Endangered Wallaby 'Paused' Pregnancy Shocks Wildlife Rangers

BY DARCY MCGAVIN

Hunter wildlife conservationists have been shocked by the surprise birth of a Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, whose development had been 'paused' since last October.

The process is known as Embryonic Diapause, which temporarily freezes the development of the embryo. 

It helps to ensure survival of fetuses less than 4 weeks old, which are incredibly vulnerable if not given an ideal environment to be raised in. 

The pregnancy is believed to have been held due to the mother already carrying another joey.  

Aussie Ark, a conservation not-for-profit project, has been working to protect the wallabies since 2018, which are currently endangered, and have been put at additional risk after the 2019-20 bushfires that threatened habitats and food sources.

The mother will be monitored remotely at the Barrington Tops site while it is carrying the joey, and will have little staff interference until the joey is able to move independently, where it will be given a health checkup. 

When the joey has stopped feeding from its mother and has become independent, it will be moved to a new breeding yard.  

Survivors relieved after Hamilton child abuser Brother Romuald dies

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Survivors of convicted child abuser and former Hamilton Marist Brother Francis William Cable say he won't be missed, after he died earlier this week.

Better known as Brother Romuald, he passed away in custody early Monday morning with suspected heart disease, at the age of 90.

The Clergy Abused Network has reached out to all survivors and families of victims who it was aware of, or who were known to police or the courts.

Chair Bob O'Toole says in many ways, it's a relief for survivors, though the death could raise bad memories too.

"The reaction from the people is generally... there won't be any tears shed for Romuald, of course," he said. 

"They're all in pretty good shape. There are a couple of his survivors who are somewhat fragile, but we're looking out for them and making sure they're being well looked after."

Mr Cable was convicted of sex offences against more than 20 victims, throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2015, he was jailed for a maximum of 16 years, after pleading guilty to the abuse of 19 victims at schools in Hamilton, Maitland, and Sydney.

He returned to trial in 2017, facing another 14 offences against five more victims, and eventually plead guilty and received another eight years behind bars.

His sentence would have expired in March 2031, though he would have been eligible for parole as early as March 2026.

It's understood, Mr Cable was set to reappear in Newcastle District Court next year over further allegations of assault against another boy in the 1970s.

"I know there are some who have completed the police interviews and so on to have him charged further," Mr O'Toole said. 

"That won't happen now, of course. They'll be a little bit disappointed, but generally I think the feeling is the world's a better place without him."

Mr Cable's death comes only months after the death of Hunter priest Vincent Ryan, who was convicted over the abuse of 37 children.

While Mr Cable was never officially employed by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, it says it will continue to extend support to survivors and their families.

The Marist Brothers have been contacted for comment, though the Clergy Abused Network says it has tried to approach them. 

Mr O'Toole says fraternal organisations like the Marist Brothers, as well as Catholic dioceses, need to be more proactive as former abusers pass away.

"There are quite a few perpetrators that are incarcerated now and are getting up in years," he said.

"These things are going to recur every little while, and there needs to be a strategy and a protocol for dealing with it."

"I'm not reaching everyone. There are victims of Romuald that I'm unaware of."

"I'm sure with the news there'll be more of his victims and survivors who might speak up."

If you or someone you know needs support, you can call Lifeline at 13 11 14. 

Image credit: Nine News.

Varroa Mite Unlikely to Have Originated at the Port of Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

It's now believed the varroa mite could have been present in the Hunter for years, following an enquiry into the parasite's origin in the region. 

Surveillance conducted after the mite's discovery at the Port of Newcastle, indicates there were high numbers of mites in hives up to 10 kilometres away from the detection point. 

Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHIC) CEO Daniel La Feuvre appeared before a senate inquiry into the adequacy of Australia's biosecurity measures last week, and said the parasite "probably originated away from the port". 

Mr La Feuvre said the AHIC is still unsure where the mite came from, but noted a number of high-risk local pathways, including the airport, RAAF base, and industrial area. 

Port of Newcastle dropped-off Plant Health Australia's (PHA) most recent list of high-risks ports, because it is a bulk handling port, not a container port.  

However, in response to the outbreak, the AHIC made a number of recommendations on improving port biosecurity measures across the board. 

New data indicates it's unlikely the varroa mite entered the Hunter through the Port of Newcastle.

Business calling for clarity around Queen's memorial holiday

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter can expect a day off to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II next Thursday, but businesses are bracing for a busy day.

Anthony Albanese's declared a public holiday for the National Day of Mourning on September 22, but the short notice has raised concern for hospitality and other local business.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says the sector's already facing staff shortages, and it could be hard for businesses to find spare hands.

