Category: Newcastle News

A woman has died after a two-vehicle crash near Lake Macquarie today.

About 12.05pm (Wednesday 26 August 2026), emergency services were called to the intersection of Rawson and Pelican Street, Swansea, after reports of a multi vehicle crash.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found that a Subaru SUV and a Toyota utility had collided.

The front passenger of the Subaru – a 92-year-old woman – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Police have since been told the woman has died in hospital.

The driver of the Subaru – a 67-year-old woman – was also taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment.

The driver of the Toyota – a 36-year-old man – was uninjured and taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have commenced an investigation into the cause of the crash.

A driver has been charged after allegedly threatening another driver with a samurai sword and baseball bat during a road rage incident on the state’s Central Coast yesterday.

About 3pm (Wednesday 26 August 2026), police were called to the Doyalson Link Road, Doyalson, after reports of a road rage incident.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended and found that the driver of a Subaru sedan – a 67-year-old man – had allegedly been assaulted by the 20-year-old driver of a Toyota utility.

Police were told that during the incident the 20-year-old man allegedly threatened the 67-year-old with a samurai sword before assaulting the older man with a baseball bat and leaving the scene prior to police arrival.

The 67-year-old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a serious arm injury before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Following investigations, police attended a home on Murchison Close, Blue Haven, about 3.35pm the same day, where they arrested the 20-year-old man.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with:
Predatory driving
Reckless wounding
Armed with intent to commit indictable offence
Drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent

The 20-year-old was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 6 today (Thursday 27 August 2026).

A man has been charged with aviation offences for allegedly endangering the safe operation of a helicopter in the states Hunter Region.

It will be alleged about 1am last Sunday (23 August 2026), a rescue helicopter was flying 1000 feet above the Charlestown area on route to a medical emergency when a drone intruded into the helicopter’s airspace.

The helicopter did not need to take any evasive action and was able to continue with its duty. No air crew were injured.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District – with the assistance of specialist officers from the Police Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit – commenced inquiries into the incident.

About 3pm yesterday (Monday 24 August 2026), a search warrant was executed at a home on Newcastle Road, Wallsend, where a 46-year-old man was spoken to.

A drone was seized at the property by police.

Police will also allege that about 1kg of cannabis was located at the premises.

The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with seven offences including:
Do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board
Operate unmanned aircraft in way that creates hazard
Fail to operate unmanned aircraft w/in visual line of sight
Operate unmanned aircraft in weather condition not permitted
Not operate unmanned aircraft as approved/permitted
Supply prohibited drug >small & <=indictable quantity
Possess prohibited drug

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 24 September 2026.

Upper Hunter coal mines are being put on notice to keep dust down this spring, as the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) launches its annual Bust the Dust compliance campaign.
EPA field officers will be out in force until mid-December, conducting unannounced inspections to ensure open-cut mines are taking appropriate steps to minimise dust to protect local air quality.
The blitz kicked off yesterday, with staff on the ground visiting seven mines across the region to assess how operators were managing dust.
It follows strong results in 2025, when staff carried out 34 inspections across 12 open-cut mines and found appropriate dust mitigation measures were in place.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Field Operations Steve Beaman said Bust the Dust ramps up compliance activity during the higher-risk spring and summer months.
“Last year we saw mines responding appropriately to the changing season, including slowing vehicle speeds, operating at lower elevations and standing down equipment when conditions were unfavourable,” Mr Beaman said.
“It’s a positive sign that community reports to the EPA about dust and air pollution have halved since 2023, but there is no room for complacency as the region becomes warmer and drier.
“We want to see those standards maintained, and our officers will again be turning up unannounced to make sure the right practices are in place.
“Dust can travel beyond mine boundaries and impact surrounding communities, so operators need to be constantly monitoring the weather and ready to act when it changes.
“That can mean deploying water carts on roads and stockpiles, changing how and where work is carried out, or stopping activities altogether during dry and windy conditions.
“While we increase our presence in the hotter months, we regulate dust emissions year-round and won’t hesitate to take action if companies fail to meet their obligations.”
Mines found to be in breach of their licence can face penalties of $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for subsequent offences.
Bust the Dust forms part of the EPA’s broader regulation of the coal mining sector, including strengthened requirements announced earlier this year to reduce fossil methane and boost transparency around greenhouse gas emissions.
A community drop-in session will be held in Singleton on 14 September 2026, where residents can ask questions and seek further information about the campaign.
The public is encouraged to report dust concerns to the EPA’s Environment Line by emailing info@epa.nsw.gov.au.:

A body has been located in the search for a missing man in Newcastle.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries to locate a 60-year-old man, last seen in Lambton on Sunday 23 August 2026.

