Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is seeking a development partner for its landmark affordable housing project located on vacant land in the Newcastle CBD.

Known as Rail Bridge Row, the site on Hunter Street, which is part of the former heavy rail corridor, is set to play a key role in increasing affordable housing supply in the city.

A national invitation for expressions of interest (EOI) has been issued to find suitable partners with the capabilities and expertise to deliver the project in collaboration with the City.

Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, David Clarke, said City of Newcastle is embarking on a journey to forge a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.

“As we prepare for a significant population increase of more than 40,000 by 2041, we are fully aware of the pressing need for safe, convenient and affordable housing,” Mr Clarke said.

“By seeking to partner with an experienced community housing provider and other interested parties to deliver this project, we are creating a new affordable housing model that could potentially be replicated at other sites within Newcastle.

“Our long-term strategy is based on thoughtful collaboration with housing experts and industry stakeholders. Through strategic collaboration, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication, we are not just dreaming of a better Newcastle – we are creating it.

“Our commitment to achieve our vision is strengthened by a groundbreaking partnership between the City of Newcastle and the NSW Government leading to a historic $12 million investment in social housing right here in our city.

“This partnership has already begun to positively impact our local area with the rapid development of additional social housing in Wallsend. 

“We invite all interested community housing providers and other parties to review the expression of interest documentation for the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project, with EOIs closing on 7 March 2025.”

City of Newcastle has undertaken detailed investigations on the site, which has the potential to provide more than 30 affordable housing units which would be operated by an experienced community housing provider, making the project ideal for funding through the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund.

Following assessment of the EOIs, a number of parties may be invited to submit detailed proposals later in 2025, with a view to the project then proceeding through formal design and approvals processes.  

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Streets and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. 

It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020.

Additionally, the site has also been earmarked to deliver an important east-west commuter cycleway connection between Argyle Street and Wharf Road, strengthening Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of the city.

Regular updates about the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project will be provided on the City’s website.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to read more about our current projects.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Sydney’s inner west.

St Clair Rex Wydeman, aged 76, was last seen in Liberty Street, Belmore in late 2023.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command were notified today, 30 January 2025 at 2pm and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for St Clair’s welfare due to several medical conditions.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Campsie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The opportunity for public submissions guiding the independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will close this Wednesday, 29 January. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who brought the motion to commission the review, is encouraging residents to make a submission before the deadline. 

“Already more than 500 submissions have been received, demonstrating a very high level of public engagement with the review,” Cr Pull said.

“I am pleased to see that Novocastrians have responded to the opportunity to share their opinion and I urge anyone who wants to make a submission and hasn’t already, to get their submission in before Wednesday.

“City of Newcastle offers residents the opportunity to comment and provide feedback on many policies prior to adoption.

“This is your opportunity to ensure that your questions can be answered, and any concerns considered.”

Councillor Pull also sought to clarify the review’s objectives, as he said there were cases of misrepresentation or misunderstandings being communicated on social media.

“It is important that the community understands that the objective of this review is not to re-prosecute or make a judgement on decisions, but to look at existing policies and procedures and assess their effectiveness,” Cr Pull said.

“Where a concern has been flagged, the review can confirm whether or not proper process was followed.

“I have already made a submission to the review, as have a number of other Councillors. By making a submission now, it means that the independent consultants conducting this review will be able to respond to the issues or concerns that you raise.

“This is not a code of conduct investigation or a policy exhibition.

“This is a Council-commissioned review which will objectively assess our current practices and identify areas for potential improvement.”

Councillor Pull said that the community can have confidence in the review.

“The commissioning of this review was supported unanimously by the elected Council,” Cr Pull said.

“The elected Council clearly conveyed its support for this review, and I believe it will be of enormous value to our city.

“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make your voice heard and flag any concerns you have with the terms of the review before submissions close.”

Submissions to the Independent Review can be made via the external, secure portal here. 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Port Stephens area.

Philippa Breslin, aged 29, was last seen at Nelsons Bay, Port Stephens, about 12pm Wednesday 15 January 2025.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified on Wednesday 22 January 2025 and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Philippa’s welfare as her disappearance is out of character.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with dyed blonde and red hair.

Philippa is known to frequent the Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Mudgee areas.

A man has died in a house fire in the state’s Hunter region.

About 2:30pm today (Sunday 26 January 2025), emergency services were called to Coolabah Road, Medowie, following reports of a house fire.

Officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District attended, alongside Fire and Rescue NSW crews and Rural Fire Service, who extinguished the blaze.

A man, age 62, was found deceased at the scene and he is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A man has been charged following a shooting in Newcastle yesterday.

About 5am (Friday 24 January 2025), a man presented to a hospital in Waratah with a gunshot wound.

