New fans flock to see SIX Queens tell their story

Global phenomenon SIX the Musical has attracted a host of new visitors to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre with almost 23,000 tickets already snapped up midway through the show’s purple reign.

More than 37% of tickets have been purchased by first time visitors, with theatregoers from every state in Australia travelling to Newcastle to witness the six wives of Henry VIII step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars.

SIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreSIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreCivic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said ticket sales have spiked since the show opened on 10 April.

“Word of mouth is spreading and our audiences are making sure their family and friends don’t miss the opportunity to see this Tony Award-winning production,” Ms Wallace said.

“SIX the Musical offers something for people of all ages, and each performance has seen incredible audience energy and participation.

“With only 10 days left in the season, SIX the Musical shares the highest attendance positions at the Civic with other musicals Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show proving once again there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions at the Civic Theatre.”

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said Newcastle has proved to be a fitting location for the finale of this tour of Australia and New Zealand.

“More than 3.5 million people enjoy SIX the Musical across the world every year and the Civic Theatre crowds have been just as enthusiastic as any of them,” Ms Withers said.

“We first saw the show in London’s West End in 2018 and knew instantly the celebration of 21st century girl power would resonate with Australian audiences.

“The positive feedback from fans in Newcastle and word of mouth has created a real buzz around town so thankfully there’s still time for people to come and enjoy this funny, informative, inspirational, and all-round fabulous night in the theatre.”

Tickets are available for the remaining shows with SIX on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle until the curtain comes down on 4 May.

The performance at 3pm on Saturday 26 April is Auslan interpreted.

Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

New figures show sharp increase in crimes solved by NSW Police

The Minns Labor Government welcomes data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) showing a sharp increase in crimes solved by police.

The study, Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 years.

It reveals a significant increase in charges laid over violent offences including robbery (up 20 percentage points), between 2009 and 2023.

There were also increases across the rates of legal action for domestic violence-related assault (up 7 percentage points), non-domestic assault (up 2 percentage points), sexual touching and other sexual offences (up 2 percentage points).

The rate of legal action taken over malicious damage to property offences rose 14 percentage points over the same period.  

Significant increases were also recorded across non-dwelling break and enters (up 13 percentage points), dwelling break and enters (up 8 percentage points), motor vehicle theft (up 8 percentage points) and steal from motor vehicle (up 3 percentage points).

The Government pays tribute to the hard work of the NSW Police Force in delivering these results, which show the risk of being caught is higher than ever before.

It is their diligence in thousands of cases over that time – pursuing leads, examining evidence, and working alongside victims – that has delivered this result.

The fact this was achieved amid the former government’s chronic shortage of police officers is a testament to the skill and dedication of police.

The Minns Labor Government is backing our police force through boosting pay for officers, along with paying recruits to attend the Goulburn academy as part of our commitment to community safety.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Police are bringing more people to court than we’ve seen in a long time – a clear sign that their hard work is making a difference.

“Police don’t just catch offenders – they put in the tough, behind-the-scenes work to make sure those people are held accountable a process that is often complex, relentless, and doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.

“This is yet another example of the incredible work our officers do day in and day out. I want to give a genuine thank you to every officer out there giving their all to keep our community safe.”

Acting Attorney General Ron Hoenig said:

“These figures reveal more alleged domestic violence offenders and perpetrators of serious property crime are being charged and brought before the courts.

“Community safety is the priority of the NSW Government. We are continuing to invest in stronger protections for domestic violence victim-survivors and have made it harder for alleged offenders to get bail.

“At the same time, we have tightened the bail test for young people accused of repeat break and enter and motor theft offences to break the cycle of youth offending.”

South West Renewable Energy Zone powers up

In a major milestone, four wind, solar and battery projects have been granted the right to connect to new power lines in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

These landmark projects will help keep the lights on in NSW and deliver long-term benefits for local workers, communities and electricity consumers.

