From Wednesday 12 February, expect delays on Sydney Trains, Intercity, and NSW TrainLink services due to new industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.
The Australian and New South Wales governments are investing $15 million to progress planning work that will help cut congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety at a major Hunter traffic bottleneck.
Currently, motorists face major travel time delays when navigating the junction of the M1 Pacific Motorway, John Renshaw Drive, Weakleys Drive and New England Highway at Beresfield.
These delays are driven by high traffic volumes, multiple traffic signals and a lack of road capacity.
The John Renshaw Drive project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, with the Australian Government providing $12 million and the NSW Government providing $3 million.
The NSW Government will investigate upgrades to John Renshaw Drive including improvement options for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive; lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive; and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway.
Once designed and delivered, the upgrades will reduce travel times for motorists and make movement of freight more efficient along a key part of the regional freight network which connects to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
Further traffic and economic modelling is being conducted to confirm what the proposed upgrades will include and the final design.
Timelines for construction will be dependent on further funding and planning approvals.
More information about the project is available here: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/jrdup
Images can be found here
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods.
“It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support the development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“John Renshaw Drive is a key connector between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wallsend and the Upper Hunter.
“Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
“This incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways.”
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:
“The Australian and NSW governments are proud to be getting the ball rolling on upgrading John Renshaw Drive & Weakleys Drive which will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for many motorists.
“We are planning for a more reliable, less congested road network in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW. This is essential for local residents in and across Maitland, Thornton and Beresfield. We need better infrastructure and to build greater capacity in the network where it links to the M1 Pacific Motorway”
State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:
“This area of the Hunter is growing rapidly which is why we need to ensure our infrastructure is up to shape.
“I’m looking forward to seeing solutions which will ensure the best possible road network for our regional travellers while also minimising traffic delays for our local commuters.”
A woman has died following a crash in state’s Hunter region last week.
Around 3.30pm on Friday 7 February 2025, emergency services were called to a two-car crash on James Street, Windale.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a Hyundai i30 and a Ford Fiesta had crashed, trapping the driver of the Hyundai– an 82-year-old woman.
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the Ford – a 29-year-old woman was not injured.
On Sunday 9 February 2025, police were notified that the woman had died.
Investigations into the crash are continuing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Today I announce the appointment of Professor Mimi Tang as the inaugural Chair of the ASEAN-Australia Centre Advisory Board.
The ASEAN-Australia Centre was launched in November 2024, as part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and support the implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
The Centre’s programs and activities will strengthen Australia’s partnership with ASEAN and increase business, cultural and community connections. Professor Tang is an internationally recognised immunologist allergist and is a leading expert in food oral immunotherapy. She is Head of the Allergy Immunology Research Group and Director of the Allergy Translation Centre at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics and Consultant Immunologist Allergist at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital.
Professor Tang is also CEO and Scientific Founder of Prota Therapeutics, a biotech startup that is developing a novel treatment for peanut allergy. Her pioneering research has transformed the way food allergies are managed in children.
Professor Tang’s ties to Southeast Asia are strong. She was born in Singapore and spent her early childhood in Malaysia before moving to Australia in primary school. She credits her family’s move to Australia to her father’s involvement as a Malaysian participant of the original Colombo Plan.
Professor Tang’s personal and professional ties to Southeast Asia, combined with her research and business expertise will enable her to make a strong contribution to the ASEAN-Australia Centre.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson, is pleased to join students, academics, the Jewish Council of Australia, and Australia Palestine Advocacy Network to support a People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine. This follows over a year of universities silencing students and staff participating in peaceful protests and calling for an end to Israel’s genocide and occupation of Palestine.
The Inquiry itself will invite submissions from the public and will be conducted by a panel of academics and a student representative. The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry and how to make submissions can be found here.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi:
“It’s an honour to join students, activists, academics and lawyers APAN and JCA to support this vitally important People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine.
“Since the genocide in Gaza began, students and staff at universities have led the way in calling out and rallying against Israel’s war crimes and atrocities, and now they are taking the lead on the behaviour of universities towards these staff and students.
