Appeal to locate woman missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter region.

Brooke Stamp, aged 33, left Silverwater, on Monday 23 June 2025, with the intention of travelling to Newcastle.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified today (Monday 30 June 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for her welfare as she has medical issues that require medication.

Brooke is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 160cm-165cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Hamilton and Carrington areas. She may be using the rail network to travel.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Recall: Coles Smooth and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg

Best before: 05/02/2027

Sold in Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally

Coles is recalling Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg, sold between 01/05/2025 and 30/06/2025 at Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally with a Best Before date of 05/02/2027, due to aflatoxin contamination.

A jar of peanut butterAI-generated content may be incorrect.A jar of peanut butterAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Best before: 05/02/2027

Sold in Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally

Coles is recalling Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg, sold between 01/05/2025 and 30/06/2025 at Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally with a Best Before date of 05/02/2027, due to aflatoxin contamination.

The product is:

Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg
Best Before date: 05/02/2027
Dates sold: Between 01/05/2025 and 30/06/2025.

Food products containing aflatoxin may cause illness if consumed. Any customers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Customers can return the product to any Coles supermarket for a full refund. Coles Online customers can receive a full refund or credit by contacting Coles Online Customer Care on 1800 455 400.

Man charged after burnout; onlooker killed – Hunter Valley

A man has been charged after allegedly performing burnouts which hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley this week.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight on Sunday (29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a vehicle was allegedly performing a burnout when it hit three onlookers. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Police were told two women were also hit by the car, whoever, left the scene before emergency services arrived.

About 2.40am, the alleged vehicle involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm. It was seized for forensic examination.

Police established a crime scene at both locations and detectives commenced an investigation into the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries, about 5.30pm yesterday, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police station where he was charged with the following offences,

– dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous,

– cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,

– cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,

– negligent driving (occasioning death),

– negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm),

– prolong, sustain etc loss of traction, and

– fail to comply with requirement made under section.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Monday 30 June 2025).

Pedestrian killed, car burnt-out – Kurri Kurri

Police are searching for a driver after a car performing burnouts allegedly hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley overnight.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight (Sunday 29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a modified Ford Fairmont sedan was performing a burnout when it hit three people. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Two women – who police have been told were also hit by the car – also left the scene before emergency services arrived.

The vehicle alleged to be involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm, about 2.40am.

It has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Police have established a crime scene at both locations and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.

As inquiries continue, detectives are hoping to speak to the driver of the Ford or anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man charged after fatal crash – North Lambton

A man will face court today charged after a fatal crash near Newcastle at the weekend.

The crash happened about 2.40am Sunday (22 June 2025), when a Commodore sedan and a Hyundai sedan collided on Newcastle Road at North Lambton

A 55-year-old woman, who was a passenger in a Hyundai, died at the scene.

The driver of that car – a 28-year-old woman – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Police were later informed that the woman was pregnant and had subsequently lost her unborn child.

The driver and front-seat passenger of the Commodore allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.

The two passengers in the back seat of the Commodore – girls aged 15 and 17 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in serious conditions.

Following extensive inquiries, police attached to Strike Force Carrarang – assisted by Operation UTAH officers – arrested a 19-year-old man at a home in Mayfield yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 24 June 2025).

He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with seven offences,

Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit,
Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit,
Cause bodily harm by misconduct – in charge of motor vehicle (three counts)
Use vehicle displaying misleading number plate, and
Never licensed person drive vehicle on road.
The man, from Wallsend, has been refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Wednesday 25 June 2025).

The critical incident investigation is ongoing by Hunter Valley Police District and will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command, oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Six taken to hospital after stolen car crashes – Port Stephens-Hunter

An investigation is underway following a pursuit and crash in the Hunter region this morning.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were patrolling Woodberry Road at Millers Forest about 4.15am (Wednesday 25 June 2025), when they saw a vehicle which had been reported stolen.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated. It continued for less than a minute before the car left the road and crashed at Woodberry, about 5km north of Hexham.

Officers immediately rendered assistance to six people – believed to be teenagers – allegedly travelling in the vehicle.

NSW Ambulance paramedics have taken all six to John Hunter Hospital for assessment; police have been advised their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Checks have since revealed the car was stolen during an aggravated break-and enter-on a home in East Maitland overnight.

Initial inquiries indicate a 15-year-old boy was driving the car at the time of the crash.

Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan

It is with profound sadness that City of Newcastle and the family of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan announce her sudden and unexpected passing on Monday morning.

In honour of her service and memory, City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast.

Cr Sinead Francis-CoanCouncillor Sinead Francis-Coan

Sinead was a passionate advocate for social justice, equity and community empowerment. Before her election to Council, she built a career in leisure and tourism studies and was a qualified mediator. She also served as the Organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle, where she worked tirelessly to support staff and improve working conditions.

