Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has kicked off 2026 with a $500,000 boost from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation as final preparations occur before the opening of the $48 million expansion project.

The donation is the result of community fundraising by the Foundation and follows the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with City of Newcastle.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Deputy Chair Ian Andrews celebrate the ongoing relationship between the organisations.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the organisations were dedicated to the future of the expanded Gallery, which will celebrate its full reopening next week.

“Since being established in 1977 the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation has played an integral role in supporting the growth and success of the Gallery through advocacy, fundraising and contributions to its nationally significant collection,” Mr Bath said.

“This $500,000 donation follows $12.5 million raised over many years for the Gallery’s expansion and demonstrates the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to its success, which is reinforced by a memorandum of understanding between our two organisations.

“We look forward to gathering together with the Foundation and our community next week to celebrate the full reopening of the Gallery, which will mark the completion of the largest capital works project and most significant commitment to cultural infrastructure in City of Newcastle’s history.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Deputy Chair Ian Andrews said the community contribution via the Foundation was the catalyst for securing support from all levels of government. 

“The initial $10 million commitment in 2020 was made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan Bequest, together with community fundraising over many years, and we are proud to have raised more than $2.5 million since launching the expansion fundraising campaign in early 2022,” Mr Andrews said.

“Thanks to the prudent investment of donor funds over several years, the Foundation is pleased to be able to contribute a further $500,000 to honour its $13 million goal.

“The Foundation would like to acknowledge the donors and supporters for their unwavering generosity and commitment. With the signing of the MoU, we now look forward to continuing to work together as a community to help our new Gallery realise its full potential.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM witnesses the signing of the MoU by City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Deputy Chair Ian Andrews.

The elected Council and members of the Foundation’s Board unanimously endorsed the new MoU at their respective meetings in December last year.

The MoU recognises the historical and cultural importance of the Gallery as custodian of the most valuable public art collection in Australia outside of a capital city, which provides a time capsule of Australian art dating back more than 200 years and is worth $145 million.

It acknowledges the work undertaken by City of Newcastle and the Foundation to preserve and promote the Gallery and reflects the shared strategic priorities of the two organisations, including financial support of exhibitions and programming, and the long-term sustainability of the Gallery as a leading cultural institution.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the Foundation’s contribution to the expansion project and the Gallery’s collection has been invaluable.

“For almost 50 years, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation has championed the growth of the Gallery, enriching its collection by contributing to the acquisition of more than 335 significant works of art,” Ms Morton said.

“Their support for the expansion project and their ongoing contributions to the future success of the Gallery are essential as we embark on a new era for the reimagined Gallery that will see us present more of our works, collaborate with leading artists nationwide and host major Australian and international exhibitions.”

The expansion and reopening of the Newcastle Art Gallery will be celebrated with a range of events and activities from 27 February to 1 March, including an opening night street party in Laman Street on the Friday and the launch of its major collection exhibition, Iconic Loved Unexpected, on 28 February.

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up to date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and full reopening program.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $13 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation.

The NSW Government has provided funding of $2 million to City of Newcastle for a DA approval process that has seen the council slash its DA times by more than 50%.

The Accelerated Development Application (ADA) system significantly reduces assessment times for low-risk, decision-ready development applications, cutting the average turnaround to less than 10 days.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has awarded City of Newcastle $2 million to develop a framework for the rollout of the ADA model, beginning with a trial phase at several councils seeking to speed up determination of DAs.

City of Newcastle’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said the NSW Government was to be congratulated for looking to his council for advice on how to help other councils whose DA processing times are just too slow.

“City of Newcastle has developed an innovative process for fast tracking determination times for DAs without compromising quality or increasing staffing numbers,” Mr Bath said. 

Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the program’s success is built on collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to improving the development approval process.

“City of Newcastle is leading the way in innovating development assessments to set a state-best benchmark recognised by the NSW Government for its efficiencies and broader potential,” Ms Bisson said. 

“Since creating and implementing the ADA in 2022, City of Newcastle has been consistently ranked the fastest-performing council in the state for DA determinations.

“For low-risk applications such as minor home renovations, councils can now issue approvals in less than two weeks. The system allows planning teams to dedicate more time to complex projects, improving overall turnaround times.

