Category: Newcastle News

More than 160 staff from City of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health have joined forces to plant a community tiny forest in Wallsend as part of a $500,000 project.

The creation of this tiny forest will be one of two covering an area of 1,185m2 at Collier Street Park as part of the Greening Wallsend initiative, which will also add hundreds of new trees and biodiverse street gardens to the suburb.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery join staff from City of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, The Groundswell Collective and NSW Ambulance to plant a community tiny forest at Collier Street Park.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the project will deliver a mix of innovative, urban greening solutions.

“Wallsend experiences significant urban heat, biodiversity gaps and declining private vegetation cover,” Ms Kikken said.

“This project will deliver 150 new street trees and 70 new park trees at locations such as Whitegates Reserve, a further community planting opportunity at Neals Park, as well as almost 3000m² of biodiverse road verge gardens adjacent to the western corridor road upgrades.

“We started this project by involving local students on Schools Tree Day on Friday and had overwhelming support from the community on National Tree Day, with more than 250 people attending to plant trees, learn about local biodiversity and participate in a range of guided walks.

“The urban forest improves the health of residents by improving air quality and providing a buffer to heat sources, including major roads, while also supporting mental wellbeing and enhancing the liveability of the area.”

The project aims to enhance Newcastle’s urban forest by creating connected canopy cover and vegetation for iconic, threatened and pollinator species including the squirrel glider, while the increase in vegetation will also provide more shade and help to reduce urban heat.

City of Newcastle has partnered with local not-for-profit The Groundswell Collective to plan, deliver and monitor the community tiny forests in Collier Street Park.

Hunter New England Health’s Alana Stoeger said the new Community Tiny Forests near the Wallsend campus will have a positive impact on both residents and staff.

“Extreme heat is a well-documented driver of poorer health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations,” Ms Stoeger said.

“Increasing canopy cover will directly reduce that heat island effect and the associated risk of heat related illness while creating green space for nature-based, culturally responsive health interventions that support physical and mental wellbeing.

“This partnership between City of Newcastle, The Groundswell Collective and HNELHD reflects a growing recognition of the inextricable link between human health and planetary health.”

The project is supported by $400,000 from the NSW Government’s Greening our City Grants.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said this is the first time this type of funding has been extended beyond Sydney councils.

“I’m very pleased to see NSW Government funding contribute to more tree planting from City of Newcastle in the Wallsend electorate,” Ms Hornery said.

“These trees will contribute to shading, improve air quality and reduce urban heat, all while contributing to a more aesthetic environment.”

Once they mature, the trees planted during this project are expected to increase canopy cover in Wallsend by almost 13,000m², contributing to City of Newcastle’s targets of 30% canopy cover within road reserves and 40% canopy cover in open space across the city by 2045.

A program that has educated more than 800,000 participants on the importance of water safety made a splash at Hamilton North Public School today to celebrate its 60^th anniversary.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle lifeguards and students from Hamilton North Public School celebrate 60 years of the Water Safety Education ProgramCity of Newcastle’s free Water Safety Education Program began in 1966 with beach inspectors John Young and Kevin Mongan teaching children about safe surf practices and beach behaviour.

Six decades later, the comprehensive eight-week program also includes advice on locations such as pools and open bodies of water, with lifeguards visiting 50 schools across the Newcastle each year to help kids stay prepared, feel confident and be safe.

City of Newcastle lifeguard Sam Biddle said the program has made an impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“I took part in the program as a student and have now been part of its delivery for more than 10 years,” Mr Biddle said.

“We run the program over eight weeks in Term 3 so children in Newcastle are well-prepared for the popular spring and summer swimming seasons.

“By actively engaging children and empowering them with the knowledge to keep them safe, we hope to prevent drownings, accidents and minimise children getting into dangerous situations around water.”

According to Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2025/26 Summer Report, 50 coastal drowning deaths were recorded across the country, with the majority occurring in regional and remote locations.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation Donna McGovern said these swimming spots are typically unsupervised and hard to reach with emergency response services.

“Our lifeguards do an incredible job, but the community also needs to reduce risk-taking behaviour and make safer choices when visiting the coast,” Ms McGovern said.

