Armed Robbery At Elermore Vale Service Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating an armed robbery at an Elermore Vale service station overnight.

A man driving a Silver coloured Nissan X-Trail drove into the Caltax outlet on Cardiff Road at about 8.00pm and parked next to the front door.

The man, who was dressed in black and wearing a balaclava, entered the store and walked behind the counter, threatening the attendant with a small knife.

He was handed a small amount of cash and took several packets of cigarettes before leaving in the car.

The service station attendant wasn't injured in the incident.

A Silver Nissan X-Trail Was Used As The Getaway Car

Marriage Equality Debate Hits Lake Macquarie

BY MATT JOHNSTON

It's expected Labor will put forward a motion to 'Support Marriage Equality' at tonight's city council meeting. But not everyone in favour of marriage equality thinks the motion is a good idea.

 Liberal Cr Nick Jones says his same sex partner "would kill [him]" if he didn't support marriage equality, but this isn't an issue that should be discussed by local council.

"It's not up to council to make this decision on behalf of our residents."

Cr Jones says that upcoming postal vote, which he isn't in favour of, should express how residents feel about the matter, rather than council doing it on their behalf.

What frustrates Cr Jones is that "the issue shouldn't be coming up in front of council at all", and that some Councillors are "just trying to make the most of a political opportunity for themselves."

"They might be genuine about marriage equality- I'm not saying they don't support it- but their intentions here are not to try and persuade the federal government."

"Lake Macquarie Council voting one way or another in this issue doesn't change the federal government's mind, it doesn't change the general public's mind. It's just not up to us to make that decision."

Cr Jones suggests that the best way for Lake Macquarie Council to serve its LGBTI residents is to have inclusive and respectful policies and procedures for staff who deal with their concerns.

"Our staff are fantastic. They're progressive, they're understanding of the social world changing. That's where council need to focus, to make sure they keep their ship in order."

UPDATED: Department of Education responds to surveillance camera allegedly uncovered at a primary school in Maitland

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE:

The Department of Education has since responded to 2NURFM's request for a response.

"Student wellbeing is Ashtonfield Public School's highest priority.

CCTV cameras can support the school as a safe environment, and the school has signage throughout advising that CCTV can be used outdoors and indoors in general use areas and classrooms.

A camera has been put in plain sight in a classroom as part of a response to a police matter.

The matter does not involve nor put any students at risk, but it is not appropriate for the school to comment on such matters."

In addition, the Department provided reasons for why public schools use CCTV surveillance which included monitoring premises for after hours security and during the course of the working day for added security; they say surveillance is also used to monitor sick bays and student time-out rooms or other specific areas in schools.


EARLIER:

It's understood a surveillance camera has been discovered at a primary school in the Maitland area in a kindergarten classroom.

A concerned parent contacted local MP Jenny Aitchison after she discovered the camera and then heard three different stories about why it was there.

She's demanding the correct answer after she was first told it was a part of a high school students project, then the Department of Education allegedly told her it was a part of a film and then she was also told it was to catch someone who was apparently bullying a teacher.

"Given that there are three stories the onus is really on the Department to say why the camera was there, you know if the reason given by the director, of course, is that it was to be covertly finding out about bullying of a teacher that is also a concern, just the bullying in itself, but also how the school is addressing that issue," said Jenny Aitchison.

There are now reports the surveillance has now been removed but there's no solid answer about where it has gone.

"The video has actually been removed and the department isn't sure where it is so there are quite a few concerns about that. I've contacted the minister this morning about that and we've asked him to look into that issue. I understand the parent did also address that concern to him."

The Department of Education has been asked for comment.

Wallsend MP faces court today

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is due to front Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today accused of improperly gaining access to the electoral roll.

The Electoral Commission received a complaint from a woman who lives outside the Wallsend electorate after she received a letter from Sonia Hornery after pair had clashed on Twitter.

It's alleged the MP obtained the woman's address through the office of Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison.

MP's are only allowed access to the electoral roll in their electorate.

Sonia Hornery is expected to defend the charge.

Accident Black Spot At Morisset Fixed

BY IAN CROUCH

An accident black spot at Morisset has been made safer for motorists.

A new 400 metre safety barrier has been installed on Main Road near Macquarie Street.

The road shoulder has also been widened and a new median has been painted on the road.

It's hoped the upgrade will prevent vehicles from veering off the road and reduce the risk of motorists crossing into oncoming traffic.

The state government provided $650,000 for the work.

One Teen Dead, Another Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Crash at Jerrys Plains

BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are continuing into a crash which claimed the life of a teenage motorbike rider at Jerrys Plains.

Police say two 17-year-old boys were riding their motorbikes along Commission Road at about 2.30pm on Sunday when they crashed head-on into a Nissan Patrol as it rounded a bend.

One of the teens died at the scene while the other suffered fractures to his skull, arm and lower legs, as well as internal injuries.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter where he remains in a serious condition.

The 59-year-old driver of the Nissan was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory tests.

Officers from Hunter Valley Local Area Command attended the scene and commenced inquiries.

Investigations continue however no charges are expected to be laid.

Bogey Hole will be all good for Spring and Summer

BY JESSICA ROUSE and SARAH BARONOWSKI

Stabilisation works at the iconic Bogey Hole could be all wrapped up just in time for summer with another round of funds from the state government.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has announced $240,000 for cliff stabilisation works which will start in September.

This last stage of stablisation works will make the completion of the $490,000 project to improve public safety and access to the site. The work over the next month will focus on the East End entrance.

"Focusing on the eastern end access road putting in some retaining walls and improving fencing and drainage - it's the last part of the major works  they will begin in September and work will take about four weeks," said Scot MacDonald.

He was out in the blowy conditions this morning to make the announcement and says the work won't impact the public's access to the swimming hole.

"The swimming hole will stay open during that time so when the whether warms up again - it's very blowy and very windy now though - but it'll remain open since its a popular swimming hole so it should be good for Spring and Summer."

Image supplied.