“The ADA system has already been successfully implemented at Muswellbrook Shire Council and Upper Hunter Shire Council through a $1 million joint grant from the NSW Government, demonstrating its scalability and impact.

“We’re proud to see ADA recognised as a model for reform across NSW, reflecting the hard work and innovation of our planning team and the benefits it brings to applicants, councils, and communities.

“With this rollout, Newcastle’s planning innovation is set to shape the future of development assessment across NSW, delivering faster approvals, smarter processes, and stronger outcomes for communities.”

Since its launch in 2022, City of Newcastle’s ADA system has processed more than 1,300 applications, reducing undetermined DAs by 52 per cent with an average of less than 10 days to process many low-risk applications.

City of Newcastle’s ADA pathway covers 10 types of developments. Most applications determined are residential, including alterations and additions, single dwellings and secondary dwellings. 

The system improves the quality of information lodged and uses an eligibility checker to quickly determine if an application can be assessed through ADA. 

The higher efficiency frees up council staff for more complex DAs, increasing capacity for merit assessment and responding to site constraints. This results in improved development outcomes and timeframes.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Douglas Nicholls, aged 20, was last seen in Morisset, about 1.10pm last Friday (13 February 2026).

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

Police and family hold concerns for Douglas’s welfare as he lives with a number of medical conditions.

Douglas is described as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, thin build, 165cm tall, short black hair and clean shaven.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and black sneakers.

Douglas is known to frequent the Morisset and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A group of junior football players have kicked off a community art project designed to strengthen Newcastle residents’ relationships with their local waterways.

The Kotara South players took part in hands-on clay making and photography-based activities at Upper Styx Creek today, working with professional artists to create environmentally inspired artworks that will form part of a future exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe joins Ellie Hannon and Future Creek workshop facilitators Therese Keogh, Chris Brown and Holly Macdonald as they prepare for the first workshop in Kotara South on Styx Creek. The Future Creek project is one of eight initiatives supported through City of Newcastle’s most recent round of environment grants, providing more than $65,000 to support activities that strengthen local biodiversity, environmental educational, habitat restoration and connection to place. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the grants highlight the valuable role the community plays in caring for the local environment. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to support community-led environmental projects that empower people to learn, create and take action,” Cr McCabe said.

“Our grants help residents connect with nature, protect biodiversity and celebrate the green spaces that make our city unique. 

“These eight funded projects showcase the creativity and care that exist across Newcastle, from habitat restoration and native beehive installation to the creation of multicultural gardening spaces, the delivery of community workshops and the imaginative exploration of Styx Creek through art.” 

The Future Creek project is being delivered by Newcastle artist Ellie Hannon, who will use four seasonal workshops to explore community relationships with Styx Creek from the headwaters at Nesbitt Park to its outlet near the harbour. Participants will take part in clay work, photography, printmaking, letterpress and place-based cultural learning. 

An evolving moveable fabric structure known as the Future Creek Canopy will be set up at each of the workshops to act as a meeting point and will be incorporated into the final exhibition alongside artworks created during the program. 

Ellie Hannon said the program aims to spark deeper connections between people and their local waterways through creativity and shared experience. 

“Future Creek is all about connecting community with local waterways through creative, place-based learning. Styx Creek holds so many stories, and bringing young people, artists, ecologists and community members together is a way of building a more caring and reciprocal relationship with the urbanised environment we live in,” Hannon said.

“Each workshop explores the creek at a different moment in the year. As we move downstream, the artworks, conversations and the Future Creek Canopy will evolve with the landscape and I’m excited to see that journey culminate in an exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.”

Other grant recipients include Kotara’s March Street community garden, which also hosted its first event today in a seasonal series of pollinator workshops led by local artist Gemma Kirschner and environmental scientist Tristan Pintus. Workshops are open to members and the local community, covering topics of different pollinator species in Australia, how to keep them safe and guidance to encourage pollinators. 

Volunteers of Obelisk Hill Arcadia Park Landcare planted 250 native trees on Friday as part of the next stage of their restoration works in Nesca Park, supported by the City of Newcastle grant. This followed a range of recent activities, including weed-clearing and the installation of water points and nesting boxes throughout the par, while climate change plots and educational signage will be placed in coming months to complete the project. 

