Category: Newcastle News

Emergency services personnel involved in the rescue of John ‘Stinker’ Clarke last week have reunited with the 77-year-old fisherman following his remarkable survival at sea.

About 6pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were alerted after Mr Clarke failed to return home from a fishing trip. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was launched involving Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Port Stephens Water Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

About 8.30pm, the helicopter crew located Mr Clarke’s overturned vessel smashed against rocks approximately 400 metres southwest of Fingal Lighthouse. A short time later, Mr Clarke – wearing a lifejacket – was found in the water nearby.

Officers attached to Port Stephens Water Police, Sergeant Brown and Senior Constable Grice, were directed to the location where they pulled Mr Clarke from the water and began first aid.

Responders faced challenging conditions, including 15-knot southerly winds and a 2.5-metre swell.

Mr Clarke was taken to Nelson Bay Public Wharf, escorted by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who helped shield the vessel from heavy seas. At the wharf, he was treated by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tomaree Hospital and later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of severe hypothermia and abrasions.

This morning (Tuesday 30 June 2026), crews from NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter reunited with Mr Clarke to share stories of his rescue.

Speaking after the reunion, Sergeant Brown said Mr Clarke’s survival was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation on the water.

“Lifejackets save lives – and this rescue is a perfect example of why you should always wear the appropriate lifejacket for the activity you’re undertaking,” Sgt Brown said.

“Lifejackets fitted with reflectors can make all the difference when crews are searching at night.

“Every time you head out on the water, you should wear a lifejacket, log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW using the free app or VHF Channel 16, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back,” Sgt Brown said.

“It’s also critical to carry the required safety equipment for your vessel and the conditions.”

Mr Clarke recounted his ordeal, describing how a routine fishing trip quickly turned into a fight for survival.

“I went to my normal fishing spot and there was so much activity. I caught two really nice snapper,” he said.

“The sea got a bit too big, so I decided to leave. As I was pulling the anchor up, a wave came straight over the top and filled the boat with water.

“The boat overturned, and I clung to it for a while before pushing away from the rocks into deeper water. I always have a plan B, but this time I didn’t. I was at the mercy of the sea.

“As it got dark, I thought I was coming to the end of the line,” Mr Clarke said.

“I didn’t panic. I just thought, if I’m going to survive, a helicopter will have to come.

“And if a helicopter comes, they’ll contact Water Police, and Sergeant Clint Brown – who I’ve known since he was 12 – will come and pick me up.

“And that’s exactly what happened.”

City of Newcastle is extremely disappointed by recent incidents of theft and vandalism affecting community infrastructure across the city.

Incidents include the theft of charging cables from two City of Newcastle fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and damage caused to valued community sporting facilities at Smith Park in Hamilton North and Kentish Oval at Lambton.

The thefts have temporarily taken EV chargers out of service at Cleary Street, Hamilton and No. 2 Sportsground car park in Newcastle West. Replacement cables have been ordered, and City of Newcastle is working to restore the chargers as soon as possible. 

The loss of income from the EV chargers will place further pressure on our budget at a time when staff are already undertaking a review of expenditure to enable Council’s decision to reduce pool entry to $2. 

At Smith Park, recent vandalism caused disruption to local sporting clubs and dedicated volunteers who work hard to support community sport. These individuals play a vital role in activating the facility, contributing to the wellbeing and connection of our community. Repair work is underway and is expected to be completed Tuesday afternoon with no ongoing impact to user groups.

Kentish Oval was also vandalised earlier this month, and our team worked quickly to inspect and repair the damage resulting in no impact to scheduled sporting fixtures or training. 

City of Newcastle acknowledges the inconvenience and frustration these incidents cause for residents, volunteers and facility users.

City of Newcastle continues to investigate options to reduce the risk of future incidents across its network of community facilities. However, with more than 150 sports fields, 250 parks and a large network of public infrastructure across the local government area, it is not realistic to prevent every act of theft or vandalism.

Instead, as a community we need to do all we can to discourage acts of vandalism and to ensure people respect public infrastructure such as parks and sporting fields. 

The incidents involving the EV chargers have been reported to NSW Police. Several other privately-owned and council-owned EV sites have also been targeted by thieves in surrounding local government areas.

City of Newcastle encourages anyone with information about these or other incidents involving community infrastructure to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s north.
Tamarah Wood, aged 34, was last seen at a train station on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 11.20am yesterday (Monday 29 June 2026).
When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Tamarah’s welfare.
Tamarah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of slim build, with shoulder length light brown hair, and brown eyes.
Tamarah is known to utilise public transport and frequents the Eastern Suburbs and Newcastle areas.
Anyone who sees Tamarah or has information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

It’s wowed the crowds at Edinburgh Fringe and broken box office records in Europe – now the gravity-defying acrobatic production Wolf is set to make its debut in Newcastle.

Tickets go on sale today for the global smash hit, which is set to thrill Civic Theatre audiences for two nights only during this year’s New Annual festival.

