Category: Newcastle News

When Newcastle plays host to The Matildas this September, the performance won’t happen in front of a stadium packed with football fans – but on the walls of Newcastle Art Gallery.

The 23-minute video work will make its NSW gallery debut alongside a world-first exhibition, Muse, which surveys 20 years of art practice by globally recognised Newcastle-based artist Angela Tiatia.

Still from Angela Tiatia The Matildas 2025. National Portrait Gallery of Australia. Commissioned with funds provided by Tim Fairfax AC and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the exhibition will immerse audiences in the largest presentation to date of Tiatia’s visually luscious and politically incisive work.

“Angela Tiatia is one of the most vital voices in contemporary Australian art, and we’re incredibly proud to present the first major survey of her career here in Newcastle, the city she now calls home,” Ms Morton said.

“We are thrilled to pair this survey with her extraordinary 2025 portrait, The Matildas, giving our audiences a rare chance to see the wide breadth of her incredible practice in one place.”

Featuring video, photography and installation, Angela Tiatia: Muse will bring together Tiatia’s most significant works from public and private collections across Australia, celebrating her poetic considerations of climate, capitalism, and colonisation.

The exhibition traces the arc of the Sāmoan/Australian artist’s multi-disciplinary career, from her earliest practice in which she turned the camera on herself as subject, through to grander-scale works incorporating larger, ensemble casts.

Works on display in the ticketed exhibition include Hibiscus rosa sinensis, 2010, which Tiatia refers to as her first major work as a professional artist, transposing Mexican poet Enrique González Martínez’s rejection of imported European Romantic tradition onto a Pacific frame of reference rejecting Western-constructed images of Polynesia.

The pearl, 2021, was commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in response to an exhibition of works by French artist Henri Matisse, while Narcissus, 2019, uses a cast of 40 to reimagine the Greco-Roman myth of a young man who falls in love with his own reflection, to reflect on global selfie culture fueled through social media.

Angela Tiatia, Narcissus (still), 2019, single-channel 2K high definition video. Image courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney © the artist

Tiatia said looking back across two decades of work has been an opportunity to reflect on the enduring questions that have shaped her practice.

“While each work responds to a particular moment, together they speak to a sustained engagement with systems of power and the complexities of our shared histories,” Tiatia said.

“It’s a privilege to present this exhibition in Newcastle, and to share it with audiences alongside The Matildas, a work that celebrates collective strength and the power of representation.”

Newcastle Art Gallery will also present the first gallery showing of The Matildas, 2025, outside the National Portrait Gallery. 

Filmed across three continents, five cities and seven shoots, the 23-minute video portrait captures the presence, emotion and mental focus of all 23 players from the CommBank Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Squad, including Newcastle’s own Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler.

The video portrait celebrates a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history, capturing moments of connection, strength and emotion in an unmissable cinematic experience that will be presented free to the public.

National Portrait Gallery Director Bree Pickering said Tiatia’s moving-image portrait is a celebration of a squad that transformed Australia. 

“In 2023, the Matildas brought us together and encouraged millions of Australians who didn’t believe sport was for them to get out on the pitch and cheer from the stands,” Ms Pickering said.

“Angela’s tender and powerful approach to the depiction of women through the lens created a portrait of 23 extraordinary athletes and one team. We are thrilled to share The Matildas with audiences at the Newcastle Art Gallery.”

A recipient of multiple awards, including the 2018 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize, Tiatia has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, including in the United States, Germany, South America, New Zealand, London and the in collateral exhibitions of the Venice Biennale, Italy. 

Her work is held in major public collections including the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Tickets for Angela Tiatia: Muse are on sale tomorrow via the Newcastle Art Gallery website. Entry to The Matildas, 2025 is free to the public. 

The exhibition runs from 26 September 2026 to 7 February 2027.

It will open alongside City of Newcastle’s flagship multi-arts festival, New Annual, which features 10 days of art, music, theatre and performance from 25 September to 4 October 2026.

The full program for New Annual will be unveiled on Friday 31 July.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 July. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging the contribution of the late Sue Prosser

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that extends Council’s greatest sympathy to Sue’s husband Rick Prosser, their children, friends and family, and to the Soul Hub community for the loss of Newcastle’s ‘mother of soul’.

