being found guilty of driving Mr. Hawkins to the Queen Street address. 

They're both due to be sentenced in February. 

NSW Police To Suspend The Use Of Beanbag Rounds Following The Death Of Krista Kach From Stockton

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The death of a women in Stockton has resulted in the use of beanbag rounds being suspended by all NSW Police.

Krista Kach was shot with a beanbag round then tasered during a stand-off on Mitchell Street on Thursday the 14th of September.

She later died in hospital.

An autopsy has confirmed she was hit in the chest and pellets entered her heart.

A review will now be held into the safety of beanbag rounds. 

Stockton Woman Dies After Police Operation

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A critical incident investigation is underway after a Stockton woman died overnight.

 

Just after 12:30pm yesterday (Thursday the 14th of September, 2023), police were called to a unit complex in Mitchell Street at Stockton, following reports a woman was threatening people with an axe.

 

When they arrived, the 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened officers with the weapon before barricading herself inside a unit.

 

A police operation involving specialist tactical officers and negotiators then commenced, with officers finally gaining entry to the property at about 9:45pm.

 

Police reportedly used a taser to assist in taking the woman into custody.

She was then escorted from the scene in an ambulance, however, her condition deteriorated a short time later, and she was taken to the John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.

A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

 

Man Accused of Orchestrating Stockton Murder Dies in Jail

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man accused of orchestrating the murder of Stockton grandmother Stacey Klimovitch has died in jail. 

Stuart Daniel Campbell was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but his lawyer was informed the morning of, he had passed away. 

Police allege the former partner of Ms Klimovitch’s daughter, employed Canberra man Jason Paul Hawkins to execute the 61-year-old.

Mr Hawkins and Stephen John Garland have also been committed to trial for the murder. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

NSW Labor Promises $21 Million for Stockton Renourishment

BY OLIVIA DILLON

NSW Labor has promised to put $21 million towards mass sand nourishment of Stockton Beach if they win the election next month. 

Shadow Local Government Minister Greg Warren visited the town today, to make the pledge for a long-term solution to the decades-long issue. 

The coastal town has lost more than 10 million cubic metres of sand off it's beach, and it's estimated up to 2.5 million cubic metres is needed to re-nourish and maintain it.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said it's about time action was taken. 

"Chris Minns and I promised the people of Stockton we'd present our commitment prior to the election day, and today we deliver on that promise," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

"For too long, this project has been caught up in bureaucracy, but a NSW Labor Government will see the talk stop, and the work begin." 

Labor's commitment would see a memorandum of understanding between them, City of Newcastle, and NSW Public Works, to ensure the government agency holds the dredging license. 

The party plans to seek help from the Port of Newcastle for a long-term solution, and will work closely with the Stockton Beach Taskforce throughout the process.

 

Tim Crakanthorp, said the community has waited long enough already. 

"Getting sand back on Stockton Beach has been a long-time focus of mine. We brought a 10,000-signature petition to Parliament, we've had representations, Notices of Motions, and finally we're here today," he said. 

"I'm really excited that we can say a Labor government will fix this."

"The Stockton community has waited long enough under this Liberal government. Only NSW Labor will get this done." 

City and State in Stand-Off Over Stockton Beach Dredge

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle Council and the state government say, they're each on waiting on one another, to get started on a new nourishment program for Stockton Beach.

The federal government announced the project in October, funding most of the $6.2 million, alongside a council contribution. 

But there's now a stand-off as to whether the City or New South Wales is responsible for managing the works and getting the wheels in motion.

The Port of Newcastle has also raised concern, revealing it doesn't have a permit to dredge the harbour for sand nourishment works.

The Port's Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes, told Newcastle Herald, they do not have "necessary provision to provide sand nourishment or perform dredging operations that are not required for maintenance purposes."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the project is proving to be frustrating for both residents and council. 

"This is ridiculous. This grant application was completed by the state government, naming one of their own agencies as playing a part, who are now trying to back-track," Mr Crakanthorp said.   

"The money is there. It should not be this difficult to get this project moving, and I have attempted to discuss this with the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) on a number of occasions." 

