Picture by Chloe ColemanCalling all green thumbs - Earthcare Park Landcare Group has 4000 grass plants to get in the ground All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe group is hosting an open day and grass planting on Saturday May 10 from 9am to 2pm to celebrate 30 years at Earthcare Park The native grasses planted will help the park's 136 bird species thrive as they can eat the seeds and use the grass for nests Earthcare Park Landcare Group president Eric Huber said he hopes the community will get involved "The idea that we're putting the grasses in is all to do with the influx of bird life that we're getting in the park," he said "About 10 years ago we had I think it was 39 species of birds in the park and we've now reached 136 species of birds which now come to this park on an annual basis." Mr Huber said whether they're native or migratory most of these birds all need to have a substantial seed bank of native grasses and the grasses also help them build nests "That's why it's important that we start looking at the ground story of plants rather than putting in more and more trees," he said Earthcare Park Landcare Group president Eric Huber by the area where the grasses will be planted Picture by Chloe ColemanThe plants are funded by the BUPA Landcare Grant which Earthcare Park Landcare Group was successful in applying for The Landcare group has planted about 60,000 trees in Earthcare Park and as more trees reach maturity over the next few years more bird species will come "We want to make sure that we've got the necessary grasses on the ground which is going to ensure the survival of any birds which come here," Mr Huber said "Many hands make light work and in this case 4000 plants is a substantial number of plants to put in the ground therefore we just need as many people as we can to give us a hand." Everything needed to plant will be supplied Participants should wear gardening attire and consider bringing some aeroguard The best place to park will be at Beryl Humble Sporting Complex Chloe Coleman is a journalist covering news in the Lower Hunter. Today's top stories curated by our news team. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! A property in East Maitland has burnt down this morning – flames causing the roof to cave in. Fire crews are now investigating how the blaze started and at this stage, they’re treating it as suspicious. All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGina Lynn Lemke, 58, who was living at Cooranbong, pleaded guilty to refusing to submit to a breath test and high-range drink driving after the crash outside Green Hills shopping centre in August last year. She was expected to be sentenced in Maitland Local Court this week, but the matter was transferred to Tweed Heads Local Court, where Lemke will be sentenced in May. According to court documents, Lemke was driving a red Mazda sedan south on the New England Highway at East Maitland about 6pm on August 28 when her car careered into a traffic light pole at the intersection of Mitchell Drive. The impact caused extensive damage to the traffic lights and the Mazda while Lemke, the only passenger in her car, suffered minor injuries, including bruising and grazes to her face and neck. She refused medical treatment by paramedics and when highway patrol officers asked her to submit to a breath test, she refused that too. Police and paramedics said Lemke smelled strongly of alcohol, was unsteady on her feet and slurring her words, according to police facts. Lemke refused to provide her name or any identification and police were forced to search the vehicle and find her driver's license. She was then arrested and taken back to Maitland police station where a breath test revealed she had a blood alcohol reading of 0.342, nearly seven times the legal limit. A blood alcohol reading around 0.35 is considered extremely dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning, a coma or even death, according to toxicology experts. Police said Lemke was also unhelpful at the police station and refused to answer any questions about the amount of alcohol she had consumed that day. Her driver's license was suspended and she was charged with high-range drink driving and refusing to submit to the roadside breath test. She pleaded guilty in December, but so far, despite twice being listed for sentence, has not had her matter finalised. Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Don't miss your weekly Knights update Get the latest property and development news here tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young girl missing from the states Hunter Valley region about 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 April 2025) When she was unable to be located or contacted officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts Police and family hold concerns for Penelope's welfare due to her young age Penelope is described as Caucasian appearance of thin build and dark brown shoulder length hair Penelope is known to frequent the East Maitland Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages. HomeTributes & FuneralsView PhotoFuneral NoticesMATE, JOHN JOSEPHEast Maitland, NSW Much loved husband of SALLY. Father and father in law of RODNEY, NEIL and CRISTINA, KYLE and LEIGH-ANN. Cherished Pop to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and friends are warmly invited to the service at St Peter's Anglican Church, William St, East Maitland on TUESDAY, 12th April, 2022 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations to the Lung Foundation Australia may be left at the church. A man and woman have pleaded guilty in a Newcastle court, over their role in alleged deals supplying drugs and