Category: Newcastle News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with the opening of a new purpose-built crisis accommodation refuge in the Port Stephens LGA.

The $7.2 million refuge was funded under the Core and Cluster program and has been delivered by Hume Community Housing.

Called Aunty Colleen’s Place, the refuge comprises six self-contained units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with one of the two-bedroom units are designed to be accessible for residents with limited mobility.

Each unit allows for independent living and includes its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space, with an area for pets.

Built with healing and connection in mind, the refuge has sensory play and recreation areas for children as well as a fruit and vegetable garden incorporated into the design.

The refuge also features a dedicated area where residents can access tailored support.

Specialist staff from Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc will deliver crucial support services so families can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

This investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once all refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The safety of women and children in regional New South Wales is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, with 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges based in communities outside metropolitan areas.

The program is part of the wider work by this government to provide safe housing for those escaping domestic and family violence, including a historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.

The Minns Labor Government also continues to make sure victim-survivors can access specialist support when they need it, investing a historic $184.1 million in the June Budget to increase funding to six core programs by 50 per cent.

The government is working to address domestic, family and sexual violence from boosting crisis response, strengthening protections for victim-survivors, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

All women and children deserve to live free from violence and the Core and Cluster model recognises that they need more than just a roof over their heads.

Aunty Colleen’s Place will not only provide secure accommodation for families escaping domestic and family violence in the Port Stephens LGA, it will also provide them with the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.

The Minns Labor Government continues to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. This includes making sure those in regional New South Wales have safe places to go when they escape violence and access to life-saving support when they need it most.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

I’m very proud to be delivering Port Stephens first refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, because our community has been crying out for it for a very long time.

Our long-awaited, much-needed refuge means a lot to my community, because we know the difference it will make to women and children who walk through its doors.

I’m grateful to the wonderful teams at Hume Housing and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service for partnering with us to deliver a purpose-built refuge with a big heart, aptly named in honour of a woman with a big heart, Aunty Colleen.”

Chief Executive Officer of Hume Community Housing Brad Braithwaite said:

“Hume Housing is proud to have partnered with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services Inc to deliver the first refuge for women and children in Port Stephens.

“No woman or child should have to stay in a violent situation because there is nowhere to go. If we are to address domestic violence, then we must ensure that there is access to safe and secure housing.

“This new refuge will provide women and children access to safe, secure crisis accommodation as they begin their journey towards healing and recovery.”

Manager of Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc Sue Pollock said:

For too many years, women and children in our community have not been able to access a safe and secure place to flee violence. Many women are forced to stay, or return, to violent relationships because they do not have anywhere to go. This refuge will ensure we can provide women and children with safety as they take their next steps to rebuild, recover and heal.

We are proud to announce Port Stephen’s first refuge: Aunty Colleen’s Place. Aunty Colleen, a proud Worimi woman, cared deeply for the Community – particularly through supporting the next generation. She was proud of her Culture, a steadfast advocate for justice, and was passionate about passing on her knowledge and values. Aunty Colleen’s Place will be a place of safety, belonging, comfort for women and children to catch their breath and to heal.”

Construction of almost one kilometre of shared pathway is about to begin in Jesmond to help make it easier to walk and ride safely in the suburb.

The work is part of City of Newcastle’s $2.6 million Jesmond Cycleway project, which will also include the installation of two new bridges across Dark Creek, more trees, fresh landscaping and new lighting to enhance visibility.

The new pathway will run along the western side of Blue Gum Road and eventually over Dark Creek, passing through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Joel Pringle, said the project will create a safer off-road route that connects key destinations and improve green spaces.

“Jesmond is a key area for active transport, connecting destinations such as the University of Newcastle, Wallsend, Jesmond Park and the shopping centre,” Cr Pringle said.

“Jesmond’s population has grown by 13% since 2021 and features a large proportion of young families, renters and young adults who tend to use public transport and bikes at higher rates than other suburbs.

“As part of our review of Newcastle 2040, our Community Strategic Plan, residents told us they want safe, active and linked movement across the city, including accessible, connected cycleways and pedestrian networks.

“This project will fill an important gap in the cycleway network and give people in the region more opportunities to leave their car at home and choose active transport.”

The Jesmond Cycleway project is being delivered in stages and is expected to be completed in late 2027.

The Jesmond Cycleway project is being delivered by City of Newcastle supported by a $2 million grant through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active funding program.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she’s very pleased the NSW Government has provided City of Newcastle $2 million for the upgrading of Jesmond shared pathways.

“Linking nearby Wallsend with Heaton Park, Jesmond Central Shops and the Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, as well as the nearby University of Newcastle Callaghan campus, this shared pathway will provide additional amenity for walkers, cyclists and other active transport users,” Ms Hornery said.

