Appeal to locate man missing from Belmont

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Central Coast.

Andrew Leggett, aged 56, was last seen in Belmont about 8.30am on Monday (15 December 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Andrew’s welfare due to him living with a number of health conditions.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 185cm tall, large build, bald and may either be completely bald or is clean shaven.

He maybe wearing a shirt and shorts. The colour of these items are unknown.

Inquiries have established that he could be travelling to Queensland

Statement on behalf of the family of Jack Hibbert, probationary constable injured during Bondi shooting

On the 14th of December, Jack Hibbert was shot while fulfilling his role as a police officer at Bondi Beach.

While serving and protecting the community, Jack sustained two bullet wounds – one to his head and another to his shoulder. Jack was on duty, patrolling the Hanukkah celebration interacting with the community at Bondi Beach, when the incident first occurred.

Jack was taken to ICU where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries. Although miraculously surviving, Jack’s injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required.

Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to.

Jack was simply doing his job – a job he deeply loves – driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost.

Many of his colleagues who were present on the night of the incident have visited in hospital and given testaments to Jack’s bravery during the incident, describing his devotion to his community. They described how Jack acted, he moved toward people in need, not away from danger, and continued helping others while seriously injured.

The support from the police force and hospital staff has been unmatched and we are beyond grateful. We thank the wider community for their kindness, support, and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time.

We ask all to respect our privacy as we move through these next stages to support Jack and all his needs to a full recovery.

PM Netanyahu speaks with victims of Sydney terror attack 

The Prime Minister said that these criminal acts are a result of the antisemitism running rampant in the face of the lax policies of the local authorities and the Australian government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning (Wednesday, 17 December 2025), spoke with the Chabad emissary and head of the Rabbinical Court in Sydney, Australia, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman – father-in-law of the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach – and with the Chairman of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Adv. Arsen Ostrovsky, who was wounded in the attack and has been released from the hospital.

On behalf of his wife and the entire people of Israel, the Prime Minister shared in the grief of Rabbi Ulman and the families of all those murdered, and wished a full recovery to the wounded.

The Prime Minister said that these criminal acts are a result of the antisemitism running rampant in the face of the lax policies of the local authorities and the Australian government, which is obligated to act immediately with all available tools to eradicate terrorism and restore security to the Jewish communities.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the State of Israel stands by the Jewish community in Australia. He expressed his solidarity with the Chabad emissaries and the Jews of Australia, who stand firm and hold fast to great faith and a formidable spirit against those who seek to harm us.

Bondi gunman formally charged by NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team has formally charged a 24‑year‑old man alleged to be one of two gunmen responsible for the Bondi Beach mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 people.

About 6.40pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, emergency services were called to Bondi Beach following reports of a public place shooting.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands, and specialist police responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the gunmen, and two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffered gunshot wounds.

During the incident, one gunman – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The second gunman – his 24-year-old son – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.  

Fifteen people died during the attack, with 41 people – including four children – taken to hospital.

There are currently 20 patients continuing to receive care across several Sydney hospitals.  

Those who died are still in the process of being formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.

Of the two injured officers, the constable is in a stable condition, while the probationary constable remains in a critical but stable condition.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM declared the incident terror related, and the investigation was referred to the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT) under Operation Arques.

The NSW JCTT comprises members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.

Following extensive inquiries under Operation Arques, JCTT investigators attended a hospital today (Wednesday 17 December 2025) and charged the 24-year-old Bonnyrigg man with 59 offences, including:

  • Commit terrorist act
  • 15 counts of murder
  • 40 counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder  
  • Discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm
  • Cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol
  • Place explosive in/near building with intent cause harm

He remains in hospital under police guard to face Bail Division Local Court 7 via AVL today.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400. 

ANIC Statement Condemning the Bondi Shootings and Expressing Solidarity with the Victims and all Affected Communities

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Council of Imams NSW and the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi.

These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.

We urge the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time.

This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians.

