Woman Allegedly Involved In Dangerous Pursuit Through Southern Lake Macquarie With 10-Month-Old Baby In Car

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a woman had a 10-month-old baby in her car during a dangerous pursuit from the Central Coast to Swansea.

Just after midday yesterday (Tuesday 30 September, 2025), officers attempted to stop a Volkswagen sedan on the M1 at Somersby and initiated a pursuit when the car failed to stop.

They terminated the chase at the Tuggerah interchange, with the car involved in a crash before continuing north.

Road spikes were deployed twice just north of the Swansea Bridge and again at Pelican, but the driver swerved to avoid them.

The car was later found dumped on Moorilla Close at Windale and police arrested five people, including the driver, near the vehicle.

The alleged driver, a 19-year-old woman is due to front court today (Wednesday 1 October, 2025) charged with several offences including exceeding speed limit for learner driver by more than 45km/hr and drive recklessly/furiously.

The four passengers have been released without charge.

 

One teen dead, another in a serious condition following stabbing at Swansea

BY JARROD MELMETH

A 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed multiple times at a home in Swansea overnight.

Emergency services were called to the home on Parbury Road at about 8:20pm on Friday night following reports of the attack.

Lake Macquarie Police attended the home where they found two teenage boys with stab wounds to the chest. Nearby witnesses assisted a 16-year-old boy until emergency services arrived; however, he died at the scene.

The second teen suffering stab wounds, another 16-year-old boy was treated by paramedics, before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, where he underwent surgery.

A crime scene was established by police and following a search of the area, they located another 16-year-old boy in the backyard of a home on Parbury Road, Swansea about 9:20pm.

He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he is assisting police with their enquiries.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information about the incident, or has dash cam or CCTV from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Swansea Channel first to receive dredging under new program

BY ZARA HANDSCOMB

Swansea Channel will soon be dredged again following an announcement from the NSW Government.

It comes as part of a $6.2 million program which will also see dredging works undertaken at Town Green Moorings at Port Macquarie, Bermagui Boat Harbour, Ettalong Channel at Brisbane Water, and Evans Boat Harbour at the Entrance to Evans River.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin says the work will ensure to free up space for recreational and commercial boast users

"Swansea Channel is considered a key investment location under the NSW coastal dredging strategy, which means when funding is available for dredging, the waterway is given priority," Mr Martin said.

The Channel has long been a point of contention between the local member, who has called for a permanent solution for years, and the state government. 

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says while she welcomes the funding, the government must stop its adhoc approach and fund a permanent dredge.

"We'd like to see a commitment from the government to purchase a dredge that is able to be used in all of these locations...so that we can have an ongoing maintenance program and people can have the confidence that the channel is navigable at all times," Ms Catley said.

Image: Royal Haskoning 

Fire Crews Kept Busy With Multiple Blazes

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL AND IAN CROUCH

Hunter firefighters have been kept busy attending a number of blazes this morning.

Newcastle firefighters extinguished a fire in a rubbish bin at a building in King Street.

5 crews attended the scene around 11am, where 2 levels of the building had become smoke-logged.

Over 65 people evacuated but fortunately, no-one was injured.

Earlier, crews from several stations extinguished a fire at a single story weatherboard home in Bowman Street at Swansea.

Nearby residents raised the alarm just before 9:30 and it took crews around an hour to extinguish.

Nobody was injured and police will investigate the cause of the blaze.

Meanwhile, crews are still at the scene of a fire at Lorn, where a two storey unoccupied brick home in Allan Street is on fire.

Bus Timetable Changes Spark Further Backlash

BY KAYNE STEPHENS AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

Newcastle Transport operator Keolis Downer's plans to favour the On-Demand bus service in Lake Macquarie over regular weekend services are being criticised as the area prepares for another timetable revision.

The On-Demand service, which allows commuters to book a bus to pick up or drop them off anywhere in the service area, is being expanded further South towards Belmont TAFE.

The service will double in size and extend to customers in Redhead, Jewells, Floraville, Croudace Bay, Valentine, Belmont North and Belmont.

