Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the Newcastle area.
Callum Schonewille, aged 15, was last seen in Warabrook about 8am on Monday 2 June 2025.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.
Callum is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with slim build and short light brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a grey hooded jumper, black track pants, purple Asics runners, and carrying a satchel bag.
He is known to frequent Hamilton South, Windale, Belmont North and Charlestown.
City of Newcastle has delivered the last major milestone in a shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve after officially opening the doors today on its new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility.
Located in the Carnley Avenue recreation area, the environmental education, meeting and function space and cafe forms part of Blackbutt Reserve’s Plan of Management, which was developed following community consultation.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken officially open Blackbutt Reserve’s new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.An accessible path around the adjacent lawn area was also installed as part of the project, to create better connections between the play space, amenities, animal exhibits, café and community facility.
Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken, said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting and enhancing the much-loved destination for the whole community.
“Blackbutt Reserve plays an important role in our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable city where we celebrate our unique qualities and protect our natural assets,” Ms Kikken said.
“Featuring pristine natural bushland, 12 km of walking trails, wildlife exhibits, playgrounds and picnic facilities, it offers diverse opportunities for social connection, active and passive recreation and interactions with nature.
“This will be enhanced with the opening of our new multipurpose community facility and café, which will further encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the green heart of our city.”
The project was partially funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley officially opened the new building today and said it would be a welcome addition for the community.
“It’s great to finally open the doors to this facility, which will house some really important services including a new cafe,” Minister Catley said.
“Blackbutt Reserve is one of Newcastle’s most treasured natural spaces and this new facility is a great example of how we can improve public spaces while still respecting the environment.
“The NSW Government provided over $800,000 in funding for this project because we know how important these facilities are, not only for creating local jobs, but also for boosting tourism across the Hunter.
“We want people to visit Blackbutt Reserve knowing there are top-notch facilities to make their experience even better.”
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison also welcomed the new additions at Blackbutt Reserve.
“This is an exciting day for the people of Newcastle, with the opening of the expanded Blackbutt Reserve community facilities,” Ms Harrison said.
“The new facilities and café will revitalise this popular attraction and bring more visitors to enjoy the wonderful natural environment.”
Ms Kikken said the project is a significant step in delivering the shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve.
“The Blackbutt Reserve Plan of Management provides a framework for how the reserve is managed in line with its ecological, recreational, educational and historic values,” Ms Kikken said.
“In the past 10 years City of Newcastle has delivered the plan’s key actions, including the construction of the adventure playground at Richley Reserve and upgrades to the wildlife exhibits and Carnley Avenue recreation area.
“The multipurpose community facility and cafe will complement these other elements, providing an improved experience for more than 150,000 people who visit Blackbutt Reserve each year.”
The multipurpose community facility features a bookable meeting room, enabling groups to gather, collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.
The building also includes the Blackbutt Café by Durks, which has an undercover dining and seating area and will provide coffee, breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as picnic boxes and catering.
Blackbutt, Natural Areas and Invasive Species Manager Andrew Staniland paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who for many years had operated a temporary kiosk on site with the support of City of Newcastle.
“It is important to recognise the tireless effort of the many volunteers and council staff that have ensured the operation of the kiosk, which started with humble beginnings in a replica pioneer hut,” Mr Staniland said.
“It is through this legacy that the current multipurpose community facility was built and we are forever grateful to those who made the kiosk a major part of a visit to Blackbutt.”
The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the facility at a community fun day from 10am-1pm on Saturday 21 June, featuring live music, Ranger-hosted critter encounters, family entertainment, facepainting as well as special offers at the new cafe.
I want to let you know that the Newcastle Local Government Area has now been officially included in the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, following the recent severe weather and flooding.
I want to thank everyone who reached out to my office over the past week – whether by phone, email, or social media – to share your stories. They helped be to advocate for this important relief.
Since the storms hit, I have been in constant contact with the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, advocating strongly for our community and pushing for Newcastle to be added to the list of eligible LGAs. I am very relieved that support is now being unlocked for those who need it.
