Newcastle News – 16 News

History meets mystery as Civic Theatre lifts the curtain on paranormal activity

Seekers of the supernatural are being given a rare chance to go behind the scenes at the Civic Theatre in September and call out the spirits that supposedly haunt the historic venue.

Three Paranormal Investigation Nights will be held for the first time in the theatre’s history, using special equipment to record and measure unexplained activity in areas rarely accessed by the public.

Civic Theatre Executive Manager Leonie Wallace, Lord Mayor Gavin Morris and Cr Jenny Barrie go behind the scenes and use some of the special equipment that will be part of the Paranormal Investigation Nights, accompanied by Renata Daniel and Anne Rzechowicz from Newcastle Ghost Tours. Executive Manager Leonie Wallace said the tours will let visitors see the Civic Theatre in a whole new light.

“The Civic Theatre is almost 100 years old and has long been surrounded by rumour and speculation regarding the spirits of former staff and patrons,” Ms Wallace said.

“Probably the most famous is our supposedly friendly ghost, nicknamed Joe, who has been said to brush past staff every now and again. As the story goes, he warned a former Deputy Lord Mayor about the 1989 earthquake on the main stage.

“We’re thrilled to be working with well-known local operators Newcastle Ghost Tours to provide this unique experience and are curious to see who or what people discover along the way.”

Tickets for the Paranormal Investigation Nights will go on sale tomorrow, with sessions on 28,29 and 30 September.

Each experience will run for two-and-a-half hours, kicking off with a short historical introduction by a Civic Theatre guide before being led by Newcastle Ghost Tours.

CEO of the award-winning local business, Renata Daniel, said the Civic Theatre is one of the Hunter’s most requested locations for paranormal nights.

“The history of the Civic Theatre and the range of stories about ghost sightings make it a premium location for these types of tours,” Ms Daniel said.

“The entire experience is fully escorted and gives the guests the chance to become paranormal investigators. During the tour you call out to the spirits said to inhabit the theatre to see who responds.

“We’ll use equipment such as a spirit box, which is an electronic sweep-frequency radio to attempt real-time communication with ghosts, as well as a trip wire, an electronic sensor device used to detect invisible energy changes or movement.

“These tours will be suitable for first timers, the curious and the experienced seekers of the supernatural.”

The theatre is also expanding its popular series of Behind the Curtain backstage tours after the first two sessions launched earlier this year were fully booked within hours of going on sale.

Seven additional tours on 28, 29 and 30 September will go on sale tomorrow including one wheelchair accessible session.

The idea for the Behind the Curtain tours was developed by the Civic Theatre as part of City of Newcastle’s Product Mentoring Development Program, which helps to develop and promote new tourism products to attract more visitors from outside the region.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said both tours will provide visitors with new opportunities to experience the Civic Theatre beyond attending a performance.

“This is your chance to see the theatre from a different perspective,” Cr Morris said.

“We know artists love performing at the Civic Theatre and now you can see what they see behind the curtain.

“The tours will explore areas within the Theatre not usually accessible to the community including behind the stage and in the dressing rooms, giving participants a sneak peek behind the scenes while learning more about the iconic building’s history.”

Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Cr Jenny Barrie said these tours are the perfect way to celebrate one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings.

“Newcastle is a city of storytellers and those stories come to life at the Civic Theatre,” Cr Barrie said.

“Giving people more reasons to visit not only connects them with Newcastle’s arts scene but also contributes to our broader cultural economy.”

For more information visit the Civic Theatre website or visit the Ticket Office.

Inaugural scholarship recipient determined to honour legacy of beloved Councillor

A Newcastle sustainability advocate who co-founded two community-led climate action groups has become the first recipient of a scholarship in memory of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.

Interior designer Nadine Samwell said she hopes to use the training she receives through Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) to inspire practical change in people for the benefit of the planet.

Past and present Greens Councillors join Lyndall Coan to congratulate Nadine Samwell who received the first scholarship created in memory of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the scholarship is the perfect embodiment of Sinéad.

“Sinéad was always looking for ways to share her change-making skills with women and gender diverse community members who have that fire in their bellies for change that she had,” Cr McCabe said.

“The problems we face can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, advocates for change can make a huge difference. Sinéad definitely demonstrated that throughout her life.

“It’s especially meaningful to announce the first recipient of one of three scholarships that City of Newcastle is funding to honour the three years that Sinéad would have been serving as a Councillor.”

The scholarship was established through a unanimous notice of motion by the elected Council following the sudden passing of Cr Francis-Coan partway through her first term as a Ward 3 Councillor.

