Appeal to locate teenager missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Emma Herival, aged 15, was last seen on Awaba Street, Toronto, about 2pm on Thursday 25 September 2025.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified on Friday (26 September 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for Emma’s welfare due to her young age.

Emma is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 155cm tall, of thin build, with short strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.

She is believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast region.

Netball NSW Announces State Team Head Coaches

Netball NSW is pleased to announce the coaching appointments for the 2026 NSW State Teams, with Wyong District’s Amber Cross named Head Coach of the 19U side and Baulkham Hills Shire’s Nardia Trevor reappointed as Head Coach of the 17U team following this year’s silver-medal finish at Nationals.

Cross returns to the helm with an impressive record, having previously guided both 17U and 19U NSW teams to championship success and named as the Premier League Coach of the Decade for her outstanding leadership of the Central Coast Heart. Most recently, she stepped into a mentoring role and served as an observer on Netball Australia’s National Selection Panel for 2025, but will once again take charge of the 19U program in 2026.

“It’s always a privilege to coach for New South Wales – there’s such a proud legacy of coaches and athletes who’ve come through this pathway. I know how competitive these roles are, so I feel humbled to be selected again. After a year away, I’m really looking forward to getting back out on court, shaking off the rust and doing what I love,” the newly appointed Head Coach, Amber Cross said.

Cross is supported in her coaching role by Sarah Bowen (Manly Warringah) as Assistant Coach and Georgia Fuller (Barellan & District) as Apprentice Coach. Both bring strong development experience, with Fuller also highlighting Netball NSW’s commitment to fostering regional coaching talent.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Sarah and Georgia. Both bring so much passion and energy. Sarah is incredibly organised with strong tactical knowledge, while Georgia, like me, comes from a regional background and has a natural gift for coaching. Their strengths will definitely add to what we can deliver as a team,” Cross concluded.

In the 17U program, familiar faces return following their silver-medal performance at Nationals this year. Head Coach Trevor, now with South Coast Blaze and Apprentice Coach Diana Benioni (Eastwood Ryde), both coached the GWS Fury Premier League franchise to the 23U Premiership in 2025. They will be joined by Assistant Coach Jordan Bedingfield (Sutherland Shire).

For Trevor, the reappointment is both an honour and an opportunity to continue building on her team’s success.

“It’s an honour to be reappointed. For me, it’s about continuing the work we began last year — learning from that campaign, building on those foundations, and elevating our performance as we head toward 2026. The talent emerging in this age group is incredibly exciting, and I’m looking forward to working with the selected team and seeing what each individual can contribute to the group.”

Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said the appointments reflect the strength of the state’s coaching landscape.

“Netball NSW is fortunate to have such a highly experienced panel overseeing the appointment of our coaching team. With Jill McIntosh, former Australian Diamonds Head Coach; Anita Keelan, Netball Australia’s Head of Pathways; and Maria Lynch, a respected High Performance Coach with deep insight into our coaching landscape — we’re guided by exceptional expertise and a strong understanding of what’s required to succeed in this space.”

The NSW 17U and 19U State Teams will be finalised later this year ahead of the 2026 National Netball Championships.

Appeal for information following discovery of toolbox of firearms in Hunter Region

Drug & Firearms Squad detectives are appealing for public information following the discovery of two firearms and numerous 3D-printed firearm parts from a property in the state’s Hunter Region.

Strike Force Leeville is an investigation led by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad into the manufacture of firearms.

Following inquiries under Strike Force Leeville, about 3.15pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – searched a property in Barnsley.

During the search, police located a toolbox in the garage containing two rifles and numerous 3D printed firearm parts.

The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination and a 59-year-old man at the property was spoken to.

As investigations under Strike Force Leeville continue, police are urging anyone with information about the ownership or origins of the firearms to come forward.

Three rescued after boat capsized in Maitland Bay – Marine Area Command

Three people have been rescued after a boat capsized on the state’s Central Coast yesterday.

About 3pm (24 September 2025), police were called to Maitland Bay Beach, near Bouddi National Park, following reports of a boat was capsized and occupants need urgent assistance in the water.

Officers attached to Marine Area Command attended the scene and located a runabout boat overturned while two men – aged 69 and 61 – were in the water.

