Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged following an alleged pursuit in state’s west yesterday.

About 6pm on Wednesday (26 February 2025), police were called to a motel on Cumberland Street, Cessnock, for a concern for welfare.

Police were unable to find anyone at the location in connection with the report; however, due to concerns a crime scene was established and an investigation commenced.

Following inquiries into the incident, about 1am yesterday (Thursday 27 February 2025), officers attached to Hunter Valley Highway Patrol initiated a pursuit of a station wagon at Denman.

The station wagon allegedly reached speeds of up to 170km/h as it was followed for almost two hours to Mudgee, where the vehicle stopped on Robertson Road shortly after 2.20am.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District and Orana Mid-Western Police District were approaching the vehicle when it was allegedly driven towards them in Robertson Road, striking an officer.

A number of shots were fired towards the vehicle, before the driver drove away, with the car seen travelling along the Castlereagh Highway.

The vehicle – which is a hire car – was found abandoned in Lewis Lane, Dunedoo, about 6am.

The officer did not seek medical treatment and remained on duty.

About 11.30am yesterday, officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District arrested a 30-year-old man in Mendooran. The man was taken to Dubbo Hospital for treatment for injuries believed to have been sustained in the Cessnock incident.

The man was then taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit not stop drive dangerously, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court today (Friday 28 February 2025).

Police have renewed their appeal for help from the public to locate a man reported missing from Western NSW five years ago.

Thursday 27 February 2025 marks the fifth anniversary since James Hunter went missing from Western NSW in 2020.

James was the biological son of Australian actor Bill Hunter.

Detectives attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Yurinigh in March 2022 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of James Hunter.

James, who was 52 at the time he was last seen, lived in the Newcastle suburb of Tighes Hill and travelled to the state’s west for work, including to rural properties at Dubbo, Mendooran and Dunedoo. He was also known to frequent Walgett and Lightning Ridge where he mined for opals.

He maintained contact with family members, who last saw him in person in December 2019, when he was in the Newcastle area.

After failing to make contact with his family for several months, James was reported missing to police in July 2021.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District commenced numerous inquiries and have conducted searches for James since that time; however he has not been located.

Inquiries have established James’ last known bank transaction was at a pharmacy on Macquarie Street in Dubbo on Wednesday 26 February 2020, but since then, he has not accessed his bank accounts.

On Friday 22 March 2024 and Saturday 23 March 2024, 1700 hectares of land north-west of Mendooran was searched with the use of high-tech drones that carried out 52 flights.

A total of 33,000 high-resolution images were captured and processed by investigators.

In March 2022, his vehicle – a blue 2005-model Toyota Hilux ute was located on a property he was working at in Mendooran, and it was seized for forensic examination.

Police and family continue to hold concerns for James’ welfare, and are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their ongoing investigations.

James is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 175cm tall, and of a medium build with brown hair and eyes.

Police are continuing to speak and obtain statements from witnesses and encourage anyone who has information in relation to James’ whereabouts or of relevance to the investigation is urged to contact Dubbo Police Station on 02 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle City Council has appointed Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull to the Boards of Newcastle Airport.

The Council also reappointed City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath to the Airport Boards, following his initial appointment in 2017.

In October last year City of Newcastle staff had recommended that Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge be appointed to the role of ‘Nominee Director’ of the Airport Boards, however he subsequently declared a significant conflict of interest in relation to matters involving the Airport, due to the employment of his son in a senior executive role at Qantas. 

The Council subsequently resolved that a merit-based process be followed to determine who would represent the Council on the Boards of Newcastle Airport, which are 100 per cent owned by Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Councils. 

The Council also resolved that Councillors Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Jenny Barrie should be appointed to Airport-related companies known as Newcastle Airport Companies 1 and 2, which are the trustees for the Council’s 50 per cent shareholding of the Airport. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Pull said he was deeply honoured to have received Council’s endorsement to join the Airport Board.

“The Airport is a key driver for economic growth – an important asset for not just Newcastle but the entire Hunter region,” Cr Pull said. 

“I will be joining the board during a time of enormous change, and in a big leap forward. 

“The international terminal is on its way, and we are seeing manufacturing returning to the Hunter through the Airport’s investment in the defence sector.

“The changes happening at Newcastle Airport are critical to our growing and changing regional economy.

“My focus will be on delivering more opportunities and better services for travellers, the business community and ensuring the best possible value for ratepayers.

