Category: Newcastle News

A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle’s most stunning views.

Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall atop King Edward Park has been underway since late 2025, transforming the site into a new hospitality space while maintaining its strong historic character.

Shepherds Hill Cottage has one of the best vantage points on Newcastle’s coastline.

Expected to open in coming months, Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill café will be helmed by local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, who bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur’s Pantry, Mr O Wholefoods and Ronnie’s Pokolbin.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Councillor Declan Clausen said exploring new uses for the site was an important way to keep it open and accessible for the community.

“Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city,” Cr Clausen said.

“This project has focused on highlighting the cottage’s historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it’s exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life.”

Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the State significant site.

“We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city’s past and present,” Ms Hyland said.

“This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.

“Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”

Construction on the project is being overseen by a heritage consultant, who has helped guide work on the new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades. 

This phase of the project is supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Noke Group Directors Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier said they want to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and accessible to the community.  

“Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We’ve spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us,” Mr Leonard said.

“The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again.”

Mr Gontier said Eddie’s is about keeping things simple and doing them well.

“Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they’re going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience,” Mr Gontier said.

“I cannot wait to show what our company is about and be proud of what we can create.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved Newcastle landmark. I know the community is keen to see it activated and open to the public,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“It is great to see this project take another step closer to completion and unlocking the potential of this beautiful site.”

The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.

A driver has died after crashing into a tree in the state’s Hunter Region today.

About 2pm (Friday 17 April 2026), emergency services were called to Leconfield Road, Greta, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that a Kia sedan had crashed into a tree while navigating a bend in the road.

The driver – a 19-year-old man – died at the scene.

Forensic officers have attended and will examine the scene of the crash.

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

An investigation is underway after a bus and a ute crashed before hitting a house in the Lake Macquarie area this morning.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Clydebank and Oakwood roads at Balmoral shortly before 6am (Friday 17 April 2026), and found two people trapped.

A woman – who was a passenger in the ute – was released by Fire and Rescue NSW before being taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering multiple injuries. She’s reported to be in a critical condition.

The 72-year-old male bus driver was taken to the same hospital after also being released by Fire and Rescue NSW. He’s being checked for a suspected leg injury and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Three other people travelling in the ute, the 43-year-old man driving, his wife and eight-year-old son have been taken to the same hospital to be checked as a precaution.

Two people in the home at the time were not injured; however, the house has sustained significant structural damage.

A man will face court after a police officer was allegedly struck by an unregistered motorbike during a police operation in the Lake Macquarie area today.

About 11:30am (Thursday 16 April 2026), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting high-visibility patrols on e-bikes along the Fernleigh Track, Kahibah, following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

While officers were speaking with a 14-year-old boy on the track, an allegedly unregistered motorbike, ridden by a 47-year-old man, approached police, who identified themselves as police officers and directed him to stop.

The rider allegedly did not stop as directed and continued riding towards police before striking an officer in the arm with the motorbike.

The man then rode into a stationary police e-bike, causing damage to the vehicle, before crashing into a nearby guard rail.

The man was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

The police officer was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Following the arrest, police also searched the motorbike locating and seizing an unauthorised cardboard number plate and two knives. All items will undergo forensic testing.

He was charged with seven offences – drive recklessly/furiously or speed in a manner dangerous, custody of a knife in a public place, use vehicle with unauthorised number plate, use unregistered vehicle, use uninsured vehicle, use vehicle on road related are with motor vehicle tax unpaid and malicious damage.

Police will allege in court the carboard numberplate was registered to a different vehicle and registered to another person.

He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Friday 17 April 2026).

Police have arrested an inmate following a manhunt across the Newcastle area today.

On Tuesday (14 April 2026), police were notified that an inmate at a correctional facility in Grafton, had been incorrectly released.

Following the report officers immediately commenced a search to locate the 35-year-old man.

During the search, police determined the man had travelled from Grafton to the Newcastle area.

Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District Domestic Violence Team arrested the 35-year-old on Boreas Street, Hamilton North, this afternoon (Thursday 16 April 2026).

He has been taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant.

The man was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 tomorrow (Friday 17 April 2026).

The largest road project funded by City of Newcastle has crossed the halfway mark, with dual lane upgrades set to ease traffic congestion in the western suburbs by Christmas. 

