Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a woman missing from state’s Newcastle area.

Margaret Leis, aged 83, was last seen on Crebert Street, Mayfield, about 10am today (Thursday 30 October 2025).

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare due to her age and as she lives with dementia.

Margaret is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a grey/white jumper and a beige trench coat.

Margaret is believed to frequent Mayfield and Newcastle areas.

City of Newcastle is providing the opportunity to honour the hard work of outstanding Novocastrians as part of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards. 

Nominations are now open for the prestigious annual awards, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in Newcastle’s community. 

Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said these awards are a chance to recognise people who make Newcastle a better place to live. 

“These awards shine a light on the everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support others, often without recognition,” Cr McCabe said.

“Whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy or simply lending a hand, these contributions strengthen our community and deserve to be celebrated.”

In 2025, the Community Group of the Year title was awarded to The Unforgettables, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

Image: Associate Professors Michelle Kelly and Helen English, alongside the Unforgettables choir for people living with dementia, accepting the 2025 Community Group of the Year title at this year’s ceremony. The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.

Co-founder Associate Professor Helen English said the award meant a lot to everyone involved in the Unforgettables. 

“The choir was very proud to have been recognised as the Community Group of the Year, as recognition is so important when you are vulnerable and marginalised due to such an insidious disease,” Dr English said.

“As a result of the award the choir has been asked to sing at more events than it can possibly manage and has become an important icon for the University of Newcastle, singled out in our new Arts and Culture Strategy publication and performing as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. 

“Dementia inclusive choirs are important for many reasons, including the social connections, joy in music and normalising through an accessible activity.

“Recognising our choir reinforces how vital these activities are for both cared-for and care-partners, and we thank City of Newcastle and the wider community.”  

Last year’s recipients also included Bailey Myers, who received the Citizen of the Year Award for his 4,500km journey across Australia on foot to raise funds for Indigenous literacy.

Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy through the establishment of the book nook in Jesmond, providing free books to local families.

Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear and close on 11 December 2025.

A selection panel including the Deputy Lord Mayor, CEO, councillors and the 2025 Award recipients will determine the award winners, who will be announced at a ceremony early in 2026. 

A man has been charged following an alleged stabbing in the Lake Macquarie region yesterday.

Just after 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 October 2025), emergency services were called to Railway Parade, Belmont, following reports a man had been stabbed.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a 40-year-old man with a stab wound to his upper body.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police declared a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont Hospital under police guard for treatment of minor injuries.

He was later taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 30 October 2025).

A man has been charged following a fire at a Hunter Valley community club earlier this month.

About 8am on Sunday 19 October 2025, police responded to reports of a fire at a Cessnock community club on Short Street, Cessnock.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that entry had been gained to the foyer area of the club and a fire set with what police believed to be an accelerant. The fire failed to spread before self-extinguishing.

A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced into the circumstances of the fire.

Following a joint investigation from Hunter Valley Police District Proactive Crime Team and Hunter Valley Detectives, about 7:30am today (Wednesday 29 October 2025), officers arrested a 39-year-old man at a house in Kurri Kurri.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was then charged with two offences – break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence and damage property by fire/explosive.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

A former priest has been charged with additional historic sexual assault offences following an investigation by police.

In April 2025, police attached to the Mid North Coast Police District received a report of historical sexual assault offences and began an investigation.

Police were told that the alleged offences occurred between 1982 and 1984 at a church in the northern Riverina region of western NSW.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested an 82-year-old Kotara man at Waratah Police Station about 9.00am Monday 27 October 2025.

He was charged by Mid North Coast Detectives with an additional three counts of sexual assault (Cat 4) indecent act with person under 16 years of age.

He was granted bail to appear before Griffith Local Court Thursday 4 December 2025.

City of Newcastle will celebrate the 45th anniversary of its Sister City relationship with Ube City in Japan next month, recognising a long-standing partnership founded on goodwill, mutual understanding and friendship.

The relationship was formally established on 21 November 1980 following the advocacy of Newcastle Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, who acknowledged the common ties shared by the similarly sized harbour cities and their industrial backgrounds.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe, Councillor Mark Brooker, Councillor Jenny Barrie and Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton. The group is pictured holding a copy of the limited-edition publication Iconic Loved Unexpected – Newcastle Art Gallery Collection, which will be gifted to Ube City during the upcoming delegation.​Sister Cities are designed to foster cultural, educational and economic relations between communities and promote peaceful co-existence worldwide.

To mark the 45th anniversary, Councillor Jenny Barrie and Councillor Mark Brooker will lead a Newcastle delegation to Ube from 31 October to 2 November, following an invitation from Mayor of Ube Keiji Shinozaki.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said that the Sister City relationship continues to deliver educational and cultural benefits to both cities.