HCCDC was identified as the operation's project manager on the original application. 

Mr Crakanthorp said the delays need to stop, and sand needs to be put back on the beach. 

"This project needs to be project-managed from start to finish, and HCCDC are the allocated government agency to do so. They need to start that process immediately." 

UPDATE: Woman Faces Court Over Alleged Murder Of Stockton Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman accused of concealing an alleged murder in Stockton has been released on bail.

ACM and NewsCorp report 23-year-old Jasmin Forrester-Manton faced Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday.

As part of her bail conditions she must report to police three times a week.

Detectives allege Graham Cameron was stabbed to death inside his Fullerton Street unit which was then set on fire in July last year.

Dalton Trent Oliver was arrested in October and charged with his murder.

EARLIER:

A woman is facing court today (Tuesday 6 December, 2022) charged in relation to an alleged murder at Stockton last year.

About 7.45am today, Homicide Squad detectives and officers attached to the Newcastle City Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Stone Street, Stockton.

A 23-year-old woman was arrested at the property and taken to Newcastle Police Station where she was charged with conceal serious indictable offence.

Strike Force Childowla was formed by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad to investigate the death of Graham Cameron, then aged 54, after his body was found in his Fullerton Street  home on 26 July 2021 following what Police have described as a deliberately lit fire intended to conceal the alleged homicide .

A man, also aged 23, remains in custody charged with Mr Cameron’s murder.

The woman has been refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court today.

The body of 54-year-old Graham Cameron was found in his burnt out home in Fullerton Street in July 2021

Stockton residents calling for change to avoid repeat of Beirut explosion

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

Stockton residents are calling for Orica's ammonium nitrate storage facility on Kooragang Island to be moved, amidst growing concerns of a potential explosion.

The Stockton Community Group has made a submission to the NSW Government's review of how and where ammonium nitrate is stored.

The Government is proposing changes to licensing policies for facilities storing over 2,500 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which would see a standard separation distance from populated areas and infrastructure introduced. 

The Newcastle facility, built in the late 1960s, is located less than a kilometre from homes, which Stockton Community Group spokesperson, Keith Craig says is too high a risk.

"We've got black swan events and we know there can be accidents that can't be planned for, and to have that sort of volume so close to communities and in the middle of Newcastle CBD is just not acceptable," he said.

On average, Orica's plant stores between 6,000 and 12,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate.

A 2020 explosion in a storage facility holding 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in Lebanon's capital Beirut, led to the deaths of 218 people and injured a further 7,000.

Stockton residents fear the same could happen here, but on a much larger scale, and are calling on the Government to adopt a policy similar to that of Western Australia.

It would see a maximum of 200 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored on Kooragang Island at any one time, minimising the risk of an explosion.

"Of course, even 200 tonnes, like we've seen in Toulouse (France), can create many injuries and deaths," said Mr Craig.

After the Beirut explosion, a petition calling for the relocation of Orica's ammonium nitrate plant had over 15,000 signatures.

Across the globe, there have been more than ten ammonium nitrate explosions since 2000.

Image credit: Orica.

$4.7 million spend for sand nourishment on Stockton Beach

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has announced $4.7 million dollars in funding to begin sand nourishment on Stockton Beach.

The cash will fund the first deliveries of sand across the shoreline, as well as feasibility studies to identify additional sand sources and environmental approvals to access offshore deposits.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says it's a major step forward for Stockton.

"This is an important catalyst project," she said. "It is phase one of a long-term plan to restore sand back to this beach."

"And to restore hope to the Stockton community that they won't continuously face ongoing erosion of this precious coastline, and the loss of vital community assets."

It's one of 34 projects being funded in the national Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.

The State Government has welcomed the spend, saying it's supporting plans to find 300,000 cubic metres of sand to nourish the shore in the short-term.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it will complement council works, such as a new buried seawall.

"There has been so much sand loss here, and all the studies have been done for so many decades," she said. "We need 2.4 million cubic metres."

"There is a missing element, and we do hope that in due course, the state will commit to not only the funding under the [Coastal Management Plan] to get the mass sand, but to do the environmental investigations and to get the licenses."