firearms, to an undercover police officer. The pair were charged after Strike Force Raptor swooped on staff at a Maitland barber shop in 2023. Picture by NSW PoliceA GUNMAN who shot up a family home at East Maitland for $5000 has been jailed after police heard him on the phone telling his mother All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSix people were asleep inside the Gloaming Avenue house when Billy Murphy pulled up out the front on a borrowed motorbike about 2am fired a pistol seven times through windows and the front door nor seriously injured," Judge Timothy Gartlemann said during sentencing in Newcastle District Court on Wednesday "The degree of recklessness involved was high." The court heard Murphy, now 31, was struggling with gambling and substance use issues and had accepted a "relatively low" payment to "send a message" to the residents on January 30 Murphy was sentenced to six years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to firing a firearm with reckless disregard for safety and possessing an unregistered pistol possessing a prescribed restricted substance and acquiring ammunition without authority were taken into account Murphy appeared in court via video link from custody and with time served since his arrest on March 14 he will become eligible for release in March 2028 In the weeks after the shooting but before police swooped on him Murphy had suspected investigators were closing in He chose his words carefully when he spoke to his mother on the phone on March 13 "Remember I told you about that shooting," Murphy said "Obviously I'm not going to say anything over the phone.. He wanted to warn her that he was probably going to be arrested Billy Murphy when he was arrested for shooting a house at East Maitland Picture by NSW PoliceMurphy called her back from a mate's phone hours later unaware that police had been granted a warrant to intercept her phone spoke freely about what had happened and gave a detailed confession "It was meant to be a money grab where I was getting five grand for shooting a house .. He said no one was hurt but he had not known there were kids in the house "They're probably going to throw the book at me," he said Murphy laid bare to his mother the evidence he thought police had on him How he had been picked up on street cameras and house cameras that they had footage of him loading up the dirt bike dressed in black that they had a message from him to a mate saying "get rid of that two-wheeled thing" The court heard details about his mental health conditions his dysfunctional upbringing and his regret including how he felt "sick" thinking about what he had done while children were home Judge Gartelmann found special circumstances in the case Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. Get the latest property and development news here. Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Picture Maitland City Council.A development application for the construction of a 24-hour Metro service station and convenience store at East Maitland will go before Maitland City Council on Tuesday night All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCouncil will discuss the application which also calls for the demolition of a brick building and other structures on the site at 6 Garnett Road once home to the former Maitland Taxis base is located within a commercial centre zone planners said the development is compatible with the existing and future character of the area in terms of bulk and scale adheres to site constraints and restrictions and does not unreasonably impact the surrounding environment The application is reported to the Council after one submission was received during the notification process The concern raised by the objector cited amenity impacts and traffic concerns with the proposal The planners' report also said that the neighbourhood around Garnett Road features a variety of commercial land uses including Stockland Greenhills shopping centre and the East Maitland library (situated opposite this site) The proposed service station will incorporate: The service station will operate 24-hours a day seven days week and employ two staff Monday-Friday and one staff for night and weekend shifts The development is recommended for approval Picture by Jonathan CarrollThousands of Maitland residents will gather on Friday April 25 to attend Anzac Day services across the city All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis year marks the 110-year anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli It's a day to reflect on the contributions made by past and present service personnel from across Australia Maitland RSL sub-branch will hold its dawn service at 5.30am at the cenotaph in Maitland Park The Maitland morning service will start at about 10.50am at Maitland Park after a march beginning near Pender Place which starts at 10.30am The Maitland services will have a catafalque party from Williamtown RAAF base Restoration works to the Maitland war memorial are currently underway East Maitland RSL sub-branch will hold its dawn service at the East Maitland Cenotaph on William Street at 5.30am following a march which forms up at 5.10am This year descendants of the Sikhs who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and fought at Gallipoli 110 years ago will join the march Morpeth Anzac Day Committee's service will start at 11am at the war memorial outside Morpeth Musem Marchers will assemble at Campbell's Store at 10.30am then proceed along Swan Street to the war memorial Seven schools will take part in the Morpeth march as well as a donkey representing Simpson and his donkey File pictures by Marina NeilA man accused of committing an act of animal