Body believed to be that of missing fisherman found at Swansea

BY JORDAN REGNIS

A body, believed to be that of missing fisherman Luke Smith has been located today.

About 7.50pm on Saturday July 6, emergency services were called to Channel Street, Swansea, following reports of multiple people in the water after a small boat overturned.

Three men were pulled from the water a short time later, however 23-year-old Luke Smith could not be located.

About 12.20pm today, emergency services were called to Swansea following reports a body had been located in the channel.

While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Workers Threatened With Sword During Hold-Up At Swansea

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for a man who held up a business at Swansea overnight.

Police say the man entered the business on Belmont Street at about 10.30pm on Wednesday and threatened two male employees aged 17 and 21 with a sword while demanding money.

He fled the business with an amount of cash.

Police say the workers were not harmed during the incident.

The alleged offender is described as being about 30-years old with blue eyes and was wearing a grey hooded jumper and black pants.

Anyone who witnessed the man running off or who has information about the incident is urged to call Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Three Men Charged Following Alleged Swansea Club Fight

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Three men have been charged following an alleged affray at Swansea.

At about 6:20pm on Saturday the 16th of December, 2023, police arrived at a licensed club on Bridge Street and were told a man had been asked to leave after displaying aggressive behaviour.

A short time later, an argument broke out between staff and his associates.

Two men, aged 37 and 55, allegedly broke through the front doors of the premises, which had been locked, causing them to smash.

They, along with another 75-year-old man then re-entered the venue and assaulted two employees.

As a result, one 39-year-old man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he was treated for lacerations to his head and a dislocated finger.

The other 24-year-old employee did not report any injuries to police.

Following inquiries, the three men were arrested and each charged with multiple offences.

They've all been granted conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday the 24th of January, 2024.

Teenagers Charged Over Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie And The Central Coast

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two teenagers will face court today, after they allegedly led police on a pursuit around Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast. 

At about 7:00pm yesterday (Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023), officers attempted to stop a Honda station wagon which they believed was stolen on the Pacific Highway at Kanwal. 

When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated, however it was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.  

With the assistance of PolAir, the vehicle was located at Toukley before it came to a stop along The Esplanade at Swansea.

The two occupants fled on foot into nearby bushland, but were located a short time later.

The boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

They've both been refused bail and will face a children's court today. 

Changes Announced For Hunter Offshore Wind Zone

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister has announced changes to the offshore wind zone declared for the Hunter's coast.

Chris Bowen is expected to announce a zone 1000 square metres smaller than the one originally proposed, which will run from Port Stephens to Swansea. 

It's also been moved about 9 kilometres further offshore.

The Central Coast section of the zone slated to go 10 kilometres off the shore at Norah Head has been removed from the proposal, after Shadow Minister Ted O'Brien last week heard concerns from the community about its potential to have visual, economic and environmental impacts on the area. 

The height of the turbines will be capped at 260 metres to address aviation concerns.

The changes mean the zone's energy-generating potential has shrunk from 8 gigawatts to 5. 

Mr. Bowen said the offshore wind industry has the potential to create over 3,000 construction jobs in the Hunter and 1,560 ongoing jobs. 

The government estimates the declared zone will generate enough electricity to power 4.2 million homes once fully developed. 

Swansea Channel Dredging To Begin This Month

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The long-awaited dredging of the Swansea Channel is set to get under way this month.

Up to 30,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed from the beach across two campaigns and placed on Elizabeth Island, once approval is granted by Crown Lands. 

It means boaters will be able to more easily navigate the passage to Lake Macquarie, with the dredging set to widen the channel to 30 metres, allowing for vessels with a draft up to 2.5 metres. 

Swansea MP Yasmine Catley, said she's pleased to see the ongoing issue finally resolved. 

"The whole community are going to be so pleased that this dredging program is starting. They've been calling for this now for more than two years, and as promised, the Labor government has delivered and dredging will begin this month."  

The first campaign will take place at the end of this month, weather permitting, and the second will be carried out in Autumn 2024. 

Disgraced Former Swansea MP Milton Orkopolous Found Guilty of Sexual Assault and Drug Supply

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Disgraced former Swansea MP Milton Orkopoulos has been found guilty of 26 more child sexual assault and drug offences, almost 15 years after his last sentence was handed-down. 

After a five week trial in Sydney's Downing Street District Court, a jury has found him guilty of 11 counts of sexual intercourse with a person aged between 10 and 16, and multiple counts of indecent assault and supplying cannabis.

Mr Orkolplous had pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was acquitted of only two. 

It's believed after spending almost 15 years behind bars, Mr Orkopolous is facing at least another decade in goal. 