“Surf Life Saving Australia data shows that 66% of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than one kilometre from a patrolled location, reinforcing the importance of teaching children and young people the skills they need to stay safe at the beach.

“City of Newcastle lifeguards use extensive on-the-job experience and knowledge to educate children about water safety in a fun, smart and interactive way, committing more than 700 hours each year to this program.

“They’re also dedicated to water safety education every day, consistently engaging with the community to promote key messages.”

Water Safety Education Program at Hamilton North Public School Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the program is vital for Newcastle’s changing demographic and increasing population.

“A lot of new citizens move to Newcastle because of its stunning coastline, but they are often disproportionately represented in drowning statistics,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This program seeks to interactively educate every child about water safety and covers the beach, pools and open bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and dams.

“Educating our young people empowers them to transfer water safety knowledge to their families, turning students into instructors and creating a powerful cycle of learning.”

Construction of the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Gillieston Public School is well progressed, with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison visiting the site today to see how the new permanent buildings are taking shape.
When it opens on Day 1 Term 1, 2027, students will be learning in state-of-the-art permanent classrooms after decades in demountables, which multiplied across the site for years as the former Liberal National government failed to address long-standing enrolment growth.
The redevelopment of the school will deliver 32 new modern classrooms, three support classrooms, a new library and a new hall with a canteen, new outdoor spaces and upgraded sports facilities as well as an outside of school hours (OOSH) care facilities.
The new permanent buildings will cater for over 730 students, replacing 20 demountable classrooms, which had become a fixture in which the majority of students were learning under the Liberals and Nationals.
It will also include a new public preschool, one of 100 new public preschools the Minns Labor Government is delivering across NSW by 2027.
The onsite public preschool will have capacity for up to 120 children per week as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expand access to public early learning.
Structural works for the main three-storey school building have been completed, and the internal fit out is progressing well. The steel framework for the hall is in place, and internal fit out for the preschool is almost complete.
The delivery of new classrooms is being matched with more teachers in our schools, with teacher vacancies across   public schools in Maitland by   falling by 73   per cent under this government.
This follows the Minns Labor Government’s move to abolish the Liberals and Nationals’ wages cap, delivering NSW teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.
The Minns Labor Government is prioritising investment in new and upgraded public schools in Maitland, with recent growth rates indicating the region will exceed the projected population trajectory of 144,500 residents by 2041.
In addition to the Gillieston Public School redevelopment, the education infrastructure pipeline for Maitland includes:
· Thornton Public School upgrade
· New public primary school in Chisholm with co-located public early learning
· Relocation and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School
· New public preschool at Tenambit Public School
In the broader Hunter region, the Minns Labor Government is also building the new and upgraded schools growing communities need, including a new public primary school in Huntlee and a new high school in Medowie. 
The projects are part of a record $9.2 billion investment by the NSW Government in school infrastructure through the 2026-27 Budget, which includes $2.3 billion for new and upgraded schools across regional NSW. 
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“We’re removing the demountables that took over Gillieston Public School by investing in the schools, early learning facilities and teachers that that fast-growing communities in Maitland urgently need.
“It’s fantastic to see construction progressing well on this project, which will next year welcome local students and preschoolers for the first time into the state-of-the-art classrooms they deserve.
“We aren’t just building the schools that communities need, we’re also making sure that they have teachers in them by driving down teacher vacancies.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“Maitland is the fastest-growing part of NSW outside of Western Sydney, and the Minns Labor Government is ensuring young families who move here to build their lives have access to a world-class, local public school.
“For years and years the Liberals and Nationals thought it was good enough to leave the majority of students at Gillieston Public School learning inside ageing demountables.
“Labor believes students deserve to learn and grow in high-quality, permanent classrooms and that’s exactly what we are delivering for families in Gillieston.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the new and improved Gillieston Public School coming together right in front of us. This is an investment in Gillieston’s future and a promise delivered for local families, who have been advocating for these upgrades for years.
“With 35 modern classrooms and a brand-new preschool, this redevelopment will transform education in Gillieston, giving local students access to the high-quality facilities they deserve.”
Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said:
“Our school community has experienced significant growth, and we are incredibly excited to see this project continue to take shape. The new facilities will build on the strong learning environment already established at Gillieston Public School and provide contemporary spaces that will support our students, staff and community well into the future.
“These new learning spaces will provide our teachers with flexible and engaging environments that support high-quality teaching and help every student to learn and grow.
“We are delighted by the progress that has been made and look forward to welcoming our students, families and staff into the new facilities in 2027.”

