The couple was heading back to Sydney from Byron Bay on Saturday, September 14 and decided to stay at the Boogie Woogie Beach House.

"We had planned to stay at the Crescent Motel in Taree but they were full for the night so we went to Old Bar," Romano explained.

After they arrived at the hotel, Carla took some of their bags inside before Romano proceeded to lock the car.

"I heard the click of the lock and went in," he said.

The next morning, they discovered the car was unlocked and Carla's computer bag and suitcase missing.

"Our car door lock either double clicked or something else happened," Romano said.

Inside the suitcase was Carla's beloved Muramatsu flute.

Carla has played the instrument most of her professional life and was understandably distraught to find it missing.

"She's shattered and doesn't want to get another flute," Romano conceded.

"She's using a student flute at the moment."

Romano said the suitcase is a "bright and distinctive" colour, which would be easily identified.

The computer bag contained source material Carla was using to complete a PhD. This included film, recordings and soundtracks.

"Carla will see what she can put together with what's left," Romano said.

Romano said police who have helped with the incident have been "incredibly helpful and supportive".

Anyone with information is urged to contact Taree Police Station on 65520399.

A man was charged with firearms offences following an investigation into the unlawful killing of cattle at Cells River.

On Sunday, March 24, two dead Angus-cross cows were discovered laying in the middle of Cells River Road. Both appeared to have been shot in the head with a shotgun.

One of the cows also had a rope tried around its neck and its stomach cut open.

Following an investigation by the Manning Great Lakes rural crime prevention team, a 19-year-old man from the Newcastle area was charged on Saturday, August 31.

His offences include possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, firing a firearm in or near a public place, possessing an unauthorised firearm, using an unauthorised firearm and handling or using a firearm under the influence of alcohol.

He will face Forster Local Court on Tuesday, October 22.

Rural crime investigators will continue inquiries into the incident and anticipate further arrests.

Anyone who has information into the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A woman was charged in relation to a fatal single vehicle crash at Hillville, south of Taree, in July.

About 4.45pm on Saturday, July 21, emergency services responded to The Bucketts Way, near Hillville Road, following reports a Holden Commodore had left the road and crashed into a large tree.

A 22-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries and died at the scene.

The 21-year-old female driver and a two-year-old boy were trapped in the vehicle.

Just before 8am on Tuesday, September 17, a 21-year-old woman presented herself to Newcastle Police Station where she was arrested.

She was charged with negligent driving occasioning death.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Forster Local Court on Tuesday, October 15.