Other funded projects include a native beehive and student education program at Carrington Public School and the revegetation of 250 square metres on Ash Island led by the Friends of the Schoolmasters House, which will replace non-native grass with local native plants and eliminate the need for machine mowing while creating a habitat for bees, birds and other wildlife.

The grants also support Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre’s improvements to its community garden with new garden beds, a worm farm and compost bin, as well as a new sun shelter at Silsoe Street Community Garden. 

A teenage boy has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter region.

About 8:30pm yesterday (Sunday 15 February 2026), emergency services were called to Wollombi Road, Bishops Bridge (approximately 10km west of Maitland), following reports of a collision between a car and a push bike.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District found a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the sene.

Police established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the incident has commenced.

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

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident, or CCTV, is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The colour, characters and locations that have become synonymous with Surfest have inspired a special mural that will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the iconic event.

Supported by City of Newcastle, the 40 square metre painting is taking shape on the wall of Merewether Surf Life Saving Club thanks to Newcastle artist Mitch ‘Revs’ Resevsky.

Artist Mitch ‘Revs’ Resevsky, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Surfest organiser Warren Smith in front of the ‘work in progress’ mural at Merewether.The artwork features big waves being braved by a host of surfers, Merewether Ocean Baths, a surf photographer, hang gliders, local wildlife and a reference to the local Surfboard Club that calls this famous stretch home.

Sports Infrastructure Working Party Chair Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said City of Newcastle has been a proud supporter of Surfest since the beginning.

“City of Newcastle was the foundation sponsor in 1985, with Council contributing the initial funding to help create the contest,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“It’s fitting that Councillors voted in June 2025 to commemorate the 40^th anniversary milestone by commissioning public art at Merewether Beach, the home of Surfest since 2007.

“The event has truly put Newcastle on the map in terms of destination awareness and repeat tourism, making good on its promise to help our city evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches to a new audience.

“City of Newcastle’s support over the years has helped Surfest become the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere, championing both men’s and women’s events, junior competitions and the Indigenous Classic.”

Mitch ‘Revs’ Resevsky said he wanted to create a vibrant piece that reflected the fun and excitement of Surfest.

“It features all walks of life doing their thing, surfing, having fun, walking dogs, playing on the rocks, doing family activities,” Mr Revs said.

“Everyone who comes to Newcastle has wonderful things to say about the community and the people here and I think that’s reflected in the mural. 

“I’m looking forward to painting the mural and I really hope the community enjoys it.

“I take my hat off to Warren Smith. He’s been doing this for a long time now and he’s definitely done Newcastle proud with this event.”

Organiser Warren Smith said the mural is part of a four-month festival celebrating 40 years of Surfest.

“We’ve got more than 800 male and female competitors from across the globe competing across nine events throughout February and March,” Mr Smith said.

“The celebrations will culminate with the final stop of the World Surf League’s Challenger Series at Merewether from March 9-15.”

Illicit tobacco and vaping products have been seized and three illegal tobacconists have been issued closure notices following a Combined Agency Operation in the State’s north.

Between Tuesday 21 October 2025 and Thursday 23 October 2025, a targeted operation was conducted by officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District, the NSW Health Centre for Regulation and Enforcement.

The operation in October focused on the compliance of licensed retail tobacconists, addressing reported complaints to both Government agencies relating to the growing concern and prevalence of illicit tobacco and vaping devices being readily available to the community. The operation resulted in the inspection of 22 retail premises, three of those premises were unlicensed.

As a result of the Combined Agency Operation, 22 tobacco retail premises were inspected, which identified three unlicensed premises in Toronto, Swansea, and Warners Bay.

During those inspections police located and seized a total of

• 6,396 vaping devices,
• 593,910 illicit cigarettes and
• 53 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco

Totalling an estimated retail value of $914,179.

Following further inquiries, yesterday (Thursday 12 February 2026), Lake Macquarie Licensing Police assisted NSW Health Centre for Regulation and Enforcement with issuing thee closure notices under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for a three-month period.

Three art lovers are being given the chance to walk away with a permanent reminder of Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection as part of the opening weekend celebrations. 

But they won’t have to worry about finding the perfect space to hang their prize, with the work of art instead being a bespoke tattoo inspired by the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition. 