“Our long-running student exchange program has seen young people from both cities immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, strengthening connections and promoting mutual respect,” Cr Barrie said.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone and continue building the next chapter of our relationship, one that embraces innovation, creativity and mutual respect.”

“The trip will reaffirm our enduring friendship through cultural exchange and is an opportunity to strengthen investment and trade ties with our Japanese industry partners.

“The partnership between Newcastle-based cleantech company MCi Carbon and Mitsubishi Ube Cement Corporation is a wonderful example of how collaboration between our cities can deliver real-world innovation and create economic opportunity.”

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi Ube Cement Corporation invested US$5 million in MCi Carbon and signed a long-term collaboration agreement to accelerate the decarbonisation of Japan’s cement and concrete industries.

A notice of motion to be tabled at Tuesday’s Council meeting calls for the establishment of the Newcastle-Ube Sister City Committee, to explore opportunities to grow the relationship as the 50th anniversary approaches in 2030.

Committee members would include Councillors, representatives from business, industry and educational institutions, as well as community members with an interest in strengthening international connections.

Councillor Mark Brooker said the milestone reflects Newcastle’s global outlook and the important role Sister City relationships can play in connecting communities.

“For 45 years, our relationship with Ube has symbolised how people-to-people connection can foster broader cultural, educational and economic benefits.

“The anniversary also marks both reflection and renewal for the Sister City arrangement.

“We are the custodians of this enduring relationship and look forward to keeping the momentum going as we approach the 50th anniversary,” Cr Brooker said.

“This milestone is not just a celebration of our shared history, but a springboard for future collaboration.”

Over the decades, Newcastle and Ube have developed strong connections through education, youth exchange, art, sport and innovation.

The relationship also reflects Newcastle’s role in the foundation of the Australian Sister Cities Association, which emerged from the first Australian Sister Cities Conference held in Newcastle in 1979.

The cost of the travel is no more than $7,500.

Four teens have been charged after allegedly stealing a car and fleeing from police across the Hunter Region yesterday.

About 6am (Sunday 26 October 2025), police received a report that a stolen Mazda SUV had been driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway, Tomago, with reports passengers were throwing items at other drivers.

Officers attached to Maitland Highway Patrol attended and began patrolling the area searching for the vehicle.

During this search police located the Mazda travelling on the Pacific Highway, Hexham, about 8am the same day.

Police directed the vehicle to stop; however, when the driver allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along the highway towards Hexham Bridge, Hexham, with the Mazda allegedly reaching speeds of 180km/h in a signposted 60km/h zone.

As the pursuit reached the bridge the SUV collided with a concrete barrier; however, it continued along the highway before stopping at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road.

Four teens exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene; however, police arrested the group before taking them to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The alleged driver – a 15-year-old boy – was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h, and breach of bail.

The other three teens – all aged 15 – were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, with one teenage boy also being charged with breach of bail.

All four teens were refused bail to appear before children’s court today (Monday 27 October 2025).

City of Newcastle is delivering new places to play across the city, with the first two playground upgrades now open as part of a $750,000 investment this financial year.

Local families were treated to a community celebration at Maryland today to officially mark the completion of the new playground and half-court basketball space at Beauford Avenue Reserve.

Councillors Callum Pull, Deahnna Richardson, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk join City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy, parents and children to celebrate the completion of the playground upgrade at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland.It follows the installation of a refreshed playground at Stockton Swimming Centre, which opened in time for the start of the swimming season last month.

Work is also progressing at the Morpeth Road Reserve playground at Waratah, while construction at Johnson Park playground at Lambton is set to commence in the coming months.

Artist’s impression of the new playground to be built at Johnson Park Playground Lambton.Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing recreational opportunities for the community.

“Through our annual Playground Replacement Program we’ve been able to upgrade, replace or improve 28 popular parks and recreational areas across the region since 2018, ensuring every suburb has access to safe, modern and inclusive recreational facilities,” Mr Bath said.

“This year we’re investing $750,000 into four neighbourhood playground projects, with two already complete and another two on their way for communities to enjoy.

“It’s part of a broader investment in outdoor recreation, with our 2025/26 Budget also including $10 million for the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace, Newcastle’s first regional-level playground.

“I can’t wait to see it open and attracting thousands of people to the east end.”

City of Newcastle has invested more than $14 million into playground projects across Newcastle during the past seven years.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation, Lynn Duffy, said the Playground Replacement Program plays an important role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Playgrounds do more than provide equipment for children, they bring people together, encourage physical activity and support social and emotional development,” Ms Duffy said.

“The Maryland playground now features a variety of new play equipment designed to spark creativity and encourage physical development in younger children, alongside a new half-court basketball area for older kids and teens.

