Category: Newcastle News

The 2025-26 NSW Budget builds on the strong foundations the Minns Labor Government has laid since coming to office – continuing our plan to deliver better essential services, build the homes and infrastructure our growing state needs and invest in the future of the Hunter.

This year’s budget reflects a responsible and people-focused approach to economic management. It continues our record of structural reform – including reducing gross debt, lowering expense growth and delivering savings on interest payments – while investing in the long-term prosperity of communities across NSW.

In the Hunter, the 2025-26 Budget funds the continued delivery of key projects and vital new investments to keep our communities strong, safe and supported.

Hunter specific commitments across major areas includes:

Health

$7.5 million to increase car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital
Continuing delivery of the:

$835.0 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
$180.0 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service (Manning and Forster-Tuncurry)
$138.0 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
$45.0 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment – Stage 3
Transport and Roads

An additional $35 million for Thornton Bridge duplication project
Partnering with the Australian Government to deliver:

$2.3 billion for restoration works to repair local and state roads damaged in major flood events, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers
$741.7 million to continue the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening
$294.9 million to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass
$267.0 million to fast track the Muswellbrook Bypass
$100.0 million for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland Roundabout
$10 million towards delivering the $275.0 million duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm
$5 million additional funding to upgrade the Speers Point roundabout, bringing the total commitment to $16 million.
Education

Upgrades to high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program
Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill in Newcastle – training the future net zero workforce
The Minns Labor Government’s investment to address the teacher shortage crisis has resulted in a 64 per cent decrease in teacher vacancies across the Hunter Local Government Areas, compared to the peak of the teacher shortage crisis in 2022
Continuing delivery of:
A new primary school and high school in Huntlee, including a new preschool
An upgrade at Thornton Public School
A new high school at Medowie
The redevelopment of Gillieston Public School
The redevelopment of Newcastle High School
An upgrade to the Hunter River High School
Continuing delivery of the NSW Government’s 100 public preschools, including at:
Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Moorland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Taree, Tenambit, Teralba and Weston public schools
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

$530.0 million to build the Belmont Desalination Plant – delivering up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent water
$115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a key hub for the delivery of affordable renewable energy
$82.1 million over four years for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding project
$21.5 million over five years for sand nourishment at Stockton Beach, protecting assets and rehabilitating the coastline
Communities and Justice

$49.2 million for purpose-built or upgraded residential housing for children in out-of-home care aged 12 years and over with complex needs, including in the Hunter
$4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site
Continuing delivery of:

A once in a generation pay rise for police
Paying police recruits to train which has resulted in a 71 per cent increase in the number of applications to join the NSW Police Force
Establishing a pathway for regional recruits to serve in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy
Primary Industries and Regional Development

$27.3 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to coordinate economic opportunities in coal-producing regions like the Hunter
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers real results for the Hunter – from more hospital parking in Maitland to upgrades at local schools and a major investment in our region’s water security.

“With $530 million for the Belmont Desalination Plant and funding for flood mitigation, renewable energy logistics and coastal protection at Stockton, we’re securing the Hunter’s future.

“We’re fast-tracking the Muswellbrook Bypass, upgrading high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook, and building a new westbound overpass at Maitland Roundabout to ease congestion.

“We’ve made real progress, but there’s more work to do – and this budget helps build a better future for the Hunter and for NSW.”

Minister Families and Community and Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“This Budget is about delivering on the things that matter most to our community – safer roads, better schools and more support for the places we love.

“Major upgrades like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight will cut travel times and boost safety.

“Our government’s investment in our kids futures continues with a new Medowie High School on its way, major upgrades to Hunter River High School underway and we’re delivering a bigger and better hall for the Shoal Bay Public School students and families.

“We’re also backing Tomaree Lodge with more support to secure its future community use. It’s a place with deep cultural and community value – and this funding ensures it will play a meaningful role in the life of our region for decades to come.

“This is a Budget that backs Port Stephens – investing in what matters, now and into the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Hunter is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety.

“This budget includes $35 million for the Thornton Bridge duplication for a total of $50 million combined with previous funds to get the project going.

“This is on top of $100 million to deliver a Westbound Overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland, recently committed by the Albanese Labor Government.

“This is on top of major Hunter Road projects such as the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.”

Minister for Women, Seniors, the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

“This budget continues the work on building important infrastructure in the Hunter, including the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and social and affordable housing in the Charlestown electorate.