Her election as a Ward 3 Councillor was a significant milestone in her life. At her first Council meeting, Sinead spoke with pride about her Irish heritage and paid tribute to her late father, Ollie.  

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ross Kerridge, said it is a great loss to Council. 

“I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world. She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour,” Cr Kerridge said.

“She took to being a Ward Councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community.”

City of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said Sinead brought energy, compassion, and integrity to her role on Council. 

“Sinead served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, where she championed the voices of young people, marginalised communities and people living with disability,” Mr Bath said.

“Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a Councillor last week including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about.”

Former Greens Councillor Michael Osborne paid tribute to his Greens’ colleague. 

“It is with incredibly deep sorrow and shock that the Newcastle Greens acknowledge the sudden and unexpected death of Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Councillor for Ward 3. Sinead was a fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague,” Mr Osborne said.

“Sinead was a dedicated and committed Councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting. Sinead’s integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies for Sinead’s family and loved ones. 

“We stand together with all who will honour Sinead’s legacy and memory.”

Sinead’s family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old and she was educated at Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. 

She passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. Her family is heartbroken by her loss and grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Sinead’s family kindly requests privacy as they grieve and await the findings of the Coroner’s report.

$7.5 million Budget boost to deliver more free parking at Maitland Hospital

The Minns Labor Government will invest $7.5 million to significantly expand car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital, as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.

Patients and visitors to Maitland Hospital are set to benefit from 100 planned additional car parking spaces. This will complement the more than 800 existing spaces at the hospital, for staff and visitors, which were delivered as part of the $30 million New Maitland Hospital car park project.

Since the Minns Labor Government introduced the free car parking initiative at regional and rural hospitals in August 2023, there has been an increased demand for car parking at the new Maitland Hospital and this has necessitated the delivery of new parking spaces. 

The car park will remain free of charge.

In addition to the current and planned additional parking, there are also two drop-off areas for patients, accommodating up to nine vehicles for the main hospital and emergency department (ED), a bus stop zone and an emergency vehicle area.

The $470 million new Maitland Hospital opened in January 2022, and provides emergency care, surgical services, critical care, maternity services, paediatric care, cardiac catheterisation, mental health, palliative care, chemotherapy chairs, outpatient clinics and dental services.

Designed in collaboration with staff and the community, the new Maitland Hospital included an additional 150 beds and treatment spaces to meet the growing healthcare needs of the surrounding community.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This Government is committed to improving access and delivering high-quality health care to our rural, regional and remote communities.

“With the rollout of our free parking initiative across regional health facilities, we’re easing the financial burden on patients and visitors to our hospitals.

“We know trips to the hospital can be a challenging time for patients and their families and I’m so pleased we are further expanding free parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital as part of this year’s Budget.

“The new Maitland Hospital has been transformational for healthcare delivery in the Hunter region, providing comprehensive services from emergency care to specialised treatments under one roof.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:

“As the proud member for Maitland, I’m thrilled to deliver this $7.5 million investment that will make a real difference to our community.

“I’m pleased to have worked closely with the Health Minister to deliver new funding for Maitland as part of the 2025-26 NSW State Budget. 

“Since our Government introduced free parking at regional health facilities in 2023, we’ve seen increased demand at Maitland Hospital, which shows our policy is working – people are accessing the healthcare they need without the added burden of parking fees.

“The Minns Labor Government is building a better NSW and better communities by recognising that accessible healthcare means more than just quality medical services – it means removing every barrier that might prevent people from getting the care they need.”

2025-26 Budget deliver for the Hunter

The 2025-26 NSW Budget builds on the strong foundations the Minns Labor Government has laid since coming to office – continuing our plan to deliver better essential services, build the homes and infrastructure our growing state needs and invest in the future of the Hunter.

This year’s budget reflects a responsible and people-focused approach to economic management. It continues our record of structural reform – including reducing gross debt, lowering expense growth and delivering savings on interest payments – while investing in the long-term prosperity of communities across NSW.

In the Hunter, the 2025-26 Budget funds the continued delivery of key projects and vital new investments to keep our communities strong, safe and supported.

