Category: Newcastle News

Young Novocastrians are being given the chance to raise awareness of the issues that affect their lives and provide strategic advice on how to make Newcastle a better place to live.

Expressions of interest are now open for City of Newcastle’s Youth Council Standing Committee, which gives people aged 15 to 25 a platform to promote the interests of their peers, develop leadership skills and encourage youth participation in community matters.

The Youth Advisory Committee helps with initiatives such as the Youth Mock Council, seen here in the former Council Chambers in 2022.It is one of eight advisory committees now seeking volunteers who are keen to have a direct impact on local issues, policies and initiatives that make a difference in Newcastle.   

Heading into his second term as a Councillor representative on the Youth Council Standing Committee, Newcastle’s youngest ever elected Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull says it’s vital to engage the next generation in local government matters.

“These young representatives are the future leaders of our city, so we need to respect their ideas,” Cr Pull said.

“Our members work together to identify key issues impacting youth and develop strategies that encourage solutions and contribute to a more inclusive and youth-friendly Newcastle.

“By fostering youth leadership, promoting active participation, and giving young people a voice in local matters, we are not only empowering the next generation but also strengthening the fabric of our community.”

Community representatives serve on a voluntary basis for the four-year Council term and have an active role in organising activities for young people, as well as guiding the implementation of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

Members can provide advice for organisations wishing to develop programs and activities for young people and help to facilitate interactions between people with diverse interests and backgrounds.

Representatives also develop leadership skills through planning youth initiatives and staging events during Youth Week celebrations, as well as helping to allocate Youth Week grants and assisting Council to prepare applications.

The Youth Council is one of eight advisory committees run by City of Newcastle.

The other committees seeking new members are the:

•    Access Inclusion Standing Committee

•    Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee

•    Public Art Standing Committee 

•    Community & Culture Strategic Advisory Committee 

•    Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee 

•    Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee 

•    Strategy & Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee

Expressions of interest are open until 24 January 2025. For more information visit:

https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/standing-strategic-advisory-committees

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

Shilah Imbornone, aged 16, was last seen in Mayfield about 1pm on Tuesday (17 December 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to the Newcastle City Police District were notified on Tuesday 31 December 2024 and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

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

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

Shilah is known to frequent the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle City 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.

Older Novocastrians have a new way to enjoy the benefits of getting fit and staying active thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle, Port Waratah and the Hunter Ageing Alliance.

A fitness station has been installed in Maryville between the Drop In The Ocean Playground and the Throsby Creek bridge, featuring a range of age-friendly exercise equipment such as a leg and chest press, stretch station, exercise bike, elliptical trainer and a shoulder mobility wheel.

City of Newcastle’s Recreational Projects Officer Ben Barrett, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Karen Marples from Port Waratah Coal Services, Dr John Ward from the Hunter Ageing Alliance and Natasha Whyte from ActiveStrongerBetter join some regular users of the Maryville fitness station.

The project was delivered by City of Newcastle, which also invested $40,000, after the Hunter Ageing Alliance successfully secured a $40,000 grant from Port Waratah’s Community Investment program.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is always striving to make the city more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Age-friendly fitness equipment means everyone can participate, providing older residents the same opportunities to remain physically, intellectually, and socially active as younger residents.

“I’m particularly enthusiastic about this project as a Doctor. Exercise is a key part of what’s called prehabilitation in medicine, which is a process that aims to enhance a patient’s physical and psychological function to support them before, during and after surgery. This can improve survival rates after major operations and leads to a faster and better recovery. My colleagues at John Hunter Hospital are national leaders in this new field of medicine. 

“This project exemplifies the goals of City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places.”

CEO of Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy, said this is a great example of a community organisation identifying an opportunity to benefit our city.

“Port Waratah is proud to be an active member of our local community and to partner with community organisations to make Newcastle a more active, smarter and sustainable city,” 
 Mr du Plooy said.

“Our collaboration with Hunter Ageing Alliance and City of Newcastle to install new exercise stations in Maryville has delivered free-to-access, long-term equipment to enhance local lifestyles, health and wellbeing for people of all ages in a picturesque setting along Throsby Creek.”