Fresh from supporting Katy Perry on a national tour, Hunter musicians Kinder will be among the live performance highlights at the Friday night street party, which kicks off Newcastle Art Gallery’s opening weekend celebrations. Picture credit: Billy Zammit

The winners will be inked during the Friday night street party by Newcastle artist and tattooer Eddy Lou, as part of a packed opening weekend program of art, music and interactive experiences.  

Director Lauretta Morton OAM said while the tattoos were a quirky way to celebrate the milestone, every visit to Newcastle Art Gallery was designed to leave a lasting impression. 

“Our collection offers an extraordinary time capsule of art from around the world, incorporating significant First Nations artists, colonial era Australian icons, internationally important Japanese Sodeisha ceramics, contemporary pieces and so much more,” Ms Morton said.

“Throughout our seasonal exhibitions we will also be providing visitors with a chance to experience ambitious programs that are locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded.   

“The expansion project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination. 

“Regardless of why people come to the Gallery, we want to ensure they leave different as a result of the experience, with memories to cherish and a desire to return again and again.” 

The opening weekend will be a celebration of all the Gallery has to offer, incorporating artists from the collection and successful creatives from across the region to become cultural ambassadors for the Gallery. 

Laman Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a street party from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 27 February. 

Explore the temporary sculpture park featuring works by Braddon Snape and Dani Marti, as well as a disco-inspired garden created by Jen Denzin and David Lobb, which will evolve throughout the weekend thanks to interactive art-making activities perfect for the whole family. 

A live music stage will feature a diverse line-up, including performances by Newcastle artist James Drinkwater and his surf rock band The Pitts, Maitland siblings Kinder, who are fresh from supporting Katy Perry on her Australian tour, and headliner DJ, songwriter and producer Jayteehazard. 

Live performances will also be taking place inside the Gallery, including the CREATION choir led by multidisciplinary collection artists Deborah Kelly, Newcastle-based Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar and his dance group, and artist Tina Havelock Stevens, who will combine movement and music in a one-of-a-kind drumming solo.  

Art-lovers keen to win the flash tattoo experience on the night will need to head along to the Gallery on Fridays, Saturday or Sundays in the lead up to the opening weekend to put their name in the barrel. 

The celebrations will continue on Saturday 28 February with the official opening of the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition, displayed over both levels of the gallery, bringing together icons, favourites and unexpected gems from the Gallery’s $145 million collection. 

A series of in-person talks will be held on the Saturday featuring collection artists including internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, whose striking work Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) features 44 poles adorned with bouquets of rock oyster shells suspended within the new central atrium.  

Another of the Gallery’s iconic suspended works of art, The sea sun of 5 bells by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, will also be the subject of an ‘in conversation’ program with internationally respected Gallerist Tim Olsen, and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton who will discuss Olsen’s most significant paintings. 

A visit to the Gallery won’t be complete without a trip to the retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and the Gallery’s first permanent café, which will be open ready for the weekend celebrations. 

Named Hilliers in honour of the Oliver Hillier Drapery Store previously on the Gallery site, it will be operated by Jacque and Tom Brown, founders of Sprout Catering in Newcastle, who will infuse their longstanding commitment to seasonal food, sustainability and community into the cafe. 

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Hilliers to life inside the Newcastle Art Gallery. Being part of such an important cultural institution is a privilege, and we see the café as a place where people can continue their experience of art through food, conversation and connection,” Jacque Brown said. 

“The name pays tribute to the original Hilliers store that once stood on the corner of Darby and Laman Streets, a place woven into Newcastle’s early social fabric. Our vision is to honour that history while creating a warm, contemporary space for visitors to pause, connect and enjoy locally crafted food and coffee. 

“We want Hilliers to feel like an extension of the gallery – creative, welcoming and distinctly Newcastle.” 

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ for more details on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and full reopening program.

City of Newcastle expresses its disappointment following confirmation the NSW Government will not provide rate relief to the residents displaced by the 2025 New Lambton landslip.

The elected Council resolved in September to seek an ‘act of grace’ payment from the NSW Government that would cover the annual council rates for the 16 property owners located within the danger zone for a 12-month period from 1 July last year.

A letter has since been received from NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin rejecting the financial support requested on behalf of the residents.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the decision to withhold the funds was in stark contrast to the $40 million rates relief provided to victims of the natural disaster that hit the Northern Rivers in 2022.

