John Hunter Shuttle Bus Restored And ADHD Clinic Announced For Wallsend

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Health Minister has confirmed the park-and-ride shuttle service will return to the John Hunter Hospital. 

The service was established in 2007 in a bid to alleviate car parking pressures at the hospital, but was scrapped in 2015 when more than 700 new parking spaces were added at the facility.

The first shuttle is expected to be up and running by mid next year. 

On a tour of the Hospital's new Health and Innovation Precinct, Ryan Park, said the Hunter New England Health District has started investigating a route for the service. 

"I've asked the planners, along with the Local Health District whether there needs to be any changes to the previous route," he said. 

"We'll make sure we get something that is fit for purpose, but that works in 2023/2024, not necessarily focused on what we did 8 years ago... but if that is the best and most useful route still, than that's what we'll work on." 

Mr. Park has also announced the establishment of a new ADHD clinic for young patients in the district. 

The Wallsend clinic will act as a trial program for the next two years, as the state government looks to enhance ADHD support in regional parts of NSW. 

Mr. Park says it means patients won't have to travel to hospital for diagnosis and treatment. 

"This is about making sure that we take pressure off paediatric waitlists. It's working in partnership with their GPs, but it's also about getting that early diagnosis, that early access to treatment, that early access to support, to make sure that we provide those wrap-around services and support that young people need."  

Critical Incident Investigation Launched After Woman's Body Was Discovered In Muswellbrook

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A critical incident has been launched, after the body of a woman was found at a home in Muswellbrook. 

At about 7:20am yesterday (Monday the 30th of October, 2023), officers were called to a property on Sydney Street for a concern for welfare check.

Officers spoke with a 52-year-old woman, before leaving the scene a short time later.

Later, at about 7:00pm, officers were called to a licensed premises on the same street, following reports a woman was behaving in an erratic manner.

Police attended and spoke with a 52-year-old woman outside the club, before she was arrested and taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital under police guard for an assessment. 

At about 8:30pm, emergency services were called to the earlier Sydney Street property for another welfare check. 

Upon arrival, police found the body of a woman, believed to be in her 60's. 

It's not yet known how the woman died. 

A critical incident team from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner, says police are working to establish what the relationship between the two women is, and how officers responded to the two incidents. 

"With these matters, police have a view of all the circumstances surrounding the matter, and we wish to have an independent body look at the investigation, and the response of police at the time," he said. 

UPDATE! Man Charged Over The Murder Of Zachery Davies-Scott At Heddon Greta

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man has been charged with murder, as officers attached to Strike Force Roslyn continue their investigation into the shooting death of a man at Heddon Greta. 

25-year-old Zachery Davies-Scott was shot dead inside a home on Traders Way just before 11:00pm on the 27th of December last year. 

His mother, partner, and two children were inside the home at the time. 

Following enquiries, Strike Force Roslyn investigators arrested a 24-year-old man at Boomerang Beach, south of Forster at about 6:00am this morning (Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023). 

He's since been charged with murder and is expected to be refused bail in Taree Local Court today. 

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty says it's understood a group of men were involved in the attack, and the investigation is still ongoing. 

"Today marks the first domino to fall, and it's highly likely others will follow, as Strike Force detectives continue with their investigation."  

Image: Zac Davies-Scott

Suspected Stolen Car Found Torched At Healtherbrae

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens police are asking for dashcam footage after a suspected stolen car was found torched at Heatherbrae.

Police began following the gold coloured Ford Ranger utility up Maitland Road from Newcastle just before 2.30am on Tuesday.

The pursuit was terminated when they car left the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae and was driven off road.

The vehicle was found a short time later in nearby Motto Lane up in flames.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers.

Pair Caught Trying To Steal Scooter At Merewether

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men have been caught red-handed allegedly trying to steal a scooter at Merewether overnight.

Patrolling police noticed the pair hiding behind a parked car in Wilton Street at about 3.00am on Tuesday.

It's alleged they had been wheeling the Honda scooter which had been parked outside a nearby home after attempting to hot-wire it.

The pair, aged 18 and 21, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station - they are expected to face court on Tuesday morning.

Police say the younger man was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The scooter, which sustained minor damage, has been returned to its owner.

BREAKING! Woman Found Dead In Muswellbrook Property

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are appealing for information after the body of a woman was discovered at a Muswellbrook home.

Officers were called to a property on Sydney Street at about 8.30pm on Monday over concerns for a woman's welfare.

They arrived to find the body of a woman inside believed to be in her 60's - she's yet to be formally identified.

Police have set up a crime scene with an investigation under way into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man killed, girl injured in single vehicle crash near Forster

 BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE 

A man has died and a teenage girl is at the John Hunter Hospital following a crash on the Mid North Coast last night. 

Around 11pm, emergency services were called to The Lakes Way at Bungwahl, about 34 kms south of Forster after reports of a crash.

They found the 44-year-old male driver of a Hyundai SUV at the scene, and the man was treated by paramedics, however he died at the scene.

A 16-year-old female passenger was taken to the John Hunter in a serious but stable condition. 

Police also found a cattle dog at the scene with minor injuries. The dog has been returned to her owners. 

A crime scene has been established as police investigate the cause of the fatality.