“I am inspired by their courage and compassion that is so clearly lacking in our complicit government and institutions.
“University campuses should be political spaces where students and staff are encouraged to speak out on issues of social, racial and environmental justice, not shut down.
“Yet, time and time again universities have resorted to harsh measures to silence dissent when it comes to justice for Palestine, one of the world’s most important moral litmus tests.
“From draconian anti-protest policies and police interventions to surveillance, suspensions and disciplinary actions, university management has used every trick in the book to stifle activism.
“These attacks on campus activism and free speech are a direct assault on the right to protest and the values of anti-imperialism and justice.
“The repression faced by students and staff is an attack on all who value human rights, and this inquiry will be vital in shining a light on this.
“Israel has obliterated every university in Gaza. And yet Australian universities have been woefully silent about these horrors,and in fact, many have partnerships and investments in major arms manufacturers which contributed to and profited from Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”
Dr Max Kaiser, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia:
“Universities should be spaces of open inquiry and debate, not censorship and repression. The crackdown on students and staff who speak up for Palestinian rights is a clear violation of free speech and academic freedom.
“This inquiry is an important step in documenting these injustices and ensuring that universities uphold their responsibilities to protect political expression, not suppress it.”
the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network:
“The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) fully supports the People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine.
“Across the continent, students and staff have faced censorship, intimidation and disciplinary measures simply for speaking up about Palestine, and objecting to Israeli genocide. Meanwhile, political leaders, the media and even a Senate inquiry have sought to conflate advocacy for Paelstinians with antisemitism.
“The People’s inquiry is a critical pushback by and for the people against the suppression of free speech and the criminalisation of solidarity with Palestinians. Advocating for an end to Israel’s decades of oppression of Palestinians is not hate speech – it is a fight for justice and liberation.
“APAN stands with all those resisting repression and urges anyone who has faced discrimination or witnessed injustices against people speaking out for Palestine to make their voices heard in this inquiry.”
Professor Linda Briskman, Inquiry Panel Member and social work academic:
“The inquiry has potential to challenge the relentless campaigning against academic freedom and freedom of speech. The voices of those who support the rights of Palestinians need to be heard and not suppressed.”
James McVicar, Inquiry Panel Member and Education Officer for the National Union of Students:
“We are seeing serious attacks on freedom of speech and protest on university campuses around the country. University managements love to invoke the history of protests for social justice on their campuses while they are taking steps to ensure such things never happen again.”
The Minns Labor Government has announced that temporary youth bail law changes will be extended from 12 months to 4 years, with data showing 80% of young people charged with certain offences have been refused bail since March last year. The youth bail law changes were opposed by civil society organisations in March last year, including the NSW Bar Association, the Law Society of NSW, and the Aboriginal Legal Service.
Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said “It’s entirely unsurprising that young people being denied bail for certain offences has shot up to 80%, that’s exactly what Premier Chris Minns wanted these laws to do and he knew it would mean more young people in prison,”
“When the Minns Labor Government introduced knee jerk youth bail changes to the NSW Parliament last year, the move was condemned by legal and youth justice advocacy organisations across NSW. The changes were not designed to reduce crime, they were only designed to make the Government appear tough on crime,”
“The commitment of additional funds by the Minns Labor Government for support and diversion programs, particularly to Aboriginal Controlled Organisations, is very welcome and long overdue. However, the Minns Labor Government’s response is wrongly based on the further criminalisation of young people through police led operations, over policing, the refusal of bail and incarceration, further entrenching cycles of criminality which undermines all of the community’s good work. It is the antithesis of community led initiative and response, actual diversion from the criminal justice system and therapeutic responses, which we know is what’s needed to actually prevent the behaviours that led to offensive behaviour,”
“Both the Bar Association and the Law Society wrote to the Government when these changes were introduced, calling for them to be withdrawn or amended – Premier Minns ignored those calls and pushed ahead regardless. 12 months later, we are in exactly the situation that the Premier was warned about, more young First Nations people in prison, and no clear reduction in the rate of offending,”
“These laws operate contrary to international agreements and NSW law on the treatment of young people. They intentionally target vulnerable young people and apply a harsher penalty to children over adults – it was unacceptable then and it’s unconscionable that Premier Minns is now going to extend it for three years,”
“The Government is driving higher crime rates and higher recidivism through this populist law and order agenda, that’s what the evidence tells us. I am concerned that he is now throwing more money into a system that simply will not work and the community and all of the incredibly hard working carers and service providers will be blamed. The only way to truly reduce crime is to invest in diversionary programs and keep young people out of the criminal justice system wherever possible,” Ms Higginson said.