EnergyCo has granted access rights to wind, solar and large-scale battery projects with a combined generation capacity of 3.56 gigawatts. That’s enough to power more than 1.6 million homes a year.

This follows a competitive access rights tender process by AEMO Services Limited. The strong level of interest and competition between developers is a testament to the high quality of the renewable energy resources in the South West REZ.

The grant of access rights provides more certainty to communities in the south west of NSW about the renewable energy projects that will be developed in the region over coming years, The access fees paid by these projects will fund community benefits programs that will deliver legacy benefits informed by community priorities.

The projects are Origin Energy’s Yanco Delta wind farm, Spark Renewables Dinawan Energy Hub, Someva’s Pottinger Energy Park and BayWA’s Bullawah Wind Farm:

DeveloperProjectProject TypeMaximum capacity (megawatts/MW)
Origin Energy Pty LtdYanco DeltaWind1,460 MW
Spark RenewablesDinawan Energy HubWind, Solar and Battery1,007 MW
Someva Pty Ltd/AGL Energy Hubs LtdPottinger Energy ParkWind and Battery831.2 MW
BayWa r.e. Project Australia Pty LtdBullawah Wind FarmWind262.3 MW

The projects include more than 700 megawatts of battery storage, capable of powering up to 300,000 households during peak demand.

The granting of access rights is a key milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s plan to unlock reliable renewable energy for homes and businesses, and put downward pressure on prices.

The South-West REZ projects will play a critical role in ensuring reliable, more affordable and clean energy as the state’s existing power stations retire.

The REZ is expected to create more than 2,800 jobs at the height of construction. This includes opportunities for around 265 apprentices, reflecting a strong commitment to skills development and training.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“The South West Renewable Energy Zone is expected to drive more than $17 billion in private investment in solar, wind and energy storage projects, and this landmark tender shows the high interest in investing in NSW.

“These projects will help ensure NSW has enough renewable energy generation and storage when coal-fired power stations retire. They also give certainty to host-communities, who will directly benefit from the fees paid by these companies to connect to the REZ.”

EnergyCo chief executive, Hannah McCaughey: 

“We had strong interest from industry in the South West Renewable Energy Zone access rights tender. The access scheme will also ensure we make the best use of new power lines, to put downward pressure on energy bills for everyone in NSW.

“The first projects are expected to come online from 2027 to 2030, which will help keep the lights on and secure our energy future.”

Further information:

What is a Renewable Energy Zone?

REZs will group new wind and solar power generation and batteries into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.

Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.

REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition and efficient use of the network, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.

Where is the South West Renewable Energy Zone?

The South West REZ is centred around Hay and takes in towns including Balranald and Buronga.

The location was chosen due to an abundance of high-quality wind and solar resources, proximity to existing and planned high voltage transmission including Project EnergyConnect, relative land-use compatibility and a strong pipeline of proposed projects.

At its peak, this REZ is expected to support over 2,000 construction jobs in the region.

Minns Government’s call to action on illegal tree clearing

The Minns Labor Government is responding to calls from local government to help address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released today and offers stakeholders the opportunity to help shape reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.

A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.

The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.

Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation to close loopholes that have been open to abuse.

The EIE responds to growing concerns among councils, the community and stakeholders that the current framework needs to be updated.

In addition to the EIE, the new Cooler Places hub has also been launched today to help address urban heat.

The NSW Government’s Cooler Places online resource has also been released to assist councils, residents and developers in accessing practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.

Urban heat can have negative effects on communities’ wellbeing, creating hotter homes and streetscapes. Some features of our urban landscape, such as the large areas of hard and dark surfaces, contribute to rising temperatures and amplify heatwaves.

The resource encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.

In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.

Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.

Cooler Places will help deliver cooler, more resilient cities, precincts, streets, parks and homes.

To read the illegal tree and vegetation clearing EIE and make a submission visit the Vegetation in non-rural areas web page.

