August 2025 – Page 26

Man charged after fatal crash – Pokolbin

A man will face court after a fatal crash in the Hunter Valley earlier this year.

About 2.30am on Friday 28 March 2025, emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Pokolbin, in the Singleton Military Area following reports of a crash.

At the scene, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

A passenger, a 42-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a 46-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition where he also underwent mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following extensive inquiries, on Sunday (3 August 2025), the man was issued a Court Attendance Notice charged with four offences:

Dangerous driving occasioning death-drive under influence,
Negligent driving (occasioning death),
Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and
Drive vehicle illicit drug present in blood etc.

The man is set to appear before Singleton Local Court on Thursday 25 September 2025.

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

Greening our City program expanded to the Hunter

The Hunter is about to get a whole lot cooler, with the latest round of the Greening Our City program expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.

Councils will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel – comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will also be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities. This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better and more resilient NSW.

Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

For more information visit Greening our City

Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be planting more trees as part of the Greening our City program.

“Cooler streets and more comfortable neighbourhoods will make the Illawarra an even better place to live.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home.

“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat – whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.

“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has developed a Biodiversity in Place Framework that guides the sensible and practical delivery of biodiversity in urban areas. These grants will go a long way to see that framework adopted and applied across our cities.

“Over many years, Hunter councils and community organisations have been engaged in improving and expanding local vegetation in parks and suburbs. Access to Greening our City program will help accelerate their efforts.

“More trees mean cooler streets, and better quality of life for residents. The Greening our City program is a major contributor to creating vibrant cities where people want to live.”

Statement on Father Chris Riley AM

It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Father Chris Riley AM, whose visionary work changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales.

In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services.

Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed.

On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Youth Off The Streets community, and the countless young people whose futures he helped build.

George’s Cottages in Byron Bay flourishing under new management

Following the announcement in 2023 that the former Feros Care Village in Byron Bay would close, residents of the much loved and vital community asset faced an uncertain future.

Today, the renamed George’s Cottages is thriving under the new management of St Andrews Village Byron Bay Ltd, with a secure 40-year lease and major improvements to its facilities.

The dramatic turnaround followed a coordinated effort by the NSW Government, Crown Lands, Byron Shire Council, Member for Ballina, Member for Richmond and Federal Government, together with passionate residents and community advocates to find a new operator to keep the facility open.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper toured the site today to meet with management and residents and inspect the significant progress that has been made to improve the quality of life for residents.

St Andrews stepped up to deliver a smooth transition and a strong commitment to resident care, delivering $3 million in upgrades to enhance residents’ well-being.

Major refurbishments that have been completed include:

Upgrades to all 40 resident rooms and shared spaces, enhancing safety and functionality while preserving the familiar cottage-style character
Full landscaping and revitalisation of four central courtyards, including accessible pathways, seating, and garden features
Replacement of the fire safety system and comprehensive electrical upgrades to ensure safety, compliance and efficiency.

Works will commence shortly on a $3.5 million upgrade to the George’s Cottages aged care facility, located on Crown land in Byron Bay, to deliver an improved experience for residents.

The $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government will support the redesign and upgrade of all 40 ensuites, address drainage and stormwater issues, improve building exteriors, and deliver further landscaping enhancements.

Work to deliver the further upgrades will begin shortly, with St Andrews to work closely with residents to ensure they are comfortable and supported throughout.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The dedicated management of St Andrews and the significant improvements to the facilities at George’s Cottages have made a real difference to residents’ comfort, accessibility, and security.

“It’s rewarding to see the residents, who advocated so strongly for their homes alongside Crown Lands, council and the Federal Government, experiencing the benefits of those collective efforts.”

St Andrews Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said:

“Aged care facilities play a vital role in providing safe housing and essential services, and as a community-based organisation St Andrews is focused on investing in the wellbeing and quality of life of the residents it supports.

“St Andrews has been prioritising the residents of George’s Cottages throughout the delivery of the facility upgrades to ensure both their immediate and long-term comfort.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, Federal and State Labor Governments worked together with the community in 2023 to find a new provider, St. Andrew’s, to keep the site open for residents.

“I’m proud to have delivered more than $3.5 million in federal funding to support St Andrew’s to continue delivering the very best care and support for our local seniors at George’s Cottages.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:

“Too often, older voices are sidelined in conversations that affect them most. It has been a privilege to support such a remarkable group, and uplifting to witness these elders step forward and speak out with such determination for the future of their home.”

