Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is offering a share of $880,000 for innovative projects that promote and activate the city centre, as it supports the return of the popular WinterHeat Festival.

The latest round of Special Business Rates (SBR) funding opens on Monday 11 August and is reserved for the promotion, beautification and economic development of Darby Street and the City Centre.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and WinterHeat organiser Zackari Watt with one of the displays that will feature at this year’s festivalWinterHeat was reignited in 2024 thanks to SBR funding, warming the hearts of more than 12,000 people who enjoyed the free outdoor event in Pacific Park, complete with pyrotechnics, fire canons, the silent “WinterBeats” disco and a fun-filled Kids’ Zone.

The festival will celebrate its 21^st anniversary on 16 August with continued support from City of Newcastle, complete with more fire-themed activities, as well as a dining area with all local vendors, live music and the “Eat the Heat” chilli eating contest.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said SBR funding is all about bringing business precincts to life.

“The SBR program plays an important role in beautifying and activating the city centre at a time when it’s experiencing a major period of transformation,” Ms Jones said.

“The funding facilitates economic development by supporting local businesses and provides increased opportunities for arts, culture and community events.

“We work closely with the Business Improvement Association to ensure the SBR helps to boost visitation and enhance safety within the city, while creating a sense of community among businesses.”

WinterHeat organiser Zackari Watt said the festival wouldn’t exist without SBR funding and the support of the Newcastle Business Improvement Association.

“Our festival truly showcases the best Newcastle has to offer, including local food, music and performances, and it’s totally free for the whole family,” Mr Watt said.

“We’re looking to make WinterHeat an annual event that not only appeals to locals but also attracts visitors from far and wide, who stay overnight and make a bigger impact on the local economy.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said SBR funding presents locals with the opportunity to come together and develop ideas and events that promote their business precincts.

“SBR funding supported the return of WinterHeat in 2024, and it was a resounding success so we’re looking forward to seeing what organisers have added for this year’s instalment,” Cr Kerridge said.

“We’re also proud to support Bernie’s Bar, which is hosting a 100 Years of the Star Hotel three-day festival starting on 29 August. 

“This will feature the unveiling of a permanent historical marker on King Street, history talks, archive footage, live music, drag performances and a rainbow lighting installation on Devonshire Street.”

Earlier this year, City of Newcastle received applications for a pool of $93,000 in SBR funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton.

The successful projects in Wallsend were the Full Circle Collective’s Wallsend Op Shop Trail and the Curious Legends’ Halloween-themed event, Wallsend Frights: A Hallow Evening. 

The Newcastle Fringe Festival will take place in Hamilton in 2026 thanks to SBR funding, with the three-week festival launching with a community street party on Saturday 14 March.

Hunter Multicultural Communities also received funding for their project, a 12-month community-led initiative to replant, clean and care for the iconic mosaic planter boxes along Beaumont Street.

Applications for City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding open on 11 August and close 31 August. Anyone interested in applying can attend an online information session on Wednesday 13 August.

For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.

Police divers will join a multi-agency team searching for a woman swept away in floodwaters at the weekend.

Just after 7.50pm Saturday (2 August 2025), emergency services were called to Black Creek, Old North Road, Rothbury, about 16km north of Cessnock, after reports a car had become stuck in floodwater.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a Mini Countryman had attempted to drive through floodwater before it became stuck.

The driver – a 27-year-old woman was rescued, however; her passenger – a 26-year-old woman – was swept away.

The search for the woman has continued over the past two days – involving local police and specialist officers from Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Marine Area Command, assisted by members of the State Emergency Services, VRA Rescue NSW, and NSW Rural Fire Service – and will resume this morning (Tuesday 5 August 2025), joined by officers from the Police Diving Unit.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter Valley area.

Cassandra Mallard, aged 39, was last seen in the vicinity of Kennedy Street, Singleton, about 12.50pm today (Tuesday 5 August 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

There are concerns for Cassandra’s welfare.

Cassandra is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, of medium build, fair complexion, with brown hair.

It is unknown what she was last seen wearing.

Cassandra is known to frequent the Singleton area and a geotext message has been sent to the Singleton area.

A girl will face Court after being charged following an investigation into a fatal stabbing at Lake Macquarie last night.

About 10.20pm yesterday (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Euston Close, Edgeworth, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a teenage girl with an injury to her torso.

She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital where she later died.

While yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

A crime scene was established which was forensically examined by specialist officers.

Strike Force Aggnes, comprising detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, was established to investigate the circumstances of the girl’s death.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested at the scene. She was taken to Toronto Police Station where she was charged with murder.

She was refused bail and will appear in a Children’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday 6 August 2025).

A teenage girl has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in the states north overnight.

About 10.20pm (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to Euston Close, Edgeworth, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a teenage girl with an injury to her torso.

She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.

She later died from her injuries and is yet to be formally identified.

A teenage girl – who was known to the girl – was arrested at the scene and is assisting police with inquiries.

A crime scene has been established, which will be forensically examined by specialist officers.

An investigation is underway – assisted by the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad – into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the states north.

