UPDATE! Manhunt Underway In Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

More information has been released in regards to a pursuit in Newcastle. 

Police say officers were called to a home on Acacia Avenue at North Lambton, about 11:00am this morning (Wednesday 16th August), following reports a man had been assaulted and had his red 2010 Holden Commodore sedan stolen. 

A short time later, police found the vehicle had been abandoned on Mayo Street at Jesmond.

A police operation involving PolAir is now underway in Jesmond to locate the man.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of a slim build, with facial hair.

Police have been told he was wearing a black top with white stripes down the sleeves, blue shorts, a black cap, and red shoes.

Anyone with information, or who may have seen a man leaving the car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

EARLIER:

The police helicopter has been called in to assist with a manhunt in Newcastle. 

The PolAir chopper has been seen circling the Birmingham Gardens, Jesmond and Waratah areas as part of the alleged pursuit.  

Witnesses have told the Newcastle Herald, they've heard over the speaker, officers are searching for a man in his mid-20s. 

He is described as being clean-shaven, with olive skin, and is wearing a long black shirt and blue shorts.

He was last seen in Jesmond at about 12:00pm on Wednesday the 15th of August 2023. 

Anyone who has seen the man or has any information which may help police with their search is being asked to call 000. 

Woman and two boys injured in Upper Bowman ATV accident

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A woman and two boys have been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after an ATV rolled over at an Upper Bowman property on Wednesday afternoon.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene around 1:40pm.

A male who was also in the vehicle escaped injury.

The three patients were treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to hospital in a stable condition.

Helicopters flying low over the Hunter for safety checks

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Locals can expect to see a twin-engine plane or helicopter flying low across the Hunter this week, as part of safety checks at helicopter landing sites.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be conducting the checks at Newcastle Westpac Base and Lake Macquarie Airport on Thursday.

The aircraft could be seen as low as several hundred feet, and are likely to be taking an unusual flying pattern for the purpose of making sure maps are accurately marked and no new obstacles have appeared.

Military Helicopters To Be Seen Flying Over Newcastle As Defence Conducts Training in the Area

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Military helicopters will be seen flying over Newcastle towards the end of July, with the Australian Defense Force conducting anti-terrorism training in the region.

Locals will be given the chance to see Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopters in action, as they are used during training exercises. 

"The activity is part of regular, scheduled training, and is designed to ensure our ADF personnel are operating at the highest level of capacity to respond, where required, to support Australia’s national interests," the ADF said in a statement. 

Australian Army officer Colonel Brett Chaloner said ADF personnel were looking forward to the opportunity to train in the region.

“Defence does not get the opportunity to train in the Newcastle region very often,” Colonel Chaloner said.

“We are looking forward to using some of the facilities in the area, to assist our helicopter crews and personnel continue to build our world-class military capability.

“We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for Newcastle residents, but it is essential to provide ADF personnel with realistic training environments,” Colonel Chaloner said.

The training will be conducted during the day and at night.

"The public should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters, vehicles and military personnel carrying weapons. No ammunition will be used during the training," the ADF said. 

"People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat."

All ADF personnel participating in the training will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before commencing the training.

“Defence will not take any risks with the health of Newcastle residents, and for everybody’s safety we ask that if you do see or hear the training, please maintain your distance.

Image Credit: Australian Aviation

Low Flying Helicopters Across the Hunter As Power Line Safety Inspections Kick Off

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Ausgrid has started its annual bushfire safety program, assessing power poles and powerlines across the Hunter for any issues or faults that could increase the risk of a bushfire in the warmer months.

From June 11th, residents may see helicopters flying low over powerlines above Adamstown, Ashtonfield, Belmont, Cameron Park, Cardiff, Charlestown, Fern Bay, Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, Shortland, Toronto, Tomago, Warners Bay and surrounding areas.

On the ground, crews are also contacting property owners in the Hunter who have private power poles on their land and completing inspections to ensure they address maintenance issues.

Crews will be in the air from about 7.30am to 5.30pm (weather permitting) and property owners may want to consider securing livestock during the patrols.

“The helicopters fly between 25 and 40 kilometres per hour and have been modified to allow for the quietest possible operation, but they may fly low at times, which can startle livestock in rural areas,” Mr Armstrong said.

 Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong said this year’s bushfire safety program was more important than ever.

“No-one will forget the catastrophic fires which caused so much loss of life and property destruction over last summer which proved just how dangerous bushfires can be.

Mr Armstrong said that the helicopter patrols provide the safest and most efficient way to inspect large and expansive high-voltage powerlines.

“We will be using multiple helicopters, so we can finish the patrols by the end of July, before the start of the next bushfire season in September.

“The helicopter crews will be using laser scanning equipment and taking high-resolution photographs to identify any hazards on our poles and wires and trees growing too close to powerlines”, he said.

Private power pole inspections on the ground are also underway and Ausgrid is encouraging property owners to help do their part in ensuring poles on their property are safe and clear of any tree branches or vegetation which could spark a fire.

“Private poles and powerlines that aren’t safely maintained by property owners can become a serious bushfire risk and we need property owners to do their part in keeping our communities safe,” Mr Armstrong said.

A full flight schedule and more information can be found at Ausgrid.com.au/bushfirepatrols

Debris From Helicopter Crash Found Along With Human Remains

BY TYLER FARDELL


Police have located debris and human remains of the helicopter which crashed off the coast of Port Stephens almost three weeks ago.

Police divers made the grisly discovery yesterday and were able to retrieve some of the debris from the wreckage, which was located 30 metres below the surface.

Recovery efforts last week focused on an area near Birubi Point after large amounts of debris were seen in the area.

It has been confirmed 5 people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Detectives from marine area command are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Police are expected to make a report for the coroner.

The helicopter and the 5 victims
Source; CourierMail

Ausgrid Checks For Bushfire Risks

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Ausgrid is using a specialist helicopter to survey major powerlines and locate hotspots on the network.

Infrared cameras will help identify potential defects in the system which could pose a bushfire risk, with this year's fire danger period already in place.

You might spot the chopper flying around the Hunter from today (Tuesday 4th September) through to Thursday 6th from 7:30am til 5pm.

Ausgrid Engineering Officer Scott Wedesweiler said the operation covers over 150 kilometres of powerlines.

"We travel from Mt Colah up through the Central Coast, all the way up to the Hunter region - we patrol at a low altitude looking for hotspots," he explained.

Mr Wedesweiler said residents should take precautions so pets and livestock don't get scared.

"The chopper will fly pretty much the height of the powerlines," he said, "and for landowners that have livestock, we'd prefer them to house the animals so they don't get spooked by the noise."

Crews are taking to the skies in areas like Toronto, West Wallsend, Heddon Greta and Killingworth.

Thermal imaging as it appears on the infrared camera. 

Police circle the skies for Belmont robber

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man believed to have committed a number of robberies has drawn a huge response from Belmont Police.

2NURFM listeners saw police helicopters circling the skies around Belmont and Jewells this morning, while a dog squad and team of plain-clothes detectives also searched for a man who fled from officers.

The search reportedly followed a newsagency break-in around 4:30am.

Police eventually tracked down the man and arrested him, and he's currently being questioned.

Woman transported to John Hunter after motor accident

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has transported a 58-year-old woman from Hinton to the John Hunter Hospital this morning.

The woman sustained head and spinal injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident around 8am this morning.

She is currently in a stable condition.