Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is making live performance more inclusive for people who are hard of hearing thanks to new assisted listening technology at the Civic Theatre and Playhouse.

The new system transmits performance audio directly into hearing aids via Bluetooth and headphone jacks, with several options available to cater for a range of audio devices used by people in the community.

The upgrade is among dozens of actions being delivered under City of Newcastle’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 (DIAP), which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces.

City of Newcastle is now asking the community to share their experiences with disability, access, and inclusion to help shape an updated DIAP for 2027 – 2031.

Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said community feedback is crucial to make sure we understand how the city can continue to become more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. 

“For someone who is hard of hearing, this new assisted listening technology can help make live performances fun, engaging, and more accessible, and it represents meaningful progress towards a more inclusive Newcastle,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“Some other examples of actions being carried out as part of the current DIAP include delivering more inclusive programming, like Low Sensory Days at Newcastle Museum and Auslan Storytime at Newcastle Libraries.

“To see actions from our current DIAP coming off the pages and into the real world as tangible outcomes is fantastic and shows how important it is that we get strong feedback from our community to continue improving accessibility across Newcastle.

“City of Newcastle staff have worked with Community Disability Hunter Alliance (CDAH) to co-design the engagement process, to ensure every person in our community can meaningfully participate and have their say. 

“I encourage anyone who has experience with disability to get involved, give feedback on what you love, what we need more of, and where we can work together to continue making our city more inclusive and accessible.”

Newcastle mother-of-two Amanda Robertson is a community representative on the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, and said her family is experiencing firsthand how the DIAP can change the city for the better. 

“I’m proud to have been working with City of Newcastle and seeing up close how the current DIAP is implemented has shown me how important it is to share my experiences as a mother to twins with mobility disabilities,” Ms Robertson said. 

“For families like ours, things like the Foreshore Park playground, which opens later in the year, and more improvements to Newcastle’s footpaths through the Pedestrian Mobility and Access Plan will genuinely make our lives better.  

“These actions are included in the current DIAP and are clear examples of how feedback from people in the community with lived experience can make a real difference.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said local government plays an important role in making communities better for everyone.

“In December, the Minns Labor Government launched our ambitious four-year plan to build a more inclusive and accessible NSW. Local councils have the task of reflecting that ambition, working within communities to develop their new Disability Inclusion Action Plans,” Ms Washington said.

“I congratulate the City of Newcastle on its work done to date to improve inclusion across the city and encourage Novocastrians to have their say about the next steps needed to build an even more inclusive Newy.”

A mix of online and in-person workshops, high-visibility pop-up events across Newcastle, and a comprehensive online campaign will capture the experiences, opinions, and input that guides the DIAP for 2027 – 2031. 

Through a partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter there will be a focus on learning directly from people with lived experience, carers and other stakeholders to ensure the perspectives of under-represented and marginalised people are included. 

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

Two teenage boys have been charged, and a man remains in hospital, following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter yesterday.

Just after midday (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 repeatedly assaulted the man, allegedly 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.

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 13 and 15 – were taken to Belmont Police Station where they were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

They both refused to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 3 May 2025).

Investigations are ongoing.

Newcastle Museum is rolling out the red carpet for a new exhibition that celebrates the city’s connection to Australia’s fashion industry.

Showcasing 10 years of Newcastle-based fashion magazine and modelling agency Façon, the retrospective offers an insight into couture culture, with a focus on how local designers, models, personalities and locations have been celebrated in print and on the runway.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird and Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish with the Toni Maticevski gown featured as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum on 1 May.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning, Julie Baird, said the exhibition was testament to the vision of Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish, who saw an opportunity to intertwine her experience in the international fashion industry with her hometown. 

“Newcastle Museum is a place where local stories are shared, celebrated and preserved and this same ethos has been at the heart of Façon from the very beginning,” Ms Baird said.

“They proudly prioritised their Newcastle identity, providing opportunities for local photographers, models, designers and creatives alongside nationally and internationally recognised names.

“They celebrated the place where the magazine was produced, showcasing the city’s iconic locations like Fort Scratchley, the Civic Theatre and the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“From the famous faces that have adorned its covers, to the designers whose looks have styled its pages, Façon has spent a decade bringing high fashion to Newcastle – and Newcastle to the world.”

Enlarged reproductions of the magazine’s covers and fashion shoots take visitors on a journey through the years, featuring everyone from Newcastle’s own Miss Universe Tegan Martin to the universally loved icon of Australian television Kate Ritchie and Indigenous supermodel Samantha Harris.

Some of the magazine’s signature looks are also brought to life in the exhibition, with mannequins dressed in clothing and accessories from Newcastle-based and nationally renowned designers including Jean Bas, High Tea With Mrs Woo, Saretta The Label, Studio Melt and vintage Givenchy.

Designer fashion on display at Newcastle Museum as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, including a gown designed by John Robinson (far right).

Never before displayed couture from the Museum’s own collection is included in the exhibition with mid-twentieth century gown, The Lantern Dress by John Robinson. The Newcastle designer combined made-to-measure craftsmanship with theatrical embellishment, often incorporating hand-applied sequins and beads. 