The $41 million road widening project is a response to bottlenecks along Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue at peak times, and is designed to improve traffic flow for the tens of thousands of residents and commuters who travel through Wallsend every day.

City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Delivery Matthew Bennett, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Daracon Project Manager Alison Wood and Councillor Callum Pull view progress on one of the Minmi Road sections of the Western Corridor Road Upgrade project.

When complete, more than 20,000 tonnes of asphalt will have been installed as part of the project, alongside 5.2 km of kerb, 92 stormwater pits and 7,100 sqm of landscaping to bolster Wallsend’s urban forest. 

City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Delivery Matthew Bennett said the western corridor project was the city’s largest and most ambitious road upgrades to date.

“From the realignment and relocation of key services with partners like Hunter Water, Ausgrid and Telstra, to the forward-thinking approach we’ve taken to greening the streets and median strips, we can be proud of the progress made so far,” Mr Bennett said.

“In the coming weeks, you’ll see work switch onto the northside of Minmi Road east of the Summerhill Road roundabout, and sections at both ends of Longworth Avenue, near Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, reach completion.

“Additionally, significant underground and foundation work has been completed to deliver additional benefits to the local community.

“This is not just a road duplication project, it’s a major, long‑term investment in our western corridor.

“The project delivers new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure, watermain upgrades to improve water quality and security, and a comprehensive street garden program designed to reduce urban heat in the area. 

“Upgrades to the traffic signals at the intersection of Longworth Avenue and Cowper Street further enhance safety and efficiency for all road users.”

An aerial view of progress on the lane duplication along Minmi Road, Wallsend

City of Newcastle received $7.61 million under the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund towards this $41 million project. The project is estimated to support 3,000 homes. 

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully welcomed the progress made on a project that will significantly improve the link between Newcastle and its growing western suburbs.

“It’s great to see the $41 million road upgrade progressing, which will deliver a tangible improvement to traffic flow for commuters travelling to and from the city,” Mr Scully said. 

“This project is paving the way for suburbs like Minmi and Fletcher to support more homes for people in the Newcastle region.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said that reaching the halfway point on this project is a significant milestone for the entire region.

“Labor is delivering the essential road upgrades the region needs – projects like this that keep people moving, support local jobs and ensure freight and services can get where they need to go without delay,” Ms Catley said.

“This project is about delivering the roads that connect communities to work, school and essential services, while improving safety and cutting congestion.

“With the announcement that the Heatherbrae Bypass is now complete and this project hitting its halfway mark, we’re getting on with delivering a more connected road network right across the Hunter, building for what the region needs now and into the future.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said once complete this will be a game changer for residents.

“This is an exciting milestone for a project which will have long term benefits for our community,” Ms Hornery said.

“The upgrade will improve travel for thousands of people that travel through Wallsend every day.”

Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deahnna Richardson and Callum Pull welcomed news the project was tipped to conclude by Christmas.  

“Roadworks of this scale of course don’t come without disruptions for neighbouring and nearby properties, so we’d like to extend thanks to our residents for their patience while City of Newcastle has been completing these essential upgrades,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“These upgrades are the largest roadworks project we’ve ever delivered, and it’s been great to see City of Newcastle and Daracon working in partnership with the Wallsend community and other agencies to minimise disruption,” Cr Pull said.

“In addition to widening the road, it’s fantastic to have active and public transport upgrades incorporated into the program, such as the shared cycleway and footpath that will run along Minmi Road,” Cr Richardson said.

To keep up-to-date with the latest information, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

A City of Newcastle program, which is designed to develop and promote new tourism products, has helped two local operators create a new First Nations experience for women.

Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga) is a two-hour cruise on the Hunter River at Carrington, under a full moon, that invites women to reconnect with the rhythms of moon, tide and Country through cultural teaching, reflection and guided practice.

Nicole Herring from Nova Cruises, Aunty Theresa Dargin a Warrimay Nyuragil woman, Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser.Passionate Warrimay Nyuragil woman, Aunty Theresa Dargin, was selected to be part of the 2025/26 Product Mentoring Development Program to learn from the expertise of past participants such as Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises.

Their collaboration led to the development of Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga), with the first cruise to take place on Friday 17 April.

