Category: Newcastle News

Workers, families and community members will gather this Sunday at Wangi-Wangi Bowling Club for a Myuna Community Family Fun Day as part of the growing campaign to secure a fair long-term coal supply agreement and protect local jobs.

The event brings together Myuna workers, their families and supporters from across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter to demonstrate visible community backing for the 300 direct jobs and thousands more supply-chain roles that depend on the mine remaining open while Eraring Power Station continues operating.

Organisers say the day is about showing the human side of the campaign and the real families behind the headlines.

“This is a community that wants a fair and orderly future, not uncertainty,” a spokesperson said. “Myuna exists solely to supply Eraring, and when decisions are made about the power station, the people who keep it running should not be left behind.”

The Family Fun Day is designed to be positive and family-friendly while reinforcing the strength of local support.

Activities will include children’s entertainment, face painting, a petting zoo, mining equipment on display, a sausage sizzle and lots more.

Event Details:
What: Myuna Community Family Fun Day
When: Sunday, 11:00am (speeches from 12)
Where: Wangi-Wangi Bowling Club

Media are welcome to attend. Interviews with workers, families and campaign representatives will be available on the day as well as powerful imagery of what’s at stake.

A man has been charged after allegedly displaying Nazi symbols in the state’s Hunter region.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation on Saturday 31 January 2026, following reports Nazi symbols were displayed on a council issued bin in Cessnock.

Following inquiries, a 44-year-old man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice today (Thursday 5 February 2026), for the charge of knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

He is due to face Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 19 March 2026.

A stacked line-up of world-class sport, music and stage performances is ensuring Newcastle continues to be the hottest ticket in town for fans and promoters of live events.

Strong sales are expected when tickets go on sale today for the upcoming Women’s State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium, which last year attracted almost 22,000 rugby league fans to Newcastle.

NSW player and Newcastle Knights women’s captain Yasmin Meakes, McDonald Jones Stadium Venue Manager Dean Mantle and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz celebrate tickets going on sale for the Women’s State of Origin match in April.Australian comedian Kitty Flannagan is already feeling the love from Newcastle audiences, adding two extra shows to her existing run of four dates at the Civic Theatre this week due to demand.

Thousands of music lovers are also preparing to converge on Foreshore Park on 14 February for the return of the Howlin’ Country music festival, headlined by Grammy winner Lainey Wilson and Nashville-based Newcastle singer songwriter Morgan Evans.

These events are just a taste of what’s ahead for Newcastle, with some of the world’s best male and female surfers set to make waves as part of the World Surfing League Challenger Series event, which will headline Surfest in March.

Men’s and women’s international rugby league stars will showcase their skills in October and November for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with matches featuring Fiji, Cook Islands and New Zealand, as well as a semi-final double header.

The global Rugby World Cup juggernaut will kick plenty of goals for union fans in October 2027 with the schedule revealing Newcastle will play host to pool matches featuring Japan v Samoa, Fiji v Spain, Uruguay v Portugal and Italy v Georgia.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Group Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said events are key to creating a vibrant and prosperous city.

“Sold out shows, record crowds and repeat bookings by organisers demonstrate the huge demand in Newcastle for events that engage all ages and demographics, and cater to a range of tastes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Major international-level events also help put Newcastle on the map with global audiences, providing opportunities to capture tourism, economic growth and job creation by catering to locals and attracting fans from around the country and across the world.” 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle is an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city. 

“Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to stage major events or be included on their national tour schedules,” Cr Barrie said.

“This reputation has been fostered and continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle, and collaborations with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and our major events partnership with Venues NSW.

“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering high‑quality events that generate immediate economic returns and ongoing benefits for the community.

“These events contribute millions in direct spending and unlock a breadth of wider benefits, including repeat tourism, stronger supply chains, enhanced workforce skills, increased industry capability and more employment opportunities for locals.”

To stay up to date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on

Police are appealing for information from the public following a suspicious fire near Newcastle last week.

Just after midnight (Friday 23 January 2026), emergency services were called to a business on Albert Street, Wickham, after reports of smoke coming from the building.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a fire burning on the ground floor before extinguishing the blaze. Smoke and water damage was occasioned to the ground floor.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was forensically examined.

Newcastle detectives have commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Halesworth, which is being treated as suspicious and thought related to another similar incident on the night of the 20/1/26.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of two men, and a small, light-coloured vehicle seen in the area about the time of fire. Police are appealing to members of the public if they saw anyone acting suspiciously last Friday night, or have dashcam footage, to contact police.

The first male is described as medium height and build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper and joggers.

The second male is described as medium to thin build, wearing long pants, hooded jumper, socks and slides.

Preliminary operational data and high-level feedback from the powered vessel free zones which ran from the 24 December to 26 January over the peak holiday period has shown the trial to largely be a success.

Executive Director Transport for NSW Maritime, Mark Hutchings said that early feedback reflects a broad cross-section of waterway users, including both residents and visitors.

“The trial operational data shows a high compliance rate with minimal complaints,” Mr Hutchings said.

“This was a practical way to test solutions in response to community concerns. We’ve heard consistent feedback about safety and amenity issues on our busy waterways and this trial is a direct response.

“A comprehensive and independent report is expected to be finalised by the end of March which will help us better understand the benefits and any issues with the trial. The report will be released publicly once reviewed.

“No future decisions will be made until that report is assessed as it will include results from feedback being gathered through on-site conversations with residents and visitors, along with observations during peak use periods, focus groups and interviews scheduled post-trial.”

