Whale Remains Result In Increased Shark Activity Along Lake Macquarie Coastline

BY JARROD MELMETH

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution over the next few days, due to the potential of increased shark activity with whale remains discovered in the area.

Redhead and Blacksmiths Beaches were closed late Monday due to the discovery but reopened on Tuesday morning following an assessment where no sharks were sighted.

Council's Beach Lifeguard, Paul Stone said increased reports of sighting in the area indicated there was a potential for increased shark activity.

"Lake Macquarie is blessed to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline that many residents and visitors take advantage of especially during the warmer months, however, the activity presents a heightened risk to swimmers and surfers.

Mr Stone said lifeguards would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Image: Newcastle Star.

Operation Slow Down wraps up the Long Weekend

BY JESSICA ROUSE and IAN CROUCH

It's been a tragic long weekend on the Hunter's roads, with three lives lost.

A 57-year-old man died when his Honda Jazz crashed into a fence on Kalaroo Road at Redhead on Sunday night - police believe he suffered a medical episode prior to the crash.

Meanwhile, Blake Mins and Matt Lambert died in a firey crash at Morisset on Saturday morning.

And a woman in her 70's suffered serious injuries after she was hit by a car on Turton Road at Waratah yesterday.

Across the state, the NSW Police Force's Operation Slow Down booked just over 6,200 people for speeding and charged 215 people with drink driving. More than 188,300 were breathalysed.

14,429 people in total were issued with infringements and five people died over the long weekend.

During the same operation last year, only one person lost their life.

Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver from Traffic and Highway Patrol said even with the extra police presence out on the roads, it was quite disheartening to see drivers continue to speed or act dangerously behind the wheel.

"These deaths bring the number of lives lost on our roads this year to 290. That is 290 people who set out on a journey and didn't make it home, changing the lives of their family and friends forever."

BREAKING! 97-Year-Old Redhead Man Charged Over Violent Domestic Assault

BY IAN CROUCH

A 97-year-old Redhead man is due to face court next month accused of breaking his wife's neck and leg during a domestic dispute.

Paramedics were called to a home in Kerle Street at 7 o'clock last night to reports an 80-year-old woman had suffered significant injuries - it's alleged her husband pushed her over during an argument.

Chief Inspector Dean Olsen says the elderly man has been charged over the incident.

"(he) was taken to Belmont Police Station and charge with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and has been granted conditional bail to face Belmont Local Court in July," he said.

Man unconscious after accident at Redhead

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man has been pulled unconscious from a vehicle after a two car accident this morning at Redhead.

Emergency services were called to Redhead Road at the Oakdale Road intersection just before 10am where they found a driver who was trapped for some time in a car before being pulled unconscious from the vehicle.

The man in his 20's was taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

The other driver walked away and didn't require any treatment.

Redhead Surf Club toilet block explosion overnight

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Redhead Surf Club escaped damage overnight when an adjoining toilet block was rocked by an explosion.

Police have established a crime scene after the explosion destroyed most of the roof and ceiling, and also blew out a window.

President of Redhead Surf Club Mike Mckey says this isn't the first time the club has been subjected to vandalism with the club previously dealing with graffiti vandalism.

"It's disappointing that these things happen, even though the surf club wasn't damaged, it's a public building, ultimately the cost has to be borne by the public and the rate payers and that's pretty disappointing."

The club are working with police to review CCTV footage to help identify possible suspects.