Following extensive inquiries and a land search, a body – believed to be that of the missing man – was located in Lambton today (Monday 24 August 2026).

The body is yet to be formally identified.

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

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing near Newcastle.

Anthony Chapman, aged 60, was last seen on Jerrawa Close, Lambton, about 12.30pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2026).

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

Family and police hold concerns for Anthony’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a solid build, and is bald.

Anthony is known to frequent the Jesmond and Lambton area.

Anyone with information about Anthony’s whereabouts is urged to contact Waratah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Highly skilled waterfront and electrical workers employed at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) at Kooragang Island have taken the historic step of taking Protected Industrial Action for the first time in the company’s history due to the refusal of bosses to provide a decent agreement with conditions that are consistent with the rest of the industry.

This momentous action comes after more than sixteen years working to an enterprise agreement that NCIG workers say has left them trapped under the dead legacy of the WorkChoices era. This agreement was first struck in the wake of a period when workers’ rights were deliberately weakened and employers were handed unprecedented power by John Howard, Peter Costello and Peter Reith.

NCIG workers throughout the operations side of the business are standing together to secure a fair agreement that recognises the value they create every day and brings their conditions into line with industry standards. These workers operate and maintain the massive machinery which loads bulk cargo ships with export grade coal from throughout the Hunter region and beyond.

Members are seeking practical and overdue improvements including:

• Fairer rostering arrangements;
• Fairer recognition when working Public Holidays;
• A decent wage increase to keep up with the rise in the cost of living; and
• Conditions that reflect the skills, flexibility and productivity expected of a modern multi-skilled workforce.

Despite operating as a highly productive workforce, NCIG employees continue to be paid less than comparable workers at neighbouring operations while delivering stronger outcomes for the business.

“NCIG workers load more, do more, and carry broader responsibilities. They’re generating significant value and returns for the company but the bosses would rather provoke a dispute than settle a fair agreement,” said Glen Williams, the MUA’s Newcastle Branch Secretary.

“For years, these workers have been told there is no case for change, and when a company like this enters bargaining saying it wants nothing from negotiations, workers are entitled to ask whether that’s because management already secured everything it wanted under arrangements imposed in a very different industrial era,” Mr Williams said.

That question was answered clearly when NCIG recently put its proposed agreement to a workforce vote and the workforce decisively rejected it.

“With 98% voting against the proposal, NCIG workers sent an unmistakable message that they are no longer prepared to accept conditions that fall short of comparable workplaces or agreements that fail to recognise the contribution they make,” Mr Williams said.

“NCIG was given the opportunity to heed that message and come to the bargaining table with a genuine willingness for landing a fair deal. Instead, due to their unwillingness to compromise and their provocations, NCIG workers are now taking protected industrial action — for the first time in NCIG’s history,” Mr Williams added.

Police are appealing for public assistance locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the state’s north.

Bryce Jordan Fernley, aged 32, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for drug and firearms-related offences.

Officers attached to Northern Region Enforcement Squad have released an image of Bryce as inquiries continue to locate him.

Bryce is describe as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm – 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is believed to frequent the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach but to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

City of Newcastle has refined its design for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, ensuring the revitalised community facility is purpose-built for generations to enjoy. 

Key changes have been made to the layout and location of the amenities, design of the roof and retention of heritage elements, providing a balance between preservation, functionality and community expectations.    

An updated render showing the revitalised facade of the Newcastle Ocean Baths

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said he was pleased to see strong feedback from the community, Heritage NSW, the NSW Heritage Council and the Urban Design Review Panel all help shape the design that will go on public exhibition.
 
 “The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a much-loved part of our city, so it’s only natural that people have passionate views about their future,” Cr Morris said.
 
“Newcastle Ocean Baths belong to us all. Ask any Novocastrian about them and you’ll get a story. They’re more than a swimming pool. They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity.
 
“Following the many impassioned conversations during the by-election and since, I presented a Lord Mayoral Minute to Council in May to ensure the community’s voice