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Articles by Blake Doyle
Runaway coal train travelled several kilometres unmanned in the NSW Hunter Valley
Blake Doyle and Courtney Yeandle Railway safety officials are looking into an incident involving a runaway coal train in the Hunter Valley. The fully laden coal train was unmanned and travelled several kilometres, including through level crossings. Pacific National, which hauls coal from mines in the Hunter Valley, has confirmed the incident in a statement to the ABC.
Jazz festivals canned in Newcastle and Victoria over payday superannuation
New payday superannuation laws have struck a sour note with one of Australia's leading jazz musicians. From July 1, anyone who hires a musician must pay them 12 per cent superannuation within seven days. Musicians have been entitled to superannuation since 1992, but super contributions could be made every three months if the performer had an ABN.
Jazz festivals canned in Newcastle and Victoria over payday superannuation
Roundup: Articles From Around the Web Here are some posts that caught our eye that I thought you may find interesting! Let me know if there is …
Police investigates dozens of dirt bike riders in Newcastle after Bad Apples 'riot' in Dangar Park
A clothing company stunt that degenerated into a "riot" involving dozens of dirt bike riders has been condemned by Newcastle residents and authorities. Video of the event shows up to 40 dirt bike riders taunting police, appearing to run down at least two pedestrians, and damaging a park where the event was held. Police said about 200 people turned up at Dangar Park in Mayfield on Sunday after the clothing brand Bad Apples promoted a merchandise giveaway event on its social media.
Elusive crocodile captured by reptile wranglers in Newcastle creek
Reptile experts from a NSW wildlife park have successfully captured a freshwater crocodile a day after it was spotted wading through a suburban creek in Newcastle. The croc was first seen in Ironbark Creek at Wallsend on Saturday afternoon. Police established a perimeter around the waterway to stop the croc escaping and to keep curious onlookers safe. Australian Wildlife Park rangers finally found the crocodile on Sunday evening.
Cessnock Rifle Club captain charged with manslaughter after pig hunting incident
A rifle club captain from the New South Wales Hunter valley accused of accidentally killing a friend during a pig hunt has faced court. John Butcher, 63, has been charged with manslaughter and using a firearm in a manner likely to injure a person. Mr Butcher, the captain of the Cessnock Rifle Cub, faced a bail hearing on Thursday morning. The court heard he was hunting pigs with a friend on a property at Cassilis in the upper Hunter on Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors appeal Tyrone Thompson sentence for murder of ex-partner Mackenzie Anderson
The Department of Public Prosecutions will appeal the sentence handed down to Tyrone Thompson this month. Thompson was sentenced to 22 years and six months, with a 15-year non-parole period, for stabbing his former partner Mackenzie Anderson to death. Ms Anderson's mother has welcomed the appeal, after previously criticising the sentence as too light.
Police say missing fisherman Paul Barning pulled overboard by mako shark
By Blake Doyle, Giselle Wakatama, Bruce MacKenzie and Keely Johnson, for ABC A Sydney man, identified by the NSW Game Fishing Association as Paul Barning, fell overboard during a fishing competition north of Newcastle, on Sunday. Police say Barning was dragged into the water by the shark when he became tangled in tackle and that it was not a shark attack. What's next? An air and sea search for the missing man will continue further south.
Game fishing group disputes reports of shark attack at Newcastle competition
The NSW Game Fishing Association says a Sydney man who fell overboard during a competition north of Newcastle yesterday was not attacked by a shark, despite earlier reports to the contrary. A multi-agency air and sea search has resumed this morning. The man was taking part in an interclub tournament about 55 kilometres off the coast of Port Stephens when it is believed he became caught in fishing line and fell overboard.
Two people charged with murder over Newcastle restaurant strip stabbing
A man and a woman have been charged with murder over a fatal stabbing in the Newcastle suburb of Hamilton. A 22-year-old man, who police haven't identified, died after suffering multiple stab wounds on Beaumont Street just after 2:30am on Sunday. It happened outside a post office on the popular restaurant strip. Strike Force Mannum was established to investigate the stabbing. A man, 27, was arrested at Waratah Police Station at about 11:00am yesterday and charged with murder.
BLAKE DOYLE: Depopulation strategies lacking in P.E.I.
The province's population growth once heralded by political leaders has now become a Waterloo of poor planning. Growth aggressively sought by provincial and municipal politicians, is a quick pivot when constituents' ire is raised.