“It’s disappointing that the NSW Government continues to ignore the residents of New Lambton who have been displaced from their homes since the landslip occurred in May last year,” Mr Bath said.

“The NSW Government has rightfully been very generous in its support of residents living on the mid and far north coast who were also impact by the same natural disaster in May last year. For reasons unknown, not one dollar has been provided to those in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is proceeding with its own process to grant financial assistance to the residents via a donation equal to the rates they have paid on their properties for the 2025/26 financial year.

This is in line with the restrictions of the Local Government Act, which prevent councils from waiving the rates and charges levied on a property. The process will cost City of Newcastle’s ratepayers $45,600.

Ward 3 Councillors Siobhan Isherwood, Peta Winney-Baartz and Mark Brooker urged the NSW Government to help support the affected residents.

“The Reconstruction Authority was set up to help communities recover from natural disasters. Our residents need help while they navigate the uncertainty and disruption and the financial challenges that they’ve been dealing with since May 2025,” Cr Isherwood said.

“Newcastle Council is doing all they can to support residents, but they don’t have the resources that are needed. 

“It is well past time for the State Government to step in and help manage the load. The Reconstruction Authority must be directed to provide the same support to New Lambton residents that residents in other parts of the state have access to.”

“I look forward to continuing to advocate for the impacted families to ensure their needs are met and also to continue working alongside the NSW Government to support City of Newcastle in our endeavour to secure support and funding,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This is not an opportunity for political point scoring it’s up to us all to work together to achieve tangible supports for these families.”

“It’s disappointing that the State Government has declined to offer financial assistance to the 16 displaced households of New Lambton,” Cr Brooker said.

“Through rates relief for the current year City of Newcastle has done all that it can to ease the financial burden being felt by these residents.”

A milestone in the recovery effort has occurred with the geotechnical report into the landslip currently with the NSW Public Works and Transport for NSW for peer review. 

City of Newcastle is liaising with the agencies in preparation for the report, which is expected to be received in late February and will be followed by further advocacy to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and elected representatives for support through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

City of Newcastle is seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal artists to develop public art that reflects local stories and contributes to the city’s identity as an arts and cultural destination.

Projects on Union Street, Wickham and Market Street in the East End have been identified as two key opportunities to share cultural knowledge. 

Public art elements have been included in recent public domain projects in Newcastle, such as the South Newcastle Beach Bathers Way work by local artist Ellie Hannon. Image credit: Lee Illfield.

Art will be incorporated into City of Newcastle’s planned public domain upgrades for these locations and may take the form of murals, sculptures, design features in footpaths, street furniture or walking trails.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said public art provides opportunities to share stories, cultural knowledge and foster relationships between First Nations and non-Aboriginal communities.  

“These cultural landmarks are significant to the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, and to the broader community. There is a deep sense of belonging and connection to place, which has been shaped by the ancestors over thousands of years,” Cr Richardson said. 

“Learning about the rich history of these sites and the ongoing relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the land encourages us all to respect and appreciate the places that we live, work and play on, and facilitates that dialogue that is necessary for reconciliation. 

“By incorporating cultural knowledge into public art at these sites we hope to bring people together and continue to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and the broader community.”

The chosen artists will collaborate with a core group of representatives from local Aboriginal communities to ensure public artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples. 

The process has been guided by best practice recommendations from the National Association of Visual Arts and the Connecting with Country Framework.

It has also been endorsed by City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and Public Art Standing Committee.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the EOI was open to both early career artists and those experienced in developing large-scale public art, with preference given to local artists, or those who have a strong connection to Newcastle and the identified site locations.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for young and emerging artists to develop their skills and experience, with the potential for mentoring and professional development,” Ms Morton said.

“It’s all about making the process inclusive and ensuring fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

“There will be a range of minor, medium and major artwork projects developed across these sites, providing several artists the opportunity to have their art on display in the public domain.”

Following the expressions of interest process, a series of artwork briefs will be developed providing specific information about the location, scale, size, timeline and deliverables.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to prepare a concept design for a fee, responding to the creative brief and putting forward their own ideas for developing the artwork. Successful artists will work with the core group of Aboriginal representatives to incorporate themes and stories that are both meaningful and reflective of local Aboriginal culture.

Expressions of interest for Aboriginal artists are open until 10 March 2026. 

For more information visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.