Councillors’ commitment to financial sustainability in the face of increasing cost pressures, a funding system requiring reform, and increasing cost shifting

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that Council seeks to fully understand the impacts of the current local government funding system including cost shifting on City of Newcastle’s finances now, and the projected impacts in coming years, by commissioning independent advice to identify, describe and quantify the impacts where possible.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Cultural Plan 2026-2036

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s Cultural Plan 2026–2036, which provides Newcastle with a clear, coordinated, and long-term approach to culture.

Accessibility and safety upgrades to pedestrian footpaths and roads Islington

Council voted unanimously to receive the petition titled “Petition for Accessibility and Safety Upgrades to Pedestrian Footpaths and Roads in Islington” and refer it to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.

Notices of Motion 

Adopting an area wide approach to current and future parking needs

Council supported an amended notice of motion to consider a review of current and future parking needs through a systematic analysis of current parking supply and access including the role of signage, traffic flow and redirection in accessing existing parking. City of Newcastle will write to the State Members for Newcastle, Wallsend and Charlestown advocating for the implementation of improved public transport servicing across Newcastle.

Free period products in city buildings

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion for an initial 12-month pilot of free period products in a selection of City of Newcastle buildings. City of Newcastle will write to the State Members for Newcastle, Wallsend and Charlestown, asking that they advocate to the NSW Government for leadership and investment to ensure a coordinated, equitable, and sustainable response to period poverty.

Climate compensation to protect ratepayers

Council supported an amended notice of motion that the Lord Mayor write to the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy and the Federal Member for Newcastle calling on the Australian Government and Parliament to establish a Climate Compensation Fund to support communities, households and local governments in meeting the costs of climate adaptation, resilience and disaster recovery.

Congratulating Hunter Wildlife Rescue on a successful flying fox rescue station

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion acknowledging the work Hunter Wildlife Rescue volunteers do, rescuing and caring for injured animals across the Hunter and congratulates them on the release of 70 flying foxes for the 2025/2026 season. Council also acknowledges the important role Blackbutt Reserve plays as a final release location for rescued flying foxes.

Beaumont Street, Hamilton SBR precinct community safety audit

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle requests the CEO provide a report to Councillors, which considers advice in the Hamilton Community Safety Audit report, identifying which of the recommendations can be delivered within current City of Newcastle policy and project delivery frameworks, including timeframes for delivery.

Briefing request on State Housing Policy

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that the Lord Mayor write to Minister Paul Scully as the lead responsible Minister for the Department of Planning, Housing to obtain a comprehensive briefing pack delivering a clear understanding of the NSW Government’s social and affordable housing targets, how they are to be delivered, and their applicability in Newcastle. If this is not acceptable, would there be a preference to attend a public briefing.

Reducing gambling harm

Council supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle writes via the Lord Mayor to the Premier of NSW and the Minister for Gaming and Racing expressing support for the Wesley Mission campaign and outlining the impacts of gambling harm in Newcastle and the need for balanced, evidence-based reforms that reduce harm while recognising the role of registered clubs in supporting community outcomes.

Late item – train manufacturing 

Council unanimously supported a late notice of motion to formally welcome the NSW Labor Government’s $12 billion commitment to return train manufacturing to the Hunter and writes to the Premier of NSW, the Minister for Transport, the Minister for the Hunter and all Hunter State MP’S reaffirming City of Newcastle’s commitment to work collaboratively with neighbouring councils, industry and the NSW Government to ensure this project delivers the greatest possible economic benefit for the entire Hunter region.

More than 160 staff from City of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health have joined forces to plant a community tiny forest in Wallsend as part of a $500,000 project.

The creation of this tiny forest will be one of two covering an area of 1,185m2 at Collier Street Park as part of the Greening Wallsend initiative, which will also add hundreds of new trees and biodiverse street gardens to the suburb.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery join staff from City of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, The Groundswell Collective and NSW Ambulance to plant a community tiny forest at Collier Street Park.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the project will deliver a mix of innovative, urban greening solutions.

“Wallsend experiences significant urban heat, biodiversity gaps and declining private vegetation cover,” Ms Kikken said.

“This project will deliver 150 new street trees and 70 new park trees at locations such as Whitegates Reserve, a further community planting opportunity at Neals Park, as well as almost 3000m² of biodiverse road verge gardens adjacent to the western corridor road upgrades.

“We started this project by involving local students on Schools Tree Day on Friday and had overwhelming support from the community on National Tree Day, with more than 250 people attending to plant trees, learn about local biodiversity and participate in a range of guided walks.

“The urban forest improves the health of residents by improving air quality and providing a buffer to heat sources, including major roads, while also supporting mental wellbeing and enhancing the liveability of the area.”

