Category: Newcastle News

The Newcastle Inner City Bypass is collaborating with several agencies to mitigate impacts to native plant species across the project site, including the vulnerable Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan).

Transport for NSW, the Hunter Region Landcare Network, Trees in Newcastle and Fulton Hogan have collaborated to collect plant species before impact by the Newcastle Inner City Bypass – Rankin Park to Jesmond project.

The conservation efforts included salvage of the vulnerable Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan).
As part of the salvage of the threatened species, the team carried out the collection of seeds, cuttings and other native plant material to use at their nursery located at Redhead, Lake Macquarie.

Plant propagation of various species, including a range of Eucalyptus, is already underway in nurseries managed by Landcare and Trees in Newcastle.

Seed has been collected from felled trees that are otherwise difficult to collect due to their height.
On top of this work, the project team has also salvaged suitable trees to be reused as bridge timber in the maintenance of Transport’s heritage bridges.

In addition, suitable felled timber has been provided to Local Land Services for reuse in river restoration projects and to local Indigenous people to produce cultural weapons and tools to enable the continuation of cultural practices.

The historic Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya pine tree) from the Jesmond roundabout has also been donated to a local guitar making school while appropriate timber will be reused onsite for fauna habitat and rehabilitation during landscaping.

Revisions throughout the design process have seen the project corridor moved east from the original design alignment to minimise the impacts to flora, in particular to threatened species.

Clearing within the project boundary has been reduced to the greatest extent practicable, resulting in around an eight-hectare reduction in native vegetation clearing against the 44-hectare limit originally approved for the project.

Biodiversity offsets have been provided in accordance with the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major Projects. This includes 3,244 ecosystem credits and 12,690 species credits. This includes offsetting for fringe impacts to the existing bushland.

Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle:

“Newcastle expects major projects to proceed while protecting the precious environment that makes our region so special – that’s exactly what this work is doing. We’re delivering critical infrastructure while safeguarding vulnerable species like the Black-eyed Susan.”

“This is smart, responsible project delivery. By redesigning the corridor and working with our incredible local Landcare groups, we’re keeping native plants in the landscape and reducing impacts wherever possible.”

“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass will ease congestion for tens of thousands of motorists, and these environmental protections mean we can do it without sacrificing the natural environment our community values so deeply.”

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.

Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15 kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6 kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.

Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.

Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.

The $2.24 billion M1 extension project is jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. 

The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.

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

“These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.

“This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.

“Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over these summer holidays or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.

“Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”

A man has been charged after a male was allegedly hit by a vehicle in the state’s Hunter Valley yesterday.

About 11.30am yesterday (Sunday 18 January 2026), emergency services were called to Blaxland Avenue, Singleton Heights, following reports an elderly man had been struck by a car in the front yard of a house.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told the man sustained serious injuries and was dragged underneath the vehicle following an argument with the driver.

The elderly man was treated at the scene by first responders and NSW Ambulance Paramedics for suspected spinal fractures, a head injury and severe lacerations to the arms and legs, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

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

About 12.10pm, police arrested a 44-year-old man at Singleton Police Station.

The man was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

After his release from hospital, the man was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with five offences – cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, operate vehicle so as to harass/intimidate, drive furiously in motor vehicle – cause bodily harm and negligent driving (occasioning grievous bodily harm).

He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division – Court 2 earlier today (Monday 19 January 2026), where bail was formally refused, to appear at Newcastle Local Court on 18 March 2026.

As investigations continue, police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Singelton Heights and may have witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage, to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A woman will face court today charged with domestic violence offences after a man was allegedly stabbed at a Newcastle hotel yesterday.

About 10.50am yesterday (Friday 16 January 2026), emergency services were called to a hotel on Young Street, Carrington, following reports of an alleged stabbing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and located a 23-year-old suffering stab wounds. He has allegedly assaulted and stabbed by a woman, known to him.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A 22-year-old woman – known to the man – was arrested at the hotel and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

She was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV), stalk/intimidate intend fear physically harm, and common assault.

The woman was refused bail to appear at Bail Division – court 2 today (17 January 2026).

A man will face court charged over two alleged armed robberies in the state’s north.

On Tuesday 23 December 2025, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation following reports of an alleged armed robbery in Ryamond Terrace.

Police were told about 6.40pm two men entered a business on William Street, Raymond Terrace, before allegedly threatening an employee and demanding cash.

One man allegedlly assaulted the employee – a 23-year-old man – with a metal pole before leaving with cigarettes, and an amount of cash.