ISIS Is an Evil and Dangerous Terrorist Organisation With NO Connection to Islam

The Australian National Imams Council, as the highest Islamic and religious authority in Australia, together with its member Imams and religious leaders, unequivocally condemns ISIS as an evil, dangerous terrorist organisation whose actions and ideology stand in complete opposition to the teachings of Islam and the values upheld by Muslims worldwide. This position has been clear and consistent by ANIC since the very emergence of ISIS and has been maintained without hesitation ever since. The Muslim world has suffered firsthand at the hands of ISIS, with the overwhelming majority of its victims being Muslims. Communities across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond have endured mass killings, displacement, and the destruction of places of worship, including mosques. ISIS does not represent Islam or the Muslim world in any way. Its ideology is evil and rooted in violence and terror. It bears no relationship to Islamic teachings, ethics, or scholarship, which emphasise the sanctity of life, justice, and mercy. ANIC and its member Imams have been clear, consistent, and vocal in opposing ISIS and its followers. In 2017, ISIS publicly listed ANIC’s senior members as targets to be killed. This was part of ISIS’s campaign of intimidation at the height of its activity and acts of terror. ANIC, together with Muslim leaders and scholars globally, firmly rejects the use of the term “Islamic State”. We call on all authorities, political leaders, and media agencies to refrain from using this label and to refer to the group only as ISIS or Daesh. This terrorist organisation does not deserve any association with Islam in name or description. We also reject any attempt to connect ISIS or its members to Islam or to frame its evil and dangerous ideology as a distorted version of the Islamic faith. All reputable and prominent Islamic institutions, scholars, and Muftis across the Muslim world have openly, repeatedly, and unequivocally condemned and denounced ISIS and its ideology. This includes leading global Islamic authorities such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah (Egypt), Majelis Ulama Indonesia, the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, among many others. There is no legitimacy, credibility, or scholarly support for ISIS within mainstream Islam. Anyone connected to, supporting, or promoting ISIS ideology must be denounced and held accountable. There can be no tolerance for the justification, glorification, or revival of an ideology built on violence and terror.

Extraordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 16 December 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Extraordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 16 December 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Climate Change Action Plan 2030

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2030 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days, commencing in early 2026.

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted unanimously to adopt a revised Code of Meeting Practice.

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft Local Streets Plan 

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Local Streets Plan: On Our Roads on public exhibition for a period of six weeks, commencing in early 2026.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society collection

Council laid on the table the original report and instead voted to invite the Newcastle Maritime Museum Co-Chairs to attend an extraordinary meeting of City of Newcastle (to be scheduled on 13 January) in order to allow opportunity to answer any outstanding queries that exist.

Supplementary Report – Adoption of Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy, ensuring that Councillors and City of Newcastle staff are aware of what constitutes appropriate communications.

Notices of Motion 

Support for the Link Road Forest Campaign

Council supported a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Minister for the Environment, and relevant agencies seeking a joint meeting with the Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Adamczyk, Council’s Director of Planning and Environment, and representatives of the Link Road Forest Campaign to discuss the proposal for a National Park.

Further advocacy for the reinstatement and expansion of the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to continue advocating to the NSW Government for the reinstatement and expansion of the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund and look at expanding the scheme to cover more of the Newcastle LGA.

Late items

Stockton Ferry Services – Acknowledgement of prompt response by NSW Premier and Transport for NSW

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge the NSW Premier and the NSW Government for providing prompt reassurance and advice regarding the prompt return of Stockton ferry services, and to affirm Council’s support for future investment in a modern, low-emissions ferry fleet, including electric ferry technology.

Condolence motion for the victims of the Bondi Beach tragedy

City of Newcastle acknowledges the tragedy that occurred at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 and offers sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedy at Bondi Beach, noting this tragedy occurred on the first day of Hanukkah – a significant Jewish festival of commemoration.

Mental health support available after Bondi tragedy

NSW Health is stepping up mental health support for anyone impacted by the tragic incident at Bondi on Sunday 14 December.

A mental health disaster response has been initiated to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it, with trained mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee.

These mobile clinicians are there from 8am to 8pm wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests to be easily identified by the local community. They will continue to be visible in the Bondi Beach area over the coming days and weeks.

Anyone who is feeling distress is urged to seek support from our mental health clinicians, who can also provide referral to further appropriate services, if required.

The NSW Government has also been working with Jewish House to provide culturally appropriate services, and our partners in the NGO and community mental health sectors to ensure anyone who needs support receives it.

This includes disaster welfare officers, disaster chaplains and Red Cross staff at Coogee who are well-versed in psychological first aid.