Dr John Ward from the Hunter Ageing Alliance said the evidence for the benefit of exercise for older people is overwhelming.

“Exercise allows for maintained independence, helps people stay at home longer and builds confidence,” Dr Ward said.

“Exercise is the most effective strategy for the prevention of falls injuries and Type 2 Diabetes and helps with the treatment of most chronic health conditions.

“It’s important to have exercise equipment in public spaces that is user-friendly for older people but can be used by anyone.

“We hope this equipment can be the first of many such exercise hubs in public areas in Newcastle.”

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

Serena-Rose Mallia, aged 15, was last seen in Blackhill about 3pm on Tuesday (31 December 2024).

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

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

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, of medium build and brown hair with blonde highlights.

Police believe Serena-Rose may be in the Balmain area in Sydney’s inner west.

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

Older Novocastrians have a new way to enjoy the benefits of getting fit and staying active thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle, Port Waratah and the Hunter Ageing Alliance.

A fitness station has been installed in Maryville between the Drop In The Ocean Playground and the Throsby Creek bridge, featuring a range of age-friendly exercise equipment such as a leg and chest press, stretch station, exercise bike, elliptical trainer and a shoulder mobility wheel.

City of Newcastle’s Recreational Projects Officer Ben Barrett, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Karen Marples from Port Waratah Coal Services, Dr John Ward from the Hunter Ageing Alliance and Natasha Whyte from ActiveStrongerBetter join some regular users of the Maryville fitness station.

The project was delivered by City of Newcastle, which also invested $40,000, after the Hunter Ageing Alliance successfully secured a $40,000 grant from Port Waratah’s Community Investment program.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is always striving to make the city more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Age-friendly fitness equipment means everyone can participate, providing older residents the same opportunities to remain physically, intellectually, and socially active as younger residents.

“I’m particularly enthusiastic about this project as a Doctor. Exercise is a key part of what’s called prehabilitation in medicine, which is a process that aims to enhance a patient’s physical and psychological function to support them before, during and after surgery. This can improve survival rates after major operations and leads to a faster and better recovery. My colleagues at John Hunter Hospital are national leaders in this new field of medicine. 

“This project exemplifies the goals of City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places.”

CEO of Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy, said this is a great example of a community organisation identifying an opportunity to benefit our city.

“Port Waratah is proud to be an active member of our local community and to partner with community organisations to make Newcastle a more active, smarter and sustainable city,” 
 Mr du Plooy said.

“Our collaboration with Hunter Ageing Alliance and City of Newcastle to install new exercise stations in Maryville has delivered free-to-access, long-term equipment to enhance local lifestyles, health and wellbeing for people of all ages in a picturesque setting along Throsby Creek.”

Dr John Ward from the Hunter Ageing Alliance said the evidence for the benefit of exercise for older people is overwhelming.

“Exercise allows for maintained independence, helps people stay at home longer and builds confidence,” Dr Ward said.

“Exercise is the most effective strategy for the prevention of falls injuries and Type 2 Diabetes and helps with the treatment of most chronic health conditions.

“It’s important to have exercise equipment in public spaces that is user-friendly for older people but can be used by anyone.

“We hope this equipment can be the first of many such exercise hubs in public areas in Newcastle.”

A man has been charged with 12 offences following two alleged pursuits and a crash in Maitland.

About 3am on Sunday 22 December 2024, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attempted to stop a black Holden Commodore sedan leaving a hotel on Ferodale Road, Medowie.

When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated and continued to Abundance Road, Medowie, where the car crashed into a home and the driver ran from the scene on foot.

Following inquiries into the incident, about 10.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 31 December 2024), police attempted to stop a blue Holden Commodore travelling along Aberglasslyn Road, Rutherford.

The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated and continued through Rutherford, Lorn and Maitland, where the vehicle crashed into a fuel bowser at a service station on Ken Tubman Drive and the driver fled on foot.

Officers stopped the man a short distance away; however, he allegedly resisted arrest when OC spray was deployed.

The 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with 12 offences including two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly – 2nd+off-T2, two counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period – 2nd+off, possess prohibited drug, goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not m/v), and a number of traffic-related offences.

He was refused police bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Wednesday 1st January 2025).