City of Newcastle is funding the initiative for the next three years, providing women and gender-diverse changemakers connected to Newcastle the chance to participate in WELA’s transformative national leadership programs.

Through her business, Ms Samwell uses the principles of circular design to keep materials in use for longer, maximising their value and minimising waste.

Her community-led action includes helping to form the Hunter Region Branch of Renew, a national, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for people to live sustainably in their homes and communities.

After taking part in City of Newcastle’s Empowering Climate Champions program, Ms Samwell formed another group that funded an energy assessor who visited Mayfield homeowners and provided advice on how to lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs.

Ms Samwell said she is honoured to receive a scholarship inspired by Sinéad’s substantial contributions towards social equality, feminism and environmental sustainability.

“I’ve already started taking part in the WELA program and so far it’s been a lifechanging experience. I am determined to make the absolute most of the opportunity it provides me,” Ms Samwell said.

“I want to use this training to strengthen my leadership, deepen my contribution to climate and environmental action and grow into the kind of leader who inspires practical change for people and the planet.

“I launched Eco Edition in 2020 to help architects and designers who are trying to make more sustainable and healthier material choices, wanting to pass on the knowledge I’d gained from 15 years as an interior designer and a renovator for over 20 years.

“I now help architects and designers from around the world achieve their sustainability goals, but I’m also determined to continue to promote community-led climate action here in Newcastle.”

Before being elected to Council in 2024, Cr Francis-Coan worked as a union organiser and was deeply involved in grassroots movements focused on workers’ rights, environmental protection and gender equity.

Sinéad’s mother, Lyndall Coan, said she was pleased to see her daughter’s legacy inspiring people to develop their leadership potential.

“We congratulate Nadine on being the first recipient of this scholarship and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on her work in the future,” Ms Coan said.

“Sinéad was a tireless advocate for local businesses, especially small operations that had a focus on sustainability.

“She would be delighted that someone with Nadine’s passion has been awarded this scholarship.”

Members of the public who wish to support additional scholarships in memory of Cr Francis-Coan can donate via the WELA website

Man dies in two vehicle crash – Freemans Waterhole

A man has died after a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 7.30pm yesterday (Friday 7 August 2026), emergency services responded to reports of a head on crash between a silver Audi hatch back and a blue Volkswagen Amarok 4WD along Freemans Drive, Freemans Waterhole.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 29-year-old male driver and sole occupant of the Audi but he died at the scene.

The 53-year-old female driver and a 54-year-old male passenger of the Volkswagen were treated by paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene that will be examined by specialist police.

As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with information about the matter – or was in the area at the time with any relevant mobile phone/dashcam footage – to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two people charged following fatal crash – Hunter Valley

Two people have been charged following a fatal motor vehicle crash in state’s Hunter Valley region earlier this year.

About 6.25pm on Friday 24 April 2026, emergency services were called to the intersection of Cessnock Road and Kemp Street, Neath, east of Cessnock, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.

At the scene, police were told three vehicles – a red Utility, a silver Utility, and a motorcycle had collided.

The rider of the motorcycle – a 50-year-old woman – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics for serious leg injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The male drivers, aged 21 and 57, were uninjured and were taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

On Saturday 25 April 2026, police received notification that the woman passed away in hospital.

Officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following inquiries, on Friday 7 August 2026, police issued the older man with a Court Attendance Notice for drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood etc and is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 17 September 2026.

On the same day, police issued the younger man a Court Attendance Notice for:
Dangerous driving occasioning death – drive under influence,
Negligent driving (occasioning death),
Negligent driving (no death of grievous bodily harm),
Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,
Special category driver drive with special range prescribed concentration of alcohol.

His licence was also suspended, and he is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Two charged after alleged assault, kidnapping – Raymond Terrace

Shortly after 8.30pm on Sunday 2 August 2026, police were called to Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace, following reports of an assault.

At the scene, police were told that a woman had allegedly assaulted a man with a baseball bat after he was located on the woman’s property on a nearby street.

The woman and another man allegedly detained the man and forced him to walk to Boomerang Park, where two other men were also allegedly assaulted by the woman.

The woman also allegedly struck a vehicle with the baseball bat, shattering its windscreen.

Police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the incident.

NSW Ambulance paramedics also attended and treated a 44-year-old man for facial injuries, bruising and swelling.

He was taken to Maitland Hospital for further treatment.