I know this has been a deeply stressful time for many in our community, but once again, Newcastle has shown its strength resilience, and care for one another.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Helps those who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather. It’s a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child.
How to check your eligibility and apply:
You can check your eligibility and apply online now through Services Australia:
👉 The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.
As the world celebrates the many benefits of bikes today, City of Newcastle is pedalling ahead with a proposed record investment of more than $6.1 million into cycleway projects.
The active transport initiatives, which are included the draft 2025/26 Budget, will enhance cycling infrastructure across the city, with projects proposed to link Lambton Park to Croudace Street, connect Brunker Road Adamstown to Newcastle West and continue the Hunter Street trial cycleway west through to Wickham and Islington.
Cycleway plans also include a roundabout bypass on Parkway Avenue in Hamilton South, future Richmond Vale Rail Trail connections in Minmi and Fletcher and a shared path on Reserve Road at The Hill.
City of Newcastle will also continue delivering the Jesmond cycleway after successfully applying for a $2 million grant from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active Program. The project will create a safer, 800 metre off-road shared path along Blue Gum Road and through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve, including two new bridges over Dark Creek.
Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the ongoing investment will move City of Newcastle closer to the goal of creating a cohesive cycling network that connects major destinations and provides more cycling friendly streets by 2030.
“We want to encourage more people to consider using active transport, with riding and walking to become the natural choice for short trips,” Mr Tranter said.
“The investment included in our draft 2025/26 Budget reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to provide safe, connected and convenient infrastructure that supports people to cycle and walk.”
The expansion of the cycling network will soon include a 665-metre link that connects existing cycleway and shared path infrastructure in Islington, catering for all users of varying confidence and ability.
The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle utilising a $950,000 grant from the NSW Government, and features landscaped kerb extensions to provide improved visibility, an on-road separated bi-directional cycleway, and a raised priority crossing across John Hooker Street, which gives priority to shared path users over road users.
Chair of the Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Joel Pringle, said he’s excited to be part of City of Newcastle’s most ambitious cycleways program ever.
“It is great to see an increased investment into our cycling program under the proposed budget, and we hope to see our commitment towards cycleways and active transport funding continue to grow in coming years,” Cr Pringle said.
“This draft budget spend of $6.1 million allows us to continue to develop many projects across the city and includes funding for cycleways as part of local centre upgrades, as well as continuing funding towards cycling education and promotion.
“We also look forward to working further with the NSW Government to identify and fund key cycling projects in the city, and we support opportunities including the Strategic Cycleways Corridors program that we hope to see delivered to support positive transport improvements in our city.”
To encourage more Novocastrians to hop on their bikes, City of Newcastle has also unveiled a series of community cycling and bike maintenance courses to be held throughout June.
Bike maintenance classes will be held on 14 and 28 June at Adamstown Community Hall and cycling skills events will take place at the Kentish Oval Netball Courts in New Lambton on 7 and 21 June.
For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.
City of Newcastle is kicking off consultation to capture insights into the community’s views and knowledge of future plans for the Newcastle Airport precinct.
The precinct is experiencing a period of growth and transformation, with the Airport’s international terminal due to open in August.
A 76-hectare parcel of land adjoining the Airport and Williamtown RAAF Base, known as Astra Aerolab, is also undergoing a major redevelopment into Australia’s newest innovation, defence and aerospace precinct.
This precinct was initially identified as part of Newcastle Airport’s Masterplan, which outlined a 60-year vision for development of the Airport and a 20-year blueprint for growth.
The community consultation follows a resolution of the elected Council in October 2024.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Charlotte McCabe, who said it was appropriate for City of Newcastle, as a co-owner of Newcastle Airport, to understand the community’s views on the future development.
“This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the Council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council,” Cr McCabe said.
“Revenue that’s generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted.”
Astra Aerolab has secured significant investment and support from the NSW Government and Australian Government, with the first stage of civil infrastructure work now complete and future development stages underway.
