Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The four areas have been selected by the NSW Government to be part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle wants to hear what residents love about their suburb and what changes could help accommodate the growth in housing.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029, with a target of 11,100 new homes for the Newcastle Local Government Area during that period.

To help facilitate these targets, the NSW Government has introduced a range of planning reforms including the TOD program, which permit mid and high-rise development, including apartments and shop-top housing, by changing development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios.

Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, taking into consideration the distinct characteristics and needs of each location, as long as the planning controls still allow for the Government’s dwelling targets.

Using input from residents, City of Newcastle will produce an urban design framework for each of the four transport hubs, establishing the overall vision, objectives and actions that will provide guidance to property developers.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The development of the urban design frameworks is being delivered with support from a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Previously unseen details from thousands of historic photographs are being revealed for the first time following a five-year digitisation project by City of Newcastle. 

More than 5,500 images taken by renowned Newcastle photographer Ralph Snowball have been meticulously scanned, catalogued, researched, and uploaded online by Newcastle Libraries staff and volunteers, uncovering new insights into the people, places and daily life from the late 1800s. 

Digitally archived image taken by Ralph Snowball of Watt Street and Newcastle Train Station.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the enhanced images are transforming how the collection is understood and used. 

“These photographs have long been an important part of our local history, but improved imaging is revealing remarkable new details,” Ms Baird said.

“Our team of staff and dedicated volunteers have captured high-resolution scans that uncover details previously unseen, from names on gravestones to business signage on buildings.

“This project ensures the collection remains a living resource, continuing to deepen our understanding of Newcastle’s history.”

The digitisation project began in 2021, with staff and volunteers working together to scan and catalogue the collection using specialist equipment in Newcastle Library’s digitisation lab. 

At the same time, volunteers contributed to the ongoing research of the collection to update and expand the historical information attached to each image.

Originally discovered in 1988 in the basement of the Snowball family home in Lambton, the collection included around 8,000 glass plate negatives, with just over 5,000 becoming part of the Newcastle Library’s collection.

The images, taken between the 1890s and 1920s, capture an insight into life across Newcastle and the Hunter region, including street scenes, workplaces, beaches, public buildings and major civic developments. 

Subjects range from surf lifesavers at Newcastle Beach and afternoon tea at Fort Scratchley to workmen at the Obelisk, the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and iconic landmarks such as the Newcastle Post Office and Christ Church Cathedral.

A special panel-style event, Celebrating Snowball, will be held at Newcastle City Library on Wednesday 13 May, showcasing the collection and the stories uncovered through the digitisation process. Digitally archived glass negative of Ralph Snowball with his horse and wagonette, taken 9 July 1988.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the Snowball collection continues to deliver lasting value for the Newcastle community.

“We’re now seeing details that simply weren’t visible before, which is helping researchers, historians and the community better understand the people and places captured in these photographs,” Ms Baird said.

“Importantly, this work makes our shared history more accessible, allowing more people to connect with Newcastle’s past and see how our city has evolved.”

The Ralph Snowball Collection is the largest photographic collection to be digitised by Newcastle Libraries and is part of the Local History Collection. 

Newcastle Libraries holds 5,500 glass plates and numerous original prints donated from various sources over the years, including Ralph’s son Frank Snowball and members of the community.  

City of Newcastle also recognised Snowball’s contribution to documenting Newcastle’s history in October 2025 by naming a previously unmarked lane off Bridges Road between Russell Road and Victoria Street in Lambton, after the photographer. 

The Ralph Snowball Collection can be explored online via the Hunter Photobank digital archive. 

The free Celebrating Snowball event will be held on Wednesday 13 May at the Lovett Gallery, Newcastle City Library from 6pm to 7pm. Bookings are not required but for more details visit the Newcastle Libraries website. 

History and details about Ralph Snowball

• Ralph Snowball was born in 1848 in Leadgate, Durham, England. 
• He arrived in Sydney aboard the Nineveh in 1879 with his wife Mary and infant son George and eventually settled on land that later became Clarence Road, New Lambton. 
• He worked as a miner for five years at Lambton Colliery but after suffering an accident, he set up as a professional photographer in 1884. 
• Snowball’s horse-drawn waggonette was well-known around the Newcastle district. He (and his bulky equipment) travelled further afield by whatever means would allow him to capture life and the countryside around Lake Macquarie and the lower Hunter.
• Ralph retired in 1915 and continued taking the occasional photograph up until at least 1924. 
• Outside of photographer, Snowball was active in the community in a number of roles, including becoming the first town clerk when the municipality of New Lambton was formed in 1889 and later a valuator for the council
• He died on 4 August 1925 and was buried at Sandgate Cemetery.

