Category: Newcastle News

A Newcastle sustainability advocate who co-founded two community-led climate action groups has become the first recipient of a scholarship in memory of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.

Interior designer Nadine Samwell said she hopes to use the training she receives through Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) to inspire practical change in people for the benefit of the planet. 

Past and present Greens Councillors join Lyndall Coan to congratulate Nadine Samwell who received the first scholarship created in memory of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the scholarship is the perfect embodiment of Sinéad.

“Sinéad was always looking for ways to share her change-making skills with women and gender diverse community members who have that fire in their bellies for change that she had,” Cr McCabe said.

“The problems we face can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, advocates for change can make a huge difference. Sinéad definitely demonstrated that throughout her life. 

“It’s especially meaningful to announce the first recipient of one of three scholarships that City of Newcastle is funding to honour the three years that Sinéad would have been serving as a Councillor.”

The scholarship was established through a unanimous notice of motion by the elected Council following the sudden passing of Cr Francis-Coan partway through her first term as a Ward 3 Councillor.

City of Newcastle is funding the initiative for the next three years, providing women and gender-diverse changemakers connected to Newcastle the chance to participate in WELA’s transformative national leadership programs.

Through her business, Ms Samwell uses the principles of circular design to keep materials in use for longer, maximising their value and minimising waste.

Her community-led action includes helping to form the Hunter Region Branch of Renew, a national, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for people to live sustainably in their homes and communities.

After taking part in City of Newcastle’s Empowering Climate Champions program, Ms Samwell formed another group that funded an energy assessor who visited Mayfield homeowners and provided advice on how to lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs.

Ms Samwell said she is honoured to receive a scholarship inspired by Sinéad’s substantial contributions towards social equality, feminism and environmental sustainability.

“I’ve already started taking part in the WELA program and so far it’s been a lifechanging experience. I am determined to make the absolute most of the opportunity it provides me,” Ms Samwell said.

“I want to use this training to strengthen my leadership, deepen my contribution to climate and environmental action and grow into the kind of leader who inspires practical change for people and the planet.

“I launched Eco Edition in 2020 to help architects and designers who are trying to make more sustainable and healthier material choices, wanting to pass on the knowledge I’d gained from 15 years as an interior designer and a renovator for over 20 years.

“I now help architects and designers from around the world achieve their sustainability goals, but I’m also determined to continue to promote community-led climate action here in Newcastle.”

Before being elected to Council in 2024, Cr Francis-Coan worked as a union organiser and was deeply involved in grassroots movements focused on workers’ rights, environmental protection and gender equity. 

Sinéad’s mother, Lyndall Coan, said she was pleased to see her daughter’s legacy inspiring people to develop their leadership potential.

“We congratulate Nadine on being the first recipient of this scholarship and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on her work in the future,” Ms Coan said.

“Sinéad was a tireless advocate for local businesses, especially small operations that had a focus on sustainability.

“She would be delighted that someone with Nadine’s passion has been awarded this scholarship.”

Members of the public who wish to support additional scholarships in memory of Cr Francis-Coan can donate via the WELA website

A man has died after a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 7.30pm yesterday (Friday 7 August 2026), emergency services responded to reports of a head on crash between a silver Audi hatch back and a blue Volkswagen Amarok 4WD along Freemans Drive, Freemans Waterhole.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 29-year-old male driver and sole occupant of the Audi but he died at the scene.

The 53-year-old female driver and a 54-year-old male passenger of the Volkswagen were treated by paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene that will be examined by specialist police.

As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with information about the matter – or was in the area at the time with any relevant mobile phone/dashcam footage – to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two people have been charged following a fatal motor vehicle crash in state’s Hunter Valley region earlier this year.

About 6.25pm on Friday 24 April 2026, emergency services were called to the intersection of Cessnock Road and Kemp Street, Neath, east of Cessnock, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.

At the scene, police were told three vehicles – a red Utility, a silver Utility, and a motorcycle had collided.

The rider of the motorcycle – a 50-year-old woman – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics for serious leg injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The male drivers, aged 21 and 57, were uninjured and were taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

On Saturday 25 April 2026, police received notification that the woman passed away in hospital.

Officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following inquiries, on Friday 7 August 2026, police issued the older man with a Court Attendance Notice for drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood etc and is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 17 September 2026.

On the same day, police issued the younger man a Court Attendance Notice for:
Dangerous driving occasioning death – drive under influence,
Negligent driving (occasioning death),
Negligent driving (no death of grievous bodily harm),
Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,
Special category driver drive with special range prescribed concentration of alcohol.