Tenants already secured for the precinct include defence contractor BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia.
A mixture of phone, online and face-to-face surveys will be undertaken to gauge community sentiment, identify any issues or concerns and build understanding of the project.
For more information or to take part in the survey visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page by 25 June.
Project FAQs
What is Astra Aerolab? It’s the name of a new industrial park under construction directly next to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. It’s a 76-hectare site for defence and aerospace industries.
What other names is Astra Aerolab known by? Its company name is Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Proprietary Limited.
Who owns Astra Aerolab? Newcastle Airport – which is jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils.
How long has Astra Aerolab been in development? Newcastle Airport bought the site in 2018 as part of its masterplan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing.
Will ratepayers have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts? No. The company structures ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company’s asset pool. It would not be passed on to ratepayers.
Is Newcastle Airport in financial trouble? No – in fact a recent external audit confirmed it’s financially sound and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of approximately $3 million.
What are the benefits of Astra Aerolab? The industrial park will be a hub for new industries supporting the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. This is expected to bring jobs and economic benefits to the region.
Do ratepayers have a say in decisions about the Airport and Astra Aerolab? Not directly. Decisions about the running of both companies are made by the board of directors. However, both City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils have representative board members.
When will Astra Aerolab be up and running with businesses moving in? Construction of the first building is expected to begin in August and be complete by the end of next year.
Have any business tenants signed up yet? BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia will be the first major tenants. Negotiations are currently underway with another potential tenant, a global aerospace company.
What zoning applies to Astra Aerolab? The land was rezoned in 2013 and is a Defence and Airport Related Employment Zone (or DAREZ).
City of Newcastle is kicking off consultation to capture insights into the community’s views and knowledge of future plans for the Newcastle Airport precinct.
The precinct is experiencing a period of growth and transformation, with the Airport’s international terminal due to open in August.
A 76-hectare parcel of land adjoining the Airport and Williamtown RAAF Base, known as Astra Aerolab, is also undergoing a major redevelopment into Australia’s newest innovation, defence and aerospace precinct.
This precinct was initially identified as part of Newcastle Airport’s Masterplan, which outlined a 60-year vision for development of the Airport and a 20-year blueprint for growth.
The community consultation follows a resolution of the elected Council in October 2024.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Charlotte McCabe, who said it was appropriate for City of Newcastle, as a co-owner of Newcastle Airport, to understand the community’s views on the future development.
“This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the Council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council,” Cr McCabe said.
“Revenue that’s generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted.”
Astra Aerolab has secured significant investment and support from the NSW Government and Australian Government, with the first stage of civil infrastructure work now complete and future development stages underway.
Tenants already secured for the precinct include defence contractor BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia.
A mixture of phone, online and face-to-face surveys will be undertaken to gauge community sentiment, identify any issues or concerns and build understanding of the project.
For more information or to take part in the survey visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page by 25 June.
Project FAQs
What is Astra Aerolab? It’s the name of a new industrial park under construction directly next to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. It’s a 76-hectare site for defence and aerospace industries.
What other names is Astra Aerolab known by? Its company name is Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Proprietary Limited.
Who owns Astra Aerolab? Newcastle Airport – which is jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils.
How long has Astra Aerolab been in development? Newcastle Airport bought the site in 2018 as part of its masterplan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing.
Will ratepayers have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts? No. The company structures ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company’s asset pool. It would not be passed on to ratepayers.
Is Newcastle Airport in financial trouble? No – in fact a recent external audit confirmed it’s financially sound and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of approximately $3 million.
What are the benefits of Astra Aerolab? The industrial park will be a hub for new industries supporting the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. This is expected to bring jobs and economic benefits to the region.
Do ratepayers have a say in decisions about the Airport and Astra Aerolab? Not directly. Decisions about the running of both companies are made by the board of directors. However, both City of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils have representative board members.
When will Astra Aerolab be up and running with businesses moving in? Construction of the first building is expected to begin in August and be complete by the end of next year.