cruelty upon a kangaroo at Bolwarra Heights will enter a plea at Maitland court later in May All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRhylee James Galbraith Jackson appeared before magistrate Ian Rodgers at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday April 30 via video link as he was out of the area The 20-year-old was charged with committing an act of cruelty upon a kangaroo at Bolwarra Heights on Thursday Jackson sought an adjournment to seek legal representation Magistrate Rodgers granted him a four-week adjournment and told Jackson "You will need to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty on that day" He will return to Maitland Local Court on Wednesday Picture by Chloe ColemanA Thornton man says torn-up ground outside East Maitland Cemetery will result in someone being seriously injured if it isn't repaired soon All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueVisiting the grave of his late wife the last thing Bob Bell wants to worry about is himself or someone else falling over And he's worried that tripping so close to the busy 80km/h Raymond Terrace Road could have someone falling right into the path of motorists and since then he has been a regular visitor of the cemetery "It's still a very raw time for me at the moment I'm going to be honest," he said "I'm more worried about some little old lady or a pensioner going along there and stumbling and falling over and then falling backwards onto that road if they overbalance A Maitland City Council spokesperson said the council is aware of issues impacting access to the East Maitland cemetery along Raymond Terrace Road the council is committed to working with Transport for NSW to develop plans to improve the condition of the pavement and access to the cemetery," the spokesperson said we are looking at short-term options to manage any risks." they put a barrier against the entrance near the hole in an effort to reduce the foot traffic "If they fall over onto that road it's an 80k an hour zone," he said "Some poor motorist is going to have someone stumbling in front of them All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe early voting centres will be open up to and including Friday, May 2, and they will be closed on Anzac Day. Citizens are eligible to vote early if on election day (Saturday, May 3) they will be outside their electorate, are more than 8km from a polling place, are travelling, are unable to leave their workplace, are seriously ill, infirm or due to give birth shortly or have a disability or are caring for someone who has a disability. Other reasons include being a patient in hospital, having religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place, are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years, are a silent elector, or have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing. 1A Bunning Ave, Rutherford. open for Lyne, Hunter and Paterson voters. Tuesday, April 22 to Thursday, April 24 from 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday, April 26 from 9am to 4pm; Monday, April 28 to Thursday, May 1 from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday, May 2 from 8.30am to 6pm. Wheelchair accessible, accessible parking and virtual Auslan interpreter. 1 Garnett Road, East Maitland. Open for Lyne, Newcastle, Hunter and Paterson voters. Open Tuesday, April 22 to Thursday, April 24 from 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday, April 26 from 9am to 4pm; Monday, April 28 to Thursday, May 1 from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday, May 2 from 8.30am to 6pm. Wheelchair accessible, accessible parking, text-to-speech pen, hearing loop, virtual Auslan interpreter. Government Road, Thornton. Open for Paterson voters only. Open Tuesday, April 22 to Thursday, April 24 from 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday, April 26 from 9am to 4pm; Monday, April 28 to Thursday, May 1 from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday, May 2 from 8.30am to 6pm. Virtual Auslan interpreter. Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link] We responded to over 150,000 incidents in 2023-24 The incidents displayed below are note-worthy incidents that have been published as media releases or tweets Details about incidents may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice North Parramatta | The fire at Dunlop Street, North Parramatta has been contained but is expected to smoulder through the morning. Because there may be smoke in the area, residents and businesses in the vicinity are advised to keep doors, windows, and vents closed. View on X [external link] Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. HomeTributes & FuneralsFuneral NoticesPETERSEN, Marie Therese2024 • East Maitland, 2323 Beloved wife of the late Neil Petersen. Dearly loved mother and mother in law of Catherine and Ian, Mark and Leesa, Gerard and Chris. Loved Nan of Megan, Chailee and Jordan. Much loved member of the Martin, Kime and Petersen families. Family and friends are warmly invited to Mass of Thanksgiving at St Joseph's Catholic Church, King St, East Maitland on FRIDAY, 3rd January, 2025 at 11am. Thence for burial at East Maitland Catholic Cemetery. All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueReports indicate that the tremor had its epicentre about 25 kilometres outside Singleton Geoscience Australia - the national body that monitors earthquakes - has been inundated with more than 2600 reports from residents who felt the earth move The quake occurred at 2:55am and swayed my timber home near Singleton sending photos to the ground and waking the household Many in the area are used to the impacts of ordnance explosions