Image: Damian Shaw

Swansea eyesore set to be cleared by Crown Lands

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Swansea home is set to be demolished after reaching the end of its life.

The empty, three-bedroom property is managed by Crown Lands, which is set to spend $40,000 on cleaning up the Rawson Street plot.

It's understood the traditional asbestos cladding isn't suitable for restoration.

Crown Lands will oversee the removal of the structures and carport, before considering future uses for the site.

Teen to be sentenced over Swansea murder

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A now 17-year-old boy will be sentenced next year, over the stabbing murder of a teenager on a Swansea street in September last year. 

The 16-year-old could not be revived, while a second 16-year-old victim was rushed to hospital and survived.

The killer made an appearance in Broadmeadow Childrens Court last week, and will return to the Supreme Court for sentencing. 

It's understood, he admitted to the charges.

Police appeal after alleged Swansea break and enter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public to find two vehicles missing, after an alleged aggravated break and enter at Swansea on Thursday morning. 

About 2am, two unknown males stole a black BMW sedan, with NSW registration CMF78E, from the driveway of a home on Lakeside Drive, Swansea. 

As the vehicle drove from the scene, a silver Mercedes sedan, with NSW registration DNM95U, drove to the same address and two unknown males left the vehicle and entered the same home. 

The men left the scene a short time later with a number of items, before returning a second time and disturbing the occupant. 

The 43-year-woman confronted the males before being threatened with a knife, though she wasn't injured during the incident.

The men left the scene in the Mercedes - it's believed to have been stolen from an address in Greenwich between 11pm on Tuesday 19 July and 7.30am on Wednesday 20 July.

About 2.25am, officers were notified when the drivers of the BMW and Mercedes failed to pay for petrol at a service station on the Pacific Highway at Swansea. 

About 3.45am, the woman’s debit card was used at a fast-food restaurant on the Pacific Highway at Thornleigh. 

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Triple Zero or Crime Stoppers.

Man treated by paramedics after yacht collision on Caves Beach rocks

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man's managed to escape with his life after his yacht lost power and collided with rocks at Caves Beach.

Around 7pm on Thursday night, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by New South Wales Ambulance after reports of a yacht in distress in waters offshore.

It was reported that the sole male occupant of the vessel broadcasted a mayday call over the marine radio and called triple zero stating that the vessel had lost power and was close to shore. 

Upon arrival of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the vessel was located 250 metres offshore from the rocks at Caves Beach. 

Due to the conditions, the vessel impacted the rocks shortly after grounding the vessel.

The sole occupant was able to abandon the vessel onto shore where police and paramedics were waiting.

The male was assessed by paramedics for minor cuts and abrasions.

Labor promises investment package to put Lake Macquarie back on the map

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Federal Labor says it will invest $20 million into Lake Macquarie to establish a permanent dredge for the Swansea Channel, as well as extend the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund to cover the City of Lake Macquarie.

The Opposition's already announced, as part of its economic development package, a $30 million upgrade of Mandalong Road at Morisset, support for the Glendale Transport Interchange, and $500 for a Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail project.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says it's about time we see serious investment in the region.

"We've been neglected by the current Liberal Government, whether it's the Federal Liberal Government or the State Liberal Government," Mr Conroy said.

"They've neglected our region, a region that is the second-biggest in New South Wales, when you include the Hunter Region.

"We've got 700,000 people in our area, and we're treated like the poor cousins of Sydney, when we shouldn't be, we're the seventh-biggest city in the country."

It's hoped the expansion of the mine grouting fund will encourage property developers to build more and taller buildings in the region, by circumventing the risk of having to fork out extra costs if they encounter subsidence. 

The permanent dredge is similarly being put forward as a boost for tourism and travel in the lake.

Mr Conroy says the plan will spur around $1.8 billion in economic benefits.

"This package will help deliver over 12,000 jobs, and really help secure the economic future of our region," Mr Conroy said.

"It's important that that occurs - we're sick of just having all our resources taken by the State and Federal Liberal Governments.

"They take our resources, they take our taxes, they took our vaccines, and they give very little in return."

Image credit: shape.lakemac.com.au

Hunter loses out as Opposition skipped in gambling revenue grant program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government's facing accusations of grant rorting yet again, with the Hunter mostly missing out in a gambling revenue grant program.

According to an analysis by the Sydney Morning Herald, opposition and crossbench seats received around a quarter of the ClubGRANTS Category Three funding over the last eight years.

Three quarters of the cash, around $75 million, went to Liberal and National electorates.

The program provides NSW registered clubs which profit more than $1 million from poker machines with a dollar for dollar tax rebate, limited at 2.25 percent, if they contribute to the funding pools.