“Transport and road upgrades funded under this budget will also improve traffic flow and safety.

“The NSW Government continues to invest in the future of local communities and ensuring better regional communities.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“This Budget is focussed on building a future-ready Newcastle.

“We’re investing in our people and places – a modern learning space for Newcastle High School students, improved conditions for commuters along Hexham Straight and critical protection efforts to preserve Stockton Beach for generations to come.

“The Budget is preparing Newcastle to be the epicentre of the renewable energy revolution, from establishing a Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to train our future workforce, to locking in vital local jobs at the Newcastle Logistics Precinct.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:

“This budget delivers on key health infrastructure and projects including the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment.

“We will continue to rebuild NSW through investment in education, with the continued delivery of a new preschool, primary school and high school in Huntlee, over 100 public preschools including 6 new preschools in the Cessnock Electorate.”

Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“The Budget delivers for the Upper Hunter – funding that speaks to who we are and what we value – strong hospitals, safer roads and quality education.

“We’re laying the foundations for stronger services, better facilities and a more connected region.

“When our communities speak, we listen and this funding reflects what matters most to people in the Upper Hunter.”

A man has died after he was struck by a car while crossing a street in the state’s north today.

About 7pm today (Sunday 22 June 2025), emergency services were called to the intersection of Cessnock Road and Kilaben Street, Awaba, following reports of a pedestrian had been hit by a white ute.

The pedestrian – a 98-year-old man – died at the scene.

The driver – a 49-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital for a mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.

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

A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman died in a two-vehicle crash in the Newcastle area.

Just after 2.40am today (Sunday 22 June 2025), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were patrolling on Newcastle Road, North Lambton, when they sighted a Holden sedan allegedly driving dangerously.

A pursuit was not initiated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the Holden sedan collided with a Hyundai sedan further along Newcastle Road.

The passenger of the Hyundai – a woman believed to be in aged her 50s – died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.

The driver – a 28-year-old woman – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

The driver of the Holden left the scene prior to police arrival.

The two rear passengers in the Holden – two girls aged 15 and 17 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard.

A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from Hunter Valley Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Joseph Kew, aged 23, was last seen on Eucalyptus Drive, Morisset, about 11am today (Saturday 21 June 2025).

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Joseph’s welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

Joseph is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 160cm tall, of medium build, with medium length black hair, black beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a black hooded jumper and black pants.

Joseph is known to frequent the Morisset and Bolwarra Heights areas.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 17 June 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Star Hotel heritage listing nomination

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Heritage Council in support of the Star Hotel’s inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

Delegation to Ube

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that Ube City has invited the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to lead a delegation of up to 10 to visit Ube for the 45-year celebration of the sister city relationship. The members of the delegation will be finalised in accordance with City of Newcastle’s Ube Sister City Policy.

Call for support for landslip affected residents

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Recovery asking that the NSW Reconstruction Authority immediately take on the role of leading the recovery phase of the landslip in New Lambton, which for some residents may be long-term.

Acknowledging King’s birthday honours

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians who received a King’s birthday honour in 2025.

Ordinary business 

Proposal for $2 inland swimming pool entry fee trial

Council voted to endorse an amended motion to implement a $2 pool entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend inland swimming pools for the 2025/26 swimming season. Lambton Pool will be actively considered for inclusion in any future expansion of the trial, or in the event that a permanent $2 fee structure is adopted, subject to further advice on risk management, safety, operational capacity and financial considerations.

Interest on overdue rates & charges for 2025/26

Council voted to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 & making of the Rates & Charges

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, the 2025/2026 Fees and Charges Register, the Resourcing Newcastle 2040 and make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Delivering Newcastle 2040 proposes a record Budget for 2025/2026 including a capital works program of $154.5 million, which is forecast to achieve a $300,000 net operating surplus.

Adoption of Council policies

Council unanimously voted to approve the amended Donations Program Policy and place both the Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy and Outdoor Dining Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

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

Tender report – tree works services

Council voted to accept a tender for tree pruning, tree and stump removal and tree root grinding on public lands, roads and footways.

Notices of Motion 

Surfest 40th anniversary

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion recognising and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Surfest in 2026. Council will commemorate the milestone by commissioning a mural depicting Surfest to be delivered at Merewether Beach, with engagement via the Public Art Standing Committee. Council will also support and collaborate with the Surfest committee to host an event at City Hall celebrating Surfest and its success over 40 years, to coincide with the final challenger series event in 2026.