Work has begun on a project to transform Hamilton Station Park into a more welcoming place for residents and commuters.

The project has been shaped by community feedback and developed by City of Newcastle in collaboration with NSW Police and the NSW Government.

Key features will include the installation of ambient and security lighting to improve safety and visibility, new landscaped areas and garden beds, a community noticeboard incorporating cultural and local stories, as well as a ramp to improve access from Beaumont Street.

Existing seating will be replaced with modular, accessible options featuring Aboriginal artwork, to enhance comfort for visitors and the park’s overall welcoming feel.

The $290,000 project is supported by an $80,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant and funded within City of Newcastle’s capital works program.

Cr Joel Pringle, Cr Paige Johnson and Cr Jenny Barrie join Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp at Hamilton Station Park.Ward Two Councillors are supporting the project as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety in Hamilton.

“We’re working closely with the community, local support services, NSW Police and the NSW Government on this project to improve safety, accessibly and community use of this area,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“While the upgrade will not resolve all the complex social issues in the area, it will encourage positive use of the space and reinforce the park as a shared community place.

“By following Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, we want to increase activation and make the park safer for commuters, the community and nearby businesses.”

The initial works will include the removal of existing elements such as seating, signage, concrete areas and footpaths, as well as the perimeter fence to improve sightlines into the park.

Councillor Paige Johnson said the project has been designed using community feedback and recommendations from local agencies and police.

“We’ve been engaging positively with locals and businesses about the changes to open up this space and we want to deliver this as something the community can proudly use,” Cr Johnson said.

“Other features of the project include new pedestrian paths, water and electricity connections as well as a hardstand area to support small community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said the upgrades will make the park a more inclusive space for the wider community.

“A new community information board has been developed with City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and will help the community learn about the historical and ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with this space,” Cr Pringle said.

“We’ll also be installing a ‘no dig’ garden around the prominent fig tree to safeguard its roots and improve access to shade, while the existing cupboards in the park will be replaced with a purpose-built, weatherproof, donation cupboard, located in a more prominent, well-lit location.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said Hamilton Station Park is a place that should be enjoyed by all.

“This safer-by-design upgrade will open up the area and improve safety and security for commuters, pedestrians, and park goers,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This project is just one of the many measures being taken to improve anti-social behaviour and crime in and around Hamilton. I look forward to working with Council to deliver this much-needed upgrade.”

Work at the site is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with temporary site fencing and managed pedestrian detours in place during construction to ensure public safety.

Access to Hamilton Train Station will be maintained as the work progresses.

For more information visit our website.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie area.
Skye Brown, aged 19, was last seen about 2pm last Friday (8 May 2026) at a medical facility in Morisset.
When she was unable to bel located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified yesterday (Saturday 9 May 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Family and police hold concerns for Skye’s welfare.
Skye is described as Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, medium build, blue eyes, brown hair and a tattoo on her right arm.
She was last seen wearing a brown top and black pants.
Skye is known to frequent the Morisset, Tuncurry, Croki and Taree areas.
Anyone with information about Skye’s whereabouts is urged to contact Tronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

As one bridge opens, another begins its renewal in Dungog Shire, as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue rebuilding and restoring critical infrastructure across regional NSW.
The first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, visitors and freight operators.

The new bridge will be transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.
At the same time, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation that will preserve its legacy while strengthening it for the future.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in the project, with $11.8 million from the Australian Government and $11 million from the NSW Government.
The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. It features traffic dual lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.
Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue. Work on the project is expected to be complete early 2027.
Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.
This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.
Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
“This investment by the Albanese and Minns governments shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver practical outcomes for regional communities.
“The new Clarence Town Bridge will make a real difference to daily life. Improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.
“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area.
“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in their bridge.
“Emergency repairs to the bridge were never made permanent under the former Nationals Government and cost escalations required an increased investment by Labor State and Federal Governments.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the infrastructure our communities need while preserving the historic assets that tell the story of who we are.
“This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.
“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.
“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:
“Investment in regional communities like Dungog is critical to supporting long-term growth and liveability.
“The new Clarence Town Bridge will benefit the daily lives of people living, working and traveling to Dungog by improving access significantly, cutting down travel times, and improving safety.   
“It’s also fantastic to see work for major rehabilitation work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge which was built in the 1800s and our oldest surviving timber truss bridge.
“This major rehabilitation work will preserve the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge and ensure future generations can experience and appreciate our timber bridge heritage.
“Projects like this bridge not only improve local infrastructure but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring regional towns continue to receive the infrastructure they need and deserve.”