“As part of this new role I will be advocating for important Government investment, to unlock these economic opportunities for our region.”

Councillor Jenny Barrie said she was excited by the opportunity to join the Board of one of the four companies that act as trustees of the Airport (Newcastle Airport Company 2). 

“I’ve been a councillor for close on four years. In many ways being a councillor is similar to being a company director. We provide support and direction to the CEO and Executive staff, we are asked to approve annual budgets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, we award contracts worth tens of millions of dollars, and we advocate to the state and federal governments to support Newcastle and the Hunter,” Cr Barrie said.

“Newcastle Airport is one of our true regional assets. It bears the name of Newcastle but it’s something that represents the region. 

“I remember when it was little more than a tin shed flying to just a handful of destinations. Today it flies to 11 destinations and in just a few months it will open a new terminal capable of receiving international flights. 

“We know that the average international tourist spends almost $200 per day when they visit Newcastle. This is money that will overwhelmingly end up in the pockets of local cafes, restaurants and hotels.”  

Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said she appreciated the vote of confidence by the Council in appointing her to Newcastle Airport Company 1. 

“As a proud Novocastrian I have watched the evolution of Newcastle Airport from a small regional facility to a global gateway, establishing a unique role as integral community infrastructure,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Securing international flights to Newcastle will enable accessibility to services, education, trade, and knowledge that will help to further support the social and economic potential of our region, and generate more than 700 new jobs for our community.

“I know the Airport is also currently advocating to our Federal Government for a Regional International Air Cargo Facility. By unlocking the region’s economic potential and opening the region’s manufacturing industries to the world, this will create a further 100 local jobs, and boost our regional economy by $6.5 billion annually.”

“As one of only two airports in Australia to have attained Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) from Airports Council International, Newcastle Airport has created a real point of difference with its environmental leadership, which speaks to its management.

“I’ll continue to ensure our Airport remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability in its operations and future development.”

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said he was looking forward to the opportunity to join the Boards of the Airport trustee companies. 

“With more than 25 years of engineering and infrastructure experience between Hunter Water Corporation and the Australian Defence Force, including a term as a Non-Executive Director on the Dial Before You Dig NSW/ACT Board, I feel well prepared to assist the Airport to reach its potential,” Mr Thomson said.

City of Newcastle Jeremy Bath said the next 10 years will arguably be a turning point in the Airport’s size and contribution to the regional economy. 

“When I was first appointed to the Board of Newcastle Airport in 2017, the Airport was valued at $103 million. Today it is worth more than $430 million,” Mr Bath said.

“With the international terminal nearing completion and the development of its property arm well underway, the next valuation of the Airport will undoubtedly confirm an asset worth more than half a billion dollars.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with Councillors Pull, Barrie and Adamczyk as well as Executive Director Thomson. I know they are up for the challenge of the added workload that comes with the appointment to the Airport Boards and related companies.”

Former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes who resigned from Newcastle City Council last month, indicated to the Council in October 2024 she would be resigning from her role as a Director of the Airport Boards. This resignation enables the appointment of new nominee director Cr Callum Pull.

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was injured while in custody in Newcastle overnight.

About 12.30am today (Thursday 2 February 2025), a 48-year-old man who was in Corrective Services NSW custody at Newcastle Police Station is believed to have suffered a medical episode and collapsed.

Police attended the scene alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Police at the station were assisting paramedics and Corrective Services officers when the man’s condition deteriorated.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

A critical incident team from Brisbane Water Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 February 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Ticketless infringement notices

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was supported noting that the ticketless parking scheme is consistent with the current operational practice of the NSW Police and other NSW Government bodies in providing an infringement notice via postal notification after the incident has occurred. Any requirement to provide physical notification on a vehicle will significantly increase the risk of psychological and physical harm to City of Newcastle’s Parking Officers. 

The Lord Mayor will write to the Minister for Finance requesting that as a matter of urgency the technology information system be linked to enable near real time notification (via a SMS notification service) in lieu of a physical notification on the vehicle.

Ordinary business 

December Quarterly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – December Quarterly Performance Report and adopt the revised budget as detailed.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2025.