The employee was not injured.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.

About 8am yesterday (Thursday 15 January 2026), police were called to a business on William Street, Raymond Terrace, after reports of an alleged armed robbery.

Police were told two men entered the store before allegedly stealing packets of cigarettes and an amount of cash and leaving in a black sedan.

A crime scene was established as police commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquires, about 3pm yesterday (Thursday 15 January 2026), police arrested a 25-year-old man on Campbell Drive, Raymond Terrace.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, and robbery in company.

He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 2 today (Friday 16 January 2026).

Inquirires into the incident continue.

Almost 400 paddlers will put their power to the test in Newcastle this weekend as the city hosts the state’s largest regatta for outrigger canoes.

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club will bring the ancient Polynesian tradition, turned popular sport, to the city’s harbour as teams from across NSW battle it out in a spectacular display of speed, balance and endurance. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe joins Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia with club members alongside a six-person outrigger canoe, named Whibayganba at Throsby Creek. The Pasha Dasha Regatta is one of 19 events to have shared in more than $155,000 from City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the funding program helps support the growth and sustainability of the city’s visitor economy while enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as an events destination.

“City of Newcastle is committed to getting behind events that showcase Newcastle as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals,” Cr McCabe said.

“Through our annual sponsorship program we support events at all levels, from local community activations to nationally recognised events, helping to drive visitation and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the city.

“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of competitors, their families and supporters to Newcastle for this weekend’s Pasha Dasha Regatta, which will also provide a fantastic spectacle for locals to watch and enjoy.” 

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia said he was grateful for the support from City of Newcastle, which will help them deliver their 15^th annual Pasha Dasha Regatta on 17 January. 

“As a local club, we’re proud to facilitate what has become the largest club regatta in New South Wales,” Mr Hakaraia said.

“This is our biggest annual event, attracting hundreds of participants from across the state, travelling from the south at Wollongong and north from Port Macquarie. 

“The event has been running since 2010 and we’re proud to host the 15^th annual regatta in Newcastle and showcase the iconic harbour.”

The regatta is just the tip of the iceberg in a packed events calendar supported by City of Newcastle.

Upcoming sporting events will see competitors travel to Newcastle from across the Hunter and around the state, including for the sixth action-packed edition of the Beach 5s rugby festival, which will be held at Nobbys Beach from 24-26 January.

Hundreds of swimmers are expected to take to the open water for the 30^th anniversary of Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club’s popular Newcastle Harbour Swim on 26 January, while Stockton will also play host to the Island Triathlon Festival on 31 January and 1 February with two fitness-fuelled days of running, triathlon, and aquathlon events. The focus will then be on the road when thousands of runners take on one of the city’s most challenging courses with the Hill to Harbour race on 29 March.

The Newcastle Show (27 February – 1 March) and Newcastle Chilli Festival (22 March) offer other options for locals and visitors looking to spice up a trip to the city in coming months, with City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program also supporting a range of activities celebrating community, culture, food and drink.

To stay up-to-date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on, or to find out more about City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/sponsorship

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.

Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15-kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.

Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.

Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.

The $2.24 billion M1 extension project, jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.

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

These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.

This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight.

Along with the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this is a nation-changing piece of infrastructure, and the missing link between Queensland and Victoria – which enable everyone to drive between these two states without passing through a single traffic light.

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

This is an important milestone for the Hunter. Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region.

By working in partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re delivering infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and supports the Hunter as it continues to grow.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

These bridge foundations will stand for decades, supporting transport infrastructure and easing congestion for now and well into the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are investing in our fast-growing region to ensure the M1 Extension delivers lasting benefits for our local communities.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.

Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over this summer holiday, or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.

Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”

the State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

This is a huge win for the Hunter workforce and local businesses.

Completing bridge foundations keeps momentum strong and brings us closer to an M1 extension that will support jobs, productivity and safer travel across the region.”

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged three men allegedly behind a spate of armed robberies across Newcastle and Sydney last week.

The armed hold ups occurred in Waratah, Seven Hills, Pyrmont and Kingswood between Monday 5 January and Thursday 8 January 2026.
About 8am on Monday 5 January 2026, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to a licenced premises on Station Street, Waratah, following reports of a robbery. Police were told two men allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the hotel, and demanded cash from an employee before leaving on foot.
About 1pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a pawn shop on Artillery Crescent, Seven Hills, following reports of a robbery. Police were told a man allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the store and demanded cash and jewellery. The employee refused and the man left empty handed.
About 2am on Thursday 8 January 2026, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a convenience store on Murray Street, Pyrmont, following reports of a robbery. Police were told two men allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the store, and demanded cash before fleeing with a safe.
About 4.45pm on Thursday 8 January 2026, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to a convenience store at Kingswood Train Station following reports of a robbery. Police were told a man armed allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the story and demanded cash. The employee refused and the man left empty handed.