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Stockton fire lit to conceal murder, police allege

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been charged on Wednesday over the alleged murder of a man in Stockton last year.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at Stockton on Wednesday morning, in relation to the death of Graham Cameron in a suspicious unit fire.

Emergency services were called to the Fullerton Street address last July, where the 54-year-old's body was discovered after the blaze was put out.

The fire was intensified by strong winds and almost completely destroyed the home.

Police will allege in court that Mr Cameron was stabbed to death, and the fire was deliberately lit to cover up the killing and evidence.

Police also believe other people could be involved, whether directly or indirectly, in assisting the suspect or concealing evidence.

The 22-year-old was known to Mr Cameron as a casual acquaintance. 

He's been refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Homicide Squad Commander Danny Doherty addressed the media on Wednesday morning.

BREAKING! Alleged Getaway Driver Arrested Over Stockton Pub Armed Robbery In 2019

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike force detectives investigating a violent armed robbery on a Stockton hotel three years ago have arrested the alleged driver of the getaway car.

Police say two masked men armed with a firearm and tomahawk entered the Boatrowers Hotel on Fullerton Street at about 11.30pm on June 26, 2019.

It's alleged the pair aged 35 and 26 threatened and assaulted two staff before making their getaway in a stolen Audi with a moderate sum of cash.

The two staff suffered minor injuries and have since recovered.

The car was later found burnt out on Pitt Street.

The two men have since been charged and are before the courts.

A third man, aged 33, who's an inmate at Bathurst Gaol has now been charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.

It's alleged he was involved in a second armed robbery on the Boatrowers Hotel on December 28 last year.

He's been remanded in custody to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Two masked men held up the Boatrowers Hotel in June 2019

Stockton Beach not much closer to solution after taskforce meeting

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government is standing firm, claiming it can't take responsibility for sand nourishment works at Stockton Beach, despite another taskforce meeting with the Deputy Premier.

The City of Newcastle insists it's not on them either, but New South Wales says it can't apply for a sand mining licence, because it's the mining regulator.

Offshore sand is considered a mineral product, meaning separate exploration and mining licences are required for the project, though an exploration licence and a suitable sources of sand have already been identified and resolved. 

But the Stockton community remains frustrated by the delays, with the beach having been lashed this year, following large storms and heavy swells with the La Niña weather event.

Stockton Community Liaison Group Chair Barbara Whitcher says the community just wants the Government to get a move on.

"I really think that the Deputy Premier could be much more supportive," she said. "He did say that the State has contributed nearly a million dollars towards a solution for Stockton Beach, but Newcastle City Council and the Hunter Water Board have been putting in massive amounts."

"The NSW Government has enormous resources. They've been trying to put the responsibility onto a council.

"I'm assuming this will happen with all councils up and down the coast, where there are other areas that are facing climate change challenges, which we have on top of this other major problem of the breakwall."

Council is set to meet with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, in hopes to resolve the conflict of interest and come up with a solution.

If the nourishment plan gets off the ground, 2.4 million cubic metres of sand will initially be collected and used to restore the shoreline.  

The Deputy Premier's Office says the Government is committed to finding a solution, though it's understood the dispute over responsibility for the mining license stretches back more than two years.

Ms Whitcher says the legislation could need to change, when it comes to mining for the sake of coastal restoration.

"This has been known now for years," she said. "It's an issue that we've been fighting for a long time."

"If it was an easy thing for a council to do, it would've been done. The issue is that Stockton has an urgent situation now, but there are going also to be other coastal areas that could benefit."

Image credit: Save Stockton Beach.

BREAKING! Teen In Custody Over Early Morning Pursuit At Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 17-year-old boy is in custody following a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car at Stockton early Thursday morning.

Patrolling police noticed a Mitsubishi Outlander, which had earlier been reported stolen from Dubbo, just before 4am at Tanilba Bay.

They began pursuing the vehicle when the driver fail to stop.

Police say the boy was arrested after crashing the vehicle into a gate on the grounds of the former Stockton Centre.

