Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from the Hunter Valley

Levi Rogers, aged 15, was last seen in Muswellbrook, about 7pm yesterday (Sunday 1 June 2025).

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

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to his young age.

Levi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, thin build and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, white/grey coloured pants, black socks and black shoes.

Levi is known to frequent the Muswellbrook area.

Two teenage boys on a motorcycle have been seriously injured after a crash in the Hunter region.

Shortly after 2am today (Sunday 1 June 2025), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on routine patrol drove across a crash between a motorcycle and Mazda 3 hatchback at the intersection of Main Road and Lowry Street, Cardiff.

Police immediately stopped and rendered first aid to the occupants of the motorcycle until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The rider and pillion passenger – both aged 16 – were taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Both boys were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The driver of the car – a 52-year-old man – escaped injury and was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established which is currently being examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Inquiries have established that the motorcycle was reported stolen from Edgeworth on 11 May 2025

The motorcycle had not been involved in a pursuit prior to the crash.

As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone who may have information about the crash – or has any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle is working to ensure the ongoing protection of more than 80 hectares of bushland and wetlands, which are home to threatened species and ecologically significant habitats.

The elected Council unanimously voted in April to seek input from the community on the formalisation of the status of 22 parcels of land across six Newcastle suburbs as community land managed as natural areas. 

Image: Blue Wren Creek in Elemore Vale is one of the 22 parcels of land proposed for reclassification of community land.The areas, which combined cover the equivalent of 112 soccer fields, are currently classified as operational land or road reserves. 

The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed reclassification, which is designed to offer greater long-term protection for a range of bushland, wetlands and creek lines including areas adjacent to Blackbutt Reserve.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said Novocastrians have made it clear they want the city’s natural assets to be protected and enhanced. 

“With 65 wetland areas, 91 bushland parcels and 79km of urban creeks under our care, City of Newcastle recognises the intrinsic value of our environment and the benefits of nature to our society,” Ms Bisson said.

“These land parcels hold significant environmental, social, and cultural value for many in the community, and while they have been actively managed as natural assets for more than 15 years, reclassification will provide clarity for their future management.

“This process also aligns with our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was developed with extensive community consultation and aims to improve the health and condition of our natural assets and biodiversity connectivity.”

The parcels of land range in size from a tiny 100 square metre area of Hunter Coast Spotted Gum adjoining the Blackbutt Reserve escarpment at New Lambton Heights, to 41.5 hectares of floodplain and wetlands around Ironbark Creek at Wallsend, which provides habitat for threatened and migratory species. 

It also includes a significant 22-hectare wetland and woodland area at Black Hill, which forms an essential link in the biodiversity corridor between Stockton and the Watagans. City of Newcastle signed a Conservation Agreement with the NSW Government for the area in 2024.   

Councillor Joel Pringle, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, said accurately classifying public land parcels is an important step in sustainable, cost-effective land management. 

“In addition to the long-term environmental benefits, the reclassification of these land parcels could also enable us to access external grant funding and, potentially, biodiversity offsetting opportunities,” Cr Pringle said.   

“I encourage the community to take some time to read through the proposal, understand its importance, and to have their say during the exhibition period.” 

The public exhibition period will run from Friday 30 May to Friday 27 June. A report summarising community feedback will be presented to Council to inform its final decision.

Submissions can be made online via the Have Your Say Newcastle website at https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/proposed-reclassification-land-parcels 

The body of a man has been located following a marine search for a missing fisherman on Lake Macquarie yesterday.

About 4pm (Thursday 29 May 2025), police were called to Summerland Point, Lake Macquarie, following reports an 82-year-old man had not returned from a fishing trip.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District and Marine Area Command – with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW – arrived and began searching for the man after his boat was located abandoned.

During the search – with assistance from a Surf Life Saving NSW helicopter – the body of the man was located in the water about 7.40pm.

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

An off-duty police officer has been charged after allegedly refusing to leave a licenced premise in the state’s north.

About 12.55am Saturday 28 December 2024, police were called to a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, following reports a group were refusing to leave.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived and were told three people were physically removed by security after they allegedly refused to leave the property when directed.

Police commenced an investigation into the incident and, following extensive inquiries, a 41-year-old male senior constable attached to Northern Region, a 41-year-old woman, and an 18-year-old man were yesterday (Friday 30 May 2025), charged with excluded person fail to leave premises when required.

The woman was also charged with common assault.

All three were issued court attendance notices to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 7 July 2025.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from state’s Hunter region.

Kieren Nean, aged 13, was last seen on Cook Street, Raymond Terrace, about 12pm on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were contacted yesterday (Thursday 30 May 2025) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Kieren is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm, of thin build, with brown hair.