The 36-year-old man, who remains in a stable condition, was transported to a second hospital where he was treated for a wound to his neck.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced an investigation into the incident, under Strike Force Fontanta.

As part of the investigation, a crime scene was established at a home in Waratah West yesterday (Friday 24 January 2025).

Following inquiries, a 21-year-old man was arrested on Minmi Road, Maryland, about 10.30am today (Saturday 25 January 2025), following a vehicle stop.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly located a loaded firearm, ammunition and other weapons. The items were seized for forensic examination.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with shoot at with intent to murder, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 26 January 2025).

A scientist passionate about the environment was one of 170 new citizens to pledge commitment at City of Newcastle’s first citizenship ceremony of 2025.

Originally from Germany, Laura Stapp has had to navigate multiple visas since moving to Australia in 2016, but a change in the law has allowed her to embrace her identity as both German and Australian.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge outside Newcastle City Hall with new citizen Laura Stapp, her husband Kyle Stapp and their son Oscar Stapp.
Laura says she’s looking forward to enjoying the opportunities and enjoying the sense of belonging her new status brings.

“It’s an end to a long journey, it’s just nice to get there finally and it’s a bit of peace of mind. I look forward to the fact that I’ll be able to vote, it’s important to me,” Mrs Stapp said.

“Newcastle has a lot to offer, the proximity to beautiful places for camping and the welcoming community make it a wonderful place to live.”

Following almost a decade in Australia, Laura is finally able to share the same nationality as the rest of her family.

Laura first came to Australia in 2015 to complete her PhD in marine science at Port Stephens where she met her now husband Kyle at the local fisheries.

The couple now live in Maryville with their two sons who have been dual citizens since birth.

Laura works as a scientist with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and is passionate about contributing to her community and embracing her new home, while staying connected to her German roots.

This connection is especially important to her as a parent, as she volunteers at the Little German School in Kotara, where she introduces her sons to German language and culture.

Presiding over his first citizenship ceremony, Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulated the new citizens and reflected on the city’s diversity.

“It’s fantastic to welcome such a diverse group of people to our city and celebrate every one of their unique journeys,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I was delighted to introduce Aunty Cheryl to our proceedings for the first time today, a proud Awabakal woman who warmly welcomed all new citizens on stage. We also had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Mary Amponsah, a valued member of our community and Ghanaian woman who became a citizen in September.”  

Newcastle is a multicultural hub, with 15 per cent of its population born overseas and more than 80 languages spoken throughout the community.

Our newest citizens hail from countries around the globe, ranging from Cambodia, Egypt, France, Latvia, Pakistan, Syria, and Uruguay.

The event also featured an acknowledgement to Country delivered by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group, as well as musical performances by The Grainery Church, who sang the national anthem and “I Am Australian.”

A man has been charged over an alleged pursuit at Lake Macquarie earlier today.

About 11am (Thursday 23 January 2025), police were attending a home on Shelly Street, Toronto, to speak with a man in relation to a traffic matter.

Prior to the arrival of all responding police units, the man left the home in a vehicle allegedly bearing stolen number plates. Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and when the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued to The Boulevarde, Toronto, where it was terminated due to the alleged manner of driving. A short time later, the driver allegedly collided with a vehicle on Victory Road and failed to stop and exchange details. Police initiated a second pursuit on Cary Street, Toronto, which continued to Edgeworth where police lost sight of the vehicle.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Windsor Street, Edgeworth, where police arrested a 46-year-old man. When the man was searched police seized a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences,

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (three counts)

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (two counts)

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous

• Drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent

• Not give particulars to other driver

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed

• Unlawfully possess number plates, and

• Possess prohibited drug.

He was also charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, in relation to an earlier incident.

He was refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court tomorrow (Friday 24 January 2025).

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

Clinton Reginald Smith, also known as Clinton Waterman, aged 44, was last seen in Hamilton South yesterday (Thursday 23 January 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Clinton’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm to 180cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Hamilton South, Maitland, Carrington and Wingham areas.

Police believe Clinton is travelling in a 2002-model silver Nissan Van with NSW registration CRB 05Z and may be in the Morpeth or Tenambit area.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility in Newcastle will further establish the city as a hub for innovation.

The Albanese Government has today announced the University of Newcastle is a successful recipient under its regional Precincts and Partnerships program to construct two industrial scale spaces for technology innovation.

The facility will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose-built innovation facility within its Next Gen Precinct.

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.

Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions, the facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

It will also provide students the experience of working on prototyping products for manufacture, and give small to medium sized enterprises the ability to collocate and test technology.

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: Regional Australia.

Prime Minister 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 source 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 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 Industries 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.”