“The improvements include accessible pathways, shaded seating and soft-fall surfacing to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users.

“Stockton families are also benefitting from a recently completed upgrade to the recreation space at the swimming centre, which features upgraded play equipment, family-friendly barbecue facilities, shaded picnic areas and accessible footpaths.”

City of Newcastle maintains 116 playgrounds across the local government area.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date on progress on playgrounds in your area.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will this Sunday present the prestigious Emeritus Mayor Award to Nuatali Nelmes, former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, in recognition of her outstanding service to local government and her enduring legacy of leadership, innovation and advocacy.

Elected to Newcastle City Council in 2008, Ms Nelmes became the city’s youngest and second-ever female Lord Mayor in 2014. Across three consecutive terms, she was a transformative leader in local government who championed gender equity, sustainability and economic resilience.

Former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will be honoured with the Emeritus Mayor Award from Local Government NSW for her dedication and service to council and the community.

Local Government NSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the award acknowledges the significant impact Ms Nelmes has had on her community and the broader local government sector.

“Ms Nelmes’ achievements exemplify the values of dedication, innovation and community leadership that the award celebrates,” Mayor Miller OAM said.

“She has been a trailblazer for women in leadership and a tireless advocate for inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking local government.

“Her legacy is one of bold vision and practical outcomes that have improved the lives of Novocastrians and set a benchmark for councils across the state. She has shown that leadership is not just about holding office, it’s about lifting others up and creating lasting change.

“Her commitment to empowering women and driving sustainability has left an indelible mark on the local government sector.”

Under Ms Nelmes’ leadership, City of Newcastle became the first council in NSW to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2020, reducing its carbon footprint by 77%. She oversaw the delivery of the city’s first 5MW solar farm and led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a strong focus on infrastructure Ms Nelmes oversaw the record delivery of more than $1 billion in public works, increasing the Council’s annual capital works investment by 300% while maintaining strong operational surpluses. During her almost 10 years as Lord Mayor she saw Newcastle rise to NSW’s leading council for development approval times. 

As an advocate for gender equality, Ms Nelmes led Newcastle’s first female-majority council and rebalanced the city’s leadership team to reflect gender equity. She also established the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women with the University of Newcastle and the Women Empowered Scholarship with Hunter TAFE, supporting women pursuing education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Beyond Newcastle, Ms Nelmes has served on boards and committees, including ICLEI Oceania, the Global Covenant of Mayors and as Treasurer of LGNSW. Her role as a Director of Newcastle Airport helped it grow its value to almost $450 million and secured global partnerships advancing sustainability and NetZero initiatives, including Australia’s endorsement of the CHAMP agreement at COP28.

Now a Professor of Practice at the University of Newcastle Business School, Ms Nelmes continues to contribute her expertise in strategy, business, urban revitalisation and inclusive growth. 

The Emeritus Mayor Award is reserved for retired councillors who have served consecutive terms as mayors and demonstrated exemplary service. Ms Nelmes will be formally honoured by Local Government NSW at a ceremony on Sunday at Blackbutt Reserve, officiated by President Phyllis Miller OAM.

Ms Nelmes said she was deeply honoured to receive the Emeritus Mayor Award.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our community, council team, and partners who shared a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Newcastle,” Ms Nelmes said.

“Together, we delivered transformative projects in infrastructure, culture and housing that will benefit generations to come. I am proud of what we achieved and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Newcastle.” 

Cr Declan Clausen, who served alongside Ms Nelmes as Deputy Lord Mayor for seven years and is now the city’s longest-serving councillor, said her leadership transformed both the Council and the community.
 
“Nuatali’s leadership was grounded in collaboration and shared purpose,” Cr Clausen said.

“As Labor colleagues, we worked closely to build a more sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking Newcastle. 

“She led with conviction and courage, empowering those around her and proving that progressive values can deliver real, lasting results for our community.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Nelmes’ dedication to excellence was evident throughout her 16 years of service to the Newcastle local government area.

“Ms Nelmes joins a distinguished lineage of Lord Mayors whose long serving contributions have shaped our city’s identity including Joy Cummings, John Tate, John McNaughton and even going back to Frank Purdue and Douglas McDougall,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Like Emeritus Mayors Joy Cummings and John Tate, it is fitting that Ms Nelmes is recognised for her dedication and service to Newcastle. She takes her place among Mayors across the state and nation who have made a valuable contribution to public service.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said it had been a privilege to collaborate with Ms Nelmes during her time on Council.

“Nuatali’s extensive service to Newcastle spanning six years as a Councillor and 10 years as the Lord Mayor is deserving of this high honour,” Cr McCabe said.