The independent evaluation will assess both quantitative data and qualitative experience, not just sentiment alone. Over 400 residents and visitors, as well as 160 powered vessel users have been consulted.

Engagement is ongoing with more targeted surveys and focus groups occurring in February. Initial anecdotal sentiment shows that when asked whether they support or had concerns about the vessel free zone respondents replied:

• Many stakeholders responded very positively to the trial.
• Some called for a complete ban on jet skis while others thought it was fair for everyone.
• There were mixed views about potential impacts on local businesses, some positives others unsure.
• There was some confusion about what activities were restricted and what access remained permitted.

These inputs are from the Have Your Say website feedback which is one input only. Online survey results are one part of a broader evidence base.

During the trial all powered vessels had to stay at least 30m from the shoreline. Clear signage was installed at all trial sites and nearby launch points.

The trial was important as NSW jet ski ownership has climbed by nearly 23 per cent over the last five years and licenses have surged by 38 per cent with Port Stephens one of the high use areas.

Maritime Boating Safety Officers worked with NSW Police Marine Area Command on the water to educate the community about the trial and encourage compliance from powered vessel users.

New data reveals that 8,280 first home buyers in the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have been given a helping hand by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $21,513 off the cost of their first home.

The program provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.  

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

Across the region, the top suburbs to benefit are Wallsend (641 first homes), Maitland (586), Cardiff (570) and Cessnock (520).

It includes 2,302 first home buyers in the Lake Macquarie LGA, 1,983 in Newcastle LGA, and 1,575 in Maitland LGA, 1,275 in Cessnock LGA and 613 in Port Stephens LGA.

Across NSW, 82,174 first home buyers have benefited from the First Home Buyers Assistance since July 2023.  Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.  

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard.

More information about First Home Buyers Assistance is available at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/assistance-scheme.

Acting Minister for the Hunter Paul Scully:

“The Hunter is quickly earning its reputation as one of the state’s most desirable places to live, work and build a future. This announcement is a clear reflection of that momentum.

“When we came into government, we made a clear commitment to help people access the basics including housing and we’re delivered on it.

“We’re proud to be delivering affordable housing across the Hunter, giving more people the chance to put down roots in a region full of opportunity, strong communities and a bright future.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“For more than 80,000 people, this has meant paying less upfront and getting into a home sooner.

“We’re backing first home buyers because everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home in NSW.

“As our landmark planning reforms deliver more homes, we will continue making it easier for first-time buyers to make them their own.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families plant their roots across the state.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

City of Newcastle is one of only two councils in Australia to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the peak national body for diversity in the workplace.

It is the second time City of Newcastle has been included on Diversity Council Australia’s annual Inclusive Employer Index, joining more than 80 organisations nationwide that have been recognised for best-practice inclusion.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to embedding inclusion across its workforce and culture.

“This recognition is meaningful because it is based on feedback from our people,” Mr Bath said.

“Being one of only two local councils in Australia to receive Inclusive Employer status highlights the strength of our approach to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.

“Achieving this for the second time reinforces our commitment to embedding inclusion in everyday practice.”

To be included on the list, organisations must exceed the National Index Benchmark in at least five out of the six following areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team, and exclusion. The evidence-based assessment uses staff survey data and independent analysis.

Mr Bath said the recognition reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing delivery of its Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IDE) Strategy, which was launched in 2023 around the pillars of inclusive culture, inclusive leadership, and a diverse, representative workforce.

The strategy targets five priority areas: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, accessibility, culturally and linguistically diverse inclusion, gender equity, and LGBTIQ+ inclusion.

Key initiatives of the approach include inclusive leadership programs, tailored staff learning, diverse working groups, workplace adjustments, inclusive recruitment practices, accessibility support, and ongoing awareness campaigns.

Chair of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the recognition is testament to City of Newcastle’s leadership within the local government sector. 

“This acknowledgement recognises what can be achieved when inclusion, equity, and accessibility is embedded into both organisational strategy as well as everyday practice,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“The work delivered under the City of Newcastle’s IDE Strategy takes an intersectional approach in recognising and supporting the diverse lived experiences and perspectives of each person in the workforce. 

“This recognition is a demonstration of City of Newcastle’s dedication to fostering a strong culture of inclusion and wellbeing for its employees, and in the community more broadly.” 

For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
 
 John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara’s House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.

From L-R Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny’s Place representative Dawn Walker and John Cross. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city’s social fabric.

“John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough,” Cr Kerridge said.

“John’s consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda’s work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle. We are incredibly proud to honour two people who give so much of themselves to others.”

One of John’s most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn “Shorty” Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long‑term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.

Over the last five years, Wanda has served as the Secretary and Public Officer for Zara’s House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.

She has also assisted numerous refugees to eliminate debt and serves as the coordinator of a bilingual early education program, providing teachers with age‑appropriate activities tailored to each child.

City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.

Peter ‘Sleapy’ Sleap is a well-known character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.

Since 2019, Peter’s charity Sleapy’s Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community. 

In the past year, Sleapy’s Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy’s Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.

Rounding out this year’s honours, City of Newcastle has also named its Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, acknowledging the contributions of emerging leaders and vital community organisations.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.

As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls’ games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year.

Community Group of the Year went to Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

In the past year, Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.

The organisation continues to enhance its support model, establishing the Community Transport Program in 2025 to help clients without access to a vehicle or who have difficulty affording public transport.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of exemplary Novocastrians over the past year.