Horse rescued by emergency services in Hinton

BY JARROD MELMETH

A horse has been rescued by emergency services overnight in Hinton, near Morpeth, after becoming trapped against trees.

24-year-old Franklin, had slipped on mud and slid backwards down a slope where he became trapped against tress and branches.

A vet was called to the scene who safely sedated Franklin while an extrication plan was developed to get the horse free.  

Chainsaw operators were brought in to remove surrounding lantana bushes as crews got to work arranging straps, slides and skids as part of the SES's Large Animal Rescue Operations.

The slide was positioned beneath Franklin who was heavily sedated at this point. SES and NSW Rural Fire Service crews then worked together to move the 1/2 tonne horse onto the slide using ropes. Once on the slide, the slide was winched down the slope and onto the grassed area of the paddock.

The on-site vet then checked over Franklin before he was reunited with his owner.

Pictured: SES and RFS crews rescuing Franklin.
Image: SES Port Stephens

Dog Rescue Newcastle secures a permanent shelter location

BY JARROD MELMETH

Dog Rescue Newcastle have secured a permanent location for the construction of a shelter to assist in their re-homing efforts.

The site at Fullerton Cove, will provide a sanctuary for up to 40 dogs where they will be trained and rehabilitated until they are moved into foster care or adopted.

The organisation wants to make the Hunter a no-kill zone by working with dog owners and educating the community to reduce overall animal surrenders and abandonment. 

The shelter, once constructed will feature exercise yards, long-term accommodation, community pet pantry, event space, memorial garden, retail store and adoption office.

Jesse Reinhard from Dog Rescue Newcastle says the the new facility will give animals on death row a second chance.

"This will mean animals in death row pounds and on euthanasia lists, both locally and in regional that need more help can be saved.

"We also get a lot of private surrenders that are very urgent due to neglect, abuse or domestic violence. 

"One of the biggest issues of running a foster based program is that we need time to assess the dogs and place the dogs so we can have the right carers. This shelter will mean animals can be assessed faster and more families can be supported," Mr Reinhard said.

Over $70,000 has been raised so far which has gone towards the deposit for the mortgage of the property. The organisation says another $300,000 is needed to construct the shelters.

Mr Reinhard says the organisation will have to up the bar on donations in order to get the shelter up and running.

"If there's more dogs coming in, it will mean there is going to be more help needed. We will be reaching out with lots of new programs and campaigns to help get business and the community involved. 

"This will be a very inclusive shelter because we believe we can do it together, not just with money but with hands," Mr Reinhard said.

Anyone who would like to donate to the shelter can do so here. People interested in volunteering can apply on their website.

Image: Dog Rescue Newcastle

Pictured: Plans for the shelter at Fullerton Cove.
Image: Dog Rescue Newcastle

Fires Blaze In The Hunter

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Residents around the Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Hunter areas are relieved the torrential fires from yesterday have seized.

With temperatures dropping and the possible chances of rain, bushland around the Hunter can take a break.

No reports have come through on houses being lost or damaged, although, other remnants such as sheds and open properties have been burnt or destroyed by the blaze.

At least 26 fire crews tackled the ongoing fires, with some extensive help from helicopters and other aircraft flying over, dropping water to extinguish the blaze.

Police undertook investigations today in order to figure out how these fires began and if one or more arsonists were invloved in purposely lighting the fire.

Investigations are still ongoing.

Mayor of Cessnock, Bob Pynsent says, "It was a very frightening experience for a lot of people in our local area."

"We are so happy that there's been minimal damage to surrounding properties and a big thank you to all the emergency services who worked so hard to protect our community", he says.

[Image sourced: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/evacuation-warnings-issued-as-multiple-fires-in-kurri-kurri-region-burn-out-of-control/news-story/6a4d33eb7de6ac83d5d11a0aaea8815a]

Women Spend Night on Rock Ledge Above Dudley Beach

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Two women have spent a night on a cliff ledge after becoming trapped during a walk between Merewether and Redhead Beaches.

The two 27-year-olds set off on their coastal trek at around 4:30 yesterday afternoon before they became trapped due to the terrain and fading light.

The women contacted a friend around 6:30pm, advising them of their situation.

The friend contacted emergency services at around 11pm when the women failed to return home.

Police and ambulance paramedics found the women on a rock ledge above the waterline near Dudley Beach just after 11:30pm.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended the scene however, it was deemed too dangerous to winch the women out.

A paramedic was winched to the women due to concerns regarding dehydration and communication.

Ground parties were expected to walk the women out of the area at first light this morning.

Updated: Fatality at Blow Hole in Port Macquarie

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Hunter Westpac Rescue helicopter has been successful in rescuing a 15-year-old boy from the water at the Blow Hole in Port Macquarie this morning.

The boy has been taken to Port Macquarie Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Unfortunately the 14-year-old boy he was with could not be saved.

Police have been told that a group of males were seen jumping from rocks into the water.

A report is being prepared for the coroner by the police.

Further details to come as they are made available.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Source: australianvisitation.com.au