His licence was also suspended, and he is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Shortly after 8.30pm on Sunday 2 August 2026, police were called to Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace, following reports of an assault.

At the scene, police were told that a woman had allegedly assaulted a man with a baseball bat after he was located on the woman’s property on a nearby street.

The woman and another man allegedly detained the man and forced him to walk to Boomerang Park, where two other men were also allegedly assaulted by the woman.

The woman also allegedly struck a vehicle with the baseball bat, shattering its windscreen.

Police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the incident.

NSW Ambulance paramedics also attended and treated a 44-year-old man for facial injuries, bruising and swelling.

He was taken to Maitland Hospital for further treatment.

About 5.25pm on Monday 3 August 2026, police arrested a 52-year-old woman at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

She was charged with three offences,
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s)
Kidnap with intent commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, and
Armed with intent commit indictable offence.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Tuesday 4 August 2026, where she was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

About 9.15am yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2026), a 56-year-old man was arrested at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), and kidnap with intent commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 yesterday, where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Safety upgrades are being completed across City of Newcastle’s network of five inland pools as swimmers prepare to return to the water for the summer season.

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre will reopen its doors to the keenest swimmers in the community on 24 August, while Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield will make a splash for summer from 26 September.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation and former Commonwealth Games medallist Donna McGovern said the winter closure provided an important annual period for essential maintenance activity.

“We know how much our community values our inland pools as hubs of recreation, connection and education,” Ms McGovern said.

“This is why we make the most of the winter closure each year to undertake a comprehensive program of essential work across all five pools.

“Our teams carry out safety upgrades, freshen up the painted surfaces including non-slip areas, service plant and equipment, undertake plumbing repairs and complete pool tile and promenade maintenance.

“This ensures we can continue to provide safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities, and enhance the longevity of these ageing community assets.”

Additional work is completed depending on the needs of each pool, including a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, while playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield will keep the kids safe and happy when they’re out of the water.

Wallsend’s 50m pool is being emptied this week to repair floor tiles and replace expansion joints. A detailed inspection of the empty pool shell will be completed, while pipe fittings will be replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.

Guttering repairs and security improvements will also be carried out at Wallsend, while Stockton’s bench seating will be replaced to ensure greater visitor comfort.

Road safety on the Pacific Highway will be strengthened with the reinstallation of two speed cameras at Sandgate, helping to reduce speeding and keep motorists safe on one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.

The fixed cameras were removed three years ago during the upgrade of the Hexham Straight, between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge, and will be turned on from today.

The northbound camera has been reinstated where the previous camera was, and the southbound camera is now about 70 metres north from its original site to align with the completed road upgrade. 

The cameras first enforced this stretch of road in 2003. During the five-year period prior to the 2003 installation there were 23 casualty crashes on the Pacific Highway at Sandgate, within 500 metres either side of the cameras. These crashes resulted in one fatality and 24 people being injured. Since the cameras were installed there have been no fatalities and a significant reduction in injuries in the vicinity of the cameras.

Transport for NSW’s Road Safety Regulation executive director Duncan Lucas said the return of the cameras would reinforce the importance of safe driving behaviour and help reduce the risk of serious crashes.

“While the cameras were removed during construction, the warning signs remained in place to remind motorists to slow down and drive safely for the benefit of everyone using the road,” Mr Lucas said.

“Speeding remains the leading factor involved in death and injuries on our roads, contributing to about 40 per cent of road fatalities.

“When the unexpected happens on the road – the speed that you’re travelling at matters. ‘just a bit over’ can be the difference between stopping safely and being involved in a crash.”

The new cameras will operate in warning mode for at least one month during which time drivers caught speeding will be sent a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour. 

Fines and demerit points will be sent to offending drivers once the warning letter period has finished.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teens with murder following an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.

Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.

A 22-year-old man has since been charged with murder and remains before the court.

Following inquiries, about 9.15am today (Thursday 6 August 2026) strike force detectives arrested two boys – aged 16 – at Gosford Police Station, where they were both charged with murder.

One of the boys was also charged with fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.

Both teens were remanded in custody to appear at a Children’s Court today (Thursday 6 August 2026).

Investigations under Stike Force Blave are ongoing.

A man has been charged following an alleged armed road rage in the state’s north yesterday.