BLAKE DOYLE: Federal budget presents economic degrowth strategies
We have just endured one of the most telegraphed budgets in memory. In an era of TikTok and depleted attention spans even budgets need to be pre-released to garner attention. Related stories Unfortunately, the assaults on business from provincial and federal levels of government continues in response to actors who seem unable to constrain spending; fueling inflation and then seeking taxation offsets to support financial dysregulation.
SES responds to more than 100 calls across NSW after damaging winds tear off roofs and bring down trees
In short: Wild weather has damaged homes and businesses across the NSW. Extreme winds have damaged six guest rooms at the Tottenham Hotel. What's next? Clean-up efforts continue where houses in the Hunter are waiting for power to be reconnected. The State Emergency Service responded to more than 100 calls for help across NSW overnight, where wild winds ripped off roofs and caused power outages to thousands of homes. Seven of those calls were from the tiny town of Tottenham, west of Dubbo.
Firefighters forced out of burning townhouse in 22-unit complex at Teralba in search for people inside
Firefighters were forced from a burning Lake Macquarie townhouse on Railway Street, Teralba, as they searched inside for at least two people this morning, but stopped its spread in the 22-unit complex. Emergency services were called to the fire just before 4:15am to find a two-level townhouse on fire.
BLAKE DOYLE: Board governance and Mickey Mouse
I have been watching with interest the drama of Nelson Peltz, a corporate agitator who is attempting to insert himself on the board of directors for Disney. While Disney resonates happy thoughts and plush mice; the stock has been a unique underperforming for the last several years. Peltz has a history of shaking up board management and generally raising shareholder value, but in Disney’s case, he is viewed as an unwelcome contributor.
BLAKE DOYLE: Reflections on a New Year and opportunities for P.E.I. government to strengthen policies
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Weston tyre shop destroyed, homes saved as firefighters battle bushfires in NSW Hunter region
Hundreds of firefighters will concentrate on a back-burning operation in the Hunter Valley today, ahead of expected worsening conditions tomorrow. Two Hunter bushfires have been downgraded after reaching emergency level yesterday A tyre shop at Weston has been destroyed The NSW RFS is concerned about deteriorating conditions expected tomorrow Three fires combined late yesterday at Abermain to form one major fire in searing conditions, and reaching Emergency Level.
BLAKE DOYLE: Alarm of job creation trends
A responsive government needs to grow in relative consideration to the population. At scale, efficiencies and technology should be a limiting factor to human resource expansion. While Prince Edward Island's population is growing, it is only growing at 3.6 per cent per year. By contrast, several months ago, the provincial government celebrated the growth in hiring at 36 per cent over a three-year period.
BLAKE DOYLE: A social news experiment produced quick results
Media is relevant! Rarely before has unbiased, responsible investigative reporting been more important. In an era where every desktop has the ability and potential to influence a narrative, we need independent and trusted news sources. But independent media is under assault. Special interests, political entities and even bad actor states can manage messaging, direct attention and in some cases create friction in social fabric.
BLAKE DOYLE: Tough questions and answers required to meet evolving health care expectations
Life has become burdened with anxiety, society is in a perpetual ‘fight-or-flight’ heightened alert level approaching three years (rolling covid waves, supply chain disruption, conflict in Europe, natural disasters, food security, accommodation affordability, job satisfaction, etc). We observe these impacts daily in our human resources and recruitment conversations. No person is immune. One of many subjects inducing fatigue is “health-care crisis.” Yes, we have challenges; and we must adapt.
Zack Mavin pleads not guilty to stabbing murder of Robert Palmer outside Shortland service station
A court has been shown dramatic video footage of the moments before the fatal stabbing of a man outside a Newcastle service station more than two years ago.
Captive-bred endangered regent honeyeater spotted in Hunter Valley backyard
The sighting of a critically endangered bird in the Hunter Valley is giving wildlife experts hope the species is surviving and possibly thriving.
Four people, two dogs hurt in Muswellbrook home invasion by five men armed with machetes, knives
Four people are in hospital and two dogs have serious injuries after they were attacked by five men carrying machetes and knives in a terrifying overnight home invasion in the New South Wales Hunter region.
Ken Warby, the fastest man on water, dies aged 84
Warby set the world water speed record in his power boat Spirit of Australia, reaching speeds of more than 500 kilometres per hour....