“It is so powerful to see what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are so pleased to know that the care and support of the residents is now safe in the hands of St Andrews to look after our older people with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Three stations added to the National Park network in north west NSW

The Minns Labor Government is protecting more native wildlife and threatened ecosystems by adding more than 34,000 hectares across three large land holdings in north west NSW to our network of national parks.

The government has invested $11.7 million to acquire the retired stations, totalling 34,773 hectares:

Bellenbar – 13,674 hectares
Iona – 13,456 hectares
Innisfail – 7,643 hectares

Combined, the new reserves provide known or potential habitat for more than 80 threatened species.

The new reserve at*Bellenbar* is north west of Bourke on the Warrego River and includes 2,334ha of Coolibah – Black Box Woodland which is listed as an endangered ecological community.

Nine threatened species including the endangered Kultarr and South-eastern Hooded Robin have been recorded on the property and an additional 27 threatened species have been spotted in the locality.

The new reserve at*Iona* is north west of Cobar and has known-and-potential habitat for 50 threatened species. That includes 44 animals including Corben’s Long-eared Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-Bat, Inland Forest Bat and Little Pied Bat, as well as habitat for seven flora species including the lancewood Acacia petraea.

Iona also includes significant rock art and cultural heritage of the Ngiyampaa people on the Cobar Peneplains. A study of the rock art of the Cobar Pediplain was completed by F.D. McCarthy in 1976 where he states, they are the “finest series of rock paintings in southeastern Australia.”

North west of Brewarrina, the*Innisfail* property is part of the Mundiwa Aboriginal camp inhabited up until the early 1900s by Jimmie Barker and others who documented Muruwari culture.

The property is rich in biodiversity with 22 fauna and two threatened species observed, including the endangered listed Hooded Robin and vulnerable listed Grey-crowned Babbler.

The property at Innisfail also features 4,000ha of Coolibah – Black Box Woodland and riverine habitat along a 20km stretch of the Culgoa River as well as numerous other channels and waterholes on floodplains.

Following the acquisitions, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will undergo extensive planning to determine how best to protect the environmental and cultural heritage values of these new reserves. Work including feral animal control and fire management will be carried out.

These three acquisitions nearly double new additions for the 2024-25 financial year to a total of more than 73,000ha. The NSW national parks network now totals almost 7,774,000 ha.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to expanding our national park network to strengthen conservation, respect and celebrate Aboriginal heritage and support regional communities.

“These reserves protect over 80 threatened species, safeguarding nature for future generations.

“This land is not only environmentally significant, but also culturally rich. Protecting sites like Winbar Caves and consulting with Aboriginal communities about management of the new acquisitions ensures Aboriginal cultural heritage is recognised, respected and protected.”

21 experienced officers join NSW Police Force from other jurisdictions

21 experienced officers will officially join the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) today after graduating from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP), a recruitment program designed by the Minns Labor Government to address the shortage of police officers and boost community safety.

The graduates are from Queensland (3), Victoria (5), South Australia (1), Northern Territory (1), the Australian Federal Police (4) and New Zealand (7).

These officers have completed a 12-week training course and will start at their new home stations from Monday.

The Professional Mobility Program allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to Senior Constable level six).

Previously, there was no pathway for officers to move to NSW and keep their equivalent rank.

The 21 officers will be stationed across NSW:

Central Metropolitan Region – 2
Northwest Region – 2
Northern Region – 10
Southwest Metropolitan Region – 3
Southern Region – 2
Western Region – 2

Most graduates worked in General Duties at their past policing jurisdictions. Others worked in highway patrol, prosecutions, crash investigation, specialist units and detectives.

They are aged between 28 to 54 years old.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and drove wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to turn that around by delivering better frontline services and supporting the NSW Police Force to keep communities safe.

While there is most work to do, we have:

Delivered a historic pay rise for police officers;
Started to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70 per cent increase in applications to join the NSWPF;
Allowed graduates to serve closer to home via Be a Cop In Your Hometown;
Fast-tracked experienced officers to transfer to NSW via the Professional Mobility Program;
Established the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers’ physical and mental health.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is about rebuilding the essential services that communities across NSW rely on – starting with the people who keep us safe.

