All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
From Wednesday 12 February, expect delays on Sydney Trains, Intercity, and NSW TrainLink services due to new industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.
The Australian and New South Wales governments are investing $15 million to progress planning work that will help cut congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety at a major Hunter traffic bottleneck.
Currently, motorists face major travel time delays when navigating the junction of the M1 Pacific Motorway, John Renshaw Drive, Weakleys Drive and New England Highway at Beresfield.
These delays are driven by high traffic volumes, multiple traffic signals and a lack of road capacity.
The John Renshaw Drive project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, with the Australian Government providing $12 million and the NSW Government providing $3 million.
The NSW Government will investigate upgrades to John Renshaw Drive including improvement options for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive; lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive; and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway.
Once designed and delivered, the upgrades will reduce travel times for motorists and make movement of freight more efficient along a key part of the regional freight network which connects to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
Further traffic and economic modelling is being conducted to confirm what the proposed upgrades will include and the final design.
Timelines for construction will be dependent on further funding and planning approvals.
More information about the project is available here: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/jrdup
Images can be found here
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods.
“It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support the development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“John Renshaw Drive is a key connector between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wallsend and the Upper Hunter.
“Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
“This incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways.”
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:
“The Australian and NSW governments are proud to be getting the ball rolling on upgrading John Renshaw Drive & Weakleys Drive which will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for many motorists.
“We are planning for a more reliable, less congested road network in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW. This is essential for local residents in and across Maitland, Thornton and Beresfield. We need better infrastructure and to build greater capacity in the network where it links to the M1 Pacific Motorway”
State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:
“This area of the Hunter is growing rapidly which is why we need to ensure our infrastructure is up to shape.
“I’m looking forward to seeing solutions which will ensure the best possible road network for our regional travellers while also minimising traffic delays for our local commuters.”
A woman has died following a crash in state’s Hunter region last week.
Around 3.30pm on Friday 7 February 2025, emergency services were called to a two-car crash on James Street, Windale.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a Hyundai i30 and a Ford Fiesta had crashed, trapping the driver of the Hyundai– an 82-year-old woman.
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the Ford – a 29-year-old woman was not injured.
On Sunday 9 February 2025, police were notified that the woman had died.
Investigations into the crash are continuing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
City of Newcastle has introduced a new generation to the benefits of waste minimisation and recycling during a tour designed specifically for children.
More than eighty-five attendees took part in two free visits to Summerhill Waste Management Centre today, allowing children to have a close-up look at the daily operations of a landfill and resource recovery facility.
Kids get an up close look at a garbage truck with Executive Director of Waste Services David Witherdin and Lucinda the Bin at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
CEO Jeremy Bath said these tours are part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to a sustainable future, which is a 20-year vision focused on reducing unnecessary waste and increasing recycling rates.
“Engaging the community is a priority in the sustainable waste strategy framework and we are delivering this through a range of programs which include community tours of Summerhill,” Mr Bath said.
“City of Newcastle currently diverts around 40 per cent of household waste through recycling efforts and a key part of our success lies within our framework of community education which empowers residents to understand the importance of recycling and reusing.”
The tour of Summerhill was guided by the waste services team and covered various areas of the facility, including the Resource Recovery Centre, Green Waste, Landfill and Solar Farm.
As part of the tours, children also participated in an education session that covered interesting waste facts such as the growing issue of how to properly dispose of batteries found in children’s toys, as well as problem waste such as takeaway coffee cups.
The education session gave children a chance to participate in a rubbish sorting game and build their own bin, before stepping inside a real garbage truck to meet the driver.
Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the tour is designed to engage and inspire children to be passionate about responsible waste disposal and equip them to make impactful changes.
“We know children are powerful advocates for change and teaching them about proper waste sorting and recycling empowers them to make better choices, which can also positively influence their families,” Mr Witherdin said.
“Our drivers witness the enthusiasm of our younger residents first-hand during kerbside bin collections as kids eagerly wait for the truck to pass their house, and during these tours when they line up patiently to have a chance to have a sneak peek inside the vehicles.
“By building on this natural curiosity, the tour provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn more about how their behaviours can influence positive environmental outcomes.”
Both tours were booked to capacity and follow the success of the first-ever kids tour in September last year which was initiated after families showed a strong interest during City of Newcastle’s regular community tours of Summerhill.
For more information on tours, workshops and sustainable initiatives throughout the year visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living
A Worimi man who completed a 4,500km journey from Western Australia to Newcastle raising funds to improve Indigenous literacy has been selected as Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2025.
Twenty-three-year-old Bailey Myers received the award at City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year ceremony today for his solo walk in March 2024, which spanned almost six months and raised nearly $16,000 in donations.
Image caption: From L-R Khuslen Batmandakh, Dr. Helen English, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Evelyn Collins and Bailey Myers accept their award at City of Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised Bailey’s endurance and strength, saying his efforts have demonstrated true leadership for all communities.
“Mr Myers embodies the values of the Citizen of the Year title. His inspirational walk should be a reminder to us all of the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can have in creating positive change,” Cr Kerridge said.
“His journey is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of supporting Indigenous voices and education.”
Inspired by his parents who are both teachers, Bailey said supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation was an easy choice as providing academic support to First Nations communities, particularly in remote areas is crucial.
“Literacy is fundamental, and I want to do my part to support Indigenous stories and education. I want to inspire young people, especially those who have faced disadvantage, they’ve seen the worst life can throw at them which means they can also do the most,” Mr Myers said.
“I’m proud to be a Worimi man, and this journey was about more than just the walk, it was about connecting to Country, honouring my ancestors, and giving back to my community. It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
Donations were made online through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website, with additional contributions from generous individuals Bailey met along his journey.
Making his way across the country, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, decorated with the handprints of students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah.
Beginning his journey in Perth, he navigated highways, dirt roads, and the vast Nullarbor Plain, camping on roadsides along the way before completing the trek in his hometown of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle also recognised other outstanding community members as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy and community engagement.
After learning her neighbourhood of Jesmond had one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, the high school student established the book nook at her local shopping centre, providing access to free books for local families.
Khuslen continues to launch initiatives through the Leos Club at Merewether High School, including the ‘Love from Leos’ program to connect isolated aged care residents with young people and championing Bus Driver Recognition Day by organising care packs for drivers.
Citizen of the Year award winners with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Councillors, and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crankanthorp.
The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Evelyn Collins, a clinical nurse deeply committed to the welfare of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In her own time, Evelyn will regularly travel from Newcastle to Sydney to accompany patients through surgery.
She has played a key role in establishing and continues to coordinate essential services for the Hunter region including the Hunter Deep Brain Stimulation service and DBS support group.
The Community Group of the Year was awarded to The Unforgettables Dementia Choir, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Co-founder Dr Helen English says music has great power to trigger memory and foster social connection.
The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.
In addition to their weekly gatherings, the group also host an afternoon tea during the week, offering another opportunity to connect and support one another in a relaxed setting.
City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.
City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.
A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.
Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.
The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.
The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.
Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.
“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.
“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.
“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”
Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.
The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.
Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.
A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.
“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.
“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.
“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”
The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions.
Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.
The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths
City of Newcastle has begun work on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot.
More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue during peak periods on a typical weekday.
Traffic lights are being installed by City of Newcastle to improve safety at the intersection, which has a history of car accidents and frequent near misses.
Pedestrians and cyclists navigating the intersection will also benefit from the new traffic lights, which will enable safer access to local schools, businesses, public transport and the Fernleigh Track.
The project is part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the project would address longstanding safety issues for the community.
“This area experiences a large volume of traffic and has an unfortunate history of crashes, which has long been of concern to the local community,” Cr Kerridge said.
“We are pleased to have worked with the Australian Government to secure funding for this important project through their Black Spot Program, which help fund safety measures to help prevent future accidents.
“We have also worked with the NSW Government through Transport for NSW to secure the approvals needed for this project and ensure the lights will be integrated with the nearby rail level crossing as part of an upgrade being undertaken by Sydney Trains.
“The project would have further benefits for the local community should the NSW Government also progress plans for its Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which would remove heavy freight trains from residential rail lines in Newcastle and help address the historic traffic issues being experienced in this precinct of Adamstown as a result.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the start of construction and the benefits the project will provide.
“I am so pleased to see this project get underway, with the backing of the Albanese Labor Government, to deliver safer roads and safer journeys in Newcastle.
“This intersection has seen a number of accidents and near misses over the years.
“These upgrades will help reduce vehicle crashes and improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists by providing an improved connection between the train station, schools, and bus stops.”
The project will include a realignment of the intersection to accommodate the traffic lights and the construction of a new median on Glebe Road.A new shared path, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane will be installed, addressing the challenge of crossing Glebe Road by providing cyclists with a safer crossing option using the traffic lights.
The project is expected to be completed by mid this year, with much of the work to be completed at night to minimise the impact on road users.
For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements.
Families and businesses across the Hunter and Newcastle region need reliable, high speed internet at an affordable price, and the Albanese Government will deliver that as we build Australia’s future.
The Albanese Government will make an equity injection of up to $3 billion to expand full-fibre NBN upgrades, finishing the upgrades to copper, which is a key part of our economic plan.
This upgrade means up to an additional over 18,000 homes and businesses in Hunter, Newcastle and Shortland will get access to world class full-fibre upgrades.
This is in addition to the over 181,000 premises already able to access higher speed broadband this year under the Albanese Government’s fibre upgrade program.
All up, about 98 per cent of premises in Hunter, Newcastle and Shortland’s fixed line footprint will be able to get speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second once all upgrades are complete.
And the Albanese Government will deliver this upgrade while keeping the NBN in public hands.
In contrast, Peter Dutton wants to privatise the NBN, reducing service and making high speed internet more expensive for Australians.
This was the Coalition’s position in government, and Peter Dutton instructed his Party to vote against our legislation to keep the NBN Co in public ownership late last year.
The Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley called Labor’s plan to finish the NBN and keep it in public hands a “complete joke”.
This underscores why the election presents a clear choice between Labor building Australia’s future, or going backwards and paying more under an increasingly reckless Peter Dutton.
Local residents and business on copper can check upgrade eligibility at their address and register to get alerts at www.nbnco.com.au
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Fast and reliable broadband is essential infrastructure now, in 2025, and in the long term.
“That’s why we’re committed to working with NBN Co to finish the job of upgrading the network to give thousands more Australians access to world-class broadband speeds.
“This investment will see the final fibre to the node premises reap the benefits of faster broadband coming to 622,000 homes and businesses, including those right here in the Hunter and Newcastle region.
“On top of our previous $2.4 billion investment to support NBN Co’s upgrade program and our promise to keep the NBN in public hands, our vital additional up to $3 billion investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering a better NBN for Australians.”
Member for Shortland, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Keeping Australians connected at an affordable price is a key focus of our Government.
“This landmark investment is all about ensuring families and businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, including access to the highest quality broadband.
“I’m extremely pleased that an additional more than 3,300 households in my community are set to benefit.”
Member for Hunter, Mr Dan Repacholi MP:
“In the Hunter area, we know how important reliable, high speed internet is – not just for entertainment but for businesses, health care and education.
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s upgrading the NBN for an additional 10,000 households across the Hunter so that they have access to the NBN they deserve, with the speed and reliability that they need for study, work or recreation.”
Member for Newcastle, Ms Sharon Claydon MP:
“There are people in Newcastle, including in suburbs like Stockton, Adamstown, Merewether, and Rankin Park, who tell me they are still suffering as a result of the second rate NBN rolled out by the former Coalition Government.
“Faster more reliable full fibre broadband is essential economic infrastructure providing productivity benefits to Australian households and businesses.
“Access to high-speed broadband in 2025 is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. It underpins almost every aspect of our lives, and I am delighted that the Albanese Labor Government is making sure 4,500 additional households across Newcastle have access to the very best broadband.”
The Australian Government is building Australia’s future by delivering infrastructure that creates opportunities in regional communities and improves everyday lives of locals.
We are providing more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.
The project will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose built innovation facility.
It will accommodate up to 16 academic-industry partnerships for rapid technology co-development from research to market across the energy, resources and manufacturing sectors, and the net zero economy.
Works are set to leverage the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRACE) initiative by adopting circular economy and clean energy technologies.
This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to and working with local communities and addressing regional needs.
It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales.
The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is providing investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:
“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.
“This project will boost education, employment and training opportunities for Newcastle and the surrounding region.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Future Industries Facility will build on Newcastles vital role as an industrial powerhouse and souce of skilled workers.
“Our investment will train the next generation in the latest practices in energy, resources and manufacturing, preparing them for a net-zero future.”
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting our city with this new facility set to bolster the University of Newcastle.
“Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training, and productivity, the Future Industry Facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.
“This investment will secure a bright future for our region, strengthening partnerships between the university and local industry, and equipping graduates with the latest skills and practices, as we prepare for the net-zero economy.”
There are more jobs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie with new Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealing almost 20,000 extra positions have been created in the past two and a half years.
ABS Labour Force figures released this month have revealed that since the Albanese Labor Government came to office in 2022, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has grown by 19,000 new jobs, bringing local employment to 222,400.
These figures include extra jobs for local women, with 4,900 positions created for women in the region since 2022.
Across Australia, an extra 444,400 jobs were created in 2024 alone – the second largest rise in a calendar year on record. Of those, 67 percent were full time positions.
This strong job creation has occurred at the same time as we make substantial progress in bringing down inflation.
Our workplace laws – all of which were opposed by Peter Dutton and the Coalition – are delivering:
Federal Member for Shortland, Minister Pat Conroy:
“Labor promised to create more jobs and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered for our community.
“Under the Albanese Labor Government, inflation has more than halved, we’ve overseen the creation of 1.1 million jobs – the most jobs created on record in a Parliamentary term, and real wages are growing again.
“I know people in our community are doing it tough and there’s more work to do, but thanks to Labor’s responsible economic management, almost 20,000 new jobs have been created in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:
“This surge in new jobs is great for Newcastle and our region, with almost 20,000 new jobs created, we have more Novocastrians working, which is good for workers families, business and industry.
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its promise to create more opportunities for Australians. Today’s job figures are a testament to our strong economic plan, which is putting people first and strengthening our workforce.
“By investing in training and skills, infrastructure, and innovation, Labor is Building Australia’s Future, with good, secure and well-paid jobs at its heart.