About 7.50pm (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to Eurimbla Street, Thornton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port-Stephens Hunter Police District attended and found a car had crashed into a parked vehicle before crashing into a pole.

The driver – and sole occupant – a man aged in his 50s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital in a critical condition; however, he died a short time later.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash commenced.

A man will face court after a fatal crash in the Hunter Valley earlier this year.

About 2.30am on Friday 28 March 2025, emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Pokolbin, in the Singleton Military Area following reports of a crash.

At the scene, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

A passenger, a 42-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a 46-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition where he also underwent mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following extensive inquiries, on Sunday (3 August 2025), the man was issued a Court Attendance Notice charged with four offences:

• Dangerous driving occasioning death-drive under influence,
• Negligent driving (occasioning death),
• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and
• Drive vehicle illicit drug present in blood etc.

The man is set to appear before Singleton Local Court on Thursday 25 September 2025.

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

The Hunter is about to get a whole lot cooler, with the latest round of the Greening Our City program expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.

Councils will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel – comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will also be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities. This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better and more resilient NSW.

Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

For more information visit Greening our City

Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be planting more trees as part of the Greening our City program.

“Cooler streets and more comfortable neighbourhoods will make the Illawarra an even better place to live.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home.

“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat – whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.

“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has developed a Biodiversity in Place Framework that guides the sensible and practical delivery of biodiversity in urban areas. These grants will go a long way to see that framework adopted and applied across our cities.

“Over many years, Hunter councils and community organisations have been engaged in improving and expanding local vegetation in parks and suburbs. Access to Greening our City program will help accelerate their efforts.

“More trees mean cooler streets, and better quality of life for residents. The Greening our City program is a major contributor to creating vibrant cities where people want to live.”

A multi-agency search will resume tomorrow after a woman was swept away in floodwaters in the Hunter Valley region.

Just after 7.50pm yesterday (Saturday 2 August 2025), emergency services were called to Black Creek, Old North Road, Rothbury, about 16km north of Cessnock, following reports a car had become stuck in floodwaters.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a Mini Countryman had attempted to drive through the floodwater before it became stuck.

The driver – a 27-year-old woman – was rescued without any injuries; however, her passenger – a 26-year-old woman – was swept away.

A multi-agency search commenced for the woman including local police, NSW Rural Fire Service, and VRA Rescue NSW, and continued today (Sunday 3 August 2025).

About 4.30pm, the search was suspended due to weather conditions and visibility.

The multi-agency search will resume about 8am tomorrow (Monday 4 August 2025), on Old North Road, Rothbury.

Members of the public in flood-affected areas are reminded to avoid dangers such as damaged powerlines and flood waters on roads.

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Media personality and maths whiz Adam Spencer will put artificial intelligence under the microscope in Newcastle this month to celebrate National Science Week. 

The former Triple J presenter and comedian is headlining City of Newcastle’s packed program of events, which kick off with Spencer’s tech talk at City Hall on 15 August and culminate in a hands-on weekend of scientific discovery at Newcastle Museum.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said hosting high-profile science communicators like Adam Spencer reflects Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for innovation and learning.

“Welcoming nationally recognised speakers such as Adam Spencer, who will decode AI and other emerging technologies, provides engaging learning opportunities for all ages,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Newcastle is a creative and innovative city, home to world-class researchers and scientists on the cutting edge of their fields. 

“By collaborating with these experts and providing hands-on events at the Museum, we can inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Tickets are on sale now for Spencer’s show, which will break down the basics of AI for audiences aged 10 and older, delve into the latest developments and offer eight examples of how Novocastrians can use these technologies today.

The science-fuelled fun will continue all weekend at Newcastle Museum, with a super Saturday of soccer-playing robots, sustainable architecture and computer science skills thanks to technology and education specialists The Brainery. Tickets for the various workshops are on sale now, with different sessions suitable for primary and high school aged students.

Younger children will also welcome the return of the Poo Palace – an amazing inflatable journey through the digestive system delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), which will be available all weekend.

Newcastle Museum will cap off Science Week celebrations will the largest single-day event on its annual calendar, the Hunter Science Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the free, all-ages hands-on activities on Sunday 17 August. 

The festival is delivered by City of Newcastle in conjunction with a range of partners including Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH), showcasing the latest in science and technology from local researchers, educators and institutions.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said bringing Science Week to Newcastle is a chance to spark curiosity that could last a lifetime.

“Newcastle Museum is proud to be the hub for discovery and ideas. Providing an opportunity for our community to interact with leading experts and local institutions, could help nurture and inspire a lifelong passion within the future innovators of our region,” Ms Baird said.

“We hope to foster a sense of pride in the region’s contributions to science and technology and help to break down barriers and show that science is for everyone, not just the classroom or the lab.”

Festival-goers can explore solar technology by building and racing solar cars or boats or catch the Big Science Big Fun! Show by Fizzics Education. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with scientists from the Hunter and interact with displays hosted by leading Hunter-based groups including Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre and Hunter Astronomical Society. 

City of Newcastle’s Waste Services and Climate Change and Sustainability teams will be there to help visitors calculate their environmental footprint, pick up a free native plant or see the inside of a garbage truck.

For more science week information and bookings visit: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events