The project aims to enhance Newcastle’s urban forest by creating connected canopy cover and vegetation for iconic, threatened and pollinator species including the squirrel glider, while the increase in vegetation will also provide more shade and help to reduce urban heat.

City of Newcastle has partnered with local not-for-profit The Groundswell Collective to plan, deliver and monitor the community tiny forests in Collier Street Park.

Hunter New England Health’s Alana Stoeger said the new Community Tiny Forests near the Wallsend campus will have a positive impact on both residents and staff.

“Extreme heat is a well-documented driver of poorer health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations,” Ms Stoeger said.

“Increasing canopy cover will directly reduce that heat island effect and the associated risk of heat related illness while creating green space for nature-based, culturally responsive health interventions that support physical and mental wellbeing.

“This partnership between City of Newcastle, The Groundswell Collective and HNELHD reflects a growing recognition of the inextricable link between human health and planetary health.”

The project is supported by $400,000 from the NSW Government’s Greening our City Grants.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said this is the first time this type of funding has been extended beyond Sydney councils.

“I’m very pleased to see NSW Government funding contribute to more tree planting from City of Newcastle in the Wallsend electorate,” Ms Hornery said.

“These trees will contribute to shading, improve air quality and reduce urban heat, all while contributing to a more aesthetic environment.”

Once they mature, the trees planted during this project are expected to increase canopy cover in Wallsend by almost 13,000m², contributing to City of Newcastle’s targets of 30% canopy cover within road reserves and 40% canopy cover in open space across the city by 2045.

A program that has educated more than 800,000 participants on the importance of water safety made a splash at Hamilton North Public School today to celebrate its 60^th anniversary.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle lifeguards and students from Hamilton North Public School celebrate 60 years of the Water Safety Education ProgramCity of Newcastle’s free Water Safety Education Program began in 1966 with beach inspectors John Young and Kevin Mongan teaching children about safe surf practices and beach behaviour.

Six decades later, the comprehensive eight-week program also includes advice on locations such as pools and open bodies of water, with lifeguards visiting 50 schools across the Newcastle each year to help kids stay prepared, feel confident and be safe.

City of Newcastle lifeguard Sam Biddle said the program has made an impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“I took part in the program as a student and have now been part of its delivery for more than 10 years,” Mr Biddle said.

“We run the program over eight weeks in Term 3 so children in Newcastle are well-prepared for the popular spring and summer swimming seasons.

“By actively engaging children and empowering them with the knowledge to keep them safe, we hope to prevent drownings, accidents and minimise children getting into dangerous situations around water.”

According to Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2025/26 Summer Report, 50 coastal drowning deaths were recorded across the country, with the majority occurring in regional and remote locations.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation Donna McGovern said these swimming spots are typically unsupervised and hard to reach with emergency response services.

“Our lifeguards do an incredible job, but the community also needs to reduce risk-taking behaviour and make safer choices when visiting the coast,” Ms McGovern said.

“Surf Life Saving Australia data shows that 66% of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than one kilometre from a patrolled location, reinforcing the importance of teaching children and young people the skills they need to stay safe at the beach.

“City of Newcastle lifeguards use extensive on-the-job experience and knowledge to educate children about water safety in a fun, smart and interactive way, committing more than 700 hours each year to this program.

“They’re also dedicated to water safety education every day, consistently engaging with the community to promote key messages.”

Water Safety Education Program at Hamilton North Public School Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the program is vital for Newcastle’s changing demographic and increasing population.

“A lot of new citizens move to Newcastle because of its stunning coastline, but they are often disproportionately represented in drowning statistics,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This program seeks to interactively educate every child about water safety and covers the beach, pools and open bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and dams.

“Educating our young people empowers them to transfer water safety knowledge to their families, turning students into instructors and creating a powerful cycle of learning.”

