The number of female lifeguards on patrol at Newcastle’s beaches and Ocean Baths will reach an all-time high this summer thanks to City of Newcastle’s innovative trainee program.
Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker will become the latest recruits to transition from a traineeship to the professional ranks when the new summer beach patrol season kicks off on Saturday.
Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachThe pair successfully completed last season’s six-week trainee program, where they worked alongside experienced mentors during the busy summer holidays.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the initiative is helping to make a positive change.
“Women now account for around 40% of our lifeguards, with more and more girls applying to be part of the trainee program every year,” Ms Duffy said.
“We know some Councils are struggling to fill lifeguard roles because it’s a seasonal job that requires a unique set of skills.
“Our program helps us maintain a dedicated team of professional lifeguards who have comprehensive knowledge of our beaches and our procedures.
“The innovative trainee initiative launched in 2021 and so far every participant has come back to City of Newcastle to work as a professional lifeguard in some capacity.
“Applications for this summer’s trainee program close on 6 October, with four high school students being offered the chance to gain hands-on experience.”
The trainee program is delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving and was the first program of its kind in NSW.
Currently completing their Higher School Certificates, Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker already have impressive resumes.
Sutherland took out the Under 17 female ironperson title at the NSW Championships in March, while Bowker was part of the team that won the Under 19 ski relay title.
Both lifeguards say they’re excited about the prospect of launching their careers at the beach.
“I wanted to apply for the casual lifeguard role because the trainee program allowed me to create so many valuable friendships,” Ms Sutherland said.
“I developed so many new skills and had amazing learning experiences that I hope to keep building on this season.”
“I decided to apply for the casual position because I really enjoyed my traineeship and working with such a friendly team,” Ms Bowker said.
“I gained valuable insights into the role across morning and afternoon shifts, developing my understanding of beach operations and confidence in handling different situations.”
Lifeguard patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at three beaches and Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Ms Duffy said recent tragic incidents in Newcastle and on the Mid North Coast were a reminder to always follow key water safety rules.
“When you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, you should never swim alone, always swim between the red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards for advice about conditions and if you’re in trouble, put your hand up and yell for help,” Ms Duffy said.
Swimmers will also be welcomed back to City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield on Saturday, following the reopening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in August,
City of Newcastle is expecting another busy season at the pools, which attracted more than 537,000 visits during the 2025/26 season, highlighting their importance as destinations for family-friendly recreation and reinforcing their role in supporting community wellbeing and social connection.
The winter break provided an important period for essential maintenance activity with City of Newcastle completing a range of works across the network including safety upgrades, painting of non-slip surfaces and plumbing repairs.
There was a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield, while Stockton’s bench seating was replaced.
Security improvements were carried out at Wallsend, while the 50-metre pool was emptied to enable floor tile repairs and the replacement of expansion joints.
A detailed inspection of the pool shell was also carried out, while pipe fittings were replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.
A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged unauthorised access of the police computer system in the states north last year.
In September 2025, officers attached to a northern region command commenced an investigation after reports an officer was illegally accessing private information and distributing restricted police data.
A 47-year-old man – a sergeant attached to a command in the northern region – was since charged in relation.
Following further inquiries, today (Wednesday 23 September 2026), a 42-year-old man – was served a Court Attendance Notice for access / modify restricted data held in computer.
He will appear before Belmont Local Court on Monday 2 November 2026.
City of Newcastle has cut almost two weeks off the average time it takes to determine a development application (DA) as investment in the city continues to grow.
Just over 1,000 DAs were assessed by City of Newcastle last year with an average timeframe of 65 days, well below the NSW Government’s target for the city of 78 days.
More than $1.42 billion of development was approved by all consent authorities for Newcastle in the past year.
This is up 47% on the previous financial year, highlighting the significant nature of development unfolding in the city including the 280-apartment ERA development on Bull Street, Newcastle West ($189.6 million), the mixed use commercial and 191 residential apartments on Hunter Street, Newcastle West ($120.6 million) and the eight-storey student accommodation on University Drive, Callaghan, incorporating 450 beds ($128.5 million).
City of Newcastle Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said assessment efficiency was delivering real benefits.
“Faster assessments are helping deliver housing, jobs, investment and critical infrastructure sooner for the Newcastle community,” Ms Bisson said.
“We are continuing to exceed NSW Government assessment expectations while managing one of the State’s highest development assessment workloads.
“This was acknowledged with the maximum funding allowance of $3 million under Round 1 of the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive Program, which will contribute to the Union Street streetscape renewal project in Wickham.
“The program rewards eligible councils that reduce and maintain low development assessment timeframes, with funding directed to infrastructure that supports housing growth.”
Significantly, City of Newcastle had the fastest determination time for the top six Councils in NSW ranked by volume, followed by Sydney’s Inner West, which determined 1053 DAs in an average assessment time of 96 days.
Within the Hunter, City of Newcastle continues strong performance, recording faster average assessment times than similar high-volume councils and a high proportion of applications meeting State expectations.