Six teenagers have been charged following a pursuit in the state’s Hunter Valley Region overnight.

About 1.50am this morning (Wednesday 1 January 2025), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were notified a Land Rover – reportedly stolen from a home in Valentine on Tuesday 31 December 2024 – was travelling along the Hunter Expressway after an earlier pursuit.

Officers attempted to stop the Land Rover; however, it failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

PolAir monitored the vehicle which is alleged to have reached speeds of up to 170km/h in a 100km/h marked speed zone.

As the Land Rover drove through Belford and Muswellbrook, road spikes were deployed on two occasions.

A short time later, the Land Rover came to a stop on the New England Highway, Muswellbrook, where some of the occupants allegedly attempted to run from the scene.

Officers arrested six teenagers – and they were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

Five teenagers – two boys aged 17, two girls aged 16 and a 16-year-old boy – were all charged with be carried in conveyance without consent of owner. They were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today 1 January 2025.

A 15-year-old girl was also charged and granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 11 February 2024.

Inquiries are continuing.

Two men have been charged after several vehicles were broken into in the state’s north today.

Between 5am and 6am (Tuesday 31 December 2024), police were told two men allegedly broke into several vehicles in Cameron Park and Edgeworth.

Following inquiries, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling Minmi Road, Edgeworth, and observed a white Ford utility. The vehicle was stopped by police and a 39-year-old man was arrested. He was taken to Toronto Police station and charged with:

• Destroy or damage property (three counts),
• Larceny (three counts),
• Enter vehicle without consent of owner (three counts),
• Goods in custody suspected of being stolen, and
• Possess housebreaking implements.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 21 January 2025

Following further inquiries, a second man, aged 28, was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station. He was charged with:

• Destroy or damage property (three counts),
• Larceny (three counts),
• Possess housebreaking implements,
• Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, and
• Possess prohibited drug.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on Thursday 13 February 2025

City of Newcastle is inviting families to dive into a series of hands-on activities across its venues during January that will help create connections with the natural environment. 

From the secrets of marine life along Newcastle’s coast to the prehistoric wonders of the age of the dinosaurs, there’s plenty to keep every young explorer busy these school holidays.

CN staff member Eliza Hoyland and UoN PHD student, Hayden Swift stand alongside young participants of CN’s environmental event ‘Hidden Life of Sand’.Take a wander along Newcastle’s coastline guided by marine biologists to explore rock pools teeming with life or uncover intricate ecosystems in the sand as part of City of Newcastle’s popular Natural Connection program.

The Civic Theatre will also take audiences on a trip into the deep blue this January as British naturalist and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall brings the oceanic environment to life on stage with stunts, experiments, cutting-edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV. 

The prehistoric era will also roar to life on the Civic Theatre stage when TV’s favourite doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand blend science and comedy with a Jurassic twist in their new show Operation Ouch – Jurassic Fart. 

Budding palaeontologists can continue their journey into the past at Newcastle Museum with an opportunity to craft, build, and dance their way through history. Experience the Brick-a-saurus LEGO challenge or enjoy dino-night adventure complete with a safari tour and silent disco, while young artists can get creative during a dino drawing workshop with Sam the Caricaturist. 

Art will meet nature at Newcastle Libraries as well, where children can design their own cactus rock gardens after exploring Jeannie Baker’s Desert Jungle exhibition or bring extinct animals to life with chalk art.

Children will have the chance to learn more about the diversity of animals at Blackbutt Reserve, where daily feeding sessions offer an up-close look at wombats, koalas, and birds, while animal encounters provide a unique opportunity to interact with some of Blackbutt’s most beloved inhabitants.

Summerhill Waste Management Centre will also make learning fun with their behind-the-scenes tour, which takes participants on an educational journey into the natural cycle of sustainability and waste management.

For more information about other fun activities on offer across Newcastle during the school holidays visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

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

Boguslaw Klukowski – also known as Bob – aged 73, was last seen in Mayfield, about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 25 December 2024).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to living with a number of medical conditions.

bob is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall and medium build.

He was last seen wearing navy blue suit with dark top and black shoes.

Bob is known to frequent the Mayfield, Adamstown and Waratah areas.

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