“For too long, police stations across NSW were left short-staffed and overstretched. We’re working hard to recruit more police with real reform, better pay, and practical pathways for experienced officers to get to work in NSW.

“These new officers bring a wealth of experience to the job – whether they’ve served in general duties, crash investigation, or specialist units. They’re ready to hit the ground running and make a difference in their communities.

“This is what rebuilding looks like – more officers, better support, and safer communities.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today’s graduates aren’t just new recruits – they’re seasoned professionals from across Australia and New Zealand who’ve chosen to make NSW their home.

“This is more than a career move – this is a life decision and it speaks volumes about the strength and reputation of the NSW Police Force.

“With paid study, historic pay rises and new pathways to help regional recruits stay close to home, there’s never been a better time to join. We’re proud to welcome these officers to the NSW police family today.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said:

“Today we see 21 PMP recruits graduate in NSW after having started their policing careers at other Australian and New Zealand policing jurisdictions.

“They have completed 12 weeks’ training at the Police Academy, and from today are appointed as probationary constables for a period of 6 months.

“Each of these officers brings invaluable past experience from each of their individual jurisdictions, and we are delighted they have demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of NSW.

“This program is providing a boost to police numbers which will greatly help us best serve our communities.”

Major disruptions expected during Sydney Harbour Bridge closure this Sunday

Transport for NSW is warning people to expect major delays and disruptions across Sydney’s road and public transport network this Sunday, 3 August, due to a public assembly.

A public assembly across the Sydney Harbour Bridge will result in the closure of north and southbound lanes of traffic from around 11:30am to around 4:00pm, but may be later.

Motorists and passengers should delay non-essential travel in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney during the closure, and if you must travel, allow plenty of additional journey time to get around Sydney on Sunday.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge closure will have a flow-on effect across the road and public transport network throughout the day.

Other roads in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney will also be closed at various points during the day and there will also be a significant amount of congestion in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney, and potentially surrounding areas.

There will be extensive queues in both directions to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel which will extend to the Western Distributor, Anzac Bridge, Rozelle Interchange as well as Eastern Distributor in the south, and also the Gore Hill Freeway and Lane Cove Tunnel and all of the roads linking into these major corridors.

For any critical travel, such as going to the Airport from the north shore, we suggest people allow plenty of time, or consider alternative routes such as the Gladesville Bridge and Victoria Road.

It is important that motorists follow instructions from the tunnel operators if there is any queuing in tunnels.

Bus services that cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge will terminate at North Sydney or Wynyard during the closure times. Travellers should expect crowding at platforms on and around North Sydney and Wynyard stations. Passengers should also allow extra travel time.

Due to scheduled trackwork Metro services will not run between Tallawong and Sydenham on Sunday. Buses replace services between Tallawong and Chatswood only.

Use trains between Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.

Buses also replace trains between Central and Bondi Junction on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line and South Coast Line on Sunday.

Ferries may also be overcrowded due to commuters utilising this mode of transport.

There will be no light rail between Circular Quay and Town Hall. The L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail line will truncate at Town Hall from 12pm and will reopen when deemed safe to do so.

Motorists and passengers should stay across any updates to services by checking transportnsw.info/alerts and get the latest road updates by visiting the Live Traffic app or livetraffic.com.

Transport for NSW apologises to our passengers for the disruption and thanks commuters for their understanding.

For the latest information visit:

Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions, check livetraffic.com or visit the Live Traffic app
Transport disruptions, check travel alerts

Police plunge into icy water for charity – Newcastle

Senior police will plunge into icy ocean water in Newcastle today to raise money for a good cause.

The Polar Plunge event sees participants enter the water at 19 locations across Australia between Saturday 19 July 2025 to Saturday 30 August 2025, with eight of these taking place at various locations across NSW.

Law Enforcement Torch Run is a charity made of up of NSW Police Force and other law enforcement agencies and it coordinates events, including the Polar Plunge, to raise money for athletes of Special Olympics Australia.

One of the plunges will be held at Merewether Ocean Baths this morning (Sunday 3 August 2025). The event starts with a torch run at 9.30am, followed by an opening ceremony and plunge at 10am.

Participants from the NSW Police Force, emergency services, community and justice agencies, Special Olympics Clubs, individuals, and corporate partners will take the plunge.

