Lucky Escape For Alleged Drunk Driver At Birmingham Gardens

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has had a lucky escape from injury after crashing his car at Birmingham Gardens overnight.

Emergency services were called to reports of a person trapped in a crashed car on Wilkinson Avenue at about 10.45pm on Wednesday.

They arrived to find a silver Honda Jazz on it's side and the driver out of the vehicle.

Police say the 51-year-old lost control, with the car crashing into a parked vehicle.

He allegedly failed a roadside breath test and later returned a reading of 0.090.

The man's been handed a court attendance notice and will face Newcastle Court on May 18 charged with mid-range drink driving.

The crash scene at Birmingham Gardens on Wednesday night Picture: Wallsend Fire & Rescue

BREAKING! Soldiers Point Bowling Club Robbed: Police Hunt For Alleged Culprit

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a robbery at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club overnight.

A man wearing dark clothing and a balaclava entered the club on Soldiers Point Road at about 7.20pm on Tuesday and threatened a female bar attendant with a box cutter while demanding cash.

He made off with a sum of cash and was last seen heading west along Soldiers Point Road on a bicycle.

Police say several patrons and staff witnessed the incident and no-one was injured.

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

Verdict Delivered Over Fatal Shortland Stabbing

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A judge has found the man who fatally stabbed well-known Shortland local Robert "Bobby" Palmer outside a service station did not know what he was doing when he committed the act. 

Justice Stephen Campbell found this morning Zach Mavin had "no appreciation of the wrongfulness of his actions" on the night of December 12th 2020. 

Mr Mavin stabbed Mr Palmer once in the abdomen, after demanding cash and cigarettes from a service station attendant on Sandgate Road. 

Justice Campbell has delivered special verdicts of "act proven but not criminally responsible" to the charges of attempted armed robbery and murder. 

It means Mr Mavin will be referred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal and detained as a forensic patient until it's determined his release is unlikely to endanger himself or anyone in the community. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Kathleen Folbigg's Legal Team Push for Parole

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg's legal team have launched a bid for her to be released on parole, pending the final report on the enquiry into her convictions over the death of her four children. 

Although the head of the inquiry, former NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst has yet to deliver his report to the Governor, the Director of Public Prosecutions has already accepted new evidence has given rise to a reasonable doubt about the 55-year-old's guilt. 

Fobigg's solicitor Rhanee Rego has called on NSW Premier Chris Minns and the Attorney General to release her as soon as possible. 

It comes after a former Newcastle Woman of the Year and staunch supporter of Fobigg said she's waiting by the phone to hear she's been released from prison. 

Helen Cummings said she believes the case will go down as the worst examples of wrongful conviction in the history of New South Wales. 

Image: The Australian

University of Newcastle announces mandatory placement for all undergraduate students

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

The University of Newcastle has announced all students commencing undergraduate courses from 2023 onwards will complete mandatory placement within a workplace in their chosen industry.

Although placement has been an important part of medicine and teaching programs for years, science, arts, and business students have not had the same experience and take longer to gain employment after graduation across the country.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Tim Crakanthorp says the program will allow students to experience in the vocation they intend to go into after graduation and make an informed decision about their education and career path going forward.

"I am a perfect case example as I did a degree, got into work, and realised it wasn't for me. This is a great program and I can clearly see the benefit," Mr Crakanthorp said.

The program is one of the first of its kind in Australia, showing the University is a leading force not only in the state but in the country.

The 2021 Australian Skills Commission report found 75% of employers look for experience before even considering an applicant, and 40% of roles were given to someone the employer already knew.

These findings show how important it is for students to gain industry experience while studying and to grow their network of contacts within their industry to improve their chances of future employment.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic at the University of Newcastle, Mark Hoffman says the university has great relationships with local businesses and "they are really passionate about supporting us in this program".

"This is possible particularly for the University of Newcastle because of the great industry support and relationships we have in the region and nationally," Mr Hoffman said.

Bus Industry Taskforce to Investigate Hunter Services

BY EMILY BILTRIS

As of today, the Minns Labor Government has established the Bus Industry Taskforce, after years of complaints by commuters across the Hunter and the state. 

The taskforce is set to deliver on key election commitments made to the people of NSW, playing a crucial role in dealing with the consequences of bus privatisation and urging improvement to services.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has been a long-time advocate for the abolishment or privatisation, and says residents in her electorate are fed-up with the current state of the network, where services are regularly late or cancelled. 

Privatisation needs to be investigated. It doesn't work whether it's state, local or federal; it has never been a success story," she said. 

The Taskforce plans to play the center role in providing improvements to bus services across the Hunter region and the state.

John Lee, former CEO of the State Transit Authority and multiple private bus companies, has been appointed to chair the Taskforce due to his expertise and extensive industry knowledge. 

It's hoped he will provide the skills needed to create a long-term, sustainable industry and reliable services for passengers. 

"Our bus network is wide ranging, complicated and is relied upon by some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our work to make bus services better will make a real difference to people's lives," Mr Lee said. 

The group's focus areas range from service delivery and planning, to infrastructure and technology. 

Due to the extensive issues facing the bus industry, the Taskforce has been provided with a 12-month  period to undertake its investigation. 

It will present its initial findings later this year on July 10th, an updated report on the 10th of October, and a final report including recommendations by 1st of May 2024.

Liddell Power Station closure generates future energy debate

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

Today marks a major milestone in how the energy grid will be shaped for future generations.

After operating as a coal-fired power station since 1971, the Liddell Power Station finally shut down, as the last 500 megawatt generator switched-off.

The shutdown plays a role in the Federal Government's transition to renewable energy, mainly wind and solar power.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the closure of Liddell now puts the region into an uncertain period of energy insecurity through to 2027.

"Energy demand in Australia is still increasing significantly and is going to continue to increase while we do gear up for the renewable revolution." Mr Hawes said.

The plan to address the potential short fall Mr Hawes says, has to factor in large-scale commitments to compensate energy generation not just with Liddell, but the five remaining coal-fired power stations.

"We'll continue to work at the intersection of government, business, and investment to support the supply of reliable and renewable energy as we journey towards a renewable energy future".

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has already indicated the size and scope of the transition now laid out for Australia.

The minister noted, in order to achieve Net-Zero by 2030, the energy grid would need to commission 40 wind turbines per month and 22,000 solar panels daily to meet the energy demand.

One source cited by the minister during these remarks, was the potential utilization of small, modular nuclear reactors.

Nationals leader David Littleproud is calling for a mature conversation with the government about the role nuclear energy can play in the transition.

"It can replace this big generator with two or three small modular nuclear reactors, that would keep the jobs here, give a future for the Hunter and the jobs that need to come back," Mr Littleproud said.

Image: Newcastle Herald