Local police commenced inquiries into each matter before it was established the same handgun and dark coloured Holden sedan were used in each robbery before the matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad who established Strike Force Dudley to investigate.

Following extensive inquiries, about 2pm on Sunday 11 January 2026, strike force detectives arrested a 36-year-old man at a hotel on Main Street, Blacktown, who was taken to Blacktown Police Station.

A short time later, strike force detectives – with assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a home in Wilberforce.

During the search, detectives allegedly located a dark coloured Holden sedan, phones and items allegedly used in the robbery.

The 36-year-old man was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, and two counts of in company rob while armed with dangerous weapon, relating to the incidents at Waratah, Seven Hills, and Pyrmont.

He was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Monday 12 January 2026, where he was further refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday 6 March 2026.

Following extensive inquiries, about 4.10pm on Monday 12 January 2026, strike force detectives arrested a 27-year-old man on Castlereagh Road, North Penrith.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with conceal serious indictable offence and possess prohibited drug, relating to the incidents at Waratah and Pyrmont.

About 8.20pm the same day, strike force detectives – with assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – conducted a search warrant at a home on Joseph Street, Kingswood.

During that search, detectives allegedly seized clothing, CCTV and jewellery items.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station.

He was charged with assault with intent rob while armed with dangerous weapon and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction, relating to the Kingswood incident.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court yesterday (Tuesday 13 January 2026).

Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Local artists are being offered the chance to shine at New Annual in 2026 as City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival continues to elevate Newcastle’s profile as a thriving creative city.

Applications are now open for the ‘Made New’ program, which provides up to $40,000 in funding for Newcastle-based or affiliated artists to present during the New Annual festival, which will be held from 25 September to 4 October 2026.

Tom Avgenicos playing during New Annual 2025Last year’s New Annual was the largest in the event’s history featuring a total of 87 shows which attracted approximately 50,000 attendees, almost double the amount from 2024, with an economic impact of almost $3.5 million.

Festival Director Tory Loudon said City of Newcastle-commissioned surveys revealed 96% of respondents would be likely to attend New Annual again.

“Last year’s New Annual demonstrated the strength of Newcastle’s creative community and the city’s growing confidence as a cultural destination,” Ms Loudon said.

“More than 70% of the program featured local artists in 2025 and the ‘Made New’ program will ensure we continue to celebrate the exceptional creative talent within our region through new works.

“We had amazing success last year introducing new venues into the program. From the transformation of Newcastle Museum into a theatre space, to the overwhelming response to performances at Newcastle Ocean Baths and University House.

“This year we’re looking for original works that tell a story about Newcastle in a unique way or use a Newcastle space in a new way. We love out of the box ideas and there’s a maximum of $40,000 available per project.”

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee said New Annual is a festival for the entire community. 

“The feedback we received showed that New Annual made Novocastrians feel connected to their city, while the productions truly reflected local stories and gave audiences a sense of pride,” Cr Barrie said.

“New Annual is evolving into an iconic festival that is truly Novocastrian, providing local audiences with free and low cost opportunities to engage with a range of arts while attracting cultural tourism to the city.

“The festival showcases what can be achieved when collaboration and ambition align, celebrating creativity that is shaped by place and powered by people.”

The 2025 festival saw Newcastle’s coastline and civic spaces reimagined as vibrant stages for art, performance and community connection, featuring diverse events, activities and performances.

Alongside performances at Newcastle Ocean Baths, other highlights included giant shipping containers that transformed Camp Shortland into a public art trail, the multi-sensory DARKFIELD in Wheeler Place, a whimsical six-hole mini putt-putt course at The Station, the First Night Art Party on Laman Street and a singing workshop with men’s choir sensations Spooky Men’s Chorale.

Locals working across interdisciplinary art forms, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multimedia have until 12 February 2026 to submit an expression of interest for New Annual 2026.

Successful applicants will be included in the New Annual festival program, ensuring City of Newcastle will provide support with marketing, publicity and production.

To keep up to date with the latest festival news or find out more about the “Made New” process, visit www.newannual.com

To view a copy of the New Annual 2025 post festival report, click here

To see highlights of the 2025 festival, click here