Dungog Mayor, Digby Rayward:
“Seeing traffic move onto the new bridge is a proud moment for Council and the Clarence Town community. It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.
“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward. I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience. I’m excited to see the entire project finalised later this year.”
 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the State’s north. 

Lorna Morris, aged 14, was last seen in Raymond Terrace about 6pm on Friday (8 May 2026).

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and her family have concerns for her welfare given her age.

Lorna is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.

She is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Taree, and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A further two teenage boys have been charged after a man was left seriously injured following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter last weekend.

Just after midday on Sunday 3 May 2026, emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Belmont, following reports of an assault on a bus.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Police Transport Command attended and were told a group of people entered the bus, before an argument ensued with a 49-year-old man.

As the group was getting off the bus, they allegedly repeatedly assaulted the man, knocking him unconscious.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. The man has since been from hospital.

A short time later, nine youths were located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Belmont.

Following inquiries, seven were released pending further investigation.

Two boys – aged 16 – were charged and remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, another two 16-year-old boys were arrested at Toronto and Belmont Police stations, where they were each charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

They are due to reappear separately before a childrens court on Monday 18 May 2026 and Monday 15 June 2026.

A 12-year-old boy was also dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Investigations are ongoing.

Art lovers are being invited to celebrate two groundbreaking commissions that are creating a more accessible and inclusive Newcastle Art Gallery for thousands of visitors.  

A panel talk and Auslan-interpreted tour on Saturday will highlight the development of the Gallery’s first access-focused digital guide, Nancy, and provide insights into the world-leading sculptural solution to the Gallery’s original floating staircases.  

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the commissions were having a significant impact on how people are interacting with the reimagined Gallery space. 

Artist Fayen d’Evie engaging with a tactile interpretation of a work of art by Brian Robinson which forms part of her sculpture, ( reflecting air ) “…Touch enabled her to discern minute details… which often pass unnoticed…”, 2025. Design and fabrication: Feather Edge. Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, commissioned with assistance from the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and proudly funded by the NSW Government 2025. © the artist. Photo: Roni Bintang

“The expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery provided the ideal opportunity to ensure access and inclusion were at the heart of how our community can experience our reimagined facility,” Ms Morton said. 

“From using an artistic and access-led solution to the physical challenge created by the space under the staircases for visitors who are blind or have low vision, to developing our first digital guide, which has already been accessed by more than 8,000 visitors, we are committed to collaborating with community members with lived experience to deliver better outcomes for everybody.” 

Saturday’s event will feature internationally acclaimed artist Fayen d’Evie and Central Coast-based Auslan trainer and interpreter Thomas Doe, who will give visitors a chance to learn more about how access-led solutions are being embedded permanently in the new Gallery. 

Digital guide Nancy takes visitors on a 24-stop tour around the ground floor collection exhibition with audio, Auslan-interpreted video and written descriptions, which can be accessed using a visitor’s personal device via the Newcastle Art Gallery website or QR codes throughout the space.  

The guide was developed using a ‘by community, for community’ model, with contributions and expertise from local d/Deaf consultants and community members, Auslan interpreters, artists, accessibility advocates and First Nations consultants.  

It was named in recognition of Nancy Tapp, a much-loved volunteer of 36 years at Newcastle Art Gallery, to celebrate the role that Gallery guides play in shaping the unique experience of every visitor. 

Thomas Doe said being involved with Newcastle Art Gallery to develop Nancy was a meaningful experience. 

“The Art Gallery team approach the project with open minds and a genuine commitment to inclusion,” Mr Doe said.  

“Providing Auslan access means d/Deaf and hard of hearing people can do more than just view the artwork – they can connect with the stories, understand the artist’s intention, and fully experience the exhibition.” 