The frequency of scheduled services will be cut during off-peak times when the On-Demand bus is operating, raising concerns from local MPs Yasmin Catley and Jodie Harrison, as well as the Rail Tram and Bus Union who say the timetable should be left alone.

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, says cutting regular timetables makes the network less reliable for commuters.

"It is delivering less services, longer journey times, and now they actually want to scrap those fixed services," said Ms Catley.

"It is absolutely disgusting the way that we have been treated here in Newcastle by the government. They need to come up here and they need to fix this problem now."

The plans have faced criticism over the level of consultation, as well as the reduction of the 41, 43, and 48 bus services which will be halved.

The services presently run one one hour intervals, but the MPs say it will be reduced to once every 2 hours under the revised timetable plan.

"The community that I represent tell me that they want the 350 route back. It was the route that took people to where they needed to be," said Yasmin Catley.

"We have a situation where a bus timetable and its routes have been implemented but do not meet the needs of the community. This has to stop."

Ms Catley also believes the community isn't quite sold on the new system and still relies on regular timetabled buses to get around.

"Those people who use the buses are concerned about this. On-Demand is not properly tried and tested," she said.

"And we know that it is costing tens of thousands, if not millions of dollars more than the services that we currently have in our fixed lines."

Keolis Downer Hunter Director of Corporate Affairs, Andrew Fletcher, said the company made the decision after listening to customers, speaking with drivers and analysing passenger data.

Newcastle Transport will release updated timetables and launch an information campaign on June 16th to keep passengers informed ahead of the changes, which come into effect on June 30th.

The On Demand service allows commuters to book a bus through the phone or an app, and they can be dropped off anywhere in the service area. Image: Transport NSW

Police investigating fraud and stealing offences in Lake Macquarie

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are appealing for assistance following a series of stealing and fraud offences in the Hunter.

Between June and July, police say an organised group have targeted retail and fast food outlets in Charlestown, Swansea, Morisett and Wyee, becoming argumentative with employees to confuse and trick them out of cash.

A silver Holden Commodore bearing Victorian license plates has been seen in the vicinity at the time the offences have been committed and is currently of interest to police.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Motorcyclist In Hospital After Police Pursuit At Swansea

BY IAN CROUCH

A motorcyclist is facing a raft of charges after leading police on a pursuit from Swansea to Murrays Beach.

Police from the Target Action Group and the Dog Squad were parked in the Caltex Station on the Pacific Highway just after 11 last night when they noticed a Suzuki motorbike go past without its headlight on.

They followed the rider and signaled for him to stop, but it's alleged he took off, reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour in a 50 zone.

He lost control and hit a tree after doing a U-Turn at the Murray's Beach Roundabout and was arrested by a police dog.

It's alleged he was in possession of a large amount of cash and small quantities of crystal meth and cannabis - he's also wanted on 3 outstanding warrants and is accused of riding while disqualified.

The 26-year-old is under police guard in hospital.

New Community Facilities Between Belmont And Moonee

BY ANNABEL ROBINSON

Lake Macquarie City Council has proposed new infrastructure upgrades worth around $64 million to help enhance recreational facilities around the Belmont, Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay areas.

With the new residential areas growing around Catherine Hill Bay, this draft contributions plan has considered the types and location of facilities that will be needed for a growing community such as Newcastle's.

This new infrastructure plan aims to cater for an extra 7250 people by 2030.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council, Cr  Kay Fraser is excited to announce the new community facilities along the Belmont and Moonee areas.

"The plan identifies 44 open spaces and recreational projects with a value of more than $54 million, as well as upgrades to community facilities," Cr Fraser said.

A few key projects included in the proposal are extensions to the Fernleigh track with a shared pathway through to Blacksmiths, enhancing of Green Point Foreshore Reserve with new walking trails and playgrounds, a new surf club at Cathrine Hill Bay, upgrades to Swansea Swim Centre and a refurbishment to Belmont library.

The Belmont Development Contributions Plan will go to the Ordinary Council Meeting early next week.