Importance of major events to Newcastle economy

Council noted the contribution of major events to Newcastle’s economy, vibrancy, liveability and community development and unanimously voted to endorse the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Proposal to waive inland swimming pool entry fee

Council voted on an amended motion including requesting a report providing analysis with a view of progressing a $2 pool entry trial at City of Newcastle-owned pools as part of the 2025-2026 operational plan for the 2025-26 summer season. The report will also consider the financial and operational impacts, and viability of offering free pool entry on Boxing Day, New Years’ Day and Australia Day.

Draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 2025 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Council will write to Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, requesting an update on the progress of his pre-election commitment to deliver $21 million dollar funding for Stockton, and on the Terms of Reference and meeting schedule for the Stockton Special Advisory Panel.

Impact to Newcastle Local Government Area – January 2025 storm event

Council noted the impact of the damage to the Newcastle Local Government Area following the severe storm event from 15 – 19 January 2025. The NSW Government has approved City of Newcastle’s natural disaster declaration application to access funding to assist with the costs of restoring/repairing essential public assets and providing other Government assistance for the community and small businesses.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 November 2024 to 31 January 2025 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Exhibition of Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt an amended motion to place the draft Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (update 2025) on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Council will receive a report on the exhibition outcomes and noted that a comprehensive review of the LSPS 2020 is scheduled for 2025.

Adoption of Cameron’s Hill Heritage Conservation Area and Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Council vote to endorse the Planning Proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 to create the Cameron’s Hill Heritage Conservation Area. Council will forward the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation. Council adopted the associated changes to the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023.

University of Newcastle development – Settlement Lane, Newcastle 

Council voted unanimously to approve the introduction of one-way northbound traffic and related infrastructure changes within Settlement Lane Newcastle, from Wright Lane to Honeysuckle Drive, which includes kerb extensions and road narrowing.

Transfer of public domain land at Honeysuckle

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to classify public domain land being transferred to City of Newcastle by Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation as operational land. 

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report 2023/24

Council noted the Annual Report of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for the financial year 2023-24.

Notices of Motion 

Acknowledge and celebrate 35 years of Clean Up Australia Day

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting that Clean Up Australia Day will celebrate its 35th year on 2 March 2025, with a number of events planned across the Newcastle LGA. The motion reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting local Clean Up Australia Day site supervisors, community groups, local schools and businesses in their ongoing efforts to keep our community free of litter.

Supporting the Active Stronger Better program 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Council write to the NSW Health Minister and the Hunter New England Health Local Health District in support of applications by the Hunter Ageing Alliance to NSW Health for funding for the Active Stronger Better program.

E-bikes, e-scooters and related mobility options

Council supported a notice of motion that requested a workshop from City of Newcastle officers on the status of personal mobility devices (such as e-bikes, e-scooters and other mobility options) including the relevant legislation, and findings of the NSW Government review, any changes arising from the review.

Acknowledgement of Nuatali Nelmes on her retirement as a Newcastle City Councillor

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion noting that the NSW Electoral Commission has now conducted the countback by-election for the Ward 3 vacancy, and at 10am on 25 February 2025 declared Peta Winney-Baartz to be elected. Council congratulated Councillor Winney-Baartz on her re-election to City of Newcastle.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion that Council re-commits to celebrating International Women’s Day annually by continuing to host and support local events and initiatives that highlight the achievements of Novocastrian women, and partnering with local organisations, businesses, and community groups to promote gender equality, women’s safety and empowering women in Newcastle. Council will showcase the contributions of Novocastrian women on International Women’s Day and during the week leading up to 8 March through City of Newcastle’s communications channels and illuminate Newcastle City Hall on 8 March in the colours of International Women’s Day (purple, green, and white) as a symbolic show of support.

Protecting 505 Minmi Road as environmental land

Council adopted an amended notice of motion that the Newcastle Lord Mayor and City of Newcastle CEO write to the Director Hunter and Northern, and Deputy Secretary Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, and NSW Minister for Planning requesting that any proposed re-zoning of 505 Minmi Road that is inconsistent with the City of Newcastle not be allowed to go ahead, and that City of Newcastle remains the Principle Planning Authority for 505 Minmi Rd; and if not met, action as per the December 10 2024 resolution of Council to begin legal action to acquire 505 Minmi Road to protect it in perpetuity as environmental land.

Ensuring expedient housing assessment in Newcastle

Council unanimously adopted a notice of motion that requests the NSW State Government urgently adjust the threshold for State Significant Development in Newcastle under the newly introduced Housing Delivery Authorities legislative reforms.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Newcastle.

Emily Kildey, aged 11, was last seen at honeysuckle Light Rail Stop, Newcastle, about 5.10pm on Sunday (23 February 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Emily’s welfare due to her young age.

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with light brown hair and black eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve shirt, short overalls and a backpack.

City of Newcastle is looking to up the ante on its investment into major events, which have already injected more than $2.5 million into the local economy during the first two months of 2025. 

Councillors will vote next week to boost City of Newcastle’s annual major events budget from $450,000 to up to $2 million.  

Major events, such as Paul McCartney’s sold out show at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2023, are delivering significant benefits to the Newcastle economy.

It follows a successful start to 2025, which has seen five events delivered with support from City of Newcastle including the popular debut of the Howlin’ Country music festival last weekend. 

Almost 13,000 people, including more than 8000 visitors from outside of Newcastle, flocked to Foreshore Park for the first country music event, delivering a $1.6 million economic boost to the city. 

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said major events support significant visitation, investment and liveability outcomes. 

“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering events that provide immediate and ongoing benefits for the community and economy,” Ms Jones said. 

“This includes millions of dollars in direct expenditure alongside a range of associated benefits, from increased destination awareness and repeat tourism, to flow-on supply chain expenditure, skills development, capacity building, knowledge sharing and support for local jobs.” 

The strong start to 2025 follows on from a successful 2024, which saw 26 City of Newcastle-supported events deliver an $18 million economic boost, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, 53,000 day visitors, and 73,000 accommodation (bed) nights. 

Since 2022, more than half a million people have also injected around $65 million into the Newcastle economy thanks to a partnership between City of Newcastle and Venues NSW, which secured top tier live music and sporting events including Elton John, Paul McCartney and the 2024 Women’s State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium. 

This will be boosted further by the upcoming Wallabies, Wallaroos and Matildas matches, as well as the Women’s State of Origin and NRLW Magic Round, which are all expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the city. 

Ms Jones said City of Newcastle has delivered on its ambition become a premier tourism and events destination, which is a key pillar of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan. 

“However, with increasing competition between Australian cities, regions and states to host major events, we are seeking an endorsement by the Council up to $2 million of investment annually through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program,” Ms Jones said. 

“This level of investment would enable us to pitch for major events that will drive economic impact, increased visitation and showcase Newcastle as a world-class destination.” 

Events supported by City of Newcastle to date this year include: 

• Beach 5s = $235,000 economic benefit  
• Girls Day Out – Women in Sport = $24,000 economic benefit 
• Island Triathlon Festival = $252,000 economic benefit 
• Shaw and Partners Iron Series = $412,000 economic benefit 
• Howlin’ Country = $1.6 million economic benefit 

A second teenage boy has been charged after two bus drivers were allegedly assaulted in separate incidents in Newcastle last week.

Police Transport Command officers commenced an investigation after the two drivers were allegedly assaulted on Thursday 13 February 2025.

Police were told three males were fighting on a bus when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights and asked them to get off. When leaving the bus, the driver was allegedly assaulted by one of the males.

A short time later, the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers. The bus stopped in Glendale where all passengers got off; however, the three males allegedly forced open the rear door and assaulted the driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Police were notified and inquiries into both incidents commenced by the Police Transport Command’s Northern Satellite team.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 18 February 2025).

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Wednesday 19 February 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 24 February 2025.

Following further inquiries, police arrested a second 14-year-old boy earlier today (Wednesday 19 February 2025).

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with common assault, and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 24 March 2025.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

A teenage boy has been charged after two bus drivers were allegedly assaulted in separate incidents in Newcastle last week.

Police Transport Command officers commenced an investigation after the two drivers were allegedly assaulted on Thursday 13 February 2025.

Police were told three males were fighting on a bus when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights and asked them to get off.

When leaving the bus, the driver was allegedly assaulted by one of the males.

A short time later, the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers.

The bus stopped in Glendale where all passengers got off; however, the three males allegedly forced open the rear door and assaulted the driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were not taken to hospital.

Police were notified and inquiries into both incidents commenced by the Police Transport Command’s Northern Satellite team.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 18 February 2025).

The boy allegedly resisted the arrest; however, the arrest was effected a short time later and he was taken to Belmont Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Wednesday 19 February 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 24 February 2025.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.