The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025

For more information on Cooler Places visit the Cooler Places web page.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW records some of the hottest temperatures on the planet and we need to minimise the impacts of urban heat and build climate resilience.

“Tackling illegal tree clearing is an essential part of this.

“Working with councils on these proposed measures will increase the ability to crack down on illegal activity.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.

“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable. These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.

“I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.

“The Cooler Places resource contains tips and advice on how to design and build cooler homes and neighbourhoods, delivering better communities.”

West Wyalong warbird restored for Anzac Day

A proud piece of Australia’s aviation history has been preserved for future generations with West Wyalong’s much-loved Douglas DC-3 Dakota going through a multi-month restoration to bring it back to its former glory in time for Anzac Day.

The vintage warbird has been a fixture in the town since it was moved from Cootamundra to Lions Park in March 1983.

Restoration on the plane and its installation in Lions Park was completed in the past week.

Bland Shire Council received $167,670 from the NSW Government to repair and upgrade the plane, including site works, concreting, paint stripping and re-painting.

The DC-3 saw service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) between 1950 and 1974, before being bought by Cootamundra aviator and airline operator Jack Masling OAM for spare parts.

But the local Lions Club decided the old bomber deserved a different fate and approached him about saving it, and Mr Masling agreed to donate the plane to the club as a memorial.

West Wyalong resident John Hudson owned the transport company that moved the plane from Cootamundra to West Wyalong, and says it was quite the effort, with the normally one-hour trip taking a painstaking four hours.

Once relocated, the plane was reassembled by RAAF personnel from Wagga Wagga who were billeted in town overnight and treated to a celebratory BBQ.

The West Wyalong DC-3 was built in 1943 in Oklahoma City and served as a transport aircraft and flying classroom for multi-engine training, search and rescue, navigation and anti-submarine warfare, clocking up 4,254 flying hours before it was retired.

The first DC-3 prototype flew in 1935, starting as a passenger liner in the US but the planes quickly earned a reputation with the US military for freight and transport and supported the D-Day landings at Normandy.

DC3’s are affectionately dubbed ‘biscuit bombers’ for their role doing food drops to troops, including on Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track during World War II.

After the war these workhorses became a mainstay of global passenger and freight services in regional areas because of their low running costs and ability to perform on rough airfields and with low maintenance.

The restored DC-3 can be viewed in Lions Park every day of the week.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“It’s wonderful to see this local landmark and tourist attraction get a new lease on life and I hope visitors take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaning of service this Anzac Day.

“New landscaping around the plane will make it more accessible for residents and visitors, and will keep this piece of local history, which is a source of immense community pride at the heart of West Wyalong for years to come.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“It is fantastic to see the Douglas DC-3 Dakota has been restored to its former glory just in time for the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day. 

“Local landmarks like this allow communities to gain a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice of our veterans during times of conflict.”

Bland Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Monaghan said:

“The restoration effort, done in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force’s Heritage Restoration Team, is one of the most unique projects he’s seen during his time with council.

“This has been a truly rewarding experience for Bland Shire Council, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to restore a piece of Australia’s aviation history and breathe new life into something so iconic.

“The DC-3 Dakota is a beloved landmark in West Wyalong and this restoration ensures its continued presence as an important part of our community as the plane is not only a piece of the past, but a symbol of our community’s pride, and I’m incredibly pleased about the work that’s gone into it.”

Plane transporter John Hudson said:

“We had quite the crowd that day, I took the fuselage, and another bloke took the wings and we had a police escort and everything.

“We couldn’t come down the main road and had to follow the creek and we only took out one powerline and blew a transformer so not a bad effort.”

Critical minerals reserve great news for NSW projects

The Albanese Labor Government’s plan to establish a critical minerals strategic reserve is good news for mining projects, regional communities and workers across NSW.

With leading deposits of critical minerals – including antimony, cobalt and rare earth elements – the NSW mining industry would benefit from a re-elected Albanese Labor Government.