A man will face court after being charged following an investigation into alleged acts of domestic violence, assault, sexual assault and firearm offences in the Hunter Valley area.

On Saturday 25 July 2026, officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information a 29-year-old woman had been physically and sexually assaulted by a man known to her since December 2025.

It is further alleged in June 2025, the man shot the woman approximately 10 times with a gel blaster rifle, causing her significant bruising to her leg, arms and body.

Police will also allege the woman was assaulted by the man on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

Following inquiries, about 2.45pm yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2026), police arrested a 39-year-old man at a home on Olney Street, Ellalong.

Police have searched the home where they allegedly located and seized multiple child-like sex dolls, prohibited weapons including firearms, crossbows a sword, a knife and whips along with cannabis.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with 42 offences:

• Three counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm
• Two counts of common assault (DV)
• Three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV)
• Fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property (DV)
• Five counts of possess child-like sex doll or other object
• 20 counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Three counts of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Possess unauthorised pistol
• Three counts of possess prohibited drug, and
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today Monday 27 July 2026.

A woman has died following a single vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Valley yesterday.

Just after 10am (Sunday 26 July 2026), emergency services were called to Quince Tree Lane, Congewai, about 18km south of Cessnock, following reports a quad bike had rolled.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told the rider – an 18-year-old man – was riding a quad bike before it had rolled – ejecting the passenger – an 18-year-old woman.

The woman was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene; however, she could not be revived.

The man was taken to Cessnock Hospital for a mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the woman’s death.

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

Economic sustainability, memorable experiences, world-class events and a thriving night-time economy will take centre stage in a new strategy designed to create a more vibrant Newcastle for residents, visitors and industry.

Proposals are being invited to support the research and development of City of Newcastle’s new five-year City Vibrancy Strategy.

Major events such as City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival New Annual, play an important role in the economic growth and vibrancy of the city.

The strategy will provide a roadmap to support business growth and sustainability, enhance the visitor economy, strengthen the city’s night-time economy and unlock new opportunities for investment, business and job creation.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said Newcastle’s evolution as a diversified economy ripe for investment, as well as an appealing events and tourism destination is building momentum, delivering a range of economic benefits.

“Newcastle has become a city that delivers the complete package, from its breathtaking beaches and thriving cultural scene to its outstanding hospitality, major events calendar and experiences that continue well into the evening,” Cr Morris said.

“We’re seeing increased investment attraction across a range of sectors, more visitors choosing to stay longer, travel for major events and spending more whilst enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer. That presents a significant opportunity for our local economy and businesses.

“This strategy is about making sure we harness that momentum. We want to grow visitation, encourage investment, create jobs and continue building a city that’s vibrant every day of the week and at all hours of the day.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will review and consolidate City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Night-Time Economy Strategy and Events Plan into a single, coordinated framework.

A key focus will be growing Newcastle’s diversified economy, its reputation as a premium leisure destination and extending appeal to international markets on the back of Newcastle Airport’s recent expansion and the introduction of new routes and connections.

It will review City of Newcastle’s commitment to attracting and facilitating major events, assess the use of Council-owned venues and public spaces, identify opportunities for sustainable event growth and explore how this can increase overnight visitation.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen said major events were a key economic and tourism driver. 

“The calibre of events Newcastle is attracting today would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago. From international concerts to world-class sporting events, we’re proving that Newcastle can compete on the national and global stage,” Cr Clausen said.

“We’ve got a significant pipeline of major events locked in, welcoming global music heavyweights including the Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams and Guns N’ Roses, alongside sporting spectacles such as the Rugby League and Rugby World Cups. These events don’t just fill venues, they fill our hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses while showcasing everything Newcastle has to offer to new audiences.

“We’ve built incredible momentum over recent years and now is the time to think strategically about how we build on that success, working alongside industry and all levels of government to maximise every opportunity.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will explore opportunities to support business growth and sustainability, investigating City of Newcastle’s role in supporting the local economy, emerging sectors.