City of Newcastle has introduced a new generation to the benefits of waste minimisation and recycling during a tour designed specifically for children.
More than eighty-five attendees took part in two free visits to Summerhill Waste Management Centre today, allowing children to have a close-up look at the daily operations of a landfill and resource recovery facility.
Kids get an up close look at a garbage truck with Executive Director of Waste Services David Witherdin and Lucinda the Bin at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
CEO Jeremy Bath said these tours are part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to a sustainable future, which is a 20-year vision focused on reducing unnecessary waste and increasing recycling rates.
“Engaging the community is a priority in the sustainable waste strategy framework and we are delivering this through a range of programs which include community tours of Summerhill,” Mr Bath said.
“City of Newcastle currently diverts around 40 per cent of household waste through recycling efforts and a key part of our success lies within our framework of community education which empowers residents to understand the importance of recycling and reusing.”
The tour of Summerhill was guided by the waste services team and covered various areas of the facility, including the Resource Recovery Centre, Green Waste, Landfill and Solar Farm.
As part of the tours, children also participated in an education session that covered interesting waste facts such as the growing issue of how to properly dispose of batteries found in children’s toys, as well as problem waste such as takeaway coffee cups.
The education session gave children a chance to participate in a rubbish sorting game and build their own bin, before stepping inside a real garbage truck to meet the driver.
Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the tour is designed to engage and inspire children to be passionate about responsible waste disposal and equip them to make impactful changes.
“We know children are powerful advocates for change and teaching them about proper waste sorting and recycling empowers them to make better choices, which can also positively influence their families,” Mr Witherdin said.
“Our drivers witness the enthusiasm of our younger residents first-hand during kerbside bin collections as kids eagerly wait for the truck to pass their house, and during these tours when they line up patiently to have a chance to have a sneak peek inside the vehicles.
“By building on this natural curiosity, the tour provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn more about how their behaviours can influence positive environmental outcomes.”
Both tours were booked to capacity and follow the success of the first-ever kids tour in September last year which was initiated after families showed a strong interest during City of Newcastle’s regular community tours of Summerhill.
For more information on tours, workshops and sustainable initiatives throughout the year visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living
A Worimi man who completed a 4,500km journey from Western Australia to Newcastle raising funds to improve Indigenous literacy has been selected as Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2025.
Twenty-three-year-old Bailey Myers received the award at City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year ceremony today for his solo walk in March 2024, which spanned almost six months and raised nearly $16,000 in donations.
Image caption: From L-R Khuslen Batmandakh, Dr. Helen English, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Evelyn Collins and Bailey Myers accept their award at City of Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised Bailey’s endurance and strength, saying his efforts have demonstrated true leadership for all communities.
“Mr Myers embodies the values of the Citizen of the Year title. His inspirational walk should be a reminder to us all of the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can have in creating positive change,” Cr Kerridge said.
“His journey is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of supporting Indigenous voices and education.”
Inspired by his parents who are both teachers, Bailey said supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation was an easy choice as providing academic support to First Nations communities, particularly in remote areas is crucial.
“Literacy is fundamental, and I want to do my part to support Indigenous stories and education. I want to inspire young people, especially those who have faced disadvantage, they’ve seen the worst life can throw at them which means they can also do the most,” Mr Myers said.
