PEP11 – Poll Raises Questions on Potential Appeal

BY PETER HYSLOP

It appears Advent Energy will continue to try and win back a gas exploration permit off Hunter’s coastline following a Federal rejection earlier this year.

New polling conducted by the company has found 63% of about 1000 respondents from across the region supported developing more gas reserves.

Newcastle Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe has been a longtime opponent- she says the poll is ammunition for an appeal.

“We must have clear and accurate information about energy sources at this time while we’re going through this critical transition, and we must not allow ourselves be influenced by industry that is essentially working for their own profit motivation,” she said.

Image: Pep11.com.au

Police Investigate Shed Fire At Millers Forest

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have set up a crime scene at a shed destroyed by fire at Millers Forest overnight.

Four RFS and two Fire and Rescue crews were called to Scotts Creek Road just after midnight to find a 6 by 20 metre Colourbond shed engulfed in flames.

They battled the flames for more than an hour before the blaze was brought under control, with the roof of the shed collapsing, hampering firefighting efforts.

A car and a tractor inside the shed were destroyed in the fire.

No-one was injured.

Crews on scene early Friday morning. Picture: Raymond Terrace RFS

 

KNIGHTS – Adam O’Brien to Depart

Adam O’Brien will be stepping down as coach of the Newcastle Knights.

The club have agreed to terms under a mutual separation, releasing the head coach from the remaining two years of his contract under a severance package.

O’Brien fronted the media on Thursday regarding his exit and the pressure he has faced throughout this year’s campaign.

The side have had just 6 wins with only 2 rounds left in the regular season.

“I was running out of speeches to try and keep them as energetic as I could.

“If there is on gift I could give the playing group, the supporters that pack that stadium out every week is to remove that distraction,” he said.

His contract will terminate at the end of the season. 

Morpeth to Walka Shared Walkway on Public Exhibition

 Maitland residents are being invited to put forward suggestions for the new $13 million Morpeth to Walka shared pathway.

Council says the walkway aims to increase transport and connectivity across expanding suburbs.

The project designs have been placed on public exhibition and residents will be able to have their say up until October 7th before a final report is submitted to Council.

Councillor Warrick Penfold says he wants the path to be useful in the broader transport network.

"It's very important we get this right because these pathways are going to be a very big part of ... moving around in the future," he said.

Credit: Maitland Council

Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Young Girl In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 26 August, 2025) charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in Newcastle.

Police say around 1.30am on Friday August 15 a 14-year-old girl was waiting at Hamilton Railway Station when she was approached by an unknown man.

It's alleged he followed her to nearby Fern Street Islington where he sexually assaulted her.

Around 7.00am on Monday, detectives with the assistance of the Raptor Squad executed a search warrant at a home on Campden Street, Thornton.

They seized clothing, a backpack and an electronic device.

A 37-year-old man was arrested at the property.

He's been refused bail charged with having sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16 and failing to comply with an order to provide digital evidence.

 

 

Fears Held For Missing Gillieston Heights Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for a teenage boy who's gone missing from Gillieston Heights.

14-year-old Raymond Anderson was last seen on Paradise Street last Friday and extensive inquiries have failed to locate him

Police have concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Raymond is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build and brown hair.

He's known to frequent the Newcastle and Maitland areas.

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

Missing teen Raymond Anderson

 

Police Lay Charges Over Alleged Assault Of Elderly Man Outside Mayfield Cafe

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been charged over the alleged assault of another man outside a café in Newcastle earlier this month.

Police commenced an investigation on Tuesday 12 August 2025, following reports an 80-year-old man was assaulted outside a café on Maitland Road, Mayfield, about 2.45pm on Sunday 10 August 2025.

The 80-year-old man was uninjured.

Following inquiries, on Tuesday 19 August 2025, a 39-year-old man was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for common assault.

He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 2 October 2025.