Police, with the assistance of a lifeguard from the Central Coast Council, successfully pulled the two men out to the nearby rock platform area.

A short time later, police, with the assistance from lifeguards, managed to lift one side of the boat and rescued a third passenger – a second 69-year-old man – who managed to breath in the air pocket area.

An emergency landing zone was secured in Woy Woy area, with the assistance from officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District, and the three men were airlifted to the area before they were taken to Gosford Hospital for further treatment.

Superintendent Joseph Mcnulty, Commander of Marine Area Command, says the importance of wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life or death on the water.

All three men were wearing their life jackets at the time of incident, and it was a gamechanger in saving their lives.

While we will be welcoming summer soon, it is also be the peak season of drowning incidents so our key message is simple please plan your trip by checking your vessel, equipment and weather. Always be prepared for emergency situations by wearing an approved life jacket.” Superintendent Mcnulty said

Wearing a life jacket will save not just your life but also protect your family from possibly losing a loved one.

Police Officer charged with assault of Hannah Thomas at anti-Israel protest

A police officer has now been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Hannah Thomas, who was punched in the face at a peaceful anti-Israel protest outside weapons-plating corporation SEC Plating in Belmore in June. This has renewed pressure to stand down Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden after he told the media he had reviewed the body camera footage that showed the assault, and saw “no information at this stage that’s before me that indicates any misconduct on behalf of my officers”.

Greens MP Sue Higginson has today written to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, the Police Commissioner and the Police Minister Yasmin Catley calling for McFadden to be stood down as an Assistant Commissioner, and for an immediate investigation into his conduct.

Labor Premier Chris Minns is also facing pressure to repeal his anti-protest laws, which are claimed to be contributing to an escalation in police brutality toward peaceful protesters.

Charges initially laid against Ms Thomas have now been withdrawn and she and four fellow protesters have been awarded over $40,000 in costs. Ms Thomas has also lodged a civil claim against the NSW Police.

NSW Greens MP, Justice Spokesperson and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“It’s a just and welcomed step to see charges finally laid against the police officer who brutally assaulted Hannah Thomas while she was attending a peaceful protest. But there is more to the police brutality and misconduct on that day, there are now serious questions over the police misconduct following the incident and we must confront the source of this injustice, the impunity given to police by Labor Premier Chris Minns through the anti-protest laws and rhetoric he espouses,”

“It would now appear that Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden blatantly tried to cover up the violent assault on Hannah Thomas. Commissioner McFadden reviewed body camera footage that shows Ms Thomas being assaulted, and then told the media he saw no evidence of police misconduct. He excused police violence towards an innocent woman, he argued against further oversight, and under his leadership police issued statements criticizing the very protesters they had assaulted,”

“Assistant Commissioner McFadden needs to stand down immediately. I have written urgently to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the Police Commissioner and to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission calling for him to be stood down and for an investigation into his misconduct,”

“Police should not have been given the power or the impunity to issue move-on directions to peaceful protesters who were committing no crime. We saw that police referenced Chris Minns’ new draconian anti-protest laws in their fact sheet, referring to a place of worship in Belmore to justify the violent arrest of Hannah Thomas and her fellow protesters,”

“The Premier now also needs to apologise for laying the blame at Ms Thomas’ feet and implying she was responsible for her own assault, without even viewing the body camera footage himself,”

“It is really concerning that Hannah Thomas was not made aware that these charges had been laid, the first she heard was in media reports. There’s a complete disregard towards victims of police brutality from NSW Police and it’s got to change,”

“This demonization of peaceful protest is reckless political behaviour and it leads to innocent people of good conscience getting hurt. Innocent people have the right to peacefully call for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and they have the right to do so without being victims of heinous police brutality at the hands of an emboldened NSW Police force”.

Greens push for separated bike lanes, safety review following cyclist death

Victorian Greens Leader and local Melbourne MP Ellen Sandell has said separated bike lanes must be installed on Macaulay Road as a matter of urgency, and the dangerous intersection urgently reviewed, following the tragic death of a cyclist yesterday in Kensington, where Ms Sandell also lives.

A young cyclist reportedly tragically died in a crash with a truck near the intersection of Macaulay Road and Rankins Road on Monday afternoon, close to Kensington train station. This follows several other cyclists who have died or been seriously injured following collisions with trucks in the last few years in the electorate of Melbourne, including Angus Collins in West Melbourne.