“I’m proud to be a Worimi man, and this journey was about more than just the walk, it was about connecting to Country, honouring my ancestors, and giving back to my community. It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
Donations were made online through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website, with additional contributions from generous individuals Bailey met along his journey.
Making his way across the country, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, decorated with the handprints of students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah.
Beginning his journey in Perth, he navigated highways, dirt roads, and the vast Nullarbor Plain, camping on roadsides along the way before completing the trek in his hometown of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle also recognised other outstanding community members as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy and community engagement.
After learning her neighbourhood of Jesmond had one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, the high school student established the book nook at her local shopping centre, providing access to free books for local families.
Khuslen continues to launch initiatives through the Leos Club at Merewether High School, including the ‘Love from Leos’ program to connect isolated aged care residents with young people and championing Bus Driver Recognition Day by organising care packs for drivers.
Citizen of the Year award winners with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Councillors, and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crankanthorp.
The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Evelyn Collins, a clinical nurse deeply committed to the welfare of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In her own time, Evelyn will regularly travel from Newcastle to Sydney to accompany patients through surgery.
She has played a key role in establishing and continues to coordinate essential services for the Hunter region including the Hunter Deep Brain Stimulation service and DBS support group.
The Community Group of the Year was awarded to The Unforgettables Dementia Choir, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Co-founder Dr Helen English says music has great power to trigger memory and foster social connection.
The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.
In addition to their weekly gatherings, the group also host an afternoon tea during the week, offering another opportunity to connect and support one another in a relaxed setting.
City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.
City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.
A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.
Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.
The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.
The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.
Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.
“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.
“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.
“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”
Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.
The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.
Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.
A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.
“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.
“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.
“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”
The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions.
Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.
The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths
More than 30 women and children fleeing abusive relationships each year will benefit from the expansion of The Orchard in Bathurst, with three new emergency refuge units opening today.
The first five units at The Orchard, Bathurst were developed and built by Housing Plus and opened in January 2023, with service delivery funded by the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program.
Since then, it has provided accommodation for over 100 women and children escaping violent and unsafe homes.
An additional $1.95 million under the Core and Cluster program has enabled an additional three units to be built on the site.
The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
Plus Community, the community service arm of Housing Plus, will deliver tailored, on-site support to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma.
The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence at all stages, including through primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.
Ensuring women and children have access to safe housing and support when they leave violence is critical to helping them rebuild their lives.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to support an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“No woman should have to choose between staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless.
“This expanded refuge will help more domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the Bathurst region feel safe and supported as they leave violent situations and rebuild their lives.
“Under the Core and Cluster program, the NSW Government has committed to building 49 new refuges across the state by 2026, helping to ensure that all women and children fleeing violence can find a safe place to call home.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Securing safe housing remains a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic and family violence.
“The NSW Government is supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence by making sure they have access to housing and support services, particularly in regional areas like Bathurst.
“The Core and Cluster model not only provides safe and secure accommodation, but also tailored support on-site to help victim-survivors recover.
“Emergency refuges like The Orchard are crucial in helping women and children take their first step towards escaping violence, regaining their confidence, and rebuilding their lives in their community.”
Labor spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence MLC said:
“The funding for and opening of three new emergency refuge units at The Orchard today is welcome support for women and children fleeing abusive relationships in my duty electorate of Bathurst.
“This a vital program funded by the Minns Labor Government securing the safety of victim survivors and supporting their recovery.”
Justin Cantelo, CEO of Housing Plus and Plus Community, said:
“The need for safe, supportive housing has never been more urgent.
“We are proud to play a part in helping women and children find safety and start the journey towards healing in the aftermath of domestic violence.”
Jenna Hattersley, Domestic Violence Services Manager at Plus Community, said:
“The addition of these three units means more women and children will have the chance to escape violence and find refuge in a place where they feel safe and supported.
“Every day, we see the difference that safe housing can make in helping people rebuild their confidence and their lives.”
A resident of The Orchard Bathurst, said:
“Thank you for everything.
“Your dedication and support to women in need of help is where The Orchard stands out.”
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
