Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Emma Herival, aged 15, was last seen on Awaba Street, Toronto, about 2pm on Thursday 25 September 2025.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified on Friday (26 September 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for Emma’s welfare due to her young age.

Emma is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 155cm tall, of thin build, with short strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.

She is believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast region.

Drug & Firearms Squad detectives are appealing for public information following the discovery of two firearms and numerous 3D-printed firearm parts from a property in the state’s Hunter Region.

Strike Force Leeville is an investigation led by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad into the manufacture of firearms.

Following inquiries under Strike Force Leeville, about 3.15pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – searched a property in Barnsley.

During the search, police located a toolbox in the garage containing two rifles and numerous 3D printed firearm parts.

The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination and a 59-year-old man at the property was spoken to.

As investigations under Strike Force Leeville continue, police are urging anyone with information about the ownership or origins of the firearms to come forward.

Three people have been rescued after a boat capsized on the state’s Central Coast yesterday.

About 3pm (24 September 2025), police were called to Maitland Bay Beach, near Bouddi National Park, following reports of a boat was capsized and occupants need urgent assistance in the water.

Officers attached to Marine Area Command attended the scene and located a runabout boat overturned while two men – aged 69 and 61 – were in the water.

Police, with the assistance of a lifeguard from the Central Coast Council, successfully pulled the two men out to the nearby rock platform area.

A short time later, police, with the assistance from lifeguards, managed to lift one side of the boat and rescued a third passenger – a second 69-year-old man – who managed to breath in the air pocket area.

An emergency landing zone was secured in Woy Woy area, with the assistance from officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District, and the three men were airlifted to the area before they were taken to Gosford Hospital for further treatment.

Superintendent Joseph Mcnulty, Commander of Marine Area Command, says the importance of wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life or death on the water.

All three men were wearing their life jackets at the time of incident, and it was a gamechanger in saving their lives.

While we will be welcoming summer soon, it is also be the peak season of drowning incidents so our key message is simple please plan your trip by checking your vessel, equipment and weather. Always be prepared for emergency situations by wearing an approved life jacket.” Superintendent Mcnulty said

Wearing a life jacket will save not just your life but also protect your family from possibly losing a loved one.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.

Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.

2005 Bali bombing commemoration

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Ordinary business

2025 Local Government NSW Conference

Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.

Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).

Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027

Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.

Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024

Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter review

Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.

Executive monthly performance report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)

Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.

Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.

Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund

Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.

Protecting koala populations

Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.

Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow

Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.

Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle

Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community
 associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.

Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle

Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.

The NSW Government is supercharging housing supply in Lake Macquarie, with four modular homes nearly ready for move in and a fifth on the way this year.

The five new homes have been delivered under the Minns Labor Government’s record $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is backing a $75 million investment in MMC to fast-track delivery and tackle the state’s housing crisis head-on.

Built by Moov Modular using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the Lake Macquarie homes were constructed off-site and installed in less than four weeks, showing how innovation can deliver premium housing faster and at scale.

The NSW Government will deliver 90 MMC homes in the 2025-26 financial year across metropolitan and regional NSW, including:
26 metropolitan Sydney sites in Guildford West, Quakers Hill, Lalor Park, Greenacre, Riverstone, Whalan, Chester Hill, Ashcroft, and Blacktown.
34 regional NSW sites in Lake Macquarie, Shellharbour, Wagga and Dubbo.

These innovative homes will provide modern, high-quality housing for up to 200 people on the social housing waitlist and support around 300 local construction and manufacturing jobs.

The NSW Government is also ramping up housing support in Lake Macquarie through its landmark $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund, delivering real solutions for those most in need.

As part of this initiative, $400,000 has been allocated to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Swansea Supported Temporary Accommodation Project. This funding is transforming a former aged care facility into 32 safe and secure units, providing vital accommodation for vulnerable women and children in the community.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

Modular homes are a game-changer – in just a matter of weeks, we’ve turned a construction site into quality homes that are ready for people to move into and start their next chapter.

Every home we deliver through modular construction means another family off the waitlist and into housing they can rely on.

This is proof that when we embrace innovation, we can cut through the red tape, deliver homes faster, and still maintain the quality people deserve.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

To address the shortage of housing particularly for the most vulnerable has required the Government to think outside the square to quickly put rooves over people’s head.

“This announcement shows that with the right approach, we can cut through red tape and get things done.

“Getting these homes built quickly can mean the difference between families having nowhere to go and finally having somewhere to call home – something I’m proud to support.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

The government’s adoption of modular building practices to deliver social and affordable homes in the Newcastle region is welcomed.