Protection and adaptive reuse of community facilities at 48 Mordue Parade Jesmond 

Council supported a notice of motion endorsing City of Newcastle staff to work with internal stakeholders to identify and recommend the optimal future use of the building at 48 Mordue Parade, Jesmond. This was formerly occupied by Heaton Birmingham Garden Bowling Club building, which has ceased trading. The land is designated as community land and the building and contents have been acquired by City of Newcastle. Council supports the adaptive reuse of this facility to deliver on the social needs of the Jesmond community.

World Environment Day 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that recognised World Environment Day was celebrated on 5 June and noted the work being done by City of Newcastle including through its Newcastle Environment Strategy.

Public lighting strategy 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to developing a comprehensive Public Lighting Strategy and supports continued funding for projects within City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program that continue to integrate lighting outcomes across existing and future public space and infrastructure programs.

Calling for Newcastle investment from the Housing Australia Future Fund 

Council laid the notice of motion on the table.

SIX The Musical 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the success of the global phenomenon SIX the Musical at the Civic Theatre from 10 April to 4 May, which delivered an estimated economic impact for overnight visitors of $1.199 million and $2.293 million combining local and out of area visitors.

Tackling anti-social behaviour in Wallsend 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Council writes to the Member for Wallsend and Minister for Police offering to engage in constructive discussions to identify the best strategy to combat anti-social activity in Wallsend and increase police patrols in the area during high-risk times. 

A renovation of a former café site at one of the city’s most popular parks will kick off later this year as City of Newcastle breathes new life into the historic Lambton Park building.

Constructed in the 1940s as a baby health centre, the building will be modernised into an accessible café designed to become a hub for social connection and inclusion.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke, Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery and Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz outside the former baby health centre, which will be transformed this year by City of Newcastle into a new café.

A development application for the upgrade was given the green light in March, with the project now receiving a $1 million boost through the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke said the project will enhance the community’s use and enjoyment of the popular Lambton Park precinct.

“We are committed to delivering a range of projects that nurture connected, inclusive communities,” Mr Clarke said.

“We thank the NSW Government for its significant investment into this project, which will help City of Newcastle deliver the first major adaptive reuse of this historic building since it’s construction more than 80 years ago.

“The café upgrades will not only enhance the use of the building as an accessible and inclusive space but also encourage use of the wider park area and amenities.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was committed to delivering much needed upgrades to communities across the state.

“The grant to improve Lambton Park is part of $11 million that is being offered by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund statewide to support community-focused projects,” Mr Kamper said. 

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and these projects will keep our public reserves safe and healthy and support industry and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of communities to benefit many thousands of people.”  

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides grants to maintain and upgrade reserves and community facilities on Crown land.

“Lambton Park is an important space for our community and this funding from City of Newcastle and the NSW Government will enable the community to continue to use this historic site,” Ms Hornery said.

“The Tea Rooms were a fantastic addition to the Elder Street commercial area and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new café site will bring to the Lambton community.”

1. An artist’s impression of the façade of the new café.

The upgrade will include the installation of a new commercial kitchen, accessible bathroom facilities and the reconfiguration of the building into a more attractive and accessible open plan design.

Bi-fold doors from the café space will open onto a new rear deck extension overlooking the nearby children’s playground, which will provide accessible ramp access for parents with prams and people with mobility issues.

A preferred tenderer for the construction of the project is expected to be confirmed mid this year, with work on the upgrade to begin in the final quarter of 2025.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the project will breathe new life into a currently unused building.

“Lambton Park is a cherished community hub offering a range of active and passive recreational opportunities that are popular with local residents and visitors,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This building has long been a space for social connection, from its original use as a baby health clinic to its reinvention as tea rooms in 2017.

“We look forward to its revitalisation as a cafe, which will complement the surrounding community facilities and contribute to the role Lambton Park plays in meeting the recreational and social needs of our local residents.”

Margarete Ritchie was just three years old when she and her family left Austria in 1955 to make a new life on the other side of the world. 

Their journey across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to Australia is just one of the stories woven into the rich tapestry of memory in Newcastle Museum’s new exhibition, Heimat in the Hunter, which opens to the public tomorrow. 

