Category: Newcastle News

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation. 

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said. 

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve. 

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward. 

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.  

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

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

Some services are cancelled to complete repairs caused by earlier floods. Buses will supplement between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah.

Please allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps and listen to announcements for service update

A man will face court tomorrow charged following an alleged armed robbery at a licensed premises near Newcastle at the weekend.

About 7.50pm on Saturday 24 May 2025, police were called to a hotel on Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 30-year-old man being held down by a group of patrons.

Police were told the man had allegedly threatened patrons at the venue and demanded cash from staff, before stabbing a 68-year-old man.

The 68-year-old patron left the scene prior to the arrival of police. He was later located and attended John Hunter Hospital.

The 30-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to the same hospital under police guard.

Police searched the man and allegedly located and seized several weapons including a gel blaster firearm.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Earlier today (Monday 26 May 2025), the 30-year-old man was charged with five offences:

Robbery while armed with dangerous weapon,
Aggravated robbery with wounding/grievous bodily harm,
Wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
Possess unregistered firearm-pistol, and
Common assault.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 26 May 2025).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Olivia Hoskins, aged 26, was last seen in Rutherford about 8.30pm today (Saturday 24 May 2025).

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

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Olivia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, with a thin build and brown/blonde hair.

She is believed to be travelling in a red Honda Jazz with NSW registration DVK 97V and was last seen wearing a beige jumper and track pants.

Olivia is known to frequent the Rutherford, Newcastle, Mosman and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged after a pursuit in Wallsend last night.

About 11.40pm last night (Friday 23 May 2025), officers from Newcastle City Police District e were patrolling Metcalfe Street, Wallsend when they attempted to stop the driver of a white Kia Rio.

When the vehicle failed to stop as directed, police initiated a pursuit.

Police discontinued the pursuit after losing sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, officers from Newcastle Traffic and Highway Patrol re-engaged the vehicle in a pursuit.

Road spikes were successfully deployed in the Wallsend area before police terminated the pursuit after again after losing sight of the vehicle.

Just after midnight, police located the Kia Rio abandoned after it crashed into bushland at the end of Elermore Parade, Wallsend.

Police set up a perimeter with the dog squad and Polair in attendance.

The accused was located on Cambronne Parade Elermore Vale, where following a short foot pursuit, a man was arrested after attempting to jump a timber paling fence.

In climbing the fence, the man slipped and impaled his right calf on the top of the fence.

Police immediately administered first aid until the arrival of Ambulance Paramedics and officers from Fire and Rescue NSW, who cut him down from the fence.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for treatment.

After being released from hospital, the man was taken to Waratah police station where he was charged with three offences – two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (2^nd + offence) and drive whilst disqualified (2^nd + offence).

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 25 May 2025).

Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.

New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.

An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.

The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.

Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.

“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses. 

“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”

This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.

The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.

Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.

Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

The Minns Labor Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.  

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES – 132 500.

The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. 

Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.

Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.

The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.

With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

The AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.

RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.

Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. 

People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If the matter is life threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We know our states farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.

“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.

“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.

“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.

“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).

“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”

Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.

New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.

An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.

The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.

Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.

“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses. 

“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”

This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.

The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.

Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.

Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.