The critical minerals strategic reserve also complements the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to support projects as they enter production, including through our $250 million royalty deferral, which begins on 1 July 2025. 

NSW has more than 10 critical minerals and high-tech metals projects that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.

I look forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese, Federal Resources Minister King and a re-elected Labor government to bring these projects to life and support Australia’s ambition to be a leading producer and supplier of critical minerals.

Statement on Crime Commission’s Reinvestigation into the Obeids’ proceeds of crime

There will be a lot of people disappointed by this decision – and we understand that. We’re disappointed too.

The Crime Commission is entirely independent.

The Commission has said the use of complex discretionary trusts to conceal the proceeds of crime is a national problem that requires legislative reform.

That’s why the Commission – alongside several other State and Commonwealth agencies – is contributing to the development of a national approach to beneficial ownership disclosure obligations.

The NSW Government supports legislative change to ensure that people who engage in corrupt conduct are not able to hide the proceeds of these crimes.

Mr Obeid’s actions were one of the most serious examples of the misuse of public office in NSW.

The people of NSW need to have faith that public institutions and elected officials are acting in the public interest. That faith is central to a working and healthy democracy.

It’s why we support these important oversight bodies, like the Crime Commission and the ICAC – because they hold all of us to account.

Port Stephens to take line honours as global sailing destination

The Minns Labor Government is charting the course for Port Stephens to become a global sailing destination when Newcastle Airport’s upgraded international terminal opens in August 2025.

The region’s pristine waters will again welcome thousands of sailors and spectators to Sail Port Stephens, one of Australia’s largest regattas proudly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

The Sail Port Stephens Performance Series commences on 25-27 April 2025 and will include the NSW Yachting Championships, TP52 Gold Cup Act 3, Rob Hampshire Cup, InterClub 40 Challenge and Super RC Series. It will be followed by the Sail Port Stephens Bay Series on 2-4 May 2025 and the dinghy divisions from 3-4 May 2025.

Port Stephens is already beloved by domestic visitors and was recently named Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year for its beaches, sand dunes, sea life, national parks and dining.

The NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW has supported Sail Port Stephens over many years, helping the event grow to become a major visitor drawcard for the region.

The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows the Port Stephens visitor economy is booming. The region welcomed 836,300 domestic overnight visitors in the year ending December 2024, up four per cent year on year. Domestic overnight visitor expenditure injected $683 million into the local visitor economy. There were 25,300 international visitors to Port Stephens during the period, who spent $11 million during their trip.

Situated on the doorstep of Port Stephens, the new Newcastle Airport’s international terminal will enhance access to the destination for both racing and leisure boating enthusiasts.

Destination NSW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Newcastle Airport to help the airport secure new international and domestic routes.

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sail Port Stephens has built a reputation as one of the premier events on the Australian sailing calendar and is expected to generate more than $2 million in visitor expenditure in 2025 for the region.

“The event plays a key role in promoting Port Stephens as a world-class destination for major national and international regattas, increasing visitation to the area and boosting the local visitor economy.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be promoting of one of Australia’s most scenic and celebrated sailing waterways to the world.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens offers visitors the whole package – stunning beaches, lush national parks, and sparkling waters for sailing enthusiasts.

“The upgraded Newcastle Airport will bring exciting new opportunities to the region and boost participation in events such as Sail Port Stephens, ensuring a bright future for the local businesses who contribute to the growth of our visitor economy. We’re setting the stage for our region to become a true international sailing destination.”

Mayor of Port Stephens Leah Anderson said:

“It’s always fantastic to see our shores buzzing with excitement as we welcome sailors, enthusiasts and spectators from all over Australia.

“Sail Port Stephens is not only a thrilling sporting spectacle but it’s also a significant contributor to our local economy. So many of our local businesses receive extra visitors and the event is of huge benefit to our hotels, marinas, cafes, restaurants and shops.”