Circa’s thrilling production of Wolf will make its Newcastle Civic Theatre debut in October for New Annual after returning from a hugely successful global tour. Image credit: Andy Phillipson

It will mark the return of internationally renowned contemporary circus company, Circa, which transformed the Christ Church Cathedral into an unforgettable performance space as part of New Annual’s 2023 program. 

Festival Director Tory Loudon said New Annual offered audiences the chance to experience world-class artists without having to travel to a capital city.

“Circa are one of the world’s best performing arts companies, captivating more than two million people in over 45 countries with their boundary-pushing blend of music, dance, theatre and circus,” Ms Loudon said. 

“They made a huge impression on audiences with their sold-out performances at the Cathedral in 2023, so it’s fantastic they’re coming back to Newcastle with a new show that so far has only been seen once before in Australia.

“We’re thrilled to include them as part of this year’s New Annual festival, which offers an exciting and diverse program championing local stories and talent alongside the best of international and Australian live theatre, music and art.”

Wolf has wowed the crowds on its international tour with its thrilling mix of raw energy and physicality  

Wolf debuted in Germany in 2024 and has been seen in 12 countries around the world. Its only previous Australian performances to date included two sold out shows in Brisbane last November.

It offers a thrilling mix of acrobatics, artistry and primal instincts, with 10 performers pushing their bodies to the limit as they grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon.

Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz said Wolf delivers an evolution of intense choreographies that overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality. 

“Wolf is a savage, thrilling ride, a fierce maelstrom of acrobatic bodies. The way they hold, the way they crash and connect,” Mr Lifschitz said. 

“Circus can move you and be a powerful, emotional medium…Wolf is that distilled and clarified.

“Newcastle is building something new and bold, a festival that couldn’t be more fitting for Wolf, we can’t wait.”

New Annual will run from 25 September to 4 October. This will be the sixth edition of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.

Other highlights of the program already announced include a new Night Flowers exhibition by internationally recognised former Newcastle photographer Damien Frost, and an immersive art party inspired by his work to be held at Newcastle nightspot Bartholomew’s. Tickets for the Twisted art party are on sale now. 

The Newcastle Ocean Baths will once again be transformed into the city’s hottest unexpected live music venue with the return of the free sunset live music sessions, SOAK, while Civic Park will play host to the vibrant theatrical-style atmosphere of Spiegeltent during its extended season of Loca Vida.

The full New Annual program will be announced on 31 July. To keep up to date with the latest festival news visit www.newannual.com

Wolf is being presented as a collaboration between Newcastle Civic Theatre and New Annual, with shows on 2 and 3 October. Tickets are on sale now via the Civic Theatre website.

New Annual is delivered by City of Newcastle with funding from the NSW Government in association with a Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Transport for NSW Permit/Plug/Play pilot program and Create NSW. The University of Newcastle is a presenting partner for the 2026 event.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Work to demolish Queens Wharf West will begin in July, signalling the start of the next chapter for one of Newcastle’s most iconic waterfront precincts.

The completion of the relocation of Keolis Downer ferry staff across the harbour to a new Stockton-based site office early next month marks the departure of the final tenants of the Queens Wharf West building, enabling the demolition work to start. 

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the future potential of the site is exciting.   

“Queens Wharf has been much-loved by Novocastrians and visitors to our city for decades, and it’s time to continue that legacy for the next generation,” Cr Morris said. 

“This redevelopment is a unique opportunity for all of us. We need to make sure that what comes next is fitting for its stunning location, is a drawcard for visitors to this city, and is something we can all be proud of.”

The start of demolition will follow weeks of sub-structural preparations, including establishment of a floating pontoon to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site. 

Demolition will begin inside and around the Queens Wharf West building, with internal materials and equipment removed alongside balconies and awnings on the north and south sides.

Work will then start on the main building structure and move from west to east, top to bottom, with two excavators working in tandem to demolish the structure down to the ground floor slab.

City of Newcastle Interim Executive Director of Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the demolition of the Queens Wharf West marks an important milestone 

“This is one of the biggest changes in our foreshore in years and demolition of the building is an important step in reimagining Queens Wharf,” Mr Dudgeon said.  

“We want the harbour foreshore to stay accessible and safe throughout this work, and we’re working closely with our contractors to keep disruption in the area to a minimum.”

Wharf Road will remain open to vehicles, while the western car park will be fenced off throughout the duration of the work, with detours in place for walkers and cyclists. 

There may be alternate access routes to the ferry wharf in place as needed throughout the project, but there are no anticipated disruptions to Stockton ferry service. 

Demolition related work is expected to take approximately six months, pending weather and site conditions. 

Queens Wharf has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. 

It includes two separate buildings – the western building which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, along with two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. Only the western building is being demolished.

Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1,800 comments and suggestions received by City of Newcastle during a recent community engagement process, with 97% endorsing the overall vision for the project. 

A decision on what will be built on the site of the soon to be demolished building is set to be decided by the Council in the 2026/27 financial year.

To stay up-to-date with the latest information about Queens Wharf visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

A police officer has been charged with malicious damage.