Work kicked off earlier this year with the construction of a new shared path on the eastern side of Blue Gum Road, a raised shared path crossing near the corner of Heaton Park. The work also included road resurfacing, new signage and fresh line marking on Blue Gum Road.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the project will enable more people to comfortably walk and ride.

“The shared pathway will be more than 900m long and three metres wide, providing plenty of room for a range of users of different abilities,” Mr Tranter said.

“We want to encourage walking and riding as everyday travel options, delivering connections that enable everyone to move freely in their community.

“Throughout construction there will be temporary changes for motorists and pedestrians around the work zone, with traffic controls in place to keep everyone safe.

“A handful of trees will need to be removed to accommodate the new shared pathway, but we’ll be replacing them with 22 new trees within the project area to provide more shade.”

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website.

For more information about the Get NSW Active Program, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/get-nsw-active

Two men have been charged following an alleged stabbing in the state’s Hunter region last week.

About 2.25am on Friday 11 September 2026, emergency services were called to Sydney Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told a 23-year-old man had allegedly been stabbed during an assault by two unknown males.

The two men allegedly ran from the scene prior to police arrival.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 23-year-old man at the scene before he was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

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

Following inquiries, about 12pm the same day, investigators, with the assistance of the Hunter Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team and North Region Operation Support Group, attended a home in Muswellbrook and arrested two men – aged 19 and 40.

A crime scene warrant was executed with police allegedly locating and seizing knives, cannabis and items believed to be linked to the incident.

Both men were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The 19-year-old man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV) and face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence.

The 40-year-old man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV) and two counts of possess prohibited drug.

Both men were refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Saturday 12 September 2026 where they were further refused bail with their next appearance on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Police are appealing for public assistance following reports of alleged sexual touching on a bus in the state’s Hunter region.

Officers from Port-Stephens Hunter Police District have been told about 3.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 9 September 2026), three girls were on a bus travelling from Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri, to Cessnock Road, Gillieston Heights, when an unknown man has allegedly touched one of the girls on the hip and thigh.

The girl was not injured. 

An investigation into the incident commenced and police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40s or 50s, of medium to large build, with short grey hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with white logo on the front and white writing on the sleeve, grey tracksuit pants and white Nike joggers.

Almost all the material removed from Queens Wharf West has been recovered for recycling, as City of Newcastle’s demolition project moves into a critical next phase.  

Twenty-eight tonnes of material have been removed so far, with 19 tonnes of wood, brick, concrete, plasterboard, and PVC coming from the internal strip-out and knock down of awnings and balconies.  

Another nine tonnes of scrap metal was separated and sent to a local sustainable steel manufacturer to be smelted back into virgin or pure metal, depending on its quality and type. 

Approximately 98% of the material removed so far has been recycled, far exceeding the NSW EPA average recycling rate of 80% across construction and demolition projects.  

Weeks of work inside, around and below Queens Wharf West to strip out the building and remove, redundant services and external structures like balconies and awnings has been completed since demolition started in July.  

With the main structure set to start coming down next week, City of Newcastle Project Manager Darryn Costanzo said it’s a complex demolition project given site conditions.  

“It’s a site that’s built up over the water with services running underneath the suspended substructure, which means we’re timing a lot of the work we’re doing with the tides and weather,” Mr Costanzo said.  

“Much of the power, gas, and water that Queens Wharf Hotel and the surrounding public spaces rely on are fed from the building we’re demolishing, which means we’re taking extra care to maintain those services for the Hotel and the community.  

“This section of the promenade is one of the busiest for walkers and cyclists, who have been great so far in following changing signage and detours to keep them safe.  

“With those and more complexities to consider, we’re very pleased with our progress so far, and to deliver such strong recycling results has been a great outcome.”  

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure, David Witherdin said strong recycling results show the Queens Wharf project’s commitment to sustainability and resource recovery.  

“A 98% recycling rate at this stage of the project is an excellent result and shows what’s possible when sustainability is prioritised from the outset,” Mr Witherdin said.  

“These results reflect City of Newcastle’s commitment to sustainable construction practices and show we can be an industry leader in the space.  

“Our approach to recycling is helping us meet a key goal we set out at the start of the project around environmental sustainability, which is something that 97% of the community told us was important to them when we asked about the future of Queens Wharf.”  

More details on what comes next for Queens Wharf West are expected in the coming months, with a decision on the long-term future of the site expected in the 2027.  

Visit the project page to read more about how Queens Wharf is changing. 

City of Newcastle is moving forward with the next phase of recovery for the New Lambton landslip, preparing engineering designs for the long-term stabilisation of the site.

Geotechnical investigations will begin next week to determine the scope of the work, with a series of boreholes up to 20m deep to be drilled within the landslip zone and in nearby Victoria Street to assess current ground conditions.