Newcastle’s development activity is also reflected in national construction indicators, RLB Crane Index, reinforcing the city’s position as one of Australia’s most active development markets.
Executive Manager Planning and Development Amy Ryan said City of Newcastle’s innovative development assessment processes play an important role in supporting this continued development confidence and investment pipeline.
“Our award-winning Accelerated Development Application (ADA) model has been central to the improvement in determination times,” Ms Ryan said.
“It delivers a streamlined assessment process for low-risk, decision-ready applications, allowing planning teams to dedicate more time to complex projects and improving overall turnaround times.
“On the back of this program’s success, we were given $2 million by the NSW Government to develop a framework that would support its broader roll out to councils across the state.
“The successful adoption of the ADA model by other councils demonstrates Newcastle’s role as a leader in planning innovation and development assessment reform across NSW.
“Efficient decision-making provides greater certainty for applicants, investors and the community, helping to support housing supply, job creation and the timely delivery of development and infrastructure.”
NSW Government League Tables showing development assessment performance in 2025/26
A man has died after being pulled from the water in the state’s Hunter region today.
Just before 4pm (Sunday 20 September 2026), emergency services were called to Stockton Beach, Stockton, following reports a group of people were in trouble in the water.
Three men, all aged in their 20s, were pulled from the water with the assistance of members of the public.
One of the men was unresponsive, and CPR was commenced by bystanders before emergency services arrived.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated all three men, however, one could not be revived.
The other two men were taken to John Hunter Hospital as a precaution.
Police have commenced an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
A man will face court today charged following an investigation into alleged indecent exposure in the State’s Hunter region.
Just before 7.40pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to a hall on Cumberland Street, Cessnock, following reports of inappropriate behaviour.
Following the incident police commenced an investigation.
On Thursday 17 September 2026, police received multiple reports of a man allegedly taking items from a supermarket on Keene Street, Cessnock.
During the incidents, it will be alleged the man – aged 37 – exposed himself both in the supermarket, and outside in the nearby area.
Following inquiries, yesterday (Saturday 19 September 2026), police arrested the man on Cumberland Street, Cessnock.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with three counts of larceny value less than or equal to $2000, two counts of behave in offensive manner in or near public place or school, and carry out sexual act with another without consent.
The man was refused bail to appear at Local Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 20 September 2026).
Lake Macquarie City Council, City of Newcastle, Central Coast Council and MidCoast Council are calling on the NSW Government to pause proposed changes to 2027 Financial Assistance Grants, warning the cumulative reduction over the next decade is almost half a billion dollars.
The four councils, who represent the four largest councils by population in the region, warn the proposal would divert more than $33 million away from their communities next year alone. The funding is required to fund increasing infrastructure and service demands.
The Local Government Grants Commission is proposing that the stripped funding be reallocated to other councils whose residents can less afford a rate increase.
Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Central Coast and MidCoast councils say the proposed methodology shifts funding pressure between councils, when what is needed most is an overall increase in Local Government funding.
Lake Macquarie City Council is facing a projected reduction of at least $7.2 million a year under the proposed methodology, equating to an estimated $85 million lost funding over the next decade. Financial Assistance Grants, which are made by the NSW Government using Federal Government money, currently provide almost $21 million annually to Lake Macquarie City Council to support the delivery of essential infrastructure, community facilities, environmental programs and services.
Lake Macquarie CEO David Hughes said the proposed changes would have significant consequences for communities that rely on councils to deliver essential services and infrastructure.
“As one of the fastest-growing regional cities in New South Wales, Lake Macquarie is facing increasing demand for roads, community facilities, sporting infrastructure, environmental management and other essential services,” Mr Hughes said.
“With our population expected to grow by more than 50,000 people to reach 277,000 by 2066, councils like ours need funding models that recognise and support the challenges of growth.
“A recurring reduction of this scale would place significant pressure on Council’s ability to continue delivering the infrastructure and services our community expects and deserves.”
City of Newcastle currently receives around $15.5 million annually in Financial Assistance Grants. Under the proposed changes its grant allocation would be more than halved, creating a shortfall of at least $9.5m each year and more than $108 million over the next decade.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the changes would threaten the delivery of key community services and the renewal and maintenance of infrastructure used not only by Novocastrians but residents from across the region.
“City of Newcastle delivers cultural and recreational facilities, major transport assets and coastal infrastructure that support communities well beyond our council boundary,” Mr Bath said.
“We fund regional assets such as the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the Newcastle Museum and even our swimming pools, which are majority used by people who don’t pay rates in Newcastle. The Grants Commission can’t simply say that Newcastle residents will just have to pay more in rates to offset a $9.5 million reduction in our annual grants income.
“This proposal to redistribute funding away from councils predominantly on the coast to regional and rural councils is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. We need the State Government to hit the pause button on this and urgently rethink how it should be helping struggling regional councils.”
The Central Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in New South Wales, and funding models must recognise the significant infrastructure, service and disaster recovery demands that come with supporting a growing community.
In addition to investing in roads, community facilities and essential services, councils must also be prepared to respond to and recover from natural disasters that can have lasting impacts on local communities.