He's now assisting police with their inquiries and is expected to face court today (Thursday 7 April, 2022)

Hunter Beaches Could Take Up To 12 Months To Recover From Weekend Pounding

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Sydney University Professor says the huge seas which pounded east coast beaches including the Hunter could take up to a year to recover.

Stockton, South Newcastle, Bar and Redhead Beaches were especially impacted by six metre swells, stripping them of their sand.

Professor Andrew Short has told Fairfax, beaches could take several months to a year to fully recover.

He says there's a very good chance we could see more damaging conditions in coming weeks which could further erode beaches along the NSW coast as La Nina conditions persisted.

Lake Macquarie Council is working on repair strategies for Redhead Surf Life Saving Club after their wheelchair access ramp was washed away.

The Redhead Beach Cafe was also inundated.

Stockton residents were given a fright when sea water crashed over the rock wall and dunes and began to inundate streets in the northern end of the peninsula.

Streets In Stockton's North End were inundated with sea water. Picture newcastleherald.com.au

3rd Man Charged Over Alleged Murder Of Stacey Klimovitch At Stockton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Strike Force detectives have charged a 3rd man in connection with the alleged shooting murder of Stockton grandmother, Stacey Klimovitch.

The 61-year-old died from a gunshot wound when she answered the door of her Queen Street home on June 9 this year.

Two men aged 29 and 46 have been charged over their involvement with the alleged shooting murder and remain before the courts.

Inquiries led investigators to Silverwater Gaol in Sydney's west on Wednesday where they spoke to a 64-year-old inmate.

He's now been charged with murder and being an accessory after the fact to murder and is due to front Newcastle Local Court on Monday December 20, 2021. 

Stacey Klimovitch was gunned down at the front door of her Stockton home

Accused Shooter Expected To Be Extradited Over Stacey Klimovitch Murder

 BY IAN CROUCH

The man accused of firing the shot which killed Stockton grandmother, Stacey Klimovitch in June is expected to face an extradition hearing in a Canberra court today (Monday 29 November, 2021).

46-year-old Jason Paul Hawkins the ACT magistrates Court on Saturday following his arrest on Friday night.

The man accused of orchestrating the alleged murder, 29-year-old Stuart Daniel Campbell did not apply for bail when he faced Newcastle Bail Court on Saturday - his matter has been adjourned until January 27.

Mr Campbell is the former partner of Stacy Klimovitch's daughter.

61-year-old Stacey Klimovitch was shot dead when she answered the door of her Stockton home on 9 June, 2021

Two Men Arrested Over Stacey Klimovitch Murder At Stockton

 Strike Force Backhouse detectives have charged a man with murder and are seeking the extradition of a second man from the ACT as part of an ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman in Stockton earlier this year.

Just after 8pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.

A 61-year-old woman answered her front door before she was shot; she died at the scene and was later identified as Stacey Klimovitch.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stacey’s murder.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man on Wharf Road, Honeysuckle, about 11am yesterday (Friday 26 November 2021).

The 29-year-old man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with murder.

Police will allege in court that the man orchestrated the murder.

He was bail refused to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 27 November 2021).

With assistance from Australian Federal Police (AFP), a 46-year-old man was arrested on a NSW warrant at a home in Chisholm, ACT, about 6.45pm.

He was taken to a local police station where the NSW warrant was executed.

The man will appear at court, and strike force detectives will apply for his extradition to NSW in the coming days, where he will be charged with murder.

Police will allege in court that the man discharged the firearm that killed Stacey Klimovitch.

Investigations are ongoing.

Homicide Detectives Now Investigating Fatal Stockton House Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police investigating a fatal house fire at Stockton last month are now treating the blaze as a murder investigation.

The fire in the Housing Commission flat on Fullerton Street on July 26 claimed the life of 55-year-old Graham Cameron, who was the sole occupant of the 1 bedroom flat.

Fairfax reports a neighbour heard loud banging noises coming from Mr Cameron's unit in the hours before the fire broke out but wasn't game to investigate following a separate incident weeks earlier involving police and a second unit, where it's alleged a large quantity of drugs and cash were found.

Graham Cameron was killed in the Fullerton Street Fire on July 26