Construction of the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Gillieston Public School is well progressed, with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison visiting the site today to see how the new permanent buildings are taking shape.
When it opens on Day 1 Term 1, 2027, students will be learning in state-of-the-art permanent classrooms after decades in demountables, which multiplied across the site for years as the former Liberal National government failed to address long-standing enrolment growth.
The redevelopment of the school will deliver 32 new modern classrooms, three support classrooms, a new library and a new hall with a canteen, new outdoor spaces and upgraded sports facilities as well as an outside of school hours (OOSH) care facilities.
The new permanent buildings will cater for over 730 students, replacing 20 demountable classrooms, which had become a fixture in which the majority of students were learning under the Liberals and Nationals.
It will also include a new public preschool, one of 100 new public preschools the Minns Labor Government is delivering across NSW by 2027.
The onsite public preschool will have capacity for up to 120 children per week as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expand access to public early learning.
Structural works for the main three-storey school building have been completed, and the internal fit out is progressing well. The steel framework for the hall is in place, and internal fit out for the preschool is almost complete.
The delivery of new classrooms is being matched with more teachers in our schools, with teacher vacancies across   public schools in Maitland by   falling by 73   per cent under this government.
This follows the Minns Labor Government’s move to abolish the Liberals and Nationals’ wages cap, delivering NSW teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.
The Minns Labor Government is prioritising investment in new and upgraded public schools in Maitland, with recent growth rates indicating the region will exceed the projected population trajectory of 144,500 residents by 2041.
In addition to the Gillieston Public School redevelopment, the education infrastructure pipeline for Maitland includes:
· Thornton Public School upgrade
· New public primary school in Chisholm with co-located public early learning
· Relocation and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School
· New public preschool at Tenambit Public School
In the broader Hunter region, the Minns Labor Government is also building the new and upgraded schools growing communities need, including a new public primary school in Huntlee and a new high school in Medowie. 
The projects are part of a record $9.2 billion investment by the NSW Government in school infrastructure through the 2026-27 Budget, which includes $2.3 billion for new and upgraded schools across regional NSW. 
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“We’re removing the demountables that took over Gillieston Public School by investing in the schools, early learning facilities and teachers that that fast-growing communities in Maitland urgently need.
“It’s fantastic to see construction progressing well on this project, which will next year welcome local students and preschoolers for the first time into the state-of-the-art classrooms they deserve.
“We aren’t just building the schools that communities need, we’re also making sure that they have teachers in them by driving down teacher vacancies.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“Maitland is the fastest-growing part of NSW outside of Western Sydney, and the Minns Labor Government is ensuring young families who move here to build their lives have access to a world-class, local public school.
“For years and years the Liberals and Nationals thought it was good enough to leave the majority of students at Gillieston Public School learning inside ageing demountables.
“Labor believes students deserve to learn and grow in high-quality, permanent classrooms and that’s exactly what we are delivering for families in Gillieston.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the new and improved Gillieston Public School coming together right in front of us. This is an investment in Gillieston’s future and a promise delivered for local families, who have been advocating for these upgrades for years.
“With 35 modern classrooms and a brand-new preschool, this redevelopment will transform education in Gillieston, giving local students access to the high-quality facilities they deserve.”
Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said:
“Our school community has experienced significant growth, and we are incredibly excited to see this project continue to take shape. The new facilities will build on the strong learning environment already established at Gillieston Public School and provide contemporary spaces that will support our students, staff and community well into the future.
“These new learning spaces will provide our teachers with flexible and engaging environments that support high-quality teaching and help every student to learn and grow.
“We are delighted by the progress that has been made and look forward to welcoming our students, families and staff into the new facilities in 2027.”

A man will face court after being charged following an investigation into alleged acts of domestic violence, assault, sexual assault and firearm offences in the Hunter Valley area.

On Saturday 25 July 2026, officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information a 29-year-old woman had been physically and sexually assaulted by a man known to her since December 2025.

It is further alleged in June 2025, the man shot the woman approximately 10 times with a gel blaster rifle, causing her significant bruising to her leg, arms and body.

Police will also allege the woman was assaulted by the man on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

Following inquiries, about 2.45pm yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2026), police arrested a 39-year-old man at a home on Olney Street, Ellalong.

Police have searched the home where they allegedly located and seized multiple child-like sex dolls, prohibited weapons including firearms, crossbows a sword, a knife and whips along with cannabis.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with 42 offences:

• Three counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm
• Two counts of common assault (DV)
• Three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV)
• Fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property (DV)
• Five counts of possess child-like sex doll or other object
• 20 counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Three counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Possess unauthorised pistol
• Three counts of possess prohibited drug, and
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today Monday 27 July 2026.

A woman has died following a single vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Valley yesterday.

Just after 10am (Sunday 26 July 2026), emergency services were called to Quince Tree Lane, Congewai, about 18km south of Cessnock, following reports a quad bike had rolled.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told the rider – an 18-year-old man – was riding a quad bike before it had rolled – ejecting the passenger – an 18-year-old woman.

The woman was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene; however, she could not be revived.

The man was taken to Cessnock Hospital for a mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the woman’s death.