It will look to strengthen the night-time economy and investigate the feasibility of one or more Special Entertainment Precincts, including Midtown, to encourage a range of 24-hour economic activity. This responds to a notice of motion endorsed by the elected council in March 2026.

The Night-Time Economy 2026 Report, released this week by the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, underpins the importance of this sector in Newcastle, where it recorded a turnover of $2.3 billion in 2025, and accounted for 13,600 jobs across 1,027 businesses. 

Councillor Paige Johnson said it is important to create and support places where people want to spend time and where local businesses can thrive.

“Special Entertainment Precincts are one tool that have the potential to unlock new economic opportunities and support a vibrant nightlife in Newcastle,” Cr Johnson said.

“Following the Council resolution about exploring a Special Entertainment Precinct for Midtown Newcastle, the Strategy will be informed by community engagement and consultation on how SEPs could support live music, hospitality, arts and culture, while meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.”

The City Vibrancy Strategy will outline and guide how City of Newcastle can best support Newcastle’s economic growth during the next five years, alongside other layers of government and the private sector. 

More details are available online, with proposals open until 25 August.

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

Tahlia Kim, aged 25, was last seen in Maitland about 6am today (Saturday 25 July 2026).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police have serious concerns for Tahila’s welfare

Tahila is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait islander appearance, 160cm, thin build and brown hair.

It is not known what she maybe wearing.

Tahila is known to frequent the Maitland, Fletcher and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detectives have seized cannabis following a search warrant at a Hunter Valley this morning.

About 7.30am (Tuesday 21 July 2026), Hunter Valley Detectives and the Hunter Valley Proactive Crime Team attended a home in Cessnock to execute a search warrant.

During a search of the home, officers located an elaborate hydroponic cannabis cultivation setup.

Police seized a total of 260 mature cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $520,000.

Officers also seized cannabis seedlings, dried cannabis, and hydroponic equipment.

The premises was found to be illegally connected to the power grid and was disconnected with the assistance of a utility provider.

The scene was forensically examined by specialist police, with inquiries into the incident continuing by Hunter Valley Police District.

With stunning views of the coastline and a rich place in the city’s history, a revitalised Shepherds Hill Cottage will open to the public for the first time Wednesday as Newcastle’s newest cafe.

Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill will be brewing coffee and serving up tasty treats, marking a full circle moment for the 1890s-built former military mess hall following a $1.8 million transformation by City of Newcastle.  

Café operator Noah Leonard, City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland, Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and café operator Blake Gontier officially cut the ribbon on Eddies at Shepherds Hill.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris believes the new chapter for this iconic building will be embraced by Novocastrians.

“Shepherds Hill Cottage has been a fixture of the coastline for more than 130 years and has played many roles in Newcastle’s history, but remarkably has never been open to the public like it will be from tomorrow,” Cr Morris said.

“It was previously occupied by Defence and then Marine Rescue NSW in years gone by, but has never been somewhere that anyone could walk in and visit, so giving another heritage location back to the community to enjoy is a special moment.

“It is a beautiful spot on Bathers Way to pause for coffee and a bite to eat, a well-deserved reward at the top of the hill for those who walk, ride or run past here. It’s the perfect place to rest and take in the view before continuing your journey.”

Interim Executive Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle was proud to lead the project to protect and enhance the State significant site.

“We think the community will be impressed with how the project has sympathetically adapted the Cottage for a new use, while showcasing and preserving the important heritage elements that tell the 130-year story of the site,” Ms Hyland said.

“City of Newcastle’s investment of more than $1.8 million to restore and re-use the space shows how we are revitalising community assets in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of, while also providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.”

Eddie’s joins the ranks of recent café openings in City of Newcastle-owned spaces, including Sunnyboy Park at Foreshore Park, First Light Café at Lambton Park, and Hilliers Café at Newcastle Art Gallery. 

Local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier of Noke Group, who are taking the reins at Eddie’s, completed the café’s finishing touches this week and are looking forward to welcoming Novocastrians into the site from tomorrow.

“It’s been a long road to get here, so we’re excited to finally open the doors and welcome the community in,” Mr Leonard said.