About 12.15am today (Saturday 27 June 2026), police commenced an investigation into an incident allegedly committed by a police officer while off-duty.

Officers arrested the 59-year-old man where he was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with destroy or damage property (DV).

The officer – a sergeant attached to a command in the Northern Region – was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Monday 13 July 2026.

The officer’s employment status is under review.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Brock Dawson, aged 19, was last seen at an address on Valley Way, Muswellbrook, about 9.30am on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Saturday 28 June 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Brock is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall with medium build, with brown hair and beard.

He is known to frequent Muswellbrook and Jacks Creek.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged over an alleged stabbing in the Hunter Valley yesterday morning.

About 1.20am yesterday (Saturday 27 June 2026), emergency services responded to reports of a home invasion in Grevillea Street, Cliftleigh.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a 30-year-old man suffering stab wounds.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated the man at the scene before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A 33-year-old woman who was also at the home was not injured.

A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced.

Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 36-year-old man about 8.25pm at a shopping centre in Cameron Park.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – inflict actual bodily harm, and knowingly contravene prohibition/etc in apprehended violence order (domestic).

The man was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 28 June 2026).

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged two people and seized almost 64kg of prohibited and restricted drugs with an estimated potential street value of $2.66 million following an investigation under Strike Force Korpisalo.

Strike Force Korpisalo was established in March 2026 by State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad’s Cannabis Chemical Diversion Team to investigate the illegal supply and misuse of chemicals and lab equipment for manufacturing prohibited drugs in the Port Stephens area.

Following extensive inquiries, about 12pm yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026) strike force detectives – with assistance from State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad – arrested two men aged 34 and 24 – in Salamander Bay

During a search of a nearby vehicle, police seized chemical containers and liquids, alleged to be used in the operation.

From 2pm yesterday, strike force detectives – with assistance of Raptor Squad and the Chemical Operations Team – executed crime scene warrants at two storage sheds in Salamander Bay and searched a property in Boat Harbour.

Police seized 50kg of pseudoephedrine, 12.5kg of methylamphetamine, 1kg of cocaine, $15,000 cash, 50 items believed to be used in manufacturing drugs, and electronic devices.

At Raymond Terrace Police Station, the 34-year-old man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity and deal with property proceeds of crime greater than $100000.

The 24-year-old man was charged with take part manufacture prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Friday 26 June 2026).

Newcastle will soon be home to a new world-class arena with the Minns Labor Government today committing $14 million to unlock the next stage of planning for the new Newcastle Arena.
 
The plans include a new 12,000 capacity entertainment centre, creating a world class indoor arena attracting up to 160 new events to the Hunter each year.
 
The current Newcastle Entertainment Centre was originally built 33 years ago, as a temporary structure to operate for only 5 years. The new Newcastle Arena will be relocated next to McDonald Jones Stadium to create a dedicated live sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
 
Relocating the arena is the first key move to unlock the precinct for future hotel, commercial and residential development to create a thriving, year-round destination. It also continues the transformation of the precinct, which is home to McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
 
Together with the opening of Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, driving local business and showcasing the Hunter to the world.
 
The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing regional NSW tourism and securing international concerts and other major events that attract visitors year-round to regional hubs will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.
 
During construction 610 jobs will be created, 133 additional jobs for the precinct, and 157 for the NSW region. With the Newcastle Arena’s expected to inject an additional $400 million in economic benefit over the next ten years, driving a near tenfold increase in interstate visitors to events.
 
The Newcastle Arena will be the catalyst for the delivery of the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy and is aligned with the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.
 
The broader redevelopment will deliver more housing and green space, improved transport connections, accessible and safe walking and cycle paths, and a new outdoor plaza for events and live site activations.
 
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
 
“This is the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
 
“For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy – but not the venue to match. That starts to change today.
 
“This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region.”
 
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
 
“The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago. This investment unlocks the next chapter for Newcastle.
 
“A new world‑class arena will give the Hunter the facilities it deserves and the pulling power to attract major events, international artists and elite sport all year round.
 
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to finally deliver the sporting and entertainment infrastructure Newcastle and the Hunter deserves.”
 
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
 
“The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham, and even Taylor Swift to its stage, as well as many more. That legacy will live on in the
new Newcastle Arena, set to bring 160 performances each year.
 
“Newcastle is NSW’ second largest city, we not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this Government is committed to delivering that.”
 
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
 
“This investment is a gamechanger for our region that will benefit our local talent, businesses, and community for decades to come.
 
“This announcement is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to investing in the infrastructure our region needs to grow and thrive.”
 
Duty MLC for Upper Hunter and Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said:
 
“This is a huge win for the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and communities across our region who want to see our regions grow.
 
“A world-class arena in Newcastle means more major events, more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses – from the Upper Hunter to Lake Macquarie and beyond.
 
Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu said:
 
“Fighting at the new arena would be a huge honour, and I’d love the opportunity to help open the venue with its first major event. 
 
“Some of my best memories have come from here in Tszyu-castle, and a new world-class arena would be a game-changer for boxing and major events in the Hunter.”