Mayor Of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, at the
 Belmont end of the Fernleigh track. Image supplied.

Labor's Fair Go For Renters

BY ADAM ACHURCH

Labor launched their "Fair Go for Renters" petition this week, in order to push the government into action and bring on a debate within Parliament to make changes to laws involving renters within the Hunter region.

Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley believes:

"This petition will bring the debate right into Parliament- and force the Government to say whether it supports fairer rules for renters."

One of the major problems within renters and landlords is the "No Grounds" provisions, which allows landlords to evict tenants without giving any reason.

With Newcastle's percentage of renters alone sitting at 39.9 percent, the housing market becoming less and less affordable, tenants are scared of bringing up issues with landlords due to the risk of eviction.

"People shouldn't be scared to point out a broken window or a leaking tap just in case the landlord decides to turf them out," said Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp.

Labor is willing to work with both landlords and tenants, to come up with a fairer alternative to "No Grounds" provisions.

Yasmin Catley and Tim Crackenthorp Launch The Fair Go For Renters Petition

UPDATED! Children Approached Outside Swansea Supermarket

BY IAN CROUCH

Police now say there was nothing suspicious in an incident where two young children were approached at Swansea.

It was alleged a man in his 60's spoke to the 5 and 7-year-old's ate the Woolworths Supermarket in Josephson Street on Thursday afternoon, asking them to go out to his car parked outside.

A man attended Belmont Police Station on Friday morning following media reports and it's now been determined the incident was a misunderstanding and no further action is required.

EARLIER:-

Police are appealing for public help after two young children were approached at Swansea.

A man in his 60's started chatting to the 7 and 5-year-olds outside the Woolworths Supermarket in Josephson Street at about 3.40 on Thursday afternoon, asking them to go to his car parked nearby.


The children didn’t leave the complex and reported the conversation to their mother who in turn reported the matter to police.

The man is described as Caucasian in appearance with a medium build and between 155-165cm tall, and was wearing dark blue 'Croc' style footwear and was driving a metallic light blue van.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Child approached in Lake Macquarie made a false report

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI AND TYLER FARDELL

Police have determined the 12-year-old boy who claimed he was approached by a stranger in Swansea yesterday made a false report.

The boy alleged a strange man approached him outside Swansea high school and made him feel uncomfortable.

However, he later admitted to making the story up.

The boy will be spoken to by a youth liaison officer and will likely receive an informal caution.

Child approached in Lake Macquarie

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have released a description of a man who approached a child in Lake Macquarie.

Just after 9am yesterday, a 12-year-old boy was outside a high school on Park Avenue, Swansea, when a vehicle stopped in front of him.

The male driver started talking with the boy making him feel quite uncomfortable.

Police from Lake Macquarie began investigations after the boy reported the incident to the school.

The man is described as Caucasian appearance, in his mid to late 40s, short hair, a close-cropped beard and an Australian accent.

The car has been described as a four-wheel drive, possibly an 80s model Toyota Landcruiser or Mitsubishi Pajero, brown or burgundy in colour with roof racks, a bull bar and chrome rims.

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

Car plunges off Swansea Bridge

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A woman had a lucky escape when her car crashed off Swansea Bridge last night.

The woman, in her 30's, lost control of her Ford Falcon in the wet, and crashed through a guard rail and into the water.

She managed to free herself and swim to shore, and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Authorities are trying to work out how to recover the car, and boaties are being advised to steer clear with the car submerged between two of the bridge's eastern pylons.

Image nbnnews Twitter

D-Day for Lake Macquarie Council to decide on rezoning of former Swansea Bowling Club site

BY JESSICA ROUSE

For the second time, Lake Macquarie City Council will be deciding on whether or not to put a rezoning plan into action for the former Swansea Bowling Club site.

Council will tonight consider endorsing the revised planning proposal to allow flood adaptable, low-density housing on the site.

This isn't the first time plans have been put before council.

In 2015, there were plans put forward for the site to be rezoned for medium-density housing, but was knocked back by council staff who said a flood plan was needed to determine whether sea-level rise and flood risk could be managed.