City of Newcastle has contacted owners of the properties that may be affected, including adjoining and relevant nearby neighbours.

Initial investigation activities are expected to take around six weeks to complete, with periodic traffic interruptions in Victoria Street and minor noise impacts close to the drilling works.

Ongoing monitoring on site has not recorded any significant movement or trends that indicate the size of the landslip zone has increased.

The extent of the area where stabilisation will be required will be defined as part of the detailed design work, with planning to continue into 2027 to determine the most appropriate measures.

City of Newcastle is continuing to discuss the funding required from the NSW Reconstruction Authority for the stabilisation work, with timing of an approved funding program still to be determined.

After more than four million hours of construction, the Hunter’s largest road infrastructure project will open to traffic in the early hours of 11 September, delivering a new 15-kilometre motorway connection between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The opening of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension marks a major milestone for the Hunter, closing a missing link in the Sydney to Brisbane economic corridor and strengthening one of Australia’s most important freight routes.

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects were jointly funded with a total investment of $2.24 billion – $1.79 billion from the Albanese Government and $448 million from the Minns Government.

It builds on Labor’s long record of investment in transforming the Pacific Highway.

Between 2007 and 2013, the former Federal Labor Government committed more than $8.7 billion to complete the duplication of the Pacific Highway and deliver bypasses of towns across New South Wales.

Since coming to government in 2022, the Albanese Government has committed a further $266.4 million to finish the remaining upgrades along the corridor, in addition to its investment in the M1 extension.

The new motorway will provide a direct connection between the M1 at Black Hill and Raymond Terrace, improving connections to jobs, businesses, communities and major regional infrastructure, including Newcastle Airport and the Port of Newcastle.

For motorists, it means cutting travel times by seven to nine minutes during peak hours and removing up to 25,000 vehicles a day from local streets.

For freight, it means a faster and more reliable connection through the Hunter and along the Sydney to Brisbane corridor.

The project has also been a major investment in local jobs and skills, with 70 per cent of the workforce drawn from the Hunter region and 99 apprentices and trainees gaining experience on the project.

More than 2,700 workers have helped deliver the extension, clocking up more than four million hours of work to get the motorway open around 18 months earlier than originally planned.

Construction of the motorway has been delivered on a remarkable scale, including: 

• More than 1.6 million cubic metres of earth moved – enough to fill around 650 Olympic-sized swimming pools 
• More than 720,000 tonnes of rock imported and placed across the project 
• Construction of 11 bridges, supported by 278 bridge piles and 863 bridge girders 
• More than 520 kilometres of drainage and wick drains installed 
• 96 per cent of construction waste diverted from landfill 
• 435 habitat structures installed to support native wildlife 

After years of planning and construction, the M1 extension is now ready to become part of everyday life across the Hunter – delivering a new connection that will transform the movement of people and freight and support the region’s next era of growth.

For more information about the M1 Pacific Motorway extension visit: https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“Labor has a proud record of investing in the Pacific Highway and delivering the infrastructure regional communities need.

“My Government is delivering a faster, safer connection through the Hunter and invested almost $1.8 billion in this project.

“It means motorists will be able to travel from Melbourne all the way to Coffs Harbour without hitting a single traffic light or roundabout and we’re getting on with finishing the Coffs Harbour Bypass too.

“This is what investing in infrastructure is all about. We’re cutting travel times, getting trucks and freight moving and building for the future.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns:

“This is a big day for the Hunter. After years of construction, this road is opening and people will feel the difference from day one.

“It means shorter trips, less traffic on local roads and a much better connection between Newcastle, the Hunter and the rest of the state.

“This project has been a mammoth undertaking, and I want to acknowledge the hundreds of local workers who have helped deliver this important connection for the Hunter.

“This is about more than infrastructure. It’s about backing the Hunter and ensuring this great part of our state remains open for business.”    

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The days of holiday traffic crawling through the Hunter are over, with our new bypass of Hexham and Heatherbrae now delivered.

“We committed to delivering this project back in 2019, we pushed the government of the day to get on with planning and we got work underway in 2023.

“I want to thank the 2,700 workers who delivered this project.

“We planned to open this project in 2028, they got it done one and a half years early.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“On 11 September 2026, communities in the Hunter will wake up to a brand new 15km M1 motorway.

“A project built by the very people it will serve, with 70 per cent of the workforce coming from right here in the region.

“Almost 950,000 people are expected to call the Hunter home by 2041 and our roads have a vital role to play in how the region functions.

“The M1 extension reflects the needs of a region that is working harder, building faster and more ambitious than ever. A road that will support families, workers, local businesses and our industries.

“I am incredibly proud to see this mammoth investment into the Hunter be days from opening.