About 5.25pm on Monday 3 August 2026, police arrested a 52-year-old woman at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

She was charged with three offences,
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s)
Kidnap with intent commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, and
Armed with intent commit indictable offence.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Tuesday 4 August 2026, where she was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

About 9.15am yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2026), a 56-year-old man was arrested at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), and kidnap with intent commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 yesterday, where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Inquiry report highlights failure of ongoing public-private partnerships at NSW Health services

An explosive and damning Parliamentary inquiry has unanimously recommended the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle be brought into public hands, like the Northern Beaches Hospital, and for all other existing NSW Health public-private partnerships to be scrutinised to protect patient and staff safety.

These are two of the key recommendations to come out of the Inquiry into management, maintenance and operational issues at the Calvary Mater Hospital, chaired by Greens spokesperson for Health and former GP Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, with the final report tabled in the NSW Parliament today.

Dr Cohn said the revelations shared by staff and whistleblowers were shocking.

“We heard about maggots falling from the ceiling onto a patient, nurses funneling rainwater into garbage bins during the night, a doctor fainting during surgery because of high humidity in the operating theatre, and explosive allegations of falsified maintenance records,” Dr Cohn said.

“All these problems could have been prevented. Hospital management and the NSW government knew about these issues for years, and failed to address them.

“The only solution that will fix the infrastructure issues, and restore the trust of staff and the community, is for the ownership and management of the hospital to be brought into public hands.

“The Minns Labor Government already conceded the PPP model doesn’t work when it bought back the Northern Beaches Hospital, but it has failed to take that same decisive action for Newcastle.”

For years, staff raised maintenance issues at the Calvary Mater, without an adequate response. Dr Cohn said the issues only started to be taken seriously when whistleblowers exposed the problems in the media.

Luke Carroll was a project manager for Honeywell at the hospital and felt compelled to speak out about the neglect and bandaid solutions he witnessed.

“It was very dark days when I first realised how serious the maintenance issue was in the cancer ward,” he said. “I was shocked and, naively perhaps, thought Honeywell would do the right thing. Instead, I was interrogated, confined to my home, and ultimately I lost my career.”

“I knew well for those months that they kept me and their secret hidden, that people were likely to be dying in the cancer ward of the Mater. The weight of that overwhelmed me and I eventually had to act.”

Dr Cohn said patients and healthcare workers should not have to rely on whistleblowers, tragedies or parliamentary inquiries before governments act on serious safety concerns.

Dee Spoljaric and Camilla Smith, on behalf of nurses at the Mater said “We have waited far too long for decisive action. Our optimism now rests on the recommendations of the Inquiry being implemented in full. We would be deeply disappointed if this opportunity for reform was ignored.”

The inquiry also heard from staff at other NSW services that operate under a private-public partnership model, including Orange and Bathurst Hospitals and the Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service. The report recommends further investigation of these services.

“The findings of the inquiry are further proof that the public-private partnership model has failed NSW patients, healthcare workers and communities. Every community deserves a public hospital that puts patients first, not private operators,” Dr Cohn said.

“The Minns Labor must urgently bring the ownership and management of the Calvary Mater Hospital into public hands and review other services operating under the private-public partnership model – before the next tragedy, not after.”

whistleblower Luke Carroll who was a Senior Project Manager for Honeywell at the hospital

“It was very dark days when I first realised how serious the maintenance issue was in the cancer ward. I was shocked and, naively perhaps, thought Honeywell would do the right thing. Instead, I was interrogated, confined to my home, and ultimately I lost my career.”

“It was a very difficult time for me, but on the other side of the ledger, the good side, people helped me to get this story where it belonged, and I thank XD Law, Bilbie Faraday Harrison, the Newcastle Herald, and ultimately the Parliamentary Inquiry.”

“It won’t help the people who died, but I hope it’s some comfort to their families, and the other victims, to finally be told the truth about what happened in that hospital.”

Calvary Mater Newcastle, Dee Spoljaric and Camilla Smith said:

“Nurses and staff at Calvary Mater Newcastle are incredibly grateful to Amanda Cohn and all members of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee for giving nurses, patients and staff the opportunity to tell the truth about what has been happening at the Mater.

“Our gratitude extends to every patient, family member and staff member who had the courage to speak. Their voices have been instrumental in exposing issues that could no longer be ignored.

“Many of us have spent years raising concerns about the condition of our hospital and the impact it has had on both staff and patients. The Inquiry gave us hope that those concerns were finally being taken seriously.

“We care about our patients, our colleagues and the future of this hospital. We sincerely thank the Committee for listening.

“The evidence presented throughout the Inquiry painted a clear picture of years of infrastructure failures and governance issues. We are hopeful the final report will deliver strong recommendations that finally drive meaningful and lasting change.