Hunter specific commitments across major areas includes:

Health

$7.5 million to increase car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital
Continuing delivery of the:

$835.0 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
$180.0 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service (Manning and Forster-Tuncurry)
$138.0 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
$45.0 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment – Stage 3
Transport and Roads

An additional $35 million for Thornton Bridge duplication project
Partnering with the Australian Government to deliver:

$2.3 billion for restoration works to repair local and state roads damaged in major flood events, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers
$741.7 million to continue the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening
$294.9 million to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass
$267.0 million to fast track the Muswellbrook Bypass
$100.0 million for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland Roundabout
$10 million towards delivering the $275.0 million duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm
$5 million additional funding to upgrade the Speers Point roundabout, bringing the total commitment to $16 million.
Education

Upgrades to high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program
Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill in Newcastle – training the future net zero workforce
The Minns Labor Government’s investment to address the teacher shortage crisis has resulted in a 64 per cent decrease in teacher vacancies across the Hunter Local Government Areas, compared to the peak of the teacher shortage crisis in 2022
Continuing delivery of:
A new primary school and high school in Huntlee, including a new preschool
An upgrade at Thornton Public School
A new high school at Medowie
The redevelopment of Gillieston Public School
The redevelopment of Newcastle High School
An upgrade to the Hunter River High School
Continuing delivery of the NSW Government’s 100 public preschools, including at:
Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Moorland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Taree, Tenambit, Teralba and Weston public schools
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

$530.0 million to build the Belmont Desalination Plant – delivering up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent water
$115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a key hub for the delivery of affordable renewable energy
$82.1 million over four years for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding project
$21.5 million over five years for sand nourishment at Stockton Beach, protecting assets and rehabilitating the coastline
Communities and Justice

$49.2 million for purpose-built or upgraded residential housing for children in out-of-home care aged 12 years and over with complex needs, including in the Hunter
$4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site
Continuing delivery of:

A once in a generation pay rise for police
Paying police recruits to train which has resulted in a 71 per cent increase in the number of applications to join the NSW Police Force
Establishing a pathway for regional recruits to serve in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy
Primary Industries and Regional Development

$27.3 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to coordinate economic opportunities in coal-producing regions like the Hunter
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers real results for the Hunter – from more hospital parking in Maitland to upgrades at local schools and a major investment in our region’s water security.

“With $530 million for the Belmont Desalination Plant and funding for flood mitigation, renewable energy logistics and coastal protection at Stockton, we’re securing the Hunter’s future.

“We’re fast-tracking the Muswellbrook Bypass, upgrading high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook, and building a new westbound overpass at Maitland Roundabout to ease congestion.

“We’ve made real progress, but there’s more work to do – and this budget helps build a better future for the Hunter and for NSW.”

Minister Families and Community and Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“This Budget is about delivering on the things that matter most to our community – safer roads, better schools and more support for the places we love.

“Major upgrades like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight will cut travel times and boost safety.

“Our government’s investment in our kids futures continues with a new Medowie High School on its way, major upgrades to Hunter River High School underway and we’re delivering a bigger and better hall for the Shoal Bay Public School students and families.

“We’re also backing Tomaree Lodge with more support to secure its future community use. It’s a place with deep cultural and community value – and this funding ensures it will play a meaningful role in the life of our region for decades to come.

“This is a Budget that backs Port Stephens – investing in what matters, now and into the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Hunter is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety.

“This budget includes $35 million for the Thornton Bridge duplication for a total of $50 million combined with previous funds to get the project going.

“This is on top of $100 million to deliver a Westbound Overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland, recently committed by the Albanese Labor Government.

“This is on top of major Hunter Road projects such as the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.”

Minister for Women, Seniors, the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

“This budget continues the work on building important infrastructure in the Hunter, including the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and social and affordable housing in the Charlestown electorate.

“Transport and road upgrades funded under this budget will also improve traffic flow and safety.

“The NSW Government continues to invest in the future of local communities and ensuring better regional communities.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“This Budget is focussed on building a future-ready Newcastle.

“We’re investing in our people and places – a modern learning space for Newcastle High School students, improved conditions for commuters along Hexham Straight and critical protection efforts to preserve Stockton Beach for generations to come.

“The Budget is preparing Newcastle to be the epicentre of the renewable energy revolution, from establishing a Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to train our future workforce, to locking in vital local jobs at the Newcastle Logistics Precinct.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:

“This budget delivers on key health infrastructure and projects including the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment.

“We will continue to rebuild NSW through investment in education, with the continued delivery of a new preschool, primary school and high school in Huntlee, over 100 public preschools including 6 new preschools in the Cessnock Electorate.”

Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“The Budget delivers for the Upper Hunter – funding that speaks to who we are and what we value – strong hospitals, safer roads and quality education.

“We’re laying the foundations for stronger services, better facilities and a more connected region.

“When our communities speak, we listen and this funding reflects what matters most to people in the Upper Hunter.”

Pedestrian dies after being hit by car – Awaba

A man has died after he was struck by a car while crossing a street in the state’s north today.

About 7pm today (Sunday 22 June 2025), emergency services were called to the intersection of Cessnock Road and Kilaben Street, Awaba, following reports of a pedestrian had been hit by a white ute.

The pedestrian – a 98-year-old man – died at the scene.

The driver – a 49-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital for a mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.