The Category Three grants can go toward large-scale projects relating to sport, health, or community infrastructure.

The electorate of Swansea didn't receive a cent in the program, despite there being an estimated 763 poker machines in the region.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says it's no surprise, following similar scandals around the Stronger Communities Fund.

"The real issue with this is, there would be thousands of deserving community projects that have missed out on funding, simply because they live in the wrong area," Ms Catley said.

"We've seen here, pork barrelling at its absolute worst, by the Minister himself awarding three quarters of that grant funding, that is supposed to go to disadvantaged communities, to regional, rural communities, to areas of need, being used as the Government's own piggy bank."

Newcastle, which has around 1482 poker machines, received an estimated $969 for each machine.

Sydney seat Wahroonga, with only 29 machines, received more than half a million dollars, or almost $18,000 per machine.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says it's a case of deja vu.

"The Hunter has absolutely been rorted again," he said.

"We knew the Government's grant process was a sham, now there's independent proof."

 

Charity regatta struggling due to lack of Swansea Channel dredge

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's concern a charity regatta scheduled for Lake Macquarie this weekend won't live up to its full potential, with boaters afraid to get involved because Swansea Channel hasn't yet been dredged.

The Heaven Can Wait Regatta is set to happen over Saturday and Sunday, raising funds for the NSW Cancer Council's Hunter branch.

But Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto have noticed boaters are reluctant to attend, citing an inability to navigate the channel as a major concern.

While the regatta usually attracts around 60 to 65 boats, Vice Commodore Melvin Steiner expects the turnout to fall to around 45 or 50 this year.

He says it's disappointing not only for the community, but for the fundraising goal of half a million dollars.

"It restricts boats from other ports that normally come to the regatta, from getting into the lake," Mr Steiner said.

"We've had inquiries from boats that have done the regatta before, from Sydney, asking what the depth of the channel is." 

"As soon as you say it's down around 1.5 or something, or less, they say we're not coming, we can't get in there."

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has been pushing the State Government for a solution since December.

It was revealed last week, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie surpassed last year's 55 vessel escorts through the channel in January alone. 

Transport for NSW says a dredging project will happen in the first half of 2022, but expect environmental approvals and selection of a tender to take months.

Mr Steiner says his club and other organisations had tried to raise their concerns, to no avail.

"It just seems to fall on deaf ears," Mr Steiner said. 

"There's been a change in the organisation, in terms of who's responsible for doing dredging in our waterways, and they've really done nothing since that change and we don't know when they're going to start."

Image credit: Transport for NSW

Rescission Motion for Controversial Coon Island Name Change

 BY SAMUEL BARTLTET

Three Lake Macquarie councilors are fighting the name change of Pirrita Island, saying the community doesn't want it. 

In a recent survey, 56% of 2120 responses wished to leave the name as Coon Island but council moved a motion to change the name on Monday this week. Councilors Jason Pauling, John Gilbert and Colin Grigg say the community has been ignored.

"Council went to the community, asked them what they thought, and then effectively thumbed their nose at the response they got," Jason Pauling said on Friday.

"My primary concern is, when this all started I made reference that this looked like it would be a sham-consultation and council had already made up its mind, and the results of this survey being disregarded would appear to support that," he said.

But according to other members on council and community groups, the name change isn't about playing politics but changing something which people find offensive.

Councilor Kevin Baker says the name has been hurting people in that community for a significant amount of time.

"It really is a name that has racist connotations, the name comes from one of the original people who lived on the island, who had the name simply because he came out of the coal mines with black dust on his face," councilor Baker said.

"Its time that we moved on from this name that does hurt members of our community and move to a more inclusive name that does recognise the history of the island."

When you combine the feedback from the community as well as the genuine engagement that went on with the key stakeholders and the family group, the feedback overwhelmingly showed there was need for change," he said.

Bahtabah Aboriginal Land Council said in a statement that they considered the term as derogatory.

However, councilor Pauling says "the history books say that he looked like a racoon,"

"I know this whole argument but even the history books that say 'he was named because he had a black face,' they don't say anything further than that," he explained.

"There is no direct link to that being a racial slur,"

"That's where the community is,"

"It's not based on racism, they're trying to hold onto their memories and they feel that they haven't been appropriately consulted," he finished.

New Name for Coon Island

BY ZARA HANDSCOMB 

Coon Island and Coon Island Point in Swansea will be renamed Pirrita Island and Miners Point respectively.

The Island was named after the first recorded permanent of the island, Herbert Heany. Who was nicknamed 'coon', as he was often found with coal dust on his face. 