A selection of Robinson’s gowns from the Museum’s collection were featured in the Winter 2021 issue of Façon magazine, reaffirming their enduring significance within Australian fashion history.

The showpiece of the exhibition is a sculptural evening gown created by renowned Australian designer Toni Maticevski, which was worn by singer and television presenter Ricki-Lee Coulter for the cover of the Summer 2019 issue.

Ms Lupish said Façon has become more than a magazine, it is a conduit for launching, shaping and celebrating people, places and creativity.

“Façon was designed as a celebration of Newcastle and the Hunter; a way to highlight local businesses and creatives alongside luxury national and international brands,” Ms Lupish said.

“But it has become more than a magazine; it is a record of time, place and community.

“We’re proud to have launched and progressed the careers of countless up-and-coming models including Face of Façon finalist Sarah Henderson, who went on to sign with Metropolitan Models Group in Italy, walk the runway at Australian Fashion Week and for DIOR in Paris.

“We’ve prioritised First Nations models and stories including the development of The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship to celebrate, sustain and grow Indigenous art, design and storytelling.

“This has allowed us to support recipients including filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, photographer Sean Kinchela, fashion brand Miimi and Jiinda, who have now showed at Australian Fashion Week numerous times and singer-songwriter Ruby Shay, who went on to secure an ABC Country Charts #1 after her scholarship win.

“Through it all we’ve proudly celebrated our city and its stories. We will continue to create and put Newcastle on the map, not only in our own country but in the world.” 

The free exhibition, Facon 10: Retrospective, will open tomorrow and remain on display at Newcastle Museum until 27 June 2026.

Twenty‑eight women from Arabic, Afghan and Indian backgrounds have turned their creative skills into a source of income thanks to a mentoring program supported by City of Newcastle.

Applications will open on Monday for City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorship programs, which last year helped provide economic opportunities for a group of refugee and culturally diverse women through Shared World Collective’s Make, Gather and Market initiative.

Shared World Collective founder Katrina Gulbrandsen with participants of the Make, Gather & Market initiative selling hand-made products at Olive Tree Markets. City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Corporate Affairs, Nick Kaiser said programs like this demonstrate how targeted funding can deliver practical, long-term benefits for the community.

“Our grants and sponsorships programs provide support across nine different streams to help organisations like Shared World Collective deliver initiatives that respond to local priorities, ease cost-of-living pressures for our community and contribute to a stronger Newcastle year-round,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 across categories supporting social inclusion, upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture initiatives, environmental projects and a wide range of events.” 

Participants in the Make, Gather & Market program were given guidance and small business training to help them use their existing creative skills to create hand-made products they could sell at the Olive Tree Markets. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the program focused on building confidence, skills and pathways to economic participation. 

“This grant gave us the resources to remove cost barriers and support participants all the way through from learning artisan skills to selling their work at local markets,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“The program included visits to circular economy initiatives such as Full Circle Collective and The Makers Place to learn about sustainable sourcing and selling, as well as candle making, natural ink painting, sewing and hand embroidery workshops.

“Participants told us the experience was calming and empowering, and many gained confidence, business knowledge and pride in their skills while strengthening connections within the community.” 

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program supports initiatives that deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for the local community, with funding available through Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants and Event Sponsorship. 

Event Sponsorship supports conferences and events of all sizes, including general, incubator and major events hosted across the city. Last weekend, national skate competition King of Concrete led by world champion and Olympic judge Renton Millar was held at Bar Beach after receiving support through the 2025 general event sponsorship. 

Major Events supported include the Beach 5s weekend festival at Nobbys Beach, the 20^th anniversary Hill to Harbour in March and OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival. 

Recent Infrastructure Grant recipients include Stockton Bowling Club, which received funding for a disability access ramp and Kotara South Netball Club, which was supported to upgrade court lighting. 

Community Support Grants assist projects across environment, arts, culture and history, social inclusion and sustainability. Previously, City of Newcastle has supported the Salvation Army to deliver weekly community lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged, and the Share Shop in Hamilton to expand their range of electric appliances and tools.  

Applications for City of Newcastle’s 2026 Grants and Sponsorships programs open 4 May and close 31 May. 

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

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

Ryan Forrest, aged 15, was last seen on Prestwick Street, Fletcher, about 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified on Friday 24 April 2026 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

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

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Ryan is known to frequent the Greenhills Shopping Centre, Thornton Shopping Centre, Maitland, Woodberry, Rutherford and Tenambit areas.

A Hunter region man is expected to face the NSW Bail Division Court today (30 April, 2026) charged with soliciting, accessing and possessing child abuse material.  

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 27, and conducted a routine examination of his luggage at Sydney International Airport on 8 November, 2025, following his return to Australia on a flight from Japan.  

During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation. 

The device was seized by the AFP for further digital forensic analysis.  

Following analysis of the seized device, the AFP yesterday (29 April, 2026) executed search warrant at a house in Raymond Terrace where police located and seized further electronic devices, as well as a gel-blaster.  

The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with: 

• Use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); 

• Use carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and 

• Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). 

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.    

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained unwavering in its pursuit of anyone involved in child exploitation. 