However, despite the Council approving funding for separated bike lanes along Macaulay Road every year since 2021, the bike lanes have been constantly delayed due to the Victorian Government Department of Transport not approving them.

The Greens have also called on the City of Melbourne to urgently review the safety of the Rankins Rd/Macaulay Rd intersection where the death occurred.

As part of this review the Council should also explore whether the current traffic management plans have been sufficient amid all the construction happening in Kensington, and increase in trucks using local roads.

The Greens say that, while the circumstances are not yet fully known, it would be heartbreaking if yesterday’s death could potentially have been avoided if safer transport infrastructure like separated bike lanes had been installed.

To prevent future cyclist injuries, collisions, and deaths on Victorian roads, the state must make improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure a matter of priority.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:

“My thoughts are with the man who was tragically killed on his bike yesterday, and his loved ones.

“Every year in Australia nine cyclists are killed on our roads, yet Governments often make safety for cyclists an afterthought. Pedestrians and bike riders should be able to use our roads without fear of being killed.

“Yesterday’s tragic death needs to be a wake-up call for the State Labor Government. Too often, Labor makes safe bike lanes an afterthought, when they must be a priority, so no more bike riders die after being hit by cars and trucks.”

Prime Minister does not have faith in his own plan to bring down power prices

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has no faith in his own promise to bring down power prices.

When asked today when bills will actually fall and by how much, he refused to answer.

Instead of standing by his plan, he dodged, deflected and smeared.

That is not the confidence of a leader who believes in his policy, it is the behaviour of a disappointing Prime Minister who knows his word cannot be trusted.

What Australians do know is power prices have not come down by $275 as promised by Anthony Albanese, instead they’re up $1,300.

Incredibly today Energy Minister Chris Bowen claimed that the Climate Change Authority’s advice, that there would be a 20 per cent reduction in household energy prices within the decade, or $1,000 annually “was not a political commitment.”

He did this because he knows the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) gave evidence to a senate inquiry last year that it could make no guarantees on lower prices with more renewables.

This is advice the Government is basing its entire emissions policy on yet Minister after Minister have refused to back its claim on power prices.

The truth is Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen have lied to Australians before and now they have no confidence in their new fantasy.

If they had confidence in their plan they would tell Australians how much it was going to cost and put a dollar figure on what it will do to power bills.

As the Prime Minister jets off overseas once again Australians will be left with the bill and left disappointed in the years ahead.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.

Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.

2005 Bali bombing commemoration

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Ordinary business

2025 Local Government NSW Conference

Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.

Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).

Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027

Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.

Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024

Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter review

Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.

Executive monthly performance report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)

Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.

Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.

Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund

Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.

Protecting koala populations

Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.

Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow

Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.

Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle

Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community
 associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.

Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle

Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.

$1 million to further strengthen Newcastle Port precinct

The Minns Government has announced that one of Australia’s most iconic port towns, Newcastle, will be further invigorated now that applications are open with $1 million available to support local groups or businesses to undertake projects to boost activation, heritage or tourism.

The Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund provides grants of between $10,000 and $250,000 for projects that benefit the environment, public domain, infrastructure, heritage restoration, activation, smart technology, events or community.

Applications for Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund Round 9 will open at 12 midday on Tuesday 7 October and close on Monday 1 December 2025.

Following feedback from the local community and Newcastle City Council, the NSW Government has improved how funding is being provided for community use to progress the precinct.

The Fund sets out to deliver high-quality projects that:

  • foster stronger community bonds
  • enhance accessibility
  • boost visitation
  • increase participation in cultural and artistic life
  • and enhance public, environmental and business infrastructure which can be achieved through efficient program design.

The program, which has provided more than $7 million in funding so far, has delivered projects including upgrades to Soul Hub, a centre deliver life-changing services to disadvantaged, the Cottage Creek Southeast Public Domain Artwork for new public art and the Digitalise, revitalise and reimagine Delprat Cottage installing virtual restoration that transports visitors to the past, present and future of the site.

This announcement follows an announcement in early August when the Minns Government stated it was investing $8.73 million into two Hunter projects to build a new maritime facility in Newcastle to attract servicing of international super yachts, and upgrade saleyards infrastructure in Singleton.