After many years of reports deeming the name of Coon Island of racist nature, Lake Macquarie Council and Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Council came together to review the name. The name change considered feedback from community a community survey, and key stakeholders, traditional owners and the Heany family.

Lake Macquarie councillor, Kevin Baker has slammed the former name saying it "was a name that was genuinely racist and genuinely hurtful to a lot of people in our community." 

Over two-thousand people submitted survey responses regarding the name change, in which fifty-six percent responded negatively. The motion to change the name was passed 8-5 and the council are due to submit an application to the Geographical names board. 

Cr Baker says this will enable the community to commence healing, "...we recognise both the European history and the significant contribution minors have had to the area, plus the sixty-thousand years plus of Indigenous history that the places have. Now is the time for the community to come together, embrace our shared history and heal," Cr Baker said. 

Image: Royal Haskoning 

Drugs, Firearms, Ammunition and Stolen Jet Ski Seized at Swansea Home

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Police have seized several prohibited weapons and precursors for explosives during a search of a Lake Macquarie home.

About 12.30pm on Tuesday Lake Macquarie Police were assisting Sheriff’s Officers with an eviction order at a Swansea property, where they spoke with three people – two women and a man.

All three people left the premises. 

During an initial search of the home, sheriff officers allegedly located a firearm near the front door of the premises.

Police declared a crime scene and subsequently executed a search warrant. 

During the search, officers located and seized, more than a dozen firearms, ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sling shot a crossbow, a jet ski, a trailer believed to have been stolen, cash, prohibited drugs and powders believed to be precursors for the manufacture of explosives.

All items were taken to Belmont Police Station for forensic analysis, while the jet ski and trailer were returned to the owner.

An investigation has been launched into the origins of the items located within the home.

Anyone who may have information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Images: Lake Macquarie Police 

Police Searching for Wanted Man Known to Frequent Swansea, Marks Point, Windale

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie Police are searching for a man wanted on a number of outstanding warrants. 

Matthew Betts is wanted over break and enter and domestic violence offences.

He's known to frequent the Swansea, Marks Point and Windale areas. 

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

Image: Lake Macquarie Police District 

UPDATE! Milton Orkopoulos Arrested On Further Charges, Causing Boy Under 14 to Participate in Child Prostitution

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, has been charged with further offences, following an investigation into historic sexual assault offences in the Lake Macquarie region.

Lake Macquarie detectives attended Sydney's Long Bay Jail after an alleged victim came forward, and arrested the 62-year-old man at around about 11am on Monday June 15th.

In January 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Glenwarrie to investigate allegations of historic sexual and indecent assault offences against two juvenile boys from the early 1990s, and throughout the decade allegedly known to Mr Orkopoulous.

"As you expect coming forward in relation to a sexual offence is something that is extremely traumatic and distressing," Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent, Danny Sullivan said.

"Here in the command we are very thankful for the courage that's been shown by the people in relation to this."

 "We're working very closely with them and not only do we investigate the criminal aspect but we work with those victims around counselling and support."

He has since been charged with 15 offences including:

• Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years
• Aggravated indecency – victim under 16 & under authority offender
• Aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Cause child under 14 to participate in child prostitution (x3)

Police will allege the man sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast.

In regards to the child prostitution charges, Superintendent Sullivan said,

"These are very difficult matters, and will be fully put before the court."

Orkopoulous is already behind bars for violating his parole in February, after serving 11 years for 30 child sex and drug offences.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via video link on Tuesday 16 June.

Investigations under Strike Force Glenwarrie are continuing.

"I'd encourage any person or a witness to come forward and contact Lake Macquarie detectives or contact crime stoppers" Superintendent Sullivan said.

     

 Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent, Danny Sullivan. 

Former Swansea MP, Milton Orkopoulos Arrested on Further Historical Sexual Assault Offences

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, has been charged with further offences, following an investigation into historic sexual assault offences in the Lake Macquarie region.

Lake Macquarie detectives attended Sydney's Long Bay Jail after an alleged victim came forward, and arrested the 62-year-old man at around about 11am on Monday June 15th.

In January 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Glenwarrie to investigate allegations of historic sexual and indecent assault offences against two juvenile boys in the 1990s.

He has since been charged with 15 offences including:

• Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years
• Aggravated indecency – victim under 16 & under authority offender
• Aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Cause child under 14 to participate in child prostitution (x3)

Police will allege the man sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast.

Orkopoulous is already behind bars for violating his parole in February, after serving 11 years for 30 child sex and drug offences.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via video link on Tuesday 16 June.

Investigations under Strike Force Glenwarrie are continuing.

Milton Orpkopoulos Picture dailytelegraph.com.au