Sail Port Stephens Co-founder Paul O’Rourke said:

“Port Stephens offers an incredible sailing experience with consistent nor’easters, spectacular scenery and the versatility of its sheltered bay and open water racetracks.

“The support for Sail Port Stephens through Destination NSW has been key to the event’s growth from its original week-long regatta format to a month-long sailing super event and we look forward to further elevating the region as a global sailing destination.”  

Community invited to comment on future of the Wollongong Health Precinct and Station Masterplan

The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and the Wollongong Station Masterplan have been released for public consultation and provide a long-term plan to guide the future development of the area.

The Minns Government is seeking community feedback on the future of the Wollongong Health Precinct, which is set to become a world-class healthcare centre that meets the growing needs of the Illawarra region.

The Draft Strategy outlines strategic planning directions to inform public and private investment and to enable the community, businesses and investors to make informed decisions that will help realise the vision for the Precinct as an attractive, vibrant and thriving place.

The Draft Strategy also identifies a series of Government-led initiatives to unlock the potential and bring the vision for the Precinct to life. These include:

  • public spaces and transport to support amenity and movement between key areas
  • public safety and access within and around the Precinct – including links with the train station and the central business district
  • opportunities for affordable housing for future residents and key workers.

The population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is projected to grow by 36 per cent to 575,000 by 2041, from 422,000 currently.

By 2031, it is expected there will be 25,000 more hospital admissions across the region, and an added 39,000 emergency department presentations.

The Draft Strategy puts in place the building blocks for agencies across Government to make sure the Wollongong Health Precinct meets the health and other service needs of this growing population, while supporting the housing needs for the workers required to deliver these services.

Additionally, Transport for NSW has developed a Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan which will be available for comment alongside the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.

The Transport for NSW Draft Masterplan outlines a long-term vision for transforming the Station Precinct into a vibrant, connected and inviting transport hub that reflects the unique identity of Wollongong. It provides direct active and public transport links to the surrounding area including to the city centre, foreshore and hospital.

The Draft Masterplan proposes to upgrade the gateways to and from the station on Crown Street, Gladstone Avenue and Station Street and identifies ‘opportunity sites’ for future development.

Public consultation for both the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and Transport for NSW’s Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan begins on 24 April 2025 and is open until 11 June 2025.

To read the Draft Strategy and Draft Masterplan and to make a submission, visit the Have your say web page

For more information on the Wollongong Health Precinct, visit the Wollongong Health Precinct web page.

Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Wollongong Heath Precinct Strategy recognises that the Illawarra region needs greater access to high quality, patient-centred healthcare and medical research.

“Wollongong Public Hospital is the region’s principal referral hospital and specialises in a range of complex health services to support a growing and ageing population.

“It is running at near capacity, and strategic upgrades will be required to ensure it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra now and into the future.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy supports our Government’s $21.9 million investment to upgrade and expand Wollongong Hospital. Construction of a new MRI and CT imaging suite at the hospital is underway, and the existing Medical Ambulatory Care unit is being relocated to a new location, responding to the health needs of the growing local community.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“As the population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is expected to grow to 575,000 by 2041, it has never been more important to get these crucial planning steps right.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-leading and innovative health care, improved connection to Wollongong Station, new and enhanced open public spaces, and new affordable housing choices.

“Making sure there is alignment between future plans for the health precinct and the future plans for the station is important so they are working together in the best interests of the future of the city.

“We need to make sure we have enough housing closer to where people work, and easily accessible health infrastructure.”

Appeal to locate missing girl – East Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young girl missing from the states Hunter Valley region.

Penelope Lowa, aged 11, was last seen in East Maitland, about 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

When she was unable to 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 Penelope’s welfare due to her young age.

Penelope is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build and dark brown shoulder length hair.

It is not known what she was is wearing.

Penelope is known to frequent the East Maitland, Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.