Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Richard Wilder, aged 16, was last seen on Marika Street, Lochinvar, about 11am on Sunday 18 May 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were contacted on Monday (26 May 2025) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 150cm-155cm tall, of medium build with light brown hair.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare due to his age.

He was last wearing a white Nike hoodie.

He is known to frequent the Newcastle areas.

A man has died after a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie area.

About 8.45am this morning (Thursday 29 May 2025), emergency services were called to Gorokan Road, Wyee, following reports an off-road motorbike had crashed on the bank of Mannering Creek, near a footbridge.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found the rider of the motorbike – a man believed to be aged in his 20s – unresponsive in the water.

The man could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and seized the motorbike for forensic examination and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 May 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Safety on the Fernleigh Track

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle support City of Lake Macquarie and fully participate in the forum with other stakeholders to ensure the Fernleigh Track remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Ube sister city visit and international relations

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that Ube City has invited the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to visit Ube for the 45-year celebration of the sister city relationship and resolves that the invitation be accepted and funding be provided for the visit.

126 Russell Road New Lambton – Landslip 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that a landslip impacting 15 residential properties in Russell Road, Victoria Street, Baker Street and Portland Place, New Lambton occurred early on the morning of Friday 30 May 2025. It acknowledged the swift and professional action of NSW Police, State Emergency Services, NSW Public Works, Reconstruction Authority, Hunter Water, Ausgrid, NSW Health, Local Lands Service, Support Agencies such as the Red Cross & Anglicare, Samaritans, Chaplaincy, City of Newcastle staff and staff of other agencies to ensure public safety.

Ordinary business 

Independent review of council processes, procedures & performance

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to endorse the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of Council Processes, Procedures and Performance by Davidson Business Advisory. 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2025.

March quarterly performance report

Council received the March quarterly progress report for the 2022-2026 Delivery Program.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2025.

Newcastle Surfest WSL challenger series

Council voted unanimously to support City of Newcastle investing up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support annually to secure Surfest as a WSL Challenger Series event from 2026-2028, subject to Destination NSW providing funding required by the World Surfing League for the event to proceed.

Appointment of audit, risk and improvement committee chair and independent member

Council appointed Mr Robert Lagaida as the Chair and Independent Member to City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

Tender report – electrical and communications services 2025-28

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the provision of electrical and communication installation, repairs and maintenance services.

Notices of Motion

Creation of a Productivity and Efficiencies Standing Committee

Council unanimously voted to adopt an alternate motion that City of Newcastle requests that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) review Council delegations, procedures and requirements which may have an impact on service delivery and this review process deliver a report to Council outlining its findings and recommendations.

Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC

Council unanimously voted to recognise and celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week and provide appropriate support to organise NAIDOC Week celebrations in our community to celebrate this significant milestone.

Development of a masterplan for Lambton Park

Council unanimously voted to develop a Masterplan for Lambton Park, aligning with City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program and ongoing masterplanning projects, to guide improvements while preserving the park’s heritage and environmental values.

Celebrating the University of Newcastle’s 60th anniversary

Council unanimously voted to recognize the 60th anniversary of the University of Newcastle, celebrate its contributions to the region, and bestow the Keys to the City to mark this significant milestone.

Supporting local government apprenticeships, cadetships and traineeships

Council acknowledged the NSW governments $252.2 million Fresh Start program and recognised the allocation of 23 new traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetships to the City of Newcastle.

Protecting public land at Warabrook

Council resolved not to support the sale of public land at 22 Angophora Drive and 496 Maitland Road and called on the NSW Government to withdraw its plans for the proposed sale.

Resourcing Special Business Rate scheme consultation

Council unanimously voted to support an amended motion that noted the recommendation of the Davidson Review that City of Newcastle should require Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) to undertake research with membership and the community annually or at agreed regular intervals to assess satisfaction and impact and present the findings to council for consideration.

Celebrating 10 years of Newcastle as a refugee-welcome city

Council unanimously voted to recognise that 28 May 2025 is the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 declaration of Newcastle as a ‘Refugee Welcome City’.

City and state partnership for delivering public housing 

Council unanimously voted to extend the term of the Steering committee overseeing the completion of homes built under a historic partnership to deliver increased social (public) housing in the city and proposes the steering committee for the extended term comprises of Cr Adamczyk, Cr Pringle and Cr Winney-Baartz as the Councillor representatives.

Recognising the 2025 Federal Election

Council unanimously voted to adopt an amended motion which formally acknowledged the outcome of the 2025 Federal Election and recognised the re-elected local Members of Parliament representing Newcastle and the broader Hunter region.

Buses are replacing trains between Maitland and Dungog in both directions after recent flooding in the area.

Some services are cancelled so repairs can be completed. Buses will supplement trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah in both directions.

Allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps for service updates.

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation. 

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said. 

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve. 

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward. 

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.  

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

Buses are replacing trains between Maitland and Dungog in both directions after recent flooding in the area.

Some services are cancelled to complete repairs caused by earlier floods. Buses will supplement between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah.

Please allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps and listen to announcements for service update

A man will face court tomorrow charged following an alleged armed robbery at a licensed premises near Newcastle at the weekend.

About 7.50pm on Saturday 24 May 2025, police were called to a hotel on Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 30-year-old man being held down by a group of patrons.

Police were told the man had allegedly threatened patrons at the venue and demanded cash from staff, before stabbing a 68-year-old man.

The 68-year-old patron left the scene prior to the arrival of police. He was later located and attended John Hunter Hospital.

The 30-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to the same hospital under police guard.

Police searched the man and allegedly located and seized several weapons including a gel blaster firearm.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Earlier today (Monday 26 May 2025), the 30-year-old man was charged with five offences:

Robbery while armed with dangerous weapon,
Aggravated robbery with wounding/grievous bodily harm,
Wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
Possess unregistered firearm-pistol, and
Common assault.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 26 May 2025).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Olivia Hoskins, aged 26, was last seen in Rutherford about 8.30pm today (Saturday 24 May 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Olivia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, with a thin build and brown/blonde hair.

She is believed to be travelling in a red Honda Jazz with NSW registration DVK 97V and was last seen wearing a beige jumper and track pants.

Olivia is known to frequent the Rutherford, Newcastle, Mosman and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged after a pursuit in Wallsend last night.

About 11.40pm last night (Friday 23 May 2025), officers from Newcastle City Police District e were patrolling Metcalfe Street, Wallsend when they attempted to stop the driver of a white Kia Rio.

When the vehicle failed to stop as directed, police initiated a pursuit.

Police discontinued the pursuit after losing sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, officers from Newcastle Traffic and Highway Patrol re-engaged the vehicle in a pursuit.

Road spikes were successfully deployed in the Wallsend area before police terminated the pursuit after again after losing sight of the vehicle.

Just after midnight, police located the Kia Rio abandoned after it crashed into bushland at the end of Elermore Parade, Wallsend.

Police set up a perimeter with the dog squad and Polair in attendance.

The accused was located on Cambronne Parade Elermore Vale, where following a short foot pursuit, a man was arrested after attempting to jump a timber paling fence.

In climbing the fence, the man slipped and impaled his right calf on the top of the fence.

Police immediately administered first aid until the arrival of Ambulance Paramedics and officers from Fire and Rescue NSW, who cut him down from the fence.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for treatment.

After being released from hospital, the man was taken to Waratah police station where he was charged with three offences – two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (2^nd + offence) and drive whilst disqualified (2^nd + offence).

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 25 May 2025).