Swansea Bowling Club site. Image nbnnews.com.au

The majority of the former bowling club site is prone to flooding, and the new rezoning plan takes this into consideration, allowing for adaptable housing solutions for 15 lots to counteract the possibility of flooding.

"That's why we haven't allowed them, and we're not rezoning the land to allow for medium-density housing. We're saying that is not recommended because we need to be able to evacuate if there is some flooding, so we're just allowing residential housing at this stage," said Mayor Kay Fraser.

It is a low lying area for water and with changing currents within the Lake (as was seen with the boat ramp at Pelican), the Mayor says it is the council's responsibility "to make sure we aren't allowing development on flood prone land," and this plan "that's going up tonight is a win win".

She also says it is the perfect spot for housing with public transport nearby and it's close to the Swansea's town centre.

Lake Macquarie Overlooked in Coastal Plan

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Yasmin Catley

Lake Macquarie and the Hunter have been overlooked in the state government’s face-to-face consultations regarding its coastal management plan, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley said.

The government have been holding consultations along the NSW coast, holding three in Sydney and two on the south coast.  It’s also held one in Ballina, Port Macquarie and Erina – but none in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions.

“The government are not serious about coastal reform if they aren’t including areas like Lake Macquarie,” Ms Catley said.

She also said the government are far too “Sydney-centric” and refuse to take the regions seriously. 

“They [the government] need to wake up to themselves and understand that regions like ours in the Hunter need to be consulted with and need to be part of the conversation,” she said.

“The government just doesn’t take anywhere out of Sydney seriously.”

The Newcastle Herald reported on Friday that a member of the NSW Coastal Alliance was told the government believed it was too difficult to get to the Hunter.

“To me, it shows a complete disregard for the thousands of people here who will be affected by the [policy],” she to the Herald.

However, Ms Catley said the decision to snub the Hunter could be down to the lack of Coalition-held seats in the region.

“I think that there could be some political motivation about this.  If you look at the locations, they’re all either in National [Party] seats or in … the [Liberal-held] seat of Terrigal,” she said.

Coastal electorates in the Hunter – Swansea, Newcastle, Charlestown and Port Stephens – are all Labor-held seats.

The seat of Lake Macquarie, held by Independent MP Greg Piper, is the only waterside seat in the region not held by the Opposition.

Swansea Channel dredging before Christmas

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The NSW Government will pour another $666, 000 into dredging of a critical sand shoal in the Swansea Channel.

Dredging has been completed on the channel before - but ongoing maintenance is necessary due to the dynamic nature of sand movements.

The dredging will aim to reduce shoaling which had reformed in the navigation channel between the southern entrance to Swan Bay and the drop over and into Lake Macquarie.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says dredging is necessary to ensure the ongoing safety, utility and enjoyment of the Channel.

"It's a very important channel, particularly over school holidays it's very busy with a lot of traffic through there with the boaties so its good to see the work done and we've had lots of representation who want a bit more certainty over this channel. It does shoal up pretty quickly, it moves around - it's a very dynamic system," he said.

The dredging will go ahead in two stages; firstly in early December, and then after the school holidays to remove sand from the shoal in the channel opposite the Pelican airstrip.

Local contractor Sandpiper Dredging were awarded the contract to carry out the work.

Night Works on Swansea Bridge

Roads and Maritime Services will be conducting roadworks from Sunday evening along the Pacific Highway, at Swansea.

The resurfacing work will be done on the southbound lanes of Swansea Bridge for three nights from January 31.

Work will be conducted between 8pm and 4.30am, with southbound traffic diverted onto the northbound brdige, via contra flow.

Weather permitting, works should be completed by February 7.

During work hours, a reduced, 40 km/h speed limit will be enforced to minimise risk for both workers and motorists.

Additional information can be found on www.livetraffic.com.  Motorists can also download the Live Traffic App for smartphones, or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.

Image courtesy of Matthew Fern, via Flickr (LINK).