“We have waited far too long for decisive action. Our optimism now rests on the recommendations of the Inquiry being implemented in full. We would be deeply disappointed if this opportunity for reform was ignored.

This is a crucial opportunity to restore confidence in The Mater. We hope everyone involved will embrace the Inquiry’s recommendations and work together to deliver the safe hospital our staff and community deserves.”

Winter work prepares pools for busy summer season

Safety upgrades are being completed across City of Newcastle’s network of five inland pools as swimmers prepare to return to the water for the summer season.

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre will reopen its doors to the keenest swimmers in the community on 24 August, while Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield will make a splash for summer from 26 September.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation and former Commonwealth Games medallist Donna McGovern said the winter closure provided an important annual period for essential maintenance activity.

“We know how much our community values our inland pools as hubs of recreation, connection and education,” Ms McGovern said.

“This is why we make the most of the winter closure each year to undertake a comprehensive program of essential work across all five pools.

“Our teams carry out safety upgrades, freshen up the painted surfaces including non-slip areas, service plant and equipment, undertake plumbing repairs and complete pool tile and promenade maintenance.

“This ensures we can continue to provide safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities, and enhance the longevity of these ageing community assets.”

Additional work is completed depending on the needs of each pool, including a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, while playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield will keep the kids safe and happy when they’re out of the water.

Wallsend’s 50m pool is being emptied this week to repair floor tiles and replace expansion joints. A detailed inspection of the empty pool shell will be completed, while pipe fittings will be replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.

Guttering repairs and security improvements will also be carried out at Wallsend, while Stockton’s bench seating will be replaced to ensure greater visitor comfort.

Speeding to be cracked down at Sandgate

Road safety on the Pacific Highway will be strengthened with the reinstallation of two speed cameras at Sandgate, helping to reduce speeding and keep motorists safe on one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.

The fixed cameras were removed three years ago during the upgrade of the Hexham Straight, between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge, and will be turned on from today.

The northbound camera has been reinstated where the previous camera was, and the southbound camera is now about 70 metres north from its original site to align with the completed road upgrade.

The cameras first enforced this stretch of road in 2003. During the five-year period prior to the 2003 installation there were 23 casualty crashes on the Pacific Highway at Sandgate, within 500 metres either side of the cameras. These crashes resulted in one fatality and 24 people being injured. Since the cameras were installed there have been no fatalities and a significant reduction in injuries in the vicinity of the cameras.

Transport for NSW’s Road Safety Regulation executive director Duncan Lucas said the return of the cameras would reinforce the importance of safe driving behaviour and help reduce the risk of serious crashes.

“While the cameras were removed during construction, the warning signs remained in place to remind motorists to slow down and drive safely for the benefit of everyone using the road,” Mr Lucas said.

“Speeding remains the leading factor involved in death and injuries on our roads, contributing to about 40 per cent of road fatalities.

“When the unexpected happens on the road – the speed that you’re travelling at matters. ‘just a bit over’ can be the difference between stopping safely and being involved in a crash.”

The new cameras will operate in warning mode for at least one month during which time drivers caught speeding will be sent a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.

Fines and demerit points will be sent to offending drivers once the warning letter period has finished.

Homicide Squad detectives charge two teens with murder after alleged fatal stabbing – Lake Macquarie

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teens with murder following an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.

Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.

A 22-year-old man has since been charged with murder and remains before the court.

Following inquiries, about 9.15am today (Thursday 6 August 2026) strike force detectives arrested two boys – aged 16 – at Gosford Police Station, where they were both charged with murder.

One of the boys was also charged with fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.

Both teens were remanded in custody to appear at a Children’s Court today (Thursday 6 August 2026).

Investigations under Stike Force Blave are ongoing.

Man charged after alleged road rage, firearm and tasers seized – Lake Macquarie

A man has been charged following an alleged armed road rage in the state’s north yesterday.

About 5.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2026), police were called to a shopping centre carpark on Stockland Drive, Glendale, following reports of a road rage incident.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told two women – aged 22 and 47 – were involved in an alleged road rage incident with another unknown driver, before a firearm was pointed at them and the driver leaving the scene.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Anzac Parade, Teralba, and stopped a vehicle believed to be linked to the alleged incident.

A vehicle search was conducted, with police allegedly locating and seizing a gel blaster, two tasers, a baton, three slingshots and a knife.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with possess unregistered firearm-pistol, five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and armed with intent commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Wednesday 5 August 2026).