As well as contributing to the development of Nancy, Fayen D’Evie was commissioned to create  the architectural-scale sculptures that enable visitors to move safely around the two floating staircases on the ground level of the original 1977-built Gallery, which no longer adhere to modern building code standards for people who are blind or visually impaired.  

Tactile versions of key works of art and braille incorporated into the sculptures also allow people to engage through touch with the stories of the Gallery, which d’Evie said was important for her when developing the sculptures.  

“I wanted these sculptures to be invitations not barriers, and architectural prompts for conversation between visitors, sighted and blind alike,” d’Evie said. 

“They honour the original staircase structure, while creating a tactile veil around it.” 

Fayen d’Evie’s sculpture was supported by a $50,000 grant from Creative Australia and a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grants program, while Nancy was supported by City of Newcastle and a $10,000 Museums & Galleries of NSW grant. 

Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said designing spaces with accessibility as priority means better outcomes for everyone.  

“Art should always be for everyone, and the Newcastle Art Gallery team should be commended for their work to ensure one of our city’s key cultural landmarks can be better enjoyed by all,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“Making those improvements is a key outcome from our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) which is up for renewal in 2027. 

“It’s currently undergoing early engagement, and I encourage the community to get involved and share their experiences with us to make sure we continue building a Newcastle that works better for everybody.”  

Community members can find out more and make a submission on the DIAP via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website, before Monday 15 June. 

Saturday’s Intersensorial Conversations event starts from 11am, with more information and limited bookings still available on the Newcastle Art Gallery website.  

A man and a woman have been charged with fraud offences in the state’s Hunter Valley.

In August 2025, detectives attached to Hunter Valley Police District’s Rural Crime Prevention Team commenced inquiries under Strike Force Overton, following reports of alleged fraudulent transactions, including the fraudulent sale of hay, made by employees of a local pastoral company, with the alleged value exceeding $300,000.

Following extensive inquiries by detectives, on Monday 4 May 2026, a 47-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with 21 offences – dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (19 counts) and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (two counts).

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

On Tuesday 5 May 2026, a 48-year-old woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for five counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception.

She is expected to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tueday 16 June 2026.

Police will allege in Court that over an approximate three 3-year period, the couple had gained/caused a financial loss of more than $326,000 to the pastoral company through fraudulent hay sales, use of farm machinery on external unauthorised properties, scrap metal sales, diesel fuel theft, and mechanical and tyre repairs and maintenance on vehicles not belonging to the pastoral company.

Investigations under Strike Force Overton continue.

The NSW Electoral Commission has this afternoon declared the result of the local government by-election held on 18 April, with Gavin Morris elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
 
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge in February after 17 months in the role. 

Gavin Morris will take the affirmation of office on Tuesday 12 May in Council Chambers at the City Administration Centre.

Mr Morris will then chair the Development Application Committee Meeting, the first formal meeting of his term.

“This is an exciting time, and I look forward to leading this fabulous city, working with Councillors, staff, and the community,” Mr Morris said.

“I believe we can create an incredible future together.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the NSW Electoral Commission had to receive all postal votes before they could recognise the result today.

“Gavin Morris becomes Newcastle’s 16^th Lord Mayor, following the Electoral Commission’s declaration of the results,” Mr Bath said.

“Staff have appreciated Gavin’s collaborative comments since winning the election and look forward to working with him as we continue to make Newcastle an even better city to live and work in. 

“With the by-election result being finalised, Charlotte McCabe has finished in the acting role, and we’ve greatly appreciated her leadership over the last six months and the positive impact her calm demeanour has had on staff and Councillors.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe reflected fondly on her time representing Newcastle during the period while the office of Lord Mayor was vacant. 

“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor over the last six months and help steer the elected Council through a period of uncertainty,” Cr McCabe said.

“The collaboration shown by those in the chamber meant we were able to continue operating effectively and without disruption to the community.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to represent Newcastle through my role as Deputy Lord Mayor, and Councillor for Ward One.”

The final cost of the by-election to City of Newcastle is $1,107,777. 

The by-election was not anticipated when the budget was adopted by Council in June 2025, which forecast a surplus of $258,000. 

Therefore, the cost will be added to the 2025/26 budget position when it is reviewed by Council in May.