Have any business tenants signed up yet? BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia will be the first major tenants. Negotiations are currently underway with another potential tenant, a global aerospace company.
What zoning applies to Astra Aerolab? The land was rezoned in 2013 and is a Defence and Airport Related Employment Zone (or DAREZ).
Newcastle is making waves like never before, officially stepping into the global spotlight as the first stop of the prestigious 2025/26 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series.
For the first time ever, Australia’s oldest and most iconic surfing festival, Surfest, has been elevated to the WSL Challenger Series calendar, propelling Newcastle to the forefront of the international surfing scene.
This announcement marks a landmark moment not only for Newcastle but for the wider Hunter region, signalling a new era for tourism and global recognition.
With Surfest now headlining a world-class professional surfing competition, Newcastle is set to attract thousands of visitors, from elite athletes to passionate fans, putting the city firmly on the world map as a premier coastal destination.
Supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the event’s return has been confirmed for 8–15 March 2026, where the WSL Challenger Series will once again close out its season on Newcastle’s shores.
This ongoing commitment ensures that Newcastle will continue to build on the momentum generated in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class surfing hub.
The 2026 Surfest will also celebrate its incredible 40th anniversary, marking four decades of showcasing grassroots, amateur and professional surfing competitions along Newcastle and the Hunter’s coastline.
With more than 80 elite male surfers and 48 elite female surfers competing for coveted spots on the WSL Championship Tour, the event promises thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
Projected to attract a global broadcast audience of 3.5 million viewers, Surfest will shine an international spotlight on Newcastle’s rich surfing heritage, vibrant culture and spectacular coastline.
This event is expected to inject significant economic and tourism benefits into the Hunter region, drawing visitors and media from across the globe.
Adding to Newcastle’s surfing surge, the imminent August opening of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal will provide direct access for international athletes, media and fans, further cementing the city’s status as a key destination on the world surfing circuit.
As Newcastle rides this exciting wave, the city is poised to become a must-visit destination for surfers and tourists alike, showcasing the best of Australia’s coastal lifestyle on a truly global stage.
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“Surfest is more than just a sporting event – it brings thousands of visitors, boosts local businesses, and showcases the talent and spirit of Newcastle’s incredible surfing community.
“This is an exciting time for Newcastle. Surfest is riding a wave of momentum and the NSW Government is proud to support its growth into an even bigger international event.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Hosting the WSL Challenger Series puts the Hunter on the map and shows off what makes this place so special – great waves, amazing scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.
“This event means more visitors, more business for our local shops and cafes and more jobs for people right here in the Hunter.
“We’re building the Hunter into a place people want to visit again and again – with must-see events, beautiful beaches and a real sense of community.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Surfest is part of the fabric of Newcastle. It brings our community together, celebrates our beautiful coastline and showcases the passion and talent of our local surf scene.
“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government backing this iconic event, and I look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the best of what Newcastle has to offer.”
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from the Hunter Valley
Levi Rogers, aged 15, was last seen in Muswellbrook, about 7pm yesterday (Sunday 1 June 2025).
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to his young age.
Levi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, thin build and short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, white/grey coloured pants, black socks and black shoes.
Two teenage boys on a motorcycle have been seriously injured after a crash in the Hunter region.
Shortly after 2am today (Sunday 1 June 2025), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on routine patrol drove across a crash between a motorcycle and Mazda 3 hatchback at the intersection of Main Road and Lowry Street, Cardiff.
Police immediately stopped and rendered first aid to the occupants of the motorcycle until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The rider and pillion passenger – both aged 16 – were taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Both boys were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
The driver of the car – a 52-year-old man – escaped injury and was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.
A crime scene was established which is currently being examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Inquiries have established that the motorcycle was reported stolen from Edgeworth on 11 May 2025
The motorcycle had not been involved in a pursuit prior to the crash.
As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone who may have information about the crash – or has any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken officially open Blackbutt Reserve’s new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.An accessible path around the adjacent lawn area was also installed as part of the project, to create better connections between the play space, amenities, animal exhibits, café and community facility.