NSW Health has boosted existing resources in the local area to ensure the right care is available to those who need it. Members of the Bondi community can access mental health care through:

  • Safe Haven at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick is operating extended hours from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December from 10am to 7.30pm.
  • Headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday.
  • NSW Health public hospitals remain available for 24/7 mental health support, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The effects of this tragedy are being felt far and wide and the NSW Government strongly encourages anyone who needs help to please reach out for it.

NSW Health has increased staff coverage on NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, to improve the support available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.

The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you, or someone in your care, needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

Further information on support services for children and adolescents can be found on the NSW Health website. 

For non-crisis support, please talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional. You can also call Beyond Blue for mental health advice and support on 1300 22 4636.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We have initiated a mental health disaster response in the wake of the horrific incident in Bondi, providing mobile mental health clinicians in the local community.

“As we move past the immediate aftermath of this devastating event, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling distressed, anxious, or angry, to please seek support.

“We have stepped up support with more resources for our existing mental health care services, to ensure help is freely available to anyone who wants it.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“What happened in Bondi has shaken so many people right across Sydney and New South Wales.

“Whether you were there, know someone who was, or you’re feeling distressed by what you’ve seen online and in the news, it’s ok to not be ok.

“We are making free support available to anyone who needs it through our dedicated team of mental health clinicians in Bondi and Coogee, and boosting resources for existing services like headspace, Safe Haven, NSW Health’s Mental Health Line, or Lifeline.”

NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright:

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died and were injured at Bondi Beach.

“It is really important people be mindful about taking care of their mental health over the coming days and weeks following this traumatic event.

“Everyone deals with serious trauma differently and processes in their own way. A range of feelings are a normal part of processing a trauma, so don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re going through.

“We strongly encourage anyone who needs help to please reach out for it. We have mental health clinicians in the Bondi community ready to help and a range of mental health supports available if you call NSW Health’s 24/7 dedicated Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.”

Man charged over publicly displaying an offensive symbol – Swansea

A man will face Court over allegedly displaying an offensive symbol in a public place in the state’s Lake Macquarie area.

On Saturday 6 December 2025, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a home on Albert Street, Swansea, in relation to a prohibited nazi symbol displayed on a boat parked at the location.

Police commenced an investigation into the matter.

Following inquiries, on Tuesday 16 December 2025, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District executed a search warrant at a house in Albert Street, Swansea, and arrested a 32-year-old man.

Police seized two marine vessels and other items which will be subject to further examination.

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with three offences – cause prohibited Nazi symbol to be displayed in a public place, offensive behaviour and breach of bail.

The man was refused bail to appear in Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 17 December 2025).

Nation in mourning for Bondi

Last night’s horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach is a reminder that the heinous scourge of antisemitism and extremism is a growing threat around the world, and that our peace-loving community in Australia is not immune.

As we reach out today to our Jewish friends and neighbours to check on their wellbeing and to provide our support at this terrible time, our hearts are completely broken.

We recognise and thank our courageous emergency services for the work they did last night, and the incredible bravery of bystanders whose actions saved many lives. We join to wholeheartedly endorse the statement of the Australian Greens below.

The Greens NSW Convenors and all Green NSW State MP’s

Joint Statement from the Australian Greens

The first night of Chanukah was meant to be a joyous celebration – instead last night has become one of the darkest days in our nation’s history and a national heartbreak. 

This morning we grieve for the fifteen innocent people who have been robbed of their lives, and send our deepest condolences to their community and loved ones who have woken in mourning.

We send love to the dozens of people who remain in care, and hope for their swift recovery. Australia is with each of you.

Our heart is with the Jewish community who are grappling with this mass shooting, grieving loved ones, and are again fearing for their safety. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we join all Australians in rejecting this appalling act of hatred.

This terror attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of us. This reprehensible act of antisemitic violence is not who we are. We are a nation of many peoples who open the door to those in need, and pull together in crisis. 

Our nation is the first responders who risked their lives to keep people safe, the heroic man who intervened to stop a gunman, and the many people from all faiths who came together to shelter others and open their arms to those grieving.

We will hold each other tightly in the coming days and weeks, and show care and compassion. The antisemitic hatred of these men will not divide us.

– Senator Larissa Waters, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Senator David Shoebridge, on behalf of all Australian Greens MPs