Aunty Theresa said she’s looking forward to providing a culturally grounded experience for visitors and community alike.

“As a Warrimay Nyuragil woman, lore woman and cultural knowledge holder, it is important to me that these experiences are shared respectfully and create opportunities for deeper connection to place and story here in Newcastle,” Aunty Theresa said.

“I’m grateful to be part of the Product Development Program and to be working with the team to continue developing meaningful visitor experiences that honour Country and culture.

“I’m also thankful for Natalie and the Nova Cruises team for their openness and collaboration in bringing this initiative forward.”

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said the Product Mentoring Development Program helps local businesses develop and promote bookable experiences.

“We want to increase the appeal of Newcastle as a tourism destination by adding to the number and diversity of available products,” Mr Kaiser said.

“Businesses take part in workshops, receive mentoring from previous participants and six months of ongoing business support.

“We’re excited to see this new collaboration between Aunty Theresa and Nova Cruises, and what other ideas come out of the program in the future.”

Natalie Kelly from Nova Cruises said they love collaborating with other local businesses to create new tourism products.

“When we met with Aunty Therese Dargin the initial idea was helping Spiritual Waterways offer on-water experiences to schools,” Ms Kelly said.

“From there we discussed creating a tourism product for Newcastle and Moon Woman Gathering on Water (Gilayn Galbaan Yalawanyi Bathuga) was the result.” 

“We’re very proud to be part of this bespoke Indigenous tourism offering in Newcastle.”

For more information on this unique experience visit the Nova Cruises website.

Applications for City of Newcastle’s next Product Development Mentoring Program will open later this year.

A new benchmark for playground upgrades will be set this month when City of Newcastle starts work on the replacement and enhancement of the Lambton Park play space.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $1.1 million across six neighbourhood playground projects this year, the highest number completed in a 12 month period since the annual Playground Replacement Program began almost a decade ago.

 Artist’s impression of the planned upgrades for the Lambton Park playground, shown from an aerial view. In addition, City of Newcastle is also on track this year to deliver the city’s first regional-level inclusive play space and waterplay area in Foreshore Park.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation, Lynn Duffy, said the work at Lambton Park reflects City of Newcastle’s long-term approach to providing quality, inclusive recreation spaces for the community.

“Lambton Park has been a much-loved play space in Newcastle for decades,” Ms Duffy said.

“These upgrades will enhance existing equipment, introduce new play elements and support the enjoyment of the playground for children and families for years to come.

“During the life of our annual renewal program we have upgraded 34 local playgrounds, ensuring facilities remain safe, fun and engaging for children across Newcastle.”

The upgrades will be delivered in two stages to ensure part of the playground remains accessible during construction. The commencing works will form stage one and are expected to be completed mid-year, with stage two scheduled to follow later this year.

Stage one will introduce a range of new equipment designed primarily for children aged two to eight years, including a double swing and nest swing, a small trampoline, spinner, rocker and a main play structure featuring a slide and climbing nets.

The equipment sits amongst mature trees, providing extensive natural shade throughout the park. Inclusive design elements have been incorporated at ground level such as voice tubes and a role-play shop to support users with physical access needs. 

The upgraded playground will sit alongside City of Newcastle’s recent redevelopment of a former 1940s Baby Health Centre. The building is set to reopen its doors as First Light Café on 22 April and will provide access from the rear of the cafe to the playground with a ramp for families, parents with prams and people with mobility needs. 

The renewal and upgrade of play equipment at Lambton Park follows the delivery of upgrades at Whistler Parade Reserve in Maryland last month, where new equipment including a see-saw, spinner, rocker, bridges and slides were installed.

City of Newcastle has also delivered improvements across four other sites this financial year, with Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland receiving a new playground and a half‑court basketball area, while updated play equipment was installed at Stockton Swimming Centre.

Upgrades were also completed at Johnson Park in Lambton and Morpeth Road Reserve in Waratah West.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Kyle Quayle, aged 35, is wanted on an outstanding for being Unlawfully At Large.

Quayle was erroneously released from a correctional centre on Tuesday 14 April 2026 whilst serving a sentence for stealing and assault related offences.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District have released an image of Quayle as inquiries continue to locate him.

Quayle is described as being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm, medium build, black hair, brown eyes and is unshaven.

He is believed to be in the Newcastle area.