Hedy Fairbairn, Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Julie Baird, Dr Sacha Davis, Tim Crakanthorp and Dr Jaime Hunt take a look at the new Heimat in the Hunter exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum tomorrow.

Developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle and drawing on the academic research of Dr Sacha Davis, Dr Jaime Hunt and Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, the free exhibition reveals the history and experiences of German-speakers in the Hunter region. 

German is the tenth most common language other than English spoken in Newcastle and the Hunter. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said exhibitions such as Heimat in the Hunter offer a valuable insight into the history of our city. 

“It is important to share and preserve stories of the communities and residents who have made Newcastle what it is today,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“I commend the work of Newcastle Museum and the University of Newcastle on this wonderful exhibition, which will hopefully promote better understanding of the city’s many migrant community experiences.”

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said partnerships between Newcastle Museum and research institutions like the University of Newcastle offer new ways to connect the public with contemporary historical research.  

“This is a history not just of German-speaking migrants, but of courage, creativity and connection, where objects become anchors for memory, cultural continuity and the migrant experience,” Ms Baird said. 

“Heimat in the Hunter brings together humble objects, images and interviews that reveal extraordinary stories and the importance of home and connecting world events to our shared local stories.” 

The exhibition showcases items from the Museum’s collection as well as treasured family heirlooms generously loaned by members of the community. 

Margarete’s story is brought to life through the remarkable travel album created by her father, Franz Ranzenbacher, which is filled with descriptions and photographs of their journey as well as a hand-drawn map of their migration route. 

Travelling with her mother, father and eight-year-old sister, Margarete set off from Genoa aboard the MS Aurelia and sailed through the Suez Canal to Columbo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), before docking in Fremantle and then finally Sydney, where they caught a train to the Greta Migrant Camp. 

“I am quite honoured to have my parent’s quest to make a good home for their family in Australia, far from the turmoil in Europe in the early to mid-1950s, included in this exhibition,” Mrs Ritchie said. 

A beautiful wool dinner suit tailored by Franz Schwaller helps tell the story of Viennese migrant Ernst Baumwald, who left war-torn Europe in 1939 to make a new life in Newcastle. 

With strict limitations on what he could bring with him, Ernst arrived in Australia with little more than some clothing, a collection of German-language engineering books and his precious slide rule, which are among the items loaned to the exhibition by his daughter Hedy Fairbairn.   

“Ernst was a civil engineer and spent the larger part of his working life at Newcastle’s State Dockyard. He was responsible for the design of the turntable on the Southern Hemisphere’s first drive-on-drive-off passenger ship, Princess of Tasmania,” Mrs Fairbairn said. 

“Two vital items came with him from Vienna: his technical books/manuals and his slide rule. He relied on those books all his working life. Every calculation and computation for his design work was made with that slide rule. Later in life he purchased a pocket calculator, but the slide rule was never truly replaced.”   

University of Newcastle Discipline Lead for History, Dr. Sacha Davis, said German-speaking migrants form an important element in the rich history of the Newcastle and Hunter region.  

“Their experiences on the one hand are individual and specific, and on the other hand speak to the story of migration to the region more broadly. Yet German-speaking migration to the region has frequently been overlooked,” Dr Davis said.  

“The great strength of this exhibition has been the passionate and generous involvement of the community in the telling of these stories.” 

Visitors to the exhibition are also encouraged to share their stories via a QR code as part of the University of Newcastle’s current research project, German as a Heritage Language and Culture in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, led by Dr Hunt. 

This exhibition has been supported by the NSW Government, through Create NSW, the University of Newcastle Copley Bequest Pilot Research Fund, and the Australian Linguistic Society. 

Heimat in the Hunter opens on Tuesday 17 June and will be on display until Sunday 21 September.

Wednesday 18 June

• From 8am to 1pm, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah or Muswellbrook.
• The 08:29 Newcastle Interchange to Dungog will not run. Catch the 08:48 Newcastle Interchange to Telarah train and change at Maitland for a bus towards Dungog.
• Buses also replace the 10:02 Dungog to Newcastle Interchange service.
  
• Replacement buses for trackwork may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes
1HU Newcastle Interchange, all stations to Telarah and return
4HU Maitland, all stations to Dungog (in that direction only)
7HU Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus
15HU Maitland, all stations to Muswellbrook (in that direction only)
19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)
28HU Muswellbrook, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)