A reduction of up to $20 million per year in Financial Assistance Grants would place substantial pressure on Council’s ability to deliver the infrastructure, resilience and community outcomes our residents rely on.
Central Coast Council interim CEO, Jamie Loader, said any reduction in the Financial Assistance Grants would have a significant negative impact on Council.
“Central Coast Council is the third largest LGA in NSW, an area which also includes more than 2200 km of roads, servicing a rapidly growing population of around 370,000 people. The support of government grants and funding is vital for us to be able to maintain the infrastructure needed for this growth. Quality roads, sporting facilities, water and sewer infrastructure and crucial safety features such as lighting and pathways for a vibrant nighttime economy as well as cycling and walking infrastructure for schools, leisure and the general community are essential,” Mr Loader said.
“While Central Coast Council is an $800 million organisation – the grants we receive enable us to meet those community demands and expectations. To have a year-on-year reduction of up to $20 million would have extraordinary consequences.
“Council undertakes a huge range of services and functions, many on behalf of other levels of government at the expense of ratepayers.
“With $13 billion in assets to maintain the growing community, there will be no option other than reducing services or passing on costs to the ratepayer should the funds be reduced. The timeframes provided do not allow for appropriate community engagement to inform future budget allocations or reductions.”
For MidCoast Council, one of the largest regional councils in the state, serving a community spread across 10,000 square kilometres and a road network spanning 3,600km, the impact is similarly significant. MidCoast currently receives $23.9 million in Federal Assistance Grants, which will be reduced to $18.9 million under the proposed changes.
Facing a projected reduction of $5 million per year, MidCoast’s General Manager Adrian Panuccio said the loss will have a big impact on the region. Over a 10-year period it will equate to a $55 million hole for a community, which is still reeling from a one in 500-year flood event in May last year.
“This is not the type of loss that can be absorbed, we will have to look at reducing services and options for increasing costs. This is the last thing our community need to be facing,” Mr Panuccio said.
“We had almost 4000 properties across our region requiring rebuilding, restoration or repair and numerous public spaces damaged that we still haven’t had any assistance with repairing for our community. We have an estimated $320 million of damage sustained to our road and bridge network that we are working through.”
Mr Panuccio said the reality of the proposed funding reduction would mean Council will have to consider how key services are delivered and will reduce the level of maintenance and repairs on key community infrastructure.
“We are still battling on behalf of our community to attract funding for key projects as a result of the flood, we cannot expect our community to pick up the tab for this as well,” Mr Panuccio said.
The four councils support efforts to ensure fair funding outcomes for rural and regional communities but say this should not come at the expense of other communities facing significant growth pressures. Instead, they are advocating for an increase in the overall funding available to local government consistent with motions passed for many years at the NSW and National Local Government Annual Conferences.
In July this year the Australian Federal Government and the United Services Union secured increased untied federal funding to address local council resource pressures. Until it’s known how much additional funding will be provided to the NSW Government for distribution in assistance grants, no redistribution should take place that strips tens of millions of dollars annually from local coastal councils.
The proposed methodology by the NSW Grants Commission assumes that residents in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Central Coast and MidCoast can afford to pay more in rates than other councils in the Hunter.
The calculations include income the councils have received including emergency grants used to rebuild after natural disasters along with levies councils collect on behalf of the NSW Government. In the case of Newcastle, the new methodology even includes the income of Newcastle Airport despite the Airport being a separate legal entity whose income is entirely invested into airport operations.
The four councils are calling on the NSW Government to pause the proposed changes until the Federal Government’s commitment to increase Financial Assistance Grant funding has been implemented. No council in NSW should be worse off simply to prop up another council who is struggling financially.
Two teenage boys have been charged following an alleged pursuit in the Hunter region.
About 8.50am (Friday 18 September 2026), police were patrolling the Taylors Beach area following reports of dangerous driving.
A short time later, officers from Port Stephen-Hunter Police District attempted to stop a Toyota SUV on Port Stephens Drive, after inquiries revealed it had been reported stolen.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued along Nelson Bay Road before it was terminated.
A pursuit was reengaged on Nelson Bay Road at Salt Ash a short time later, continuing onto Richardson Road towards Raymond Terrace.
The SUV crashed into a concrete barrier on Mount Hall Road at Raymond Terrace, and two occupants exited the vehicle.
Two boys – aged 15 and 14 – were arrested nearby and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The older boy was charged with four offences, Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts) Dishonestly obtain property by deception, and Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
The younger boy was charged with two counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was refused bail to appear at a children’s bail division court on Saturday 19 September 2026.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region.
Simone Pannowitz, aged 60, was last seen on Danger Place, Muswellbrook, about 6.30pm on Thursday 17 September 2026.
When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Saturday 19 September 2026) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concern for her welfare as her disappearance is out of character.
Simone is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with medium build and brown hair.
She is known to drive a white Toyota Yaris with NSW plates DP65ER and may frequent Murrurundi.
Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachThe pair successfully completed last season’s six-week trainee program, where they worked alongside experienced mentors during the busy summer holidays.
