Appeal for information after firearms stolen, vehicle set alight – Cooranbong

Detectives are appealing for information as an investigation continues into serious property offences in Lake Macquarie last month.

Between 10pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026 and 2.30am on Wednesday 24 June 2026, unknown people forced entry to a home on Babers Road, Cooranbong.

Several items, including five registered firearms, power tools, and an orange Holden Colorado were stolen.

About 4am on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were called to another home on Babers Road following reports of a vehicle fire. Police established that two individuals approached a parked SUV before it burst into flames. The vehicle was destroyed.

Crime scenes at both locations were established and an investigation commenced by Lake Macquarie Detectives.

CCTV from the area depicts a small white sedan and a white Ford Ranger travelling on Barbers Road before and after the incidents.

Three people were also depicted on CCTV in the vicinity of the homes.

As inquiries into the incidents continue, police wish to speak with anyone who can identify the people or vehicles seen in the area at the time.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, or who may have dash cam footage from Babers Road between 10pm Tuesday 23 June 2026 and 4 am on Wednesday 24 June 2026, is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Detectives on 02 4922 8899.

FULL STEAM AHEAD ON MUSWELLBROOK BYPASS

The $381 million Muswellbrook Bypass is powering forward with early work well underway and a refined design to deliver safer journeys, faster freight movements and better outcomes for the local community.
 
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the Australian Government is investing $304.8 million and the NSW Government $76.2 million to deliver the transformative New England Highway upgrade.
 
The bypass will reshape travel through the Upper Hunter by diverting around 2,500 heavy vehicles a day away from Muswellbrook’s town centre, creating safer roads, more reliable freight movements and a more connected community.
 
Every day, around 20,000 vehicles travel through the heart of Muswellbrook.
 
Once complete, the bypass will provide a free-flowing 100 km/h alternative route for through traffic, cutting congestion, improving travel time reliability for freight operators and reducing conflicts between heavy vehicles, local traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
 
The project’s refined design delivers a safer, more resilient and more efficient road network.  
Key refinements include:
· a safer intersection at Milpera Drive
· improved northern and southern connections
· better local road access
· a dedicated U-turn facility on the New England Highway north of the project.
The updated design also reduces flooding impacts, improves traffic movements and minimises property acquisition.
The project is expected to provide a significant boost to the regional economy, supporting about 720 jobs during construction.
Early works are progressing across the project, with the Aboriginal cultural heritage salvage program, undertaken in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, completed in late 2025. Utility relocation work is underway, and dynamic compaction work is now progressing on a section of the alignment crossing a backfilled open-cut mine ahead of major construction.
Completing this work ahead of the main construction contract will help reduce project risk and minimise potential delays during construction.
The project is also moving closer to major construction, with shortlisted applicants progressed to the Request for Tender stage.
The project has been fast tracked with main construction expected to start in 2027.
For more information visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/muswellbrook-bypass-new-england-highway: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/muswellbrook-bypass-new-england-highway.
 
Alongside the bypass, Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road have now both been officially re-categorised as state roads, recognising their strategic importance to the regional freight network.
 
The reclassification means the NSW Government will take responsibility for their ongoing maintenance, reducing costs for Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain said:
“With early works well underway and a refined design finalised, we are powering forward to deliver this $304.8 million Australian Government investment, ensuring trips across the Upper Hunter will be quicker and safer, sooner.
“By moving heavy vehicles onto an alternate route and removing traffic lights, we will fast-track freight movements and save critical time for motorists and truck drivers traveling through the Upper Hunter.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Minns Labor Government’s $76.2 million investment in this bypass is about delivering the infrastructure the Hunter has been waiting for.
“The Hunter powers our state, and we’re making sure the infrastructure keeps pace with its ambition by backing families, businesses and the jobs that drive this region forward.
”There is nowhere else quite like the Hunter and this project is another important step in securing its future.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Muswellbrook Bypass is one of the most significant road projects underway in the Upper Hunter. It will take 20,000 vehicles out of the town centre, making local streets safer while giving freight operators a faster, more reliable route.
“And it’s not the only win for the region. For years, Muswellbrook Shire Council asked the former Liberal and National Government for help with these roads, and for years they were ignored. That government promised to reclassify 15,000 kilometres of roads across the state and never delivered.
“We’re getting on with the job they walked away from. I’m proud that Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road are now officially reclassified as state roads, with the NSW Government taking on responsibility for these important freight links.”
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:
“For a long time, the people of Muswellbrook were just told about a bypass, but now they can actually see it happening.
“We are getting closer to having heavy traffic flowing away from the town centre, which will make our local streets safer and quieter, and give locals their community back.”
Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:
“I’ve seen firsthand what 20,000 vehicles a day rattling through Muswellbrook does to this town – the noise, the wear on streets, the risk to families crossing the road.
“This bypass finally takes that pressure off. Combined with recategorizing Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road, we’re backing the freight routes this region relies on.
“I look forward to seeing the project progressing over the coming months.”

SECURING THE HUNTER’S FUTURE: JOBS AND INVESTMENT FROM MINING LAND REUSE

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region’s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.
The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend have been revealed today delivering on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.
These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region.
The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter’s skilled workforce combined with the proximity of strong rail, road, power and water infrastructure lay the foundation for the success of new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal mining areas will be transformed from supplying coal to providing new job opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.
The plans deliver on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ effort in the Hunter that land previously used for mining can be transformed for new employment and industry.
Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook
Following the commercial decision by BHP to cease mining operations at their Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop. 
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
·        Total area of 5,400 hectares
·        Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
·        Approximately 5,900 new jobs.
Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba/West Wallsend
The Macquarie Coal Complex, located just 20km south-west of Newcastle, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
·        Total area of 1,160 hectares
·        At least 500 hectares of developable land
·        Up to 1,130 new jobs
·        Around 36 hectares of new open space
Next Steps
A recommendations report will be handed down based on these pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a clear reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.
This complements other work by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments along with local councils, already underway to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state including Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.
The draft master plans are on public exhibition for 28 days from 14 July to 11 August. In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period, giving the community the chance to speak directly with the project team.
Community feedback received during this time will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. To view the proposals and have your say, visit Mt Arthur Mine: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/pre-exhibition/mt-arthur-mine or Macquarie Coal Complex: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/macquarie-coal-complex . 
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:
“The Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth.
“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation –powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future.
“These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state’s economic powerhouses.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to plan for the Hunter’s future, including making the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.
“These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW.”
NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
“Coal mines in the Hunter have sustained communities and families for generations, and we want to make sure these sites can continue to support jobs even after mining ends.
“This is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is partnering with communities and industry to re-build manufacturing and industry across the Hunter.”
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:
“The Hunter’s next chapter has been built here, by Hunter workers, using Hunter skills. These plans are about turning former mine land into future job sites, with real opportunities in manufacturing, renewables, logistics and industry.
“We’ve got the workforce, we’ve got the know-how, and we’ve got the infrastructure. Now it’s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed.”
NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
“The Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter, creating opportunities for local workers, businesses and communities as the region’s economy evolves.”
“The more than 7,000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunters skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:
“This project is critical for our community. We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.”
“This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:
“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future.
“By working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we’re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves.”

Motorcyclist dies following crash – Hamilton North

A man has died following a crash in the State’s Newcastle region yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Clyde Street, Hamilton North, about 7.15am yesterday (Saturday 11 July 2026), following reports of a motorcycle crash.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a motorcycle had crashed into a fence.

The motorcycle rider – a 55-year-old man – died at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the cause of the crash.

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

Investigation underway after fatal stabbing – Hamilton South

An investigation is underway after a man died following a stabbing in Hamilton South this afternoon.

About 3.30pm (Saturday 11 July 2026), emergency services were called to Hassall Street, Hamilton South, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a man believed to be aged in his 40s, suffering from a stab wound.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Shortly thereafter, police received notification that the man had died in hospital.

A crime scene has been established which is currently undergoing forensic examination by specialist police.

An investigation by Newcastle detectives, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, has commenced.

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

Rider dies after two-vehicle crash – Hunter Valley

A motorcycle rider has died following a two-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley area earlier today.

About 2:45pm on Saturday 11 July 2026, emergency services were called to Leggetts Drive, Pelaw Main (2km south of Kurri Kurri), following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found a car and a motorcycle had collided.

The rider of the motorcycle – a 58-year-old man – was treated at the scene by first responders and NSW Ambulance Paramedics, but could not be revived.

The driver of the vehicle, a Mitsubish Mirage, a 72-year-old woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Leggetts Drive is closed in both directions at Pelaw Main while emergency services remain on site.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Motorists can use the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Hunter Expressway as an alternative route, and are advised to allow extra travel time.

For the latest traffic information on this incident, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/281237.

Maxwell Mine officially opens, backing 400+ local jobs in the Upper Hunter

The Minns Labor Government welcomes the news that more than 400 direct, ongoing jobs are being supported in the Upper Hunter, as the Maxwell Underground Mine officially opens today.

The mine, which is operated by Malabar Resources, was approved by the NSW Independent Planning Commission in 2020.

Today’s milestone marks the transition to long-term production, with around 430 permanent jobs confirmed, and a workforce drawn largely from communities across the Hunter.

At least 75 per cent of the coal produced at Maxwell will be suitable for steelmaking. That steel is critical to building homes, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, renewable energy assets and major infrastructure projects.

The Minns Government supports the Maxwell Underground Mine and recognises Malabar’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in the Hunter, its skilled workforce and its future.

Mining in NSW supports more than 30,000 direct jobs across the state, and it remains one of the state’s largest export industries, with the Hunter at the heart of that success.

The Hunter is one of Australia’s most important mining regions, with generations of local workers helping supply the energy, steelmaking and industrial resources that have supported growth across NSW and globally.

The opening comes as the Minns Labor Government continues to implement Coal Industry 2026-2050, which provides a long-term vision for the sector and recognises the enduring contribution coal mining makes to jobs, regional communities and the state’s economy.

The plan acknowledges that coal will continue to play an important role in NSW for decades to come, while giving workers, communities and industry greater certainty about the future and supporting continued investment in mining regions.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter has never been a region that waits for opportunity to arrive. We build it, mine it, grow it and power it – and Maxwell is proof of that.

“Four hundred and thirty long-term jobs is not just a number on a page. It is mortgages paid, apprentices trained, kids in local schools and money going through local businesses.

“Coal mining has played a central role in our state’s economic development for more than a century, and that contribution is not behind us, it is still being made today.

“Maxwell is a major vote of confidence in the Hunter, its workforce and its future, and the Minns Labor Government will keep backing the industries and the workers that keep the Hunter strong.”

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“NSW has a proud mining history and we are just as optimistic about its future.

“The coal industry continues to support thousands of jobs, strong regional communities and the industrial capability our state relies on.

“Through Coal Industry 2026-2050, the Minns Labor Government is providing a long-term vision for coal mining in NSW and backing the workers and communities that have helped build NSW.

“The Maxwell Underground Mine will support hundreds of local jobs and generate economic opportunities throughout the Upper Hunter for years to come.”

NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“This is an extraordinary vote of confidence in the Upper Hunter and our entire region.

“Maxwell will support more than 400 direct, ongoing jobs, as well as businesses, operators and communities across our region and throughout NSW.

“The Hunter knows the value of hard work and I congratulate everyone who has played a role in taking this project from planning to construction and now long-term production.”

Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council Jeff Drayton said:

“Maxwell is a major investment in the Upper Hunter and a real boost for local jobs, businesses and families.

“The opening of the mine is a significant milestone, and I welcome the long-term confidence Malabar Resources is showing in our region.”

Executive Chairman of Malabar Resources Wayne Seabrook said:

“Maxwell is now a working underground mine, supporting hundreds of long-term jobs and creating ongoing opportunities for people and businesses across the Upper Hunter.

“This is a proud milestone for Malabar, but more importantly it is a milestone for the people who have helped deliver it.

“Our team lives locally, works locally and contributes locally. These are people from Muswellbrook, Denman, Aberdeen, Scone, Singleton and the surrounding towns who have helped build a project that will be part of the Upper Hunter for decades to come.

“Projects like Maxwell do not happen without people. To every employee, contractor, supplier, neighbouring landholder and local business that has been part of this journey, thank you.

“Maxwell has moved from planning, to construction, to production. Today is about recognising that achievement and looking ahead to the next chapter for Malabar and the Upper Hunter.”

Rebuilding the Hunter train manufacturing workforce begins

Work has officially begun on the first Tangara train to be refurbished at Newcastle’s Cardiff Maintenance Centre, marking an important step in rebuilding the Hunter as one of Australia’s leading train manufacturing hubs. Almost 40 years after they were manufactured in Newcastle, the first of 18 Tangaras to be refurbished in the Cardiff facility has rolled into the workshop and work to extend its life by 10-15 years is now underway. The refurbishment program will employ 100 skilled workers and 20 apprentices at Cardiff, helping rebuild the workforce and manufacturing capability needed to support the Minns Labor Government’s $12 billion commitment to bring large-scale train manufacturing back to the Hunter again, after 12 years of offshoring by the former Liberal-National Government. Announced on Saturday, this investment will deliver a new state-owned train manufacturing facility in the Hunter, operated by a private manufacturer, which will deliver at least a 30-year pipeline of new trains. Two potential sites have been identified for the Hunter facility – a former coal mine at Teralba and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot near where the original Tangara fleet was manufactured. Site selection will be subject to due diligence and stakeholder consultation. The site is expected to employ up to 780 workers in construction and 550 ongoing jobs in the facility and supply chains and anchor more than 30 years of train manufacturing in the Hunter. Following construction of the new Tangara fleet, the pipeline will continue with the replacement of the Millennium and OSCAR fleets in the 2040s, before the Waratah fleet in the 2050s. It also delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s election commitments to set a target of a minimum 50 per cent local content for rolling stock contracts, and to begin procurement of the new Tangara fleet by the end of the first term in office.

The Tangara refurbishment program provides the bridge between today’s workforce and tomorrow’s manufacturing pipeline, ensuring skills, apprenticeships and capability continue to grow in the Hunter. The existing $447 million Tangara Life Extension Program includes replacing internal cladding, computer operating systems, installing more accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrading to the passenger address system and CCTV. Across five production lines at Auburn, Flemington and Cardiff, 55 eight-car Tangara trains will be refurbished over the next three years. The first refurbished Tangara train is set to return to service imminently. Premier Chris Minns said: “For too long, New South Wales got out of the business of building trains. We lost thousands of skilled jobs, manufacturing capability and the opportunity to keep billions of dollars of investment here at home. We’re changing that. “The Hunter has a proud history of building the trains that kept New South Wales moving. Our job is to make sure it has the opportunity to do it again, and not just for one project, but for generations to come.” Minister for Transport John Graham said: “It’s fantastic to see the first old Tangara train roll into the sheds at Cardiff, 40 years after it rolled out of Broadmeadow and began serving the travelling public. “The Hunter has a rich history of building trains, and this refurbishment work is the perfect way to ramp up the workforce as we bring train manufacturing back where it belongs. “We know mining and manufacturing jobs have been hit hard in this community and that’s put pressure on families. That’s why we’re committed to building trains in the Hunter again, so more of the jobs and investment stays here in NSW.” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: “This spectacular milestone is the first part of our plan to build and maintain trains in the Hunter again. “The Hunter built the original Tangaras. Almost 40 years later, we’re working on them again – and this time, we’re building a pipeline of work that will last for generations. “We have the skills, the workers and the industrial muscle, and we have a government willing to back the Hunter.” Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said: “Seeing work begin on the first Tangara refurbishment is a major milestone for the Hunter and the start of an exciting new chapter for rail manufacturing in NSW. “The Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in local staff, apprentices and businesses so more of this work can be delivered in our own state. “This investment is all about backing homegrown talent, and ensuring the Hunter continues to play a leading role in NSW’s rail network.” Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said: “For too long, billions of dollars in transport contracts were sent overseas. We are turning that around by creating jobs, strengthening local industry and rebuilding our sovereign manufacturing capability right here in NSW. “The Hunter has the workforce, the skills and the proud manufacturing history to lead this revival. With a long-term pipeline of work, the future is incredibly bright for local manufacturers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled workers.

“Manufacturers have consistently told us they need certainty to invest and grow. By committing to decades of train construction and a minimum 50 per cent local content target, we are giving industry the confidence to build capability, take on apprentices and create secure, long-term jobs.” Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said: “Our region has a strong and proud tradition of manufacturing trains. I’m pleased to see this refurbishment work being carried out right here in Cardiff, creating local jobs and economic opportunities locally.”

Beloved stories come to life through City of Newcastle’s school holiday activities

Generations of story lovers can revisit their favourite childhood characters these school holidays, with City of Newcastle bringing beloved books and television icons to life through hands-on activities. 

City of Newcastle’s school holiday program offers a mix of free and ticketed opportunities for children to create, build, explore and discover through stories, art, science and technology.

Children can step into the world of Julia Donaldson’s Room on the Broom with a wand-making workshop at Newcastle City Library on 8 July, ahead of the live adaptation at the Civic Theatre later this month.

An adaptation of Room on the Broom presented at The Civic Theatre later in the month will be the inspiration for a crafty wand-making workshop at Newcastle City Library during the school holidays.Families can continue the book-related adventure with the Rainbow Sheep Colour Party at Newcastle City Library on Wednesday 8 July, celebrating the colourful world of Mem Fox’s Where is the Green Sheep? Children are encouraged to dress as their favourite colour and enjoy storytime, sensory activities and the chance to meet cast members from Monkey Baa Theatre’s upcoming production at the Civic Theatre.

Visitors checking out Newcastle Museum’s free exhibition Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington can continue the fun with a range of squiggle-inspired activities across the school holidays. Free and low-cost workshops will be held at Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries including paper collage, collaborative drawing, coding and Minecraft workshops, as well as family-friendly sessions inspired by Mr Squiggle’s signature upside-down drawing style. 

City of Newcastle’s school holiday program offers a mix of free and ticketed opportunities for children to create, build, explore and discover through stories, art, science and technology. 

Hands-on workshops will bring the Brian Robinson: Multiverse exhibition to life at Newcastle Art Gallery. LEGO Printmaking in the Multiverse invites children to create prints inspired by Robinson’s fusion of pop culture and storytelling, with two sessions daily from 7-10 July, while Blooms in the Multiverse (14-17 July) encourages participants to design colourful three-dimensional sculptures inspired by the artists floral works. 

Readers can meet local author Odette Tokin and illustrator Anna Scobie during a special event celebrating their children’s book The Tiny Forest at Wallsend Library on 15 July. Children can also create native seed balls and mini bee hotels while learning about biodiversity and the natural world.

Graphic novel enthusiasts are invited to Newcastle City Library on 13 July for a Genre Journeys session to discover new titles and share recommendations spanning manga, superheroes and indie slice-of-life stories. 

NAIDOC Week activities feature in the program including an illustration workshop led by award-winning author and acclaimed First Nations storyteller Dub Leffler on 8 July at Newcastle City Library. Children can also create jewellery inspired by the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at Wallsend Library on 10 July or learn how to make rope from stringybark with Uncle Amos Simon on 9 July before enjoying a mini silent disco celebrating music from First Nations artists. 

Budding scientists, engineers and inventors can put their problem-solving skills to the test from 13 to 16 July through immersive STEM experiences delivered by STEM Punks Education at Wallsend Library. The free workshops introduce participants to virtual reality, robotics and 3D design while building problem-solving and collaboration skills. 

Young builders can drop in for timed LEGO building challenges at Newcastle Museum on 14 July, tackling timed building activities and race against the clock to build imaginative creations and experiment with ideas. 

High school students can build confidence on two wheels through free Bike School city riding workshops on 12 and 19 July. Beginning at Tighes Hill TAFE, the sessions include bike safety checks, route planning, shared path etiquette, safe road positioning and guidance on e-bike legalities before participants head out on to local streets.

More information and bookings are available via the Newcastle Museum’s events webpage,  Newcastle Libraries’ what’s on calendar and Newcastle Art Gallery’s events page. Bike school sessions can be booked through the City of Newcastle website. Room on The Broom and Where is The Green Sheep? can be booked through the The Civic Theatre website. 

Newcastle Art Gallery celebrates new milestone with return of $50,000 Kilgour Prize

One of Australia’s major art prizes is calling for entries for the first time in five years after being relaunched following the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery.

The prestigious Kilgour Prize awards $50,000 to the most outstanding work of figurative or portrait painting and attracted a record number of entries from across Australia when it was last held in 2021.

Kilgour Prize relaunchedNewcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM with Newcastle artist and previous Kilgour Prize winner Michael Bell, celebrate the relaunch of the major national art competition. They are pictured in front of the winning work from the inaugural Kilgour Prize, Beach life (pink zinc and figures), 2006, which was painted by Nicholas Harding.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said this was a milestone moment for the prize, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has been proud to administer the Kilgour Prize since it was established in 2006 following a bequest from artist Jack Noel Kilgour,” Ms Morton said.

“Since then, it has become a well-respected and coveted inclusion on the national art prize calendar, attracting an incredibly high calibre of entries from emerging and established artists across the country. 

“The prize has been on hold since the Gallery closed at the start of 2022 to undergo our major expansion project.

“We are thrilled that, as part of our reopening year, we are able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this nationally significant art prize.”

Almost 2,900 works have been entered into the Kilgour Prize since it was established, including a record 476 paintings received from across every state and territory in Australia in 2021.

In addition to the $50,000 first prize, a further $5,000 is awarded to the work of art voted most popular by the general public.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the Kilgour Prize will continue Newcastle Art Gallery’s place on the national stage.

“The Gallery has been overwhelmingly embraced by our community and visiting art lovers since it reopened as the largest public gallery in NSW outside of Sydney,” Cr Morris said.

“The return of the Kilgour Prize will continue to showcase artistic talent from across Australia while strengthening Newcastle’s standing as a city that values creativity, culture and the arts.”

The Kilgour Prize features a strong resume of past winners including renowned British-born Australian artist Nicholas Harding, who took out the inaugural competition in 2006. 

His winning entry, Beach life (pink zinc and figures), 2006, is among the Newcastle Art Gallery collection works currently on display in the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition.

The 2018 prize was awarded to one of Australia’s most exciting emerging artists of the time, Natasha Walsh, whose Kilgour victory was among three prestigious art awards she captured over a period of 12 weeks. 

A string of former Archibald Prize winners and finalists have also claimed the Kilgour crown including Sydney-based artist Blak Douglas (2019), former Newcastle art teacher and Mambo artist Michael Bell (2020) and Newcastle painter Peter Gardiner (2016).

“I had been a finalist six times in the Kilgour Prize at Newcastle Art Gallery since the art competition first began in 2006,” Bell said.

“A lot of great painters have won this prize in the past, so to actually win the Kilgour Prize in 2020 was an incredible thrill and great honour. A real career highlight for me.

“My winning painting was then acquired by the Newcastle Art Gallery Society and donated to the Newcastle Art Gallery collection.

“Being a national award, the Kilgour Prize gives visitors to the Newcastle Art Gallery a good insight into current approaches to contemporary figurative painting.”

Entries for the 2027 Kilgour Prize are open now until 5 October 2026, with finalists to be announced in December. 

Joining Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM on the judging panel will be independent curator and Warumungu and Luritja woman Kelli Cole and renowned artist Jason Phu. 

The winner will be revealed at the exhibition opening in April 2027.

For more information visit the Newcastle Art Gallery website.

ABOUT THE KILGOUR PRIZE 

Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) was an Australian artist well-known for his academic approach to landscape and portrait painting. In 1987 Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity. As one of Australia’s major art prizes, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to be the home of the Kilgour Prize.