from the Singleton Infantry Army Base and blasting at local mine sites but this was a completely different feeling most notably the change in air pressure and the swaying of the building Geoscience Australia Senior Seismologist Dr Phil Cummins said the quake was "widely felt" from Wollongong all the way to Port Macquarie "There have been quite a number of earthquakes in this region there was also the Ellalong earthquake in 1994 and of course the Newcastle earthquake "I would expect some aftershocks to occur as a result of this earthquake and that may continue for a few days or a week or more but so far we haven't seen a single aftershock This latest earthquake follows a swarm of quakes in the Muswellbrook district last year The first earthquake measuring 5.0 took place on Friday and it was followed by numerous aftershocks including a 4.5 quake at Muswellbrook the after day a 4.7-magnitude quake struck at a depth of about 5km near the town just before 6am on Saturday From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM. All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSix people Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Maitland City Council is seeking community input on a new ‘planning guidebook’ that it says will steer the strategic placement of more diverse housing developments across the Local Government Area Brett Gardiner says the Maitland Residential Density Guide seeks to address a “clear mismatch between demographic trends and the current housing supply pipeline in Maitland” 87% of current housing stock in Maitland is comprised of single detached dwellings with three or four bedrooms,” Mr Gardiner said “But 49% of dwellings are occupied by a small household “With Maitland set to continue growing rapidly we need to allow for a greater diversity of housing stock; more mixed-use developments in targeted and a wider variety of housing types for homebuyers at different stages of life such as couples without kids and downsizers buyers are limited in their options when looking at what to buy in Maitland which will now be placed on public exhibition until 28 April 2025 It details and provides examples of the different types of housing that Council will consider when planning for areas like East Maitland and for future infill around our strategic centres and transport links.” Maitland achieves a greenfield to infill ratio of 90:10 Mr Gardiner said this ratio “needed to balance out” if Maitland was to play a role in meeting the Hunter Regional Plan’s target greenfield to infill ratio of 20:80 by 2041 Greenfield means new housing development areas that have not been previously developed or used for other urban purposes whereas infill refers to development in areas already used for urban purposes; specifically the reuse of a site within the existing urban footprint for new housing “Our centres provide an opportunity to increase density in places with good access to public transport Increased densities will contribute to the revitalisation of centres and increased liveability for our future and existing communities,” he said “These densities can be met through a diversity of housing types and apartments in residential flat buildings organised and clustered to support walking cycling and public transport in localised neighbourhoods.” Maitland Council’s recent State of our City report showed Maitland Council is currently on a trajectory to exceed its projected population of 144,500 people by 2041 The Hunter Regional Plan 2041 outlines that the Maitland local government area is projected to provide a quarter of the Hunter region’s required new dwellings by 2041 Information and Events for Local Councils throughout Australia Contact us: newsdesk@insidelocalgovernment.com.au File pictureA MOTORBIKE rider was fighting for life in hospital last night after a horror crash at East Maitland All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEmergency services were called to the New England Highway at East Maitland at about 10.30pm on January 26 after reports a sedan and a motorcycle had collided The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to the scene was treated by ambulance paramedics and the chopper's critical care team before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition The driver of the sedan - a 24-year-old man - was uninjured but taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing Port Stephens Hunter police attended and established a crime scene at the crash site Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 the New England Highway at High Street was closed eastbound for several hours overnight while the emergency operation unfolded A man who fired shots into an East Maitland home – while children slept inside – will soon learn his fate in the District Court. Police tapped Billy Murphy’s phone after the shooting – transcripts revealing he knew it was only a matter of time, before he was caught. Bloomfield Collieries is seeking to extend open-cut mining operations at its East Maitland Colliery by five years to 2035 Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe company is among several Hunter miners that are pushing ahead with plans to keep mining well into next decade and beyond A modification report filed with the Department of Planning shows the continuation of mining does not involve an increase in production additional equipment or additional infrastructure Existing mining methods would continue to be employed to extract up to a reduced maximum of 0.9 million tonnes per annum of run of mine coal The company argues that the extension would improve the final landform and allow for the resolution of legacy matters associated with the site It would also result in