Program guidelines and eligibility criteria will be available from 7 October at nsw.gov.au/npccf

Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Port of Newcastle is a vital economic, industrial and tourist hub and it was important to improve how community groups and businesses can access these funds and deliver real results.

“The Minns Government is committed to reshaping how we support regional projects and communities and to ensure we can deliver what people really want.

“We mean business and want to be smart in how we work with those people who know what is needed locally and what will work to improve the precinct or expand businesses.

Minister for the Hunter, and MP for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing regions in the state and we’re laying the groundwork now so we are prepared for what’s to come.

“We’re investing heavily to make sure this region continues to succeed – not just as a great place to live and work, but as a destination people want to visit as well as a place people want to build their future.

“This is about celebrating our community, empowering local businesses and unlocking Newcastle’s full potential – something I’m proud to support.”

NSW MP for Newcastle, Timothy Crakanthorp said:

“The Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund is a significant grant and funding program for local organisations and community groups.

“The Port of Newcastle is central to our city’s maritime history and economic future.

“I encourage all eligible groups to apply.”

Liverpool Hospital celebrates opening of NSW first integrated multimodality Interventional Radiology Suite

The opening of NSW’s first multifunctional Interventional Radiology Suite at Liverpool Hospital has set a new standard in life-saving patient care and medical innovation.

The facility, a highlight of the first phase of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) redevelopment, combines cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiogram, computed tomography (CT) and sonar (ultrasound) in one purpose-built, centralised location.

Dubbed the IR-MACS suite, the unit allows patients to undergo highly complex, combined procedures without leaving the table, delivering exceptional precision.

From minimally invasive procedures to kill cancer cells in tumours and block the flow of blood in aneurysms, IR-MACS is redefining interventional radiology in NSW.

The unit includes three state-of-the-art rooms, featuring the latest interventional CT, a ceiling-mounted angiographic suite and a wide-bore MRI. The technology can operate individually or as a single, seamless unit.

Specialist staff are equipped to deliver advanced care in a radiation-free environment, helping to keep them safe when providing care to patients.

The IR-MACS suite’s infrastructure supports new and innovative approaches to acute healthcare and provides staff with purpose-designed and built facilities for contemporary clinical practice.

Demolition works to prepare the site for phase 2 of the LHAP redevelopment are well underway. Phase 2 will deliver a second integrated services building, including an integrated cancer centre, with a wellness centre, and expanded women’s and children’s ambulatory care.

The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

the Minister for Health Ryan Park

“By the early 2030s, more than 1.2 million people are expected to call south western Sydney home.

“It is critical that cutting-edge services such as the incredible new Interventional Radiology suite are a major focus of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct to ensure the community continues to receive world-class care close to home.

“I congratulate the many teams involved in the opening of IR-MACS. We are building the healthcare of the future right here in the heart of Liverpool.’’

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda

“This significant investment in Liverpool Hospital is transforming the experience of our patients, staff and community and the IR-MACS is a wonderful example of this transformation.

“I am proud and excited that our community is benefitting from this amazing technology and care in the IR-MACS suite, which is showcasing Liverpool Hospital as a beacon of clinical excellence nationally and internationally.

“Having access to this cutting-edge technology will mean our patients can potentially recover faster, go home quicker and have better long-term quality of life, which is fantastic”

Liverpool Hospital General Manager Scott McGrath

“The opening of the new IR-MACS suite represents a new era in care for Liverpool Hospital.

“The amazing IR-MACS technology provides minimally invasive treatments which stop bleeding, shrink tumours and save lives often in a single day.

“The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment is creating a centre for innovation and health research to provide a world-class working environment for our highly skilled clinicians and staff.’’

Liverpool Hospital Head of Department Interventional Radiology Dr Glen Schlaphoff

“Conceived in 2006, meticulously planned since 2009, and realised through years of sustained commitment, IR-MACS represents a landmark achievement in interventional radiology in NSW and a bold step into the future of image-guided therapy.

“As the first interventional radiology suite in NSW to integrate MRI, CT, and angiography within a single, co-located environment, it enables highly complex, minimally invasive procedures with unprecedented imaging precision and procedural flow, all without moving the patient from the table, enhancing both safety and therapeutic efficacy.

“The ability to perform real-time MRI-guided tumour ablations and complex, previously unachievable biopsies is taking interventional oncology to new levels of precision and treatment success.’’