"Many businesses would have already made arrangements for that week, and for that matter, members of the community and the public, their expectations are already set," he said.

"It will be a little bit disruptive, and I think the impacts across businesses will be somewhat uneven and some will be impacted more than others."

"But at the end of the day, there's nothing we can do about it. We just have to try and accommodate it and move on."

It's unclear if there will be special restrictions or limitations on opening hours on the public holiday, but the business community expects workers will be entitled to penalty rates.

Mr Hawes says it's thrown a spanner in the works for school formals and other events too.

"Now they might be faced with additional costs as a consequence of having to pay those penalty rates," he said. "There might be a bit of to and fro with people that have made those bookings and arrangements."

"Apart from the fact that some people, some staff might have other plans or are trying to put other plans in place to take the Friday off as well and make a long weekend out of it."

The Australian Medical Association has also raised concern about the one-off holiday, with worry it could have a major impact on appointments and elective surgeries.

Schools are also scrambling to make plans, with holidays set to begin the weekend after the sudden public holiday.

The Prime Minister says it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, however, and as much notice has been given as possible.

Here in the Hunter, we're being urged to be calm at the checkout.

"A plea to the community to be patient," Mr Hawes said. "Don't take it out on the business or the workers if your expectations aren't being realised on the day, if a business does choose to open."

"Even leading up to it, if you're trying to make arrangements and you're finding that they're falling foul because a public holiday has been declared, they've got to understand that it's not the business' fault."

"They didn't call for it, it's just the circumstances they're in."

Image credit: Anthony Albanese.

BREAKING! Crews Battling Large Fire At Maitland Tip

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters are battling a blaze in a large pile of rubbish at the Maitland Tip.

Crews were called to the facility on Mount Vincent Road at East Maitland just after 5.30am on Monday following reports of an orange glow and the strong smell of toxic smoke in the area.

The RFS says a 30 by 30 metre pile of mixed rubbish is on fire and has been burning for several hours.

It was hoped council would provide a front end loader to help break the pile apart, but council staff deemed it too dangerous.

The RFS has requested an aerial appliance from Fire and Rescue to assist.

 

 

Fresh Appeal Launched For Missing Lake Macquarie Man

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are renewing their appeal for public help over the disappearance of a Lake Macquarie man who's been missing for more than two years.

45-year-old Aaron Clear lived a nomadic lifestyle and spent Christmas Eve with his family at Belmont North in 2019 and was last seen at Fassifern Railway Station on 5 February 2020.

It was thought Aaron may have been camping or living on the street and may have travelled interstate for work.

He was reported missing in February last year after family and friends were unable to contact him for an extended period.

It's understood, Aaron suffered from issues around drug and alcohol and had a minor warrant out for his arrest.

Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker says he's not in any trouble if he comes forward.

"We're very open and honest that Aaron led an itinerant lifestyle, very nomadic," he said. "He had some adversity with law enforcement, primarily due to vices - some heavy alcohol use and drug use."

"A number of Aaron's friends, his close friendship group, probably had similar vices. Whether their reluctance to speak with law enforcement and others who are trying to come to the bottom of this is due to that adverse history or otherwise, we don't know."

"There's a time for everyone, if anyone has anything, to man up and be open and forthright with investigators. There's a beautiful family here today and they need some resolution."

A search of bushland at Belmont - where Aaron was known to enjoy camping - failed to turn up any trace of the missing man.

Traditional lines of inquiry, such as bank accounts and social services, haven't helped investigators greatly.

Aaron's sister Cassandra says it's out of character for her brother.

"He would always come back," she said. "Family meant so much to him. It's really strange."

"He wasn't in our life every day, but he was always there, and he would always come back and get Christmas presents, and he would always turn up on his birthday."

"But a lot of milestones and other family things have happened over the time, and he just hasn't been in touch, which is really strange."

Aaron's mum Kerry has issued a heartfelt appeal alongside her family.

"I just would like to know what's happened," she said. 

"Every day I've got my phone with family pictures, and I turn it on every day."

"So every day I'm feeling like this. It's just the not knowing."

Left to right: Aaron's sisters Jennifer, Rebecca, and Cassandra, with mum Kerry.

Aaron Clear was last seen at Fassifern in February 2020.

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Wollombi

 BY IAN CROUCH

A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Wollombi, southwwest of Cessnock.

Emergency services were called to the Great North Road at Fernances Creek just before 1.00pm on Sunday to reports a motorcycle and car had collided.

The rider, a 48-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle wasn’t injured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigations at the scene wrapped up at about 8.30pm, with the Cessnock District Volunteer Rescue Squad providing lighting to investigators.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact police.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The motorcycle being taken away from the crash scene on Sunday night. Picture Cessnock VRA