“Alongside More Atelier, we’ve put a lot of work into creating a venue that respects the history of the site while giving locals and visitors somewhere great to eat, relax and enjoy one of Newcastle’s most iconic locations. 

“We hope Eddie’s becomes a place people love to visit, whether it’s for a morning coffee, breakfast with family or simply to enjoy the incredible surroundings.”

Shepherds Hill Cottage has been restored and adapted for use as a café by City of Newcastle, opening to the public for the first time. 

The project began with work to restore the building following the 2015 super storm, which caused more than $800 million of damage across the region including to the Cottage and forced tenants Marine Rescue NSW to vacate the building. 

Marine Rescue was able to move into a $3 million purpose-built facility on land managed by City of Newcastle at Stockton in December 2023. The 600 square metre, two-level building features a radio room, crew and training areas, administration areas, vessel and equipment storage, and can act as a command centre during major incidents.

The most recent work across the Shepherds Hill site included installation of a commercial kitchen, upgraded amenities and a new accessible entry path, with heritage interpretation signage to be finalised in coming weeks.

This final phase of the restoration project was supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage has important Newcastle history in its walls,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“It has been great to support this project which has helped to unlock this beautiful site’s potential and be of great benefit to Novocastrians and tourists alike.

“I am looking forward to stopping in for a cuppa and a bite to eat whilst taking in such a beautiful view of our wonderful coastline.” 

The building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.

Lake Macquarie boaties have a bigger, safer and more accessible way to enjoy Lake Macquarie, with a new 71-metre public wharf now open at Belmont.

The Minns Labor Government has invested $1.6 million through the Boating Infrastructure for Communities Program to help deliver the new wharf in partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council.

10 metres longer and 2.4 metres wider than the timber wharf that served the community for around 50 years, the new structure provides more room for recreational and commercial vessels to pull alongside and safely access the foreshore.

It also includes a new marine waste pump-out facility, giving boat owners a safe and responsible way to dispose of waste while helping protect the health of Lake Macquarie.

More than 20,000 vessels are registered across the Lake Macquarie area, making modern, safe and reliable boating infrastructure essential for locals, businesses and visitors.

The new wharf has been built to withstand the demands of a busy marine environment. The wharf features steel piles, reinforced concrete supports, durable decking, marine-grade fixings and protective vessel fenders.

A new concrete abutment provides a seamless connection between the wharf and the existing foreshore pathway.

The opening follows the announcement of a $7.5 million commitment from the Minns Labor Government to repair and reopen the Swansea Seawall at Belmont Street.

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Lake Macquarie is made for days on the water and now Belmont Street has a wharf to match.

“We have more than 20,000 boats registered locally, meaning this is infrastructure our communities use every day.

“Just as importantly, the new pump-out facility will help boaties do the right thing and keep our magnificent lake clean.

“The old timber wharf served boaties well for around half a century. This replacement is bigger, better, stronger and safer.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in modern boating infrastructure that makes our waterways safer, more accessible and more enjoyable.

“This new wharf is a significant improvement for the Belmont community, replacing an ageing structure with a larger, stronger and more accessible facility.

“With more than 20,000 vessels registered across Lake Macquarie, infrastructure like this is essential to support the community’s growing use of the lake.

“The new marine waste pump-out facility will also help protect this beautiful waterway so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

“This is a great example of the NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council working together to deliver practical improvements for local communities.”

Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council Adam Shultz said:

“Boating is one of Lake Macquarie’s most beloved hobbies, so it’s critical we continue to deliver modern, accessible infrastructure that makes it easy for our community to get out on the water and do what they love.

“This new wharf will serve the boating community, as well as locals and visitors, for many years to come, offering a purpose-built place to enjoy the lake and take in the spectacular scenery.”

Transport for NSW Maritime Executive Director Nicole Watts said:

“The Boating Infrastructure for Communities Program supports projects that make our waterways safer, more accessible and more enjoyable.

“The new Belmont wharf provides an improved facility for vessels entering and leaving the lake, as well as those stopping temporarily.

“Its durable design will help ensure the wharf can continue serving the community for many years to come.

“The addition of a marine waste pump-out facility also delivers an important environmental benefit, helping waterway users protect Lake Macquarie.”