Pickers the pick of the comp: While it was heartbreak for the Butcher Boys, the Newcastle Rugby League grand final day was sheer jubilation for the Maitland Pickers. Its first grade men's, first grade women's, and reserve grade men's teams all walked away with premiership glory. Head coach of the men's first grade Matt Lantry says it shows the club has structures in place for success across the board.
Caption: Pickers' centre Matt Soper-Lawler gives a thumbs up to Maitland fans in the crowd at Hunter Stadium. Image: ABC News/Bridget Murphy
Charges for mother, son after alleged shooting: Two people charged over an alleged shooting in West Wallsend will face court again in November, with one to remain behind bars. Police were called to O'Donnelltown Road last Thursday afternoon where they found a 39-year-old man in bushland with gunshot wounds to both legs. Brayden Leschinkohl, 26, was charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was refused bail in Toronto Local Court the following day. His mother Leah Leschinkohl, 48, was charged with being an accessory after the fact and was granted bail.
Oakvale reacts to chicken tosser: A spokesperson for a wildlife park where a chicken was fatally thrown to alligators says it's the most unusual incident at the park in 45 years. Peter William Smith last week pleaded guilty to tossing the chicken into an alligator enclosure at the Oakvale Wildlife Park earlier this year, where it was killed. The park's chief executive Leanne Sansom says it was distressing, particularly for keepers who care for the animals.
Not-guilty plea over ferry waves: A man has pleaded not guilty to driving a boat menacingly at a political fundraiser off the coast of Port Stephens. The alleged incident happened in August, when waves to disrupted a Labor fundraiser on the 100-year-old Wangi Queen ferry. Jared Luke Banek pleaded not guilty in Raymond Terrace Court last week to knowingly menacing other people while operating a vessel and operating a vessel recklessly. He will next appear in court in November.
Stockton Centre revamp: A contract for the restoration and upgrade of seven houses at the former Stockton Centre has been awarded by the New South Wales government. The properties will be used for short-term crisis housing for people experiencing homelessness. The $1.8-million contract will result in homes at the former residential centre for people with disabilities converted into safe transitional housing for about 25 people.
Santos cleared after inquiry: An independent inquiry has cleared oil and gas company Santos of wrongdoing in landowner negotiations as part of the Hunter Gas Pipeline project. The Environmental Defenders Office made a complaint to Environment Minister Penny Sharpe in late 2023, alleging the company had misused and breached its authority to survey private land. Two investigators examined the complaint and found Santos did not breach conditions or coerce landowners.
DV specialists welcomed: A Hunter woman who helps victims of domestic violence has welcomed a funding boost to make more specialist workers available in New South Wales, and says she wants to see them assigned to every refuge in the state. The state government has announced more specialist case workers to help children and young people fleeing family violence in rural and regional communities. Nova for Women and Children chief executive Brittany Jack has one of the workers in her ranks already, and says it has been life changing. People needing confidential information, counselling or support around domestic family and sexual violence issues can visit the 1800RESPECT website or phone 1800 737 732.
Big plans for Maitland Gaol: Two development applications to expand Maitland Gaol have been submitted while the site remains closed because of safety issues. The heritage-listed jail has been closed since March after the Maitland City Council found significant fire and electrical problems. The council has now applied to build boutique accommodation at the site's gatehouse, with a separate application for new infrastructure, including a restaurant. The council says the development applications will run parallel to continued scoping work for rectification of the safety issues.
Rotunda damage estimated at $30,000: Damage caused by vandals to the historical King Edward Park rotunda is estimated at $30,000, the Newcastle City Council says. Police are investigating the incident, thought to have happened between 6pm on Sunday night and 7am Monday morning. The council has condemned the vandalism and installed temporary fences while it sources materials to fix the Victorian-style rotunda.
Iffland's winning streak continues: Lake Macquarie champion cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland has won the latest world tour event in Turkiye. The 33-year-old finished the Antalya event on 367 points, ahead of Canadian Molly Carlson on 324. She's won most of the events on this year's tour and leads the overall standings by 19 points. The final event of the year will be held in Sydney in November.
Croker re-signs: The Newcastle Knights have announced prop Mat Croker will remain at the club for the 2025 season. The 25-year-old hails from Nabiac and joined the Knights' junior system when he was 15, before being contracted to the club's top squad. Knights director of football Peter Parr says Croker played some of his best football in the 2024 season.