“This investigation sends a very clear message. If you engage in the possession or distribution of child abuse material, you will be caught,” Det-Supt Needham said  

“Law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and take action against those who offend against society’s most vulnerable.”  

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said ABF officers worked closely with law enforcement and other border agency partners to detect and intercept material that posed serious harm, to ensure it did not enter our community. 

“This outcome highlights the value of collaboration and intelligence sharing across border and law enforcement agencies,” Supt Baker said. 

“There is no place for abhorrent child abuse material in our community, and ABF officers remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.” 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040 and 2026/27 Budget

Council voted to place the draft 2026/27 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Closed Circuit Television trial

Council voted to endorse a trial of up to three years of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) within a defined location(s) on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, conditional on the NSW Government contributing no less than 50% of the total cost.

Tender Report – East End regional precincts and partnerships program works

Council voted unanimously to reject all tenders received for the East End Public Domain Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8, and endorse not calling for fresh tender submissions. Council authorises the CEO to enter into negotiations with a view to entering into a contract.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council voted to lay on the table for discussion at the next Ordinary Council Meeting an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease for food and drink premises on community land at Newcastle Ocean Baths for a term of five years with a five-year option.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2026.

Notices of Motion 

Affirming commitment to the genocide convention

Council supported a notice of motion affirming commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in accordance with Australia’s obligations.

Late items

Awaba Park food pantry

Council supported a foreshadowed notice of motion that City of Newcastle ensures that ongoing maintenance and space activation is built into the new design of the Awaba Park pantry facility.

Support for Newcastle Jets finishing top of the ladder

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and congratulate the Newcastle Jets for their Premiers Plate success and ensure plans are in place to provide the Newcastle Jets with a Civic Reception should they secure the Premiership.

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

Teagan Few, aged 28, was last seen at a hospital on Edith Street, Waratah, about 2.45pm on Saturday 25 April 2026.

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

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a medical condition and requires ongoing treatment.

Teagan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a thin build, with long brown hair.

SHe was last seen wearing a grey baggy jumper and glasses.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Booragul and West Wallsend areas.

During the running of race six at Maitland last night, Kawasaki Girl sustained injuries as a result of a racing incident.

An assessment of the injuries by the on-track veterinarian determined that, regrettably Kawasaki Girl was deemed unsuitable for admission to GRNSW’s industry leading Greyhound Care Scheme which provides ambulatory, surgical and rehabilitation care for greyhounds injured in any race.

Our condolences go out to the trainer, owners and connections of Kawasaki Girl.

While such outcomes have reduced by almost 90% since 2017-18, and during this current financial year 2025-26 we have seen a 40% reduction of on-track euthanasia – down from a record low of 13 last financial year – the NSW Greyhound Racing industry remains committed to delivering the highest welfare for its canine athletes.

As part of the industry’s renewed focus and determination to see ongoing reductions in serious injury rates, it has explored and implemented a range of strategies designed to substantially reduce serious injuries.

These strategies include:
Installation of double arm lures and preferential box draws;
Race Injury Review Panel;
Education for trainers in relation to injury prevention and treatment;
The trialling of Hock Braces;
Introduction of clearance to return to racing following long layoff due to injury; and
Ongoing research into other race injury causations.

In implementing these strategies, the greyhound racing industry in NSW is committing itself to becoming the world leader in racing safety.

The success of the industry’s race injury reduction efforts will be monitored and reported to the community by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.

The Commission publishes race injury data on a quarterly basis, making NSW one of the very few jurisdictions in the world to do so.

Farmers for Climate Action
 
 
· Increased bushfires and heatwaves driving increased climate concern
· Energy companies blamed for high bills
· Just 17% of Hunter residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy
Some 30% of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed, as a local farmer says sustainability is “just good farm management”.
The polling of 302 Hunter residents was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20. The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of The Research Society of Australia. Farmers for Climate Action has released the poll as it aims to make sure regional voices are heard.

FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the data showed 30% of Hunter residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.
“30% of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Bushfires (77%), heatwaves (75%) and floods (68%) were the top answers when Hunter residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Fifty-six per cent of Hunter residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills. Others named global energy price spikes and coal power station breakdowns; just 15% said clean energy was responsible.
“Some 69% of Hunter residents name solar as the “significant” energy source for the future, while 43% nominate onshore wind, 42% say offshore wind, 40% pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30%, and nuclear last at 22%.”
“The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy. Support for clean energy in the Hunter remains strong at 60%, with 17% opposed, and 23% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 40% of those polled said they thought there was majority support for clean energy in the region.
“Media and social media algorithms continue to promote conflict and FCA continues to listen to farmers, not Facebook.”
Macka’s Pastoral Director Robert Mackenzie , in Gloucester, Hunter Valley, said sustainability was “just good farm management”.
 
“As a farmer in the region, our focus is simply on running a more efficient and resilient business,” Mr Mackenzie said.
 
“We’re improving soil health, animal performance and energy use, with a clear focus on reducing our footprint, delivering benefits for both the business and the environment. For us, sustainability isn’t a statement, it’s just good farm management.”