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM will be jumping into the cold water at Merewether for the important cause.

“For over 20 years we’ve supported the Law Enforcement Torch Run NSW to raise awareness of the great work done by Special Olympics Australia,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.

“We are proud to be taking the plunge and to show our support for Special Olympics Australia who bring sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability and autism.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP, will also be taking the plunge.

“There’s no better example of the Australian spirit than a day like today, with the community coming together for the Polar Plunge,” Minister Catley said.

“The NSW Government is proud to support our police, whose selflessness is at the heart of everything they do – qualities that shine through in their support for Special Olympics Australia.

“A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and brought it to Newcastle – and best of luck to all the participants taking the plunge!”

Police will speak to the media ahead of the plunge.

Search to resume for woman swept away in floodwaters – Cessnock

A multi-agency search will resume tomorrow after a woman was swept away in floodwaters in the Hunter Valley region.

Just after 7.50pm yesterday (Saturday 2 August 2025), emergency services were called to Black Creek, Old North Road, Rothbury, about 16km north of Cessnock, following reports a car had become stuck in floodwaters.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a Mini Countryman had attempted to drive through the floodwater before it became stuck.

The driver – a 27-year-old woman – was rescued without any injuries; however, her passenger – a 26-year-old woman – was swept away.

A multi-agency search commenced for the woman including local police, NSW Rural Fire Service, and VRA Rescue NSW, and continued today (Sunday 3 August 2025).

About 4.30pm, the search was suspended due to weather conditions and visibility.

The multi-agency search will resume about 8am tomorrow (Monday 4 August 2025), on Old North Road, Rothbury.

Members of the public in flood-affected areas are reminded to avoid dangers such as damaged powerlines and flood waters on roads.

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

City of Newcastle shines spotlight on science with AI, robots and free community events

Media personality and maths whiz Adam Spencer will put artificial intelligence under the microscope in Newcastle this month to celebrate National Science Week.

The former Triple J presenter and comedian is headlining City of Newcastle’s packed program of events, which kick off with Spencer’s tech talk at City Hall on 15 August and culminate in a hands-on weekend of scientific discovery at Newcastle Museum.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said hosting high-profile science communicators like Adam Spencer reflects Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for innovation and learning.

“Welcoming nationally recognised speakers such as Adam Spencer, who will decode AI and other emerging technologies, provides engaging learning opportunities for all ages,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Newcastle is a creative and innovative city, home to world-class researchers and scientists on the cutting edge of their fields.

“By collaborating with these experts and providing hands-on events at the Museum, we can inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Tickets are on sale now for Spencer’s show, which will break down the basics of AI for audiences aged 10 and older, delve into the latest developments and offer eight examples of how Novocastrians can use these technologies today.

The science-fuelled fun will continue all weekend at Newcastle Museum, with a super Saturday of soccer-playing robots, sustainable architecture and computer science skills thanks to technology and education specialists The Brainery. Tickets for the various workshops are on sale now, with different sessions suitable for primary and high school aged students.

Younger children will also welcome the return of the Poo Palace – an amazing inflatable journey through the digestive system delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), which will be available all weekend.

Newcastle Museum will cap off Science Week celebrations will the largest single-day event on its annual calendar, the Hunter Science Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the free, all-ages hands-on activities on Sunday 17 August.

The festival is delivered by City of Newcastle in conjunction with a range of partners including Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH), showcasing the latest in science and technology from local researchers, educators and institutions.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said bringing Science Week to Newcastle is a chance to spark curiosity that could last a lifetime.

“Newcastle Museum is proud to be the hub for discovery and ideas. Providing an opportunity for our community to interact with leading experts and local institutions, could help nurture and inspire a lifelong passion within the future innovators of our region,” Ms Baird said.

“We hope to foster a sense of pride in the region’s contributions to science and technology and help to break down barriers and show that science is for everyone, not just the classroom or the lab.”

Festival-goers can explore solar technology by building and racing solar cars or boats or catch the Big Science Big Fun! Show by Fizzics Education. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with scientists from the Hunter and interact with displays hosted by leading Hunter-based groups including Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre and Hunter Astronomical Society.

City of Newcastle’s Waste Services and Climate Change and Sustainability teams will be there to help visitors calculate their environmental footprint, pick up a free native plant or see the inside of a garbage truck.

For more science week information and bookings visit: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events