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

If you see Kieren, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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

Richard Wilder, aged 16, was last seen on Marika Street, Lochinvar, about 11am on Sunday 18 May 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were contacted on Monday (26 May 2025) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 150cm-155cm tall, of medium build with light brown hair.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare due to his age.

He was last wearing a white Nike hoodie.

He is known to frequent the Newcastle areas.

A man has died after a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie area.

About 8.45am this morning (Thursday 29 May 2025), emergency services were called to Gorokan Road, Wyee, following reports an off-road motorbike had crashed on the bank of Mannering Creek, near a footbridge.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found the rider of the motorbike – a man believed to be aged in his 20s – unresponsive in the water.

The man could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and seized the motorbike for forensic examination and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

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

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 May 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Safety on the Fernleigh Track

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle support City of Lake Macquarie and fully participate in the forum with other stakeholders to ensure the Fernleigh Track remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Ube sister city visit and international relations

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that Ube City has invited the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to visit Ube for the 45-year celebration of the sister city relationship and resolves that the invitation be accepted and funding be provided for the visit.

126 Russell Road New Lambton – Landslip 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that a landslip impacting 15 residential properties in Russell Road, Victoria Street, Baker Street and Portland Place, New Lambton occurred early on the morning of Friday 30 May 2025. It acknowledged the swift and professional action of NSW Police, State Emergency Services, NSW Public Works, Reconstruction Authority, Hunter Water, Ausgrid, NSW Health, Local Lands Service, Support Agencies such as the Red Cross & Anglicare, Samaritans, Chaplaincy, City of Newcastle staff and staff of other agencies to ensure public safety.

Ordinary business 

Independent review of council processes, procedures & performance

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to endorse the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of Council Processes, Procedures and Performance by Davidson Business Advisory. 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2025.

March quarterly performance report

Council received the March quarterly progress report for the 2022-2026 Delivery Program.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2025.

Newcastle Surfest WSL challenger series

Council voted unanimously to support City of Newcastle investing up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support annually to secure Surfest as a WSL Challenger Series event from 2026-2028, subject to Destination NSW providing funding required by the World Surfing League for the event to proceed.

Appointment of audit, risk and improvement committee chair and independent member

Council appointed Mr Robert Lagaida as the Chair and Independent Member to City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

Tender report – electrical and communications services 2025-28

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the provision of electrical and communication installation, repairs and maintenance services.

Notices of Motion

Creation of a Productivity and Efficiencies Standing Committee

Council unanimously voted to adopt an alternate motion that City of Newcastle requests that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) review Council delegations, procedures and requirements which may have an impact on service delivery and this review process deliver a report to Council outlining its findings and recommendations.

Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC

Council unanimously voted to recognise and celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week and provide appropriate support to organise NAIDOC Week celebrations in our community to celebrate this significant milestone.

Development of a masterplan for Lambton Park

Council unanimously voted to develop a Masterplan for Lambton Park, aligning with City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program and ongoing masterplanning projects, to guide improvements while preserving the park’s heritage and environmental values.

Celebrating the University of Newcastle’s 60th anniversary

Council unanimously voted to recognize the 60th anniversary of the University of Newcastle, celebrate its contributions to the region, and bestow the Keys to the City to mark this significant milestone.

Supporting local government apprenticeships, cadetships and traineeships

Council acknowledged the NSW governments $252.2 million Fresh Start program and recognised the allocation of 23 new traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetships to the City of Newcastle.

Protecting public land at Warabrook

Council resolved not to support the sale of public land at 22 Angophora Drive and 496 Maitland Road and called on the NSW Government to withdraw its plans for the proposed sale.

Resourcing Special Business Rate scheme consultation

Council unanimously voted to support an amended motion that noted the recommendation of the Davidson Review that City of Newcastle should require Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) to undertake research with membership and the community annually or at agreed regular intervals to assess satisfaction and impact and present the findings to council for consideration.

Celebrating 10 years of Newcastle as a refugee-welcome city

Council unanimously voted to recognise that 28 May 2025 is the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 declaration of Newcastle as a ‘Refugee Welcome City’.

City and state partnership for delivering public housing 

Council unanimously voted to extend the term of the Steering committee overseeing the completion of homes built under a historic partnership to deliver increased social (public) housing in the city and proposes the steering committee for the extended term comprises of Cr Adamczyk, Cr Pringle and Cr Winney-Baartz as the Councillor representatives.

Recognising the 2025 Federal Election

Council unanimously voted to adopt an amended motion which formally acknowledged the outcome of the 2025 Federal Election and recognised the re-elected local Members of Parliament representing Newcastle and the broader Hunter region.

Buses are replacing trains between Maitland and Dungog in both directions after recent flooding in the area.

Some services are cancelled so repairs can be completed. Buses will supplement trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah in both directions.

Allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps for service updates.