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

Economic sustainability, memorable experiences, world-class events and a thriving night-time economy will take centre stage in a new strategy designed to create a more vibrant Newcastle for residents, visitors and industry.

Proposals are being invited to support the research and development of City of Newcastle’s new five-year City Vibrancy Strategy.

Major events such as City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival New Annual, play an important role in the economic growth and vibrancy of the city.

The strategy will provide a roadmap to support business growth and sustainability, enhance the visitor economy, strengthen the city’s night-time economy and unlock new opportunities for investment, business and job creation.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said Newcastle’s evolution as a diversified economy ripe for investment, as well as an appealing events and tourism destination is building momentum, delivering a range of economic benefits.

“Newcastle has become a city that delivers the complete package, from its breathtaking beaches and thriving cultural scene to its outstanding hospitality, major events calendar and experiences that continue well into the evening,” Cr Morris said.

“We’re seeing increased investment attraction across a range of sectors, more visitors choosing to stay longer, travel for major events and spending more whilst enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer. That presents a significant opportunity for our local economy and businesses.

“This strategy is about making sure we harness that momentum. We want to grow visitation, encourage investment, create jobs and continue building a city that’s vibrant every day of the week and at all hours of the day.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will review and consolidate City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Night-Time Economy Strategy and Events Plan into a single, coordinated framework.

A key focus will be growing Newcastle’s diversified economy, its reputation as a premium leisure destination and extending appeal to international markets on the back of Newcastle Airport’s recent expansion and the introduction of new routes and connections.

It will review City of Newcastle’s commitment to attracting and facilitating major events, assess the use of Council-owned venues and public spaces, identify opportunities for sustainable event growth and explore how this can increase overnight visitation.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen said major events were a key economic and tourism driver. 

“The calibre of events Newcastle is attracting today would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago. From international concerts to world-class sporting events, we’re proving that Newcastle can compete on the national and global stage,” Cr Clausen said.

“We’ve got a significant pipeline of major events locked in, welcoming global music heavyweights including the Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams and Guns N’ Roses, alongside sporting spectacles such as the Rugby League and Rugby World Cups. These events don’t just fill venues, they fill our hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses while showcasing everything Newcastle has to offer to new audiences.

“We’ve built incredible momentum over recent years and now is the time to think strategically about how we build on that success, working alongside industry and all levels of government to maximise every opportunity.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will explore opportunities to support business growth and sustainability, investigating City of Newcastle’s role in supporting the local economy, emerging sectors.

It will look to strengthen the night-time economy and investigate the feasibility of one or more Special Entertainment Precincts, including Midtown, to encourage a range of 24-hour economic activity. This responds to a notice of motion endorsed by the elected council in March 2026.

The Night-Time Economy 2026 Report, released this week by the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, underpins the importance of this sector in Newcastle, where it recorded a turnover of $2.3 billion in 2025, and accounted for 13,600 jobs across 1,027 businesses. 

Councillor Paige Johnson said it is important to create and support places where people want to spend time and where local businesses can thrive.

“Special Entertainment Precincts are one tool that have the potential to unlock new economic opportunities and support a vibrant nightlife in Newcastle,” Cr Johnson said.

“Following the Council resolution about exploring a Special Entertainment Precinct for Midtown Newcastle, the Strategy will be informed by community engagement and consultation on how SEPs could support live music, hospitality, arts and culture, while meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will outline and guide how City of Newcastle can best support Newcastle’s economic growth during the next five years, alongside other layers of government and the private sector. 

More details are available online, with proposals open until 25 August.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Tahlia Kim, aged 25, was last seen in Maitland about 6am today (Saturday 25 July 2026).

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

Family and police have serious concerns for Tahila’s welfare

Tahila is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait islander appearance, 160cm, thin build and brown hair.

It is not known what she maybe wearing.

Tahila is known to frequent the Maitland, Fletcher and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detectives have seized cannabis following a search warrant at a Hunter Valley this morning.

About 7.30am (Tuesday 21 July 2026), Hunter Valley Detectives and the Hunter Valley Proactive Crime Team attended a home in Cessnock to execute a search warrant.

During a search of the home, officers located an elaborate hydroponic cannabis cultivation setup.

Police seized a total of 260 mature cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $520,000.

Officers also seized cannabis seedlings, dried cannabis, and hydroponic equipment.

The premises was found to be illegally connected to the power grid and was disconnected with the assistance of a utility provider.

The scene was forensically examined by specialist police, with inquiries into the incident continuing by Hunter Valley Police District.