improved long-term stability benefits from mining the shallow underground workings in the workshop area which would remove the potential for continuing sinkhole issues caused by mine subsidence "The revised mine plan proposed as part of the proposed modification would result in a modification of the previously approved final landform emplacement areas will generally be below the natural surface with the mining areas largely protected by the natural topography to the west and north," the documents show Mining has been carried out at the site since the late 1850's with Bloomfield taking over the Mining Lease in 1937 Bloomfield has maintained continuous operations on the site for the past 86 years It currently employs 93 personnel over 15 standard shifts a week across its operations The Newcastle Herald reported last week that Hunter's coal industry is set for a couple of bumper years on the back of data showing global demand is set to keep growing through to at least 2027 The latest International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast shows demand for coal rising to 8.77 billion tonnes by 2027 That overwrites last year's estimate that coal demand would begin a steady decline this decade The reality could surpass the current estimate as demand has consistently eclipsed the IEA's predictions in recent years While some Hunter mines, such as Mt Arthur, are progressing closure plans, others, such as Hunter Valley Operations are pursuing extensions well into the 2040s The federal government approved MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project and Ashton Coal Operations' Ravensworth Underground Mine in September. Whitehaven Coal's Narrabri Underground Mine Stage 3 Extension Project was also approved. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced last week the extensions to NSW's Boggabri and Queensland's Caval Ridge Horse Pit, Laker Vermont Meadowbrook and Vulcan South mines. East Maitland RSL sub-branch president Tony Mulquiney auxiliary member Deb Smith and life member Kyra Cromarty Front from left; sub-branch secretary Judy Gargosky and auxiliary coordinator June Campbell Picture by Chloe Coleman The East Maitland RSL auxiliary has been supporting past and present servicemen and women and their families for 90 years now All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFormed in 1934 the organisation was originally a group of women who raised money for the welfare of people who served auxiliary volunteers still raise money for current and ex-serving members of the defence force and their families and it's open to both men and women to join The East Maitland auxiliary and sub-branch members came together on Saturday July 20 to celebrate the group's 90th anniversary East Maitland RSL Auxiliary coordinator June Campbell said the group helps the sub-branch on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and also hosts functions and raffles to raise money you don't see too many charities these days that are still operating strong for one cause," she said East Maitland Auxiliary members Deb Smith and Mavis Allen at the 90th anniversary celebration Picture suppliedThe auxiliary has 36 members East Maitland RSL sub-branch secretary Judy Gargosky said auxiliaries were first formed in Australia by the mothers daughters and aunts of the men who served in World War I and they've come a long way since then and they've always been incorporated with the RSLs," she said "They also go and visit veterans in hospitals and aged care facilities assist the sub branches with catering for branch events it varies on the size of the sub branches these days how much they do." Ms Gargosky said the funds the auxiliary raises goes to RSL Life Care to support veterans and an amount is set aside for the planned Hunter Veteran and Family Hub that comes into the RSL to support our veterans and their help that they give to us when we do our badge sales in the lead up to Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Ms Gargosky said the East Maitland RSL sub-branch is now returning the support the auxiliary has given over the past 90 years by helping them back as the auxiliary has a lot of elderly members It's for anyone who has a spouse or family member serving in the defence force men can also join too if their spouse is a female member of the defence forces so it's not just restricted only to women in this day and age," Ms Gargosky said The East Maitland RSL Auxiliary is welcoming of new members Get in touch with Ms Campbell at junecampbell1@bigpond.com HomeTributes & FuneralsView PhotoFuneral NoticesCOLEMAN Much loved aunty of her nieces and nephews NANCY has been farewelled by family and friends A Lower Hunter teenager was among those arrested following a major police campaign into the seizure of knives Operation Foil took place from 1pm on Thursday 26 September until 1am on Saturday 28 September involving every Police Area Command and Police District in the state 12 firearms and seven other prohibited weapons One incident was a fight allegedly between a 14-year-old boy and several other males on a bus which was stopped at the intersection of Mitchell Drive and Stronach Avenue Police were told the teen produced a knife before the group left the vehicle Officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District then and arrested the boy in a nearby carpark He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety The 14-year-old was given conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Thursday 17 October Police also performed 1,200random breath tests and more than 555 bail compliance checks North West Metropolitan Region’s operations manager Detective Acting Superintendent Guy Magee said Operation