“This is Labor delivering for the Hunter.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

“Today is a really proud day for our community. People in Paterson knew this road was needed, but it was always the next promise, never the next project. When we came to Government in 2022, we turned years of talk into action.

“Not only are we delivering the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace, we’re opening it more than a year ahead of schedule – funded, fast-tracked and delivered. That’s what happens when governments work together, back our region and get on with the job.

“This project belongs to the thousands of local workers who helped make it happen. From the engineers and planners to the crews on the ground, thank you. As I always say, Hunter workers work harder, and this road is proof of that.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

“This completed link secures Newcastle as the economic centre of the Hunter by keeping freight as well as general traffic moving safer and smoother in all directions for years to come.

“After providing a massive boost to local jobs with more than four million hours of construction, the finished motorway now becomes a permanent and reliable pathway for industrial growth across the Hunter.”

State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:

“Woohoo! The Hexham bottleneck is gone for good!

“This is a great day for the people of Port Stephens, who have been looking forward to this day for decades.

“Many locals travel on this stretch daily, so it’s going to make a massive difference to their lives – getting where we need to go smarter, faster and safer.”

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

“This is a huge day for the Wallsend electorate and our surrounding suburbs.

“After years of waiting, we finally get a motorway that takes pressure off our local streets and gives our community room to breathe.

“I can’t wait to see the difference this makes – not just for the daily commute, but for local businesses, for families heading off on a weekend away, and for a community that has waited a long time for this moment.”

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

“Newcastle’s future runs through this motorway.

“Quicker, more reliable access to the Port and the Airport means our exporters and industries can compete on time, not just on price.

“Along with the newly completed Hexham Straight Widening project, this will improve travel times for all Newcastle and Hunter commuters.

“This is the kind of infrastructure that keeps Newcastle’s economy growing for decades to come.”

Newcastle photographer Matty Smith has been named the winner of the Fine Art category of Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for his extraordinary black-and-white portrait of a nurse shark, flanked by remoras in perfect formation, is a study in form and stillness, and a breathtaking reminder of the magic and wonder of our ocean planet.
In reference to his award-winning image, Matty said: ‘The planets aligned at the end of a late afternoon dive in the Maldives. Upon ascending from the depths, I crossed paths with this beautiful tawny nurse shark bathed in ethereal evening light. I instantly knew it would make a great black & white shot.
Winning the Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category is a wonderful and unexpected surprise! The Australian National Maritime Museum and Oceanographic do a fantastic job of promoting the awards and whole exhibition is always a treat to visit.’
In addition to his category winning image, Matty also had a second image which received highly commended in the Wildlife category. This image shows Southern elephant seal pups explore shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands, testing their first movements in the water after being weaned by their mothers.

In all, there were 10 Australian or Australian-based photographers nominated as finalists in the competition.
Over 15,000 images were entered from around the world by planet’s leading ocean photographers.
All the finalist images will be on display at the world premiere Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum opening on November 19.
Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp said, ‘We are proud to be partnering once again with Oceanographic Magazine to bring to life the breathtaking Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition. This exhibition serves as a reminder of not only the beauty that lies beneath the ocean’s surface, but also the world below that is in urgent need of our care and protection.’
The Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, has a simple mission: to shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice.

Three teenage girls have been charged with seriously assaulting another girl in the states Hunter Region.

About 4pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026, it will be alleged a 14-year-old girl travelling on a bus in East Maitland was assaulted by three other girls known to her.

When the bus stopped at a bus stop along Victoria Street, it will be alleged the 14-year-old girl was dragged off the bus where the assault continued.

A bystander intervened and went to the aid of the 14-year-old girl where the three girls ran from the scene.

NSW Ambulance paramedics later treated the girl where she was taken to Maitland Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers from the Police Transport Command were notified and commenced an investigation.

About 10.45pm last Friday (4 September 2026) officers arrested a 13-year-old girl at a home in East Maitland where she was taken to Maitland Police Station and is due to appear at a children’s court on Thursday 1 October 2026.

A 17-year-old girl was arrested at a home in Tenambit about 2.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 8 September 2026) and also taken to Maitland Police Station. She is due to appear in a Children’s Court on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Officers arrested a 15-year-old girl at a business in Little Pelican. The girl was taken to Belmont Police Station and is due to appear in a children’s court on Monday 21 September 2026.

All three were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm or other(s) and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and were granted conditional bail.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teen missing from the Hunter region.

Xavier Powrie, aged 14, was last seen on Marshall Avenue, Metford, about on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Monday 7 September 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Xavier’s welfare due to his young age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, short curly hair with a rat’s tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

It is not known what he was last seen wearing but he is known to wear black hoodies and track pants.

Xavier is known to frequent the Metford and East Maitland areas.

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