Australian speedboat legend Ken Warby, the fastest man on water, dies aged 84
The world's fastest man on water, Ken Warby, has died in the United States after a short illness. Key points: Ken Warby set the world water speed record on Blowering Dam in 1978 His record has stood for 45 years Warby collaborated with his son David, who has tried to beat the record Born and educated in Newcastle, NSW, Warby shot to fame in the late 1970s when he first broke the world water speedboat record.
Police release CCTV after fatal 'drug related' shooting of Zac Davies-Scott at Heddon Greta
Police have released CCTV footage of a white SUV being driven erratically as they step up their investigation into the fatal "drug-related" and "targeted" shooting of a man in the Hunter Valley last month.
Outrigger crew rescued after being swamped on Swansea bar
Six people have been rescued from the entrance to Lake Macquarie after their outrigger canoe was swamped by waves and split in two.
BLAKE DOYLE: Facing a wave of retirements
Retire. By pure definition it means to remove from service. When the treads on your wheels get too worn, you need to "retire" them. When the studs on your rugby cleats get ground down, they should be "retired." When you’re working out and you push your muscles to failure, you must "retire" from further sets. Retirement is not an end of useful contribution, but a change in service. A redeployment/reinvention/new use.
Teen's alleged nail gun shootings on motorway risked 'significant injury or death', court told
A teenager's alleged drive-by shooting spree with a nail gun on the NSW Central Coast could have resulted in "significant injury or death", a court has heard. Key points: The man appeared before Wyong Local Court today Two drivers say they were injured by the nail gun Police say they chased the man before arresting him with capsicum spray Reid Partlett, 19, has been charged with offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company following his arrest on Monday afternoon.
Woman charged with high-range drink driving after crash leaves boy critical
A woman has been charged with drink driving after a crash that left an eight-year-old boy in a critical condition on the NSW Central Coast. Key points: Two cars collided at Killarney Vale on Wednesday afternoon. An eight-year-old boy and a woman in one car were both injured. A woman in one car allegedly returned a high range breath test. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Mort Street and George Evans Road at Killarney Vale yesterday afternoon after a sedan and SUV collided.
BLAKE DOYLE: Alligators make terrible pets
In some circumstances, Christmas gift giving can become a last-minute reactive rush to grab a procrastinated gift. This may or may not defeat the considerate practice of selecting a thoughtful memento in recognition of appreciation. When considering a purchase, be aware that some "pets" do not make for a good companion. According to the SPCA the commitment to care for animals often diminishes after the holidays as young animal surrenders increase post-Christmas.
Mother vents anger after 'inclusive school' excludes son with autism from mainstream graduation and formal
When 12-year-old Ollie Baldwin asked his mum when his year 6 formal was going to be, she avoided answering the question. Key points: Two students enrolled at a Hunter Valley college were not invited to their year group's end of year celebrations The mother of one student says the move goes against the school's commitment to inclusion The college's principal has apologised and says the school will review its approach "He was blissfully unaware," Amy Goel said.
Man charged with murder, refused bail over death of another man at Hunter Valley train station
A NSW court has heard the alleged murder of a man at a Hunter Valley train station was caught on CCTV.
Man dies on Beresfield train station platform following alleged assault in Hunter Valley
A man has died on a train station platform in the Hunter Valley overnight following an alleged assault. Emergency services were called to Beresfield train station, west of Newcastle in New South Wales, at about 6pm yesterday, where they found a 39-year-old man critically injured on the platform. The man was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. A 27-year-old Newcastle man was later arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace police station where he was charged with murder.
Family of missing school teacher question delay in learning of disappearance
The family of an Australian man missing in the Republic of Congo have questioned why it took them so long to be informed of his disappearance.
Port of Newcastle bill likely to be passed today, paving way for large-scale container terminal
The Port of Newcastle is about to do business on a more even playing field, after a deal was done to remove a controversial cap on the number of containers it can move.
Superyacht owner's son, 20-year-old James Blee, charged over Newcastle cocaine haul
The son of a superyacht owner who is charged with manslaughter, people smuggling and commercial drug importation has been refused bail over a deadly haul of cocaine found in Newcastle Harbour this year. Southport man James Lake-Kusviandy Blee, 20, was arrested at Tweed Heads Police Station yesterday and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and supplying more than a large commercial quantity.