About 5.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2026), police were called to a shopping centre carpark on Stockland Drive, Glendale, following reports of a road rage incident.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told two women – aged 22 and 47 – were involved in an alleged road rage incident with another unknown driver, before a firearm was pointed at them and the driver leaving the scene.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Anzac Parade, Teralba, and stopped a vehicle believed to be linked to the alleged incident.

A vehicle search was conducted, with police allegedly locating and seizing a gel blaster, two tasers, a baton, three slingshots and a knife.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with possess unregistered firearm-pistol, five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and armed with intent commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Wednesday 5 August 2026).

New figures have revealed Newcastle Museum has one of the youngest demographics of any museum in Australia, with around 20% of its visitors aged under 25.

The youth market has surged significantly since the Museum opened its doors at Honeysuckle 15 years ago today, with just 6% of visitors falling into the 16-24 age bracket at that time.

The giant red hooks have welcomed millions of visitors into the doors of the Newcastle Museum during the past 15 years.

City of Newcastle Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Director Julie Baird, who is also President of the Australian Museum & Galleries Association, said it was important to appeal across all generations.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to telling the stories of ordinary and extraordinary Novocastrians through our collections, exhibitions and audience engagement – this is who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” Ms Baird said.

“Our programming doesn’t just tap into the nostalgia of older generations but holds a mirror up to society across a spectrum of topics and ideas.

“We want to see people of all ages coming through our doors and have been strategic about what we offer to encourage growth in multiple age groups, from teen-led takeovers of the Museum after hours to exhibitions and programs for broad tastes and age ranges.

“Family groups with young children also continue to be a mainstay of our visitor profile, ensuring intergenerational experiences are an important part of what we offer here at the Museum.

“We are proud to be celebrating 15 years at this site, creating an inclusive and accessible space that educates, entertains and benefits the community in so many ways.”

Almost 2.3 million people have visited Newcastle Museum since the former Railway Workshops at Honeysuckle were transformed into a state-of-the-art cultural facility in 2011.

Last year saw Newcastle Museum record its second highest audience numbers since the move, with just over 188,000 visitors. The Museum is on track for more of the same this year with over 97,000 people coming through its doors by the end of July.

Ms Baird said upgrading and expanding the Museum at Honeysuckle saw it become a cornerstone of the wider Civic cultural precinct and a key tourist attraction for Newcastle.

“Newcastle Museum is a vehicle for celebrating our city and sharing its stories, not just with the local community but with tens of thousands of visitors to our region ever year,” Ms Baird said. 

“It has evolved over the years to play an increasingly significant role in the city’s tourism offering, with around 65% of our audience now coming from outside the Hunter Region compared to just 27% 15 years ago.

“We rely heavily on our annual visitor evaluation survey to guide what decisions we make and what we do. 

“This year Newcastle Museum achieved a satisfaction rate of 96%, with one of the highest visitation rates per capita in Australia.

“These are the numbers that matter because people vote with their feet. We look forward to welcoming them into this space for decades to come.” 

A glass Link Building was constructed to form a connection between the three existing Heritage-listed railway workshops as part of the relocation of Newcastle Museum to its Honeysuckle home.

Newcastle Museum Fast Facts

• Newcastle Museum was established in 1988 in the restored former Castlemaine Brewery in Newcastle West as a major Bicentennial project.
• It temporarily closed in 2008 to allow for its shift to the former Honeysuckle Railway Workshops, which were the original preferred site for the Museum.
• The relocation involved the major refurbishment of the three existing Heritage-listed railway buildings. The Locomotive Boiler Shop is now home to Supernova, the New Erecting Shop is home to Fire and Earth, and the Blacksmith’s and Wheel Shop house enclosed exhibition spaces and the theatrette. A new Link Building, constructed to form a connection between these spaces, contains the main public foyer, transport exhibition and orientation spaces.
• The Museum re-opened on 4 August 2011. In the first six months it welcomed 100,000 visitors through the doors to explore the innovative and interactive new displays including the drama of the BHP show, which interprets the excitement, colour and noise of the steel making process and remains the Museum’s most popular permanent exhibit today.
• In the past 15 years, Newcastle Museum has welcomed 2,298,252 visitors, accepted over 3,000 object donations, won 24 state and national awards including an international Best in Heritage award from the International Congress of Museums and an AMAGA award for the best exhibition in Australia, and displayed 98 exhibitions across a diverse range of topic areas.
• The Museum welcomed its two millionth visitor to the Honeysuckle site in 2025.