Foil was designed to remove weapons from the streets “Knife crime continues to be an issue across the state and are about keeping the community safe,” he explained “It is concerning that we still have a small portion of the community who choose to carry knives we will continue to run these operations in the future Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here Click through to read our latest Issue of Newcastle Weekly FIND YOUR ONE NATION CANDIDATE, LOCAL POLLING BOOTHS AND HOW-TO-VOTE CARD HERE. and Warwick Stacey (NSW Senate Candidate) for a Meet and Greet and Paterson Fundraiser on Friday This evening will feature delicious finger foods and insightful discussions on key issues such as rising costs and support a grassroots campaign aimed at bringing real change to the Paterson electorate Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this exciting event The One Nation political party was launched on the 11th April 1997 at Ipswich by its founder, Pauline Hanson. Authorised by P. Hanson, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, 2/6-12 Boronia Rd Brisbane Airport QLD 4008 former president Doris Bates and secretary Sandra Przibilla outside their hall Picture by Marina NeilEast Maitland CWA is celebrating 75 years of community work All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe branch of the Country Women's Association was formed on March 30 and since then the faces who fill the hall may have changed Operating out of the Maitland Literary Institute on Banks Street the branch was officially opened by Hunter River group CWA president Mrs W The Singleton Argus reported at the time "Mrs Boydell said the objects of the association are to bring companionship and fellowship to lonely country women and to stop the trek of young people from country districts to the cities." and her daughter-in-law Jan Dunkley is a member and patron of the group today According to an edition of the Maitland Mercury published on November 13 the branch grew its membership from 23 to 68 in just over six months the group has 45 senior members and 12 junior members said she gets a lot out of being a CWA member I get to learn crafty things which I'm hopeless at I get a say in where the money we earn goes to," she said The East Maitland CWA branch raises a lot of money and donations for charitable causes and currently donates packages of essentials blankets and scarves to Our Circle Maitland books to schools and morning teas to emergency services The branch has started a new initiative where the first baby born at Maitland Hospital on the branch's anniversary date will receive a special gift basket Ms Taylor said the CWA branch's main purpose is to give back to the community the CWA of NSW has achieved positive outcomes for the public by lobbying governments flashing school zone lights and the introduction of baby health centres Former president Doris Bates said the group has a strong legacy and shared a bit about the history of the hall "We started off not having this hall and then they got a grant from the coal board from Singleton to get the land and to build the hall with funding from them," she said "And the ladies have just worked and worked and worked to keep the hall going wonderful members and all our members are happy to do something like cook or handicraft or contribute to any of our functions that we have and it's all about raising money and helping the community." The branch will celebrate its milestone anniversary with a special lunch in March Picture by Mathew HillDRUGS were allegedly found in a car after it led anto-bikie police on a chase and crashed into cars at a shopping centre in East Maitland All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSpecialist anti-bikie police tried to pull over a vehicle at Thornton at about 12pm on Thursday Police said the vehicle came to the attention of officers due to "the manner of driving" and a pursuit was sparked when it allegedly failed to stop The alleged chase continued from Thornton to East Maitland where the vehicle allegedly crashed into multiple cars at a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive The man police allege was behind the wheel was arrested nearby and taken to Maitland Police Station Police could be seen swarming a man outside the McDonald's restaurant near Stockland Green Hills A search of the man allegedly revealed an amount of a substance police believed to be methylamphetamine The man has been charged with police pursuit using an unregisterable vehicle on the road not give particulars to other driver and possess prohibited drug Police said two outstanding warrants were executed over alleged assault The man was refused bail by police to front Maitland Local Court today who police allege was a passenger in the car More than 100 trucks are expected to take part in Camp Quality’s inaugural Convoy Newcastle this weekend the event also comes with a warning to motorists in the region The 38-kilometre journey will incorporate roads through Maitland Beresfield and East Maitland on Sunday 9 March While the procession is raising vital funds to support kids facing cancer the cavalcade of vehicles is anticipated to depart the Maitland Showground at 9.30am before returning to the same location about 10.45am the convoy will make its way along Les Darcy Drive/New England Highway That means Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is implementing: “We’re asking everyone to be patience this weekend,” a TfNSW spokesperson said motorists are urged to exercise caution around trucks or heavy vehicles.” Camp Quality CEO Deborah Thomas expressed her gratitude for the wonderful people in the Hunter many of whom have supported the organisation