Modular construction means vulnerable women and children in our community will be able to access safe and secure homes faster, so they can start rebuilding their lives.”

Managing Director of Moov Modular Nicholas O’Neill said:

Delivering housing for people that need it the most is core to the Moov Modular business and team, and we believe modular and modern methods of construction can do this at scale and fast.

Partnering with Homes NSW has not just provided an opportunity to deliver homes but shown how passionate their team is to solve the housing crisis. Working together with industry, using fast construction methods and really caring about the people who will live in the homes has been at the heart of how we have worked together.

We really look forward to seeing people move into these Lake Macquarie homes and for the whole modular industry to deliver homes that are needed in NSW.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

Trey Young, aged 11, was last seen in Toronto about 2pm yesterday (Sunday 21 September 2025)

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

Police have concerns for Trey’s welfare due to his young age. 

Trey is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build, brown eyes, short brown hair with small mullet. 

He was last seen wearing a multicoloured shirt, black shorts and blue/white coloured sneakers. 

Trey is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney CBD. He may utilise the rail network. 

Inquiries have established that he maybe in company with several other young persons.

Anyone who sees Trey is urged to contact Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle will launch a trial of reduced entry fees for all visitors at four of its five inland pools when the new swimming season begins on Saturday.

Councillors voted in June to endorse the $2 trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools for the 2025/26 swimming season, a proposal supported by 95% of respondents who took part in community consultation.

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is not included in the trial to reduce the risk of overcrowding at that facility, and with a waterslide, aquatic playground and four pools, its 
 $6 all-day entry fee ensures it remains the most affordable pool with similar facilities in the region.

Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, lifeguard Ethan Crisp, Cr Declan Clausen, lifeguard Tiarna Baxter and Cr Charlotte McCabe at Mayfield Pool ahead of its reopening on Saturday and the start of the $2 entry fee trial.Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the $2 entry fee trial, said it’s important to provide equitable and affordable access to aquatic facilities across the city.

“Our inland swimming centres play a vital role in fostering community connection and promoting health and wellbeing,” Cr Clausen said.

“Combined with free access to Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths, we’re making sure everyone has a place to cool off this summer.”

Visitors to all five inland pools will enjoy upgraded facilities following more than $1 million of programmed maintenance and upgrades over the winter break.

Lambton reopened on 25 August following the installation of a new platform to increase accessibility, an extensive paint job which includes non-slip areas, as well as three new heat pumps.

Beresfield received an upgrade to the solar heating system, while Stockton families will enjoy new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and new accessible footpaths.

New roller shutters have been installed at Wallsend and Lambton to improve security, and lighting upgrades have been completed at Beresfield and Mayfield.

With the winter beach lifeguard schedule now completed, patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches from this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said our lifeguards keep watch over more than one million swimmers and sunseekers each summer.

“City of Newcastle’s lifeguards receive extensive training and professional development to ensure they can keep the community safe,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our successful Trainee Beach Lifeguard Program is also back this summer, with applications now open. 

“The program offers an exciting opportunity for four high school students, who are also members of a Hunter Surf Life Saving Club, to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional lifeguards.”

In preparation for the warmer weather, City of Newcastle has recently wrapped up its school based annual Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered by lifeguards since 1966.

This year’s program covered 46 schools across the region, educating more than 12,000 students about dangerous conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.

To learn more about the trainee lifeguard program go to City of Newcastle’s employment page.

For more information about lifeguard patrol hours visit our website.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Hayden Holmes, aged 14, was last seen on Church Street, Rutherford, about 5pm on Thursday (19 September 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Hayden is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, slim build with brown hair.

He is known to frequent the Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police Stations or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for assistance following a reported child approach incident in the state’s north last month.

Police were told between 4.30pm and 5.15pm on Saturday 23 August 2025, a 13-year-old girl was walking along Doyle Street, Bellbird, when a utility vehicle stopped next to the girl, and the driver asked if she wanted a lift.

The driver attempted to get out of his car as the girl refused and managed to run away. The driver left the scene.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced investigations.

The driver is described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, with light grey hair, grey beard with a dark colour at the bottom, and a crooked nose.

Following inquiries, police have released CCTV images of a vehicle seen in the area at the time of the incident.

The vehicle is described as being a two-door black/chalky appearance utility – possibly an older model Ford – with white flames going along the side of the car, a spoiler on the tray, and black rims.