Hunter Valley pilot David Jardine praised for 'remarkable' landing before plane explosion
A friend of a pilot badly injured in a fiery plane crash near Maitland in the Hunter Valley has described how he did a "remarkable" job landing the plane away from houses.
Jet skis, vintage cars and cash seized as Newcastle man is charged with drug supply offences
Weapons, drugs, cash, jet skis and a vintage car have been seized by police from a home in suburban Newcastle during a search.
Man who claimed he thought his girlfriend was a demon during psychotic episode gets 20 years' jail for killing her
A man who claimed he thought his girlfriend was a life-sucking demon when he strangled her to death has has been sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Newcastle cocaine bust leads to manslaughter, people smuggling charges
A 62-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter and people smuggling after the death of a diver in Newcastle Harbour earlier this year. Brazilian national Bruno Borges Martins, 31, was found in the water next to a ship and 54 kilograms of cocaine on May 9. Strike force detectives and Australian Federal Police officers yesterday arrested a 62-year-old man on the New South Wales north coast.
Captain Cook Cruises dive charter takes terrifying turn for Newcastle mum and her sons
An Newcastle woman says an Australian cruise company should have been better prepared for adverse weather after a holiday scuba dive in Fiji almost ended in disaster when a dive boat disappeared.
Man shot dead at Hamilton South property in Newcastle
A man has been shot dead in the New South Wales Hunter region. Police and paramedics were called to a Fowler Street home in the Newcastle suburb of Hamilton South about 11:00pm yesterday, where they found a 57-year-old man with gunshot wounds. He died at the home and a crime scene has been established. Police say it was a targeted attack. Homicide detectives have been brought in to investigate. More to come.
Powered by rolls of printed solar panels, Stuart McBain is driving his EV 15,000km around Australia
Stuart McBain is no stranger to pushing electric vehicles (EVs) to their limits. Key points: An EV will be driven 15,000km around Australia to test printed solar Printed solar has been in development at the University of Newcastle for 27 years It could one day be incorporated into the body of an EV He was the first person to drive one right around the United Kingdom, just to prove you could do it, and did the same in Iceland. But his next EV challenge is possibly his greatest yet.
Snowy Hydro boss Paul Broad says fallout with Chris Bowen contributed to resignation
When outgoing Snowy Hydro boss Paul Broad's resignation was made public on Friday, delays with the delivery of Snowy Hydro 2.0 were highlighted as the reason. Key points: Paul Broad was chief executive of Snowy Hydro for nearly a decade He resigned after a clash of ideas with the Energy Minister The Hunter Valley gas-fired power plant will still go ahead However, Mr Broad said clashes with Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen were another reason to step aside.
BLAKE DOYLE: Short-term reasoning
After two disrupted years of false-start tourism, our province is now winding through the challenge and opportunity of revenge tourism. Islanders spoiled by available tee times, spacious beaches and accessible dinner reservations now contend with traffic congestion, active streets and an energetic return to our crucial tourism economy. But is our dormant infrastructure able to accommodate an eager traveling public?
Anglican priest Chris Bird stripped of Holy Orders over alleged assault, bullying, intimidation
An Anglican priest has been stripped of his Holy Orders and suspended by the church amid "disturbing" allegations of assault, bullying and intimidation over two decades.
Season tickets to the football and the shoes off the feet of a passer-by — rough sleeper warmed by kindness of strangers
A Newcastle man who lives in an old shopfront and the manager of a nearby soup kitchen say there is a new wave empathy for the homeless as living costs skyrocket and rents soar. Shane Flemming is one of more than 116,000 people who experience homelessness across Australia on any given night, according to the Salvation Army. Of those, about seven per cent sleep rough. Mr Flemming said an untenable living situation forced him from his home at Nelson Bay earlier this year.
NSW beekeepers relieved as hives outside varroa zones allowed to move for honey production, pollination Original
Beekeepers in New South Wales will soon be able to move their hives for pollination services and honey production under a new plan announced by Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.
Flood devastation leaves Hunter towns with heartbreaking recovery
Broke resident Evelyn Hardy says she has seen many floods come and go during the past 30 years in her Hunter Valley town. But she said none of them had been like the the flood that has devastated the small tight-knit community in the past week. "I had about 15 centimetres or so through my house," she said. "We did manage to raise a lot of furniture up but it's the damp and mould that's now ruining everything." She said her sheds had "all gone".
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