for decades “We rely on fundraising to provide our programs and services to families of young children aged 0-15 years “With over 100 big rigs already registered we are once again overwhelmed by the generosity and heart of the local community “Every dollar raised by these dedicated truckers helps Camp Quality deliver much-needed support for kids and their families at every stage of their cancer journey through our well-known camps Cancer Education Program with the puppets and in-hospital support initiatives at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.” Everyone’s invited to be part of the excitement by lining the convoy route and cheering the participants on “There is nothing quite like the sight of all those trucks driving in a continuous formation together tooting their horns and creating a unique atmosphere,” Ms Thomas said locals can join us to enjoy a free Family Festival at Maitland Showground featuring entertainment and activities for all ages.” Funds raised over the weekend will help Camp Quality support families like Connar’s he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2012 and sadly passed away in 2016 Connar’s family shares a deep connection with Camp Quality having benefited from various programs and assistance during their challenging times recalled the profound impact of their son attending a Camp Quality Kids Camp in 2015 Connar was in a wheelchair and had been unable to attend his school camps due to a lack of accessibility volunteer Clinton helped him participate in fun activities “He got to go away on his own little adventure which he would never have been able to do without Camp Quality,” Annmarie said “He rock-climbed and he went canoeing with Clinton “To be able to go to that overnight camp for Connar was like… he was floating on air for weeks.” Convoy Newcastle co-founder Leonnie Carter is bubbling with anticipation “Bringing this event to life is something I take great pride in,” she said “It provides a fantastic platform for the transport industry to showcase its professionalism educate the public about road safety and make a real difference in the lives of children facing serious health challenges “There’s something truly inspiring about seeing people unite for such a meaningful cause.” Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here by 9 July 2024 An East Maitland man says he’ll continue to work his 9-to-5 job despite his recent $6 million Keno win Purchased at East Maitland Bowling Club on Monday the Keno Mega Millions 10 Spot entry will see the local Dad take home a total prize of $6,602,501.30 “I definitely kept checking the ticket and results to see if it was real,” the man I always just let the terminal choose random numbers for me “I’ve let my daughters know and they’re over the moon “They don’t live nearby so I might go and surprise them and we can all celebrate together A representative of East Maitland Bowling Club said the team couldn’t be more pleased to have sold a major Keno winning entry and wish their newly-minted multi-millionaire all the best with their prize Privacy Policy Our simplified product lineup offers bespoke and affordable advertising options designed to capture the attention of our hyper-local audience We create original and engaging media to tell your story sell your tickets and get people through the doors it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region Error: no decision tree source folder detected Cessnock might be dubbed the fastest-growing LGA in the state but Maitland is giving its neighbour a run for its money the city’s population looks set to exceed 100,000 people in the next two years That’s largely due to new urban release areas such as Thornton North according to council’s general manager Jeff Smith “They will continue to play a significant role in providing greenfield housing for the Greater Newcastle area supported by infill developments in established suburbs,” he said NSW Government strategies like the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 are putting Maitland at the forefront of housing development “We’re geared to contribute approximately 25% of the region’s required dwellings over the next two decades “Our healthy supply pipeline of residential land ensures Maitland is well-equipped to meet the NSW Government’s targets with an average of more than 1,000 lots approved each year.” prepared and presented to incoming councils at the beginning of each term shows projections by the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure were eclipsed by 1,300 people in 2023 That places Maitland City Council on a trajectory to exceed its initial estimated population of 144,500 by 2041 Mr Smith pointed to measures to track housing approvals such as the league table which monitors the performance of every LGA in the state as another metric where council was “punching above its weight” Maitland City processed 914 development applications (DAs) with an average lodgement timeframe of only four days – the second shortest average timeframe in the state,” he said in the first four months of this financial year we’ve cut this down to two days across 250 applications lodged.” The NSW Government’s current target for lodgement timeframes is 14 days Maitland City Council’s average assessment timeframe for DAs sits at 81 days with a total development cost of $129.2 million across 234 applications “Greenfield development in Maitland not only supports the region’s growth but also helps alleviate pressure on more densely populated areas,” he said we’re contributing to the long-term prosperity and resilience of the entire Hunter region ensuring growth is both sustainable and inclusive.” council is investing in community infrastructure across the city including road upgrades and improvements to recreational facilities $60 million of Maitland City’s $216 million budget has been set aside for a comprehensive infrastructure program Highlights include the start of a new sportsground in Chisholm; construction of an improved Melville Ford Bridge; the continuation of improvements to the Thornton Road network; and skate parks in Gillieston Heights and Thornton “While council is doing what it can to meet housing targets right now considerable state and federal government support would be required to keep pace long-term,” Mr Smith said “If we’re going to continue the delivery of essential infrastructure for our growing population at the required rate Maitland City needs a significant amount of ongoing funding and assistance from other levels of government “This can’t be achieved using ratepayer funds alone.” Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. 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Picture by Jonathan CarrollFather and son Jonathan Lee and Marley Tipene-Lee are the duo behind Maitland's new speakeasy venue All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLocated in East Maitland's historic Old George and Dragon building Mr Lee said he knew it was the perfect venue for a speakeasy the first time he stepped foot in the building getting the venue ready has been no small feat but Mr Lee said it is exactly how he envisioned it would be The Old George and Dragon has the capacity to sit about 65 people at a time but Mr Lee said he plans to keep the capacity at 50 people "We want this space to be intimate and we want it to be a very personal experience for our guests," he said the bar and a room separated by a sliding bookcase We firstly had to find a bookshelf that was dated and I then had my father pull the whole bottom of the bookcase out," Mr Lee said He also has plans to disguise the venue as a library we're eventually going to have that front foyer area with bookcases floor to ceiling and the door will be closed with a sign hanging on it saying 'library'," he said Picture by Jonathan CarrollJoining his dad as a co-owner is 20-year-old Marley who is the closest person to himself in the bar "It makes me so proud and he's just as passionate about this venue as I am," he said "It's a huge honour and I can't wait to be part of it," Marley added who also owns Jerry Sent Me which is located at Wyong said he had adopted a few of his signature cocktails for the Maitland venue including a lychee dragon fruit cocktail served in a frozen teapot "We're trying to keep it old-school and classy," he said The Old George and Dragon will also be offering a banana bread old fashioned cocktail on their menu "That's possibly our most popular cocktail but we also do all of the old classics as well," Mr Lee said the venue will initially serve charcuterie and tapas-style food before eventually offering a full menu "Tasty and easy snacks that people can share is what we'll be starting out with," Mr Lee said with staff turnover prior to last weekend's scheduled opening the Old George and Dragon will officially open to the public on Thursday "The bookings are flying in and we're pretty much booked until the end of the year," Mr Lee said Despite experiencing a business owner's worst nightmare of being without staff Mr Lee said the support he got from the Maitland community was huge "My inbox is still flowing from people who were willing to help out including an older gentleman offering to come and wash dishes," he said One of those people who reached out to help was Nicole Longo who has since been hired as the floor manager "I have been following along on Facebook and I decided to reach out to see whether they needed staff at the new Maitland venue," she said Ms Longo said the venue's vibe touched her soul I decided to reach out again and the rest is history," she said The Old George and Dragon is located at Melbourne Street and is open Thursday through to Sunday nights Laura Rumbel is a journalist who has always called Maitland home. She has been with the Maitland Mercury since 2022, and is passionate about all areas of local news. Picture by Laura RumbelRemembrance Day services will be held at East Maitland and Maitland war memorials on Monday November 11 to commemorate the armed forces members who have died protecting our country All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAt the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 World War One formally ended as the armistice between Germany and the allied powers was signed and hostilities in Europe ceased The East Maitland Remembrance Day service will begin at 10.30am and the RSL sub-branch has asked attendees to be seated by 10.25am A catafalque party from the Army's School of Infantry at Singleton will stand guard at the memorial during the service East Maitland Public School students have worked with the East Maitland RSL sub-branch to participate in the Draw to Remember program which helps students learn the significance of Remembrance Day The Maitland Remembrance Day service begins at 10.30am at Maitland Park A catafalque party from RAAF Base Williamtown will stand guard at the memorial during the service acknowledging the role animals had in war and in the Australian Defence Force There will also be an old Army jeep on display The Maitland war memorial is at Maitland Park and the East Maitland war memorial is on the corner of the New England Highway and William Street For Australia, the First World War represents the largest death and casualty toll of any conflict in colonial history From a population of fewer than five million of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded