Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate an elderly woman missing from the Port Stephens area.

Penelope Parker, aged 77, was last seen at on Kingsley Drive, Boat Harbour, about 8:30am today (Wednesday 27 August 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Officers hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and as she lives with dementia.

Penelope is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with long white hair.

She was last seen wearing a long brown coat and reading glasses.

Penelope is known to frequent walking tracks around the Boat Harbour area; however, is not overly mobile and is believed to still be in the nearby area.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 August 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Aubrey Brooks

A Lord Mayoral Minute noted the passing of Aubrey Brooks and acknowledged his significant contributions and advocacy to Newcastle’s steel history following the closure of BHP in 1999. 

Ordinary business 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2025 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party update

Council noted the Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party updates including the terms of reference, summary of collection, memorandum and meeting minutes for 19 June, 25 July and 12 August 2025.

Adoption of the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program and submit it to the Minister for Environment certification. 

Adoption of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from operational land to community land

Council voted unanimously to reclassify 22 public land parcels as Community Land and categorise them as Natural Areas in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. 

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy and Procurement Policy and change the instruments of delegation to the Lord Mayor, Development Applications Committee and Chief Executive Officer to remove awarding tenders from the additional functions reserved for Council, unless valued over $5 million.

Adoption of planning agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street 

Wickham

Council voted to endorse the Planning Agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street Wickham. 

Transport for NSW third-party delegation

Council voted unanimously to sub-delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the functions and authorisations granted under the Transport for NSW ‘Authorisation and Delegation Instrument to Councils’.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

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

Tender report – Mitchell Street – revetment remediation Stockton

Council voted to accept a tender for the Mitchell Street revetment renewal and upgrade project.

Tender report – provision of security services 

Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of an integrated range of security services for 90 City of Newcastle sites.

Notices of Motion 

Petition to retain open-air changing rooms as part of Stage 2 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths restoration project

Council supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 2,035 signatories requesting the retention of open-air change rooms as part of Stage 2 of the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Community consultation took place from 17 June 2024 until August 2024. A key theme from the consultation process was the provision of an open-air change room or open-air amenity.

Committee membership updates following the countback election of Siobhan Isherwood

Council formally congratulated Councillor Siobhan Isherwood on her election to City of Newcastle and appointed her as a Councillor representative to the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Access Inclusion Standing Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee. 

Councillor seating arrangements

A notice of motion to alter seating arrangements for the current Council term, allowing all councillors to be seated to political groupings, was laid on the table.

Advocacy for addressing the impacts of cost shifting onto Local Government

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the findings of the Local Government NSW Cost Shifting report for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a request to place a copy of the report on City of Newcastle’s website. Council will write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government asking that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.

Improving our engagements with foreign representatives

Council supported a notice of motion to reaffirm our support for all communities, including Tibetan and Taiwanese Novocastrians, and reiterated our commitment to building an inclusive city which respects and supports all residents regardless of their faith or background. 

Better utilisation of our former City Hall Chambers

Council supported a notice of motion to create a working party under the Community and Culture Advisory Committee to develop a plan which preserves, respects and shares our city’s rich history, while improving access to the former City Hall Chamber for members of the public. 

City of Newcastle will seek the final tick of approval from the NSW Government for a $63 million plan to buffer Stockton’s coastline from erosion.

Councillors voted unanimously last night to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) and formally submit it to the NSW Environment Minister for certification.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said this was a significant milestone in the long-term protection and enhancement of Stockton’s coastline.

“The adoption of this Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment supported by regular sand top-ups, which has been identified as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution, and has received overwhelming community support,” Ms Bisson said. 

“It also includes vital short-term actions for the urgent protection of critical public assets in Stockton.

“The CMP was developed in collaboration with the community and government agencies and is the culmination of many years of hard work by the project team and advocacy from the Stockton Community Liaison Group.

“We now look forward to receiving certification from the NSW Minister for the Environment, which is a crucial step to unlock grant funding eligibility and streamline approval pathways for critical protection works.”

The Extended Stockton CMP covers a geographical area stretching from Little Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

It contains 79 management actions, including beach nourishment and sand management activities, urgent interim coastal protection works for critical assets like the Mitchell Street seawall, and the development of a coastal monitoring and decision-making support system.

It is forecast to cost $63 million to implement over the next decade, with City of Newcastle expected to invest around $25 million into its delivery, most of which will be directed towards the construction of coastal protection structures to mitigate immediate risks.

The Federal Government will contribute $1.47 million primarily through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP) for sand sourcing investigations.

The NSW Government is earmarked to contribute approximately $35 million, which includes its $21.5 million election commitment for mass sand nourishment, however this is not scheduled to occur until the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years.

Ms Bisson said this delay means that the construction and renewal of expensive coastal protection structures itemised in the CMP, which are necessary to protect critical public assets in the short term, are likely to be required before mass sand nourishment is delivered.

“The Extended Stockton CMP sets a long-term strategy to offset the impacts of the NSW Government-owned Newcastle Harbour infrastructure, including the entrance breakwaters and artificially deepened navigational channel,” Ms Bisson said.

“The implementation of the mass sand nourishment program and the investigation and determination of a governance, funding and implementation framework for ongoing sand top-ups will be led by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and guided by the Stockton Special Advisory Panel, chaired by the State Member for Newcastle.”

Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the final plan, with 90% of respondents supporting ongoing sand top-ups as well as mass sand nourishment during the public exhibition period. A petition with 1,233 signatures also underscored the strong community desire for a holistic sand nourishment strategy led by the NSW Government.

For more information on the Extended Stockton CMP, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man over the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in the Newcastle area earlier this month.

On Friday 15 August 2025, police received a report of an alleged sexual assault in the Newcastle area.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived and were told a 14-year-old girl had been approached by an unknown man about 1.30am that day, while she was waiting at Hamilton Train Station.

Police were further told the man followed the girl as she left the station before allegedly sexually assaulting her on Fern Street, Islington.

The girl was taken to hospital for assessment and detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad commenced Strike Force Keyneton to investigate the incident.

About 7am yesterday (Monday 25 August 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant at a home on Campden Street, Thornton.

During the search, strike force detectives located and seized clothing, a backpack and an electronic device.

Following the search, a 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene before being taken to Maitland Police Station.

He was charged with have sexual intercourse with child between 14 and 16 years old and fail to comply with digital evidence access order direction.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Tuesday 26 August 2025).

People walking and cycling will soon share safer access to a popular beachside precinct following upgrades from City of Newcastle.

New shared path connections and improved crossing facilities will be delivered as part of the projects, which are located adjacent to Bar Beach and King Edward Park. 

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter with the City of Newcastle work crew completing the shared path connection on Bar Beach Avenue, as part of the Memorial Drive crossing upgrade. 

The projects have each received $500,000 through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active funding program. 

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the Minns Labor Government is committed to improving active transport infrastructure and encouraging people to leave the car at home.

“The benefits of active transport are boundless. It supports personal physical and mental health, environmental health, and the health of our community,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“Both of these projects extend and improve the safety our city’s most iconic walking track, working towards a safer, more active Newcastle.”

Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the work forms part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to supporting active travel options.

“City of Newcastle is dedicated to delivering projects that support the entire community to be able to enjoy getting where they need to go safely, with good pathway connections, safe crossings and calm streets,” Mr Tranter said. 

“Memorial Drive and Reserve Road are key points of access to King Edward Park and Empire Park, Cooks Hill Surf Club and the beach.

“Improved pathways and crossings will help us all enjoy walking and bike riding, which is in alignment with Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan in promoting active transport as the best way to connect to our key areas around the city.”

Work has already begun on the Bar Beach upgrade, which will include safety improvements to the pedestrian refuge on Bar Beach Avenue and a new shared path connection. 

This will meet up with a new raised shared path crossing from Empire Park across Memorial Drive through to Bathers Way, which replaces the existing zebra crossing and refuge island on Memorial Drive. 

Landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median will be installed to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.

City of Newcastle is also delivering a new 320 metre long shared pathway on Reserve Road between York Drive and The Terrace, with work expected to begin in September.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said both projects align with City of Newcastle’s Cycling Plan 2021-2030.

“By prioritising connected cycleways and pedestrian facilities, walking and riding will become a natural and safe choice for our city,” Cr Winney-Baartz said. 

“These upgrades will enhance the cycling network in the area, creating an off-road link for cyclists, including the new three-metre-wide path adjacent King Edward Park, providing a much improved transport option for all users of this area.”

Both projects will be completed in 2026.

A man was charged with multiple driving and vehicle related offences after a pursuit in the state’s Hunter Valley region this morning.

About 2.20am today (Sunday 24 August 2025), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the New England Highway, near Muswellbrook, when they attempted to stop a Holden Commodore, allegedly being driven in a dangerous manner.

When it failed to stop as directed a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along the New England Highway towards Whittingham, where road spikes were successfully deployed; however, the pursuit was then terminated due to a safety concern.

A short time later, police located the vehicle on Hunter Expressway, near Loxton and another pursuit was initiated; however, it was terminated due to a safety concern.

About 2.50am, police sighted the vehicle on Main Road, Cliftleigh, after it had crashed into a car travelling in the opposite direction.

When officers attempted to speak to both drivers; the driver of the Holden – a 34-year-old man – left the scene.

Following inquiries, the man was arrested nearby after police seized a syringe from him.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition under police guard.

He was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (two counts), not keep left of dividing line – not class B/C vehicle, not keep left of oncoming vehicle – motor vehicle, not keep left of median strip-motor vehicle, use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road, use uninsured motor vehicle, Class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h – estimated, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 10km /h – radar, not give particulars to other driver, assault police officer in execution of duty without aggravated bodily harm, and hinder or resist police office in the execution of duty.

He was refused to bail to appear via bedside hearing before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Monday 25 August 2025).

A man remains in police custody after a pursuit in the state’s Hunter Valley region.

About 2.20am today (Sunday 24 August 2025), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the New England Highway, near Muswellbrook, when they attempted to stop a Holden Commodore, allegedly being driven in a dangerous manner.

When it failed to stop as directed a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along the New England Highway towards Whittingham, where road spikes were successfully deployed; however, the pursuit was then terminated due to a safety concern.

A short time later, police located the vehicle on Hunter Expressway, near Loxton and another pursuit was initiated; however, it was terminated due to a safety concern.

About 2.50am, police sighted the vehicle on Main Road, Cliftleigh, after it had crashed into a car travelling in the opposite direction.

When officers attempted to speak to both drivers; the driver of the Holden – a 34-year-old man – left the scene.

Following inquiries, the man was arrested nearby after police seized a syringe from him.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition under police guard.

The other driver – a 38-year-old woman – was treated at the scene by paramedics for minor injuries.

A crime scene has been established and police commenced an investigation into the incident.

Two men have been charged following an investigation into an alleged home invasion in Newcastle last week.

About 12.40am on Thursday 14 August 2025, police were called to a unit on McNaughton Avenue, Wallsend, following reports of an aggravated break and enter.

At the scene, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were told two males entered the unit and allegedly threatened a 21-year-old woman with a knife before assaulting her.

A crime scene was established.

The woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, about 12.45pm yesterday (Thursday 21 August 2025), a 25-year-old man was arrested at Campbelltown Railway Station, with the assistance of officers attached to Police Transport Command.

He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), demand property by force in company with intent to steal and destroy etc property in company use fire.

He was refused bail to appear before Campbelltown Local Court today (Friday 22 August 2025).

About 3.40pm yesterday, a second 25-year-old man was arrested at a unit on Henry Kendall Street, West Gosford, with the assistance of officers attached to Public Order and Riot Squad.

He was taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), demand property by force in company with intent to steal, destroy etc property in company use fire, choke etc person intend to commit etc indictable offence and use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 6 today.

A man has been issued with an infringement notice following a crash at Mount View in the Hunter Valley last month.

About 10.30am on Wednesday 30 July 2025, emergency services were called to Mount View Road following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

At the scene, officers located a Toyota HiAce that had rolled approximately 40 metres down an embankment.

The occupants included the driver – a 73-year-old man – and five passengers, all men aged 52, 54, and three aged 57.

All occupants were transported to the John Hunter Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

A crime scene was established by Hunter Valley Police, with the matter under investigation by the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following inquiries, the 73-year-old driver was issued with an infringement notice for negligent driving.

A man has been charged over the alleged assault of another man outside a café in Newcastle earlier this month.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation on Tuesday 12 August 2025, following reports an 80-year-old man was assaulted outside a café on Maitland Road, Mayfield, about 2.45pm on Sunday 10 August 2025.

The 80-year-old man was uninjured.

Following inquiries, on Tuesday 19 August 2025, a 39-year-old man was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for common assault.

He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 2 October 2025.