“During her time as Lord Mayor, she led a progressive Council that invested in bold, ambitious projects that have set the city as a leader through our public spaces, art gallery, climate policy and strategic plans.

“I extend my congratulations to Nuatali on receiving this award.”

Key Achievements

Infrastructure and economic growth:

• delivered a $1 billion capital works program, creating thousands of local jobs and increasing annual investment by 300%
• increased capital works from $43 million to $170 million.

Major projects include:

• Bathers Way coastal walk – a world-class 6km coastal pathway
• new waste recovery centres and 5MW Summerhill Solar Farm
• $15 million upgrade of the State Heritage Register listed Newcastle Ocean Baths
• $10 million investment in Blackbutt Reserve
• oversaw record development approvals valued at over $9 billion
• reduced development application processing times, accelerating housing and business delivery to be NSW leading
• established a $100 million property-driven Future Fund to secure long-term financial sustainability
• championed investments in flood mitigation, tourism, event-led economic development, playground upgrades and digital infrastructure, including NSW’s first digital library.

Housing innovation:

• Developed Newcastle’s first Social and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, ensuring sustainable housing supply
• Formed a novel partnership with Homes NSW to accelerate social housing delivery across the region.

Established:

• Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women (University of Newcastle)
• Women Empowered Scholarship (Hunter TAFE)
• advocated for women in sport, including early promotion of the Matildas, WNRL, and Australian Diamonds
• raised the Torres Strait Islander flag on City Hall for the first time, reinforcing cultural recognition and inclusion.

Cultural transformation:

• delivered the $50 million Newcastle Art Gallery redevelopment – the largest cultural investment in the city’s history
• established the New Annual cultural festival, now a signature event
• partnered with Venues NSW to bring global music icons Pink and Elton John to Newcastle, generating $40 million economic impact
• returned the World Surf League Championship Tour after 25 years, delivering $15 million economic impact
• supported Newcastle 500 Supercars, Surfest, Writers Festival and Unity in Diversity Festival
• achieved a 60% increase in tourism through event-led economic development, investment in the after-dark economy, and Smart City infrastructure.

Leadership and inclusion:

• positioned Newcastle as a United Nations City and secured Australia’s signatory status to CHAMP at COP28
• participated in the Harvard Bloomberg Mayors Leadership Initiative and launched the Bloomberg Climate Youth Grants Initiative
• served on ICLEI Oceania, Global Covenant of Mayors, and as Treasurer of LGNSW
• championed gender equity, leading Newcastle’s first female-majority council.

City of Newcastle has further cemented its position as the Hunter’s most financially sustainable council. 

Draft audited financial statements for 2024/25 reveal City of Newcastle returned a modest budget surplus of $8.7 million while delivering a record $164.1 million in infrastructure for any regional council in NSW.  

It is the city’s third consecutive surplus and ninth in the past 12 years. The only years City of Newcastle has not delivered a budget surplus was for three consecutive years when the Council ran deliberate deficit budgets to supercharge the local economy during the pandemic. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle continued to build on its legacy of prudent economic management. 

“Maintaining financial sustainability while balancing the needs and expectations of our growing community remains a key driver for City of Newcastle,” Mr Bath said. 

“This legacy is what has allowed us to deliver a record capital works program, renewing and maintaining our older assets while delivering essential community infrastructure and undertaking once-in-a-generation projects such as the upgrades to South Newcastle Beach and the Bathers Way. 

“City-shaping projects formed a key part of the infrastructure program last financial year, including $34.9 million on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion and $14.4 million for remediation of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland to maintain the local protected environment. I look forward to sharing our vision next year with regard to how we are going to make the most of this site for the coming decades. 

“Additionally, our financial statements for 2024/25 have exceeded every financial key performance benchmark set by the Office of Local Government, once again demonstrating the city’s fiscal responsibility and effective management.” 

Other highlights of the 2024/25 infrastructure program include:  

• $17.2 million invested into road rehabilitation work and significant expenditure allocated to projects at Longworth Avenue, Minmi Road and Memorial Drive 
• $13.9 million on recreation and sport including upgrade projects at Smith Park, Gregson Park and work on Foreshore Park’s regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area 
• $11.2 million on planning and environment projects including $3.4 million on coast, estuaries and wetlands and $2.5 million on Blackbutt Reserve with significant expenditure for a new cafe and multipurpose facility 
• $8.4 million on city infrastructure revitalisation including $4.2 million for the Hunter Street Mall East End Village upgrades 
• $8.4 million on waste services 
• $8.3 million on transport projects including $3.6 million for cycleways and $3 million on safety improvement works at the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, Adamstown. 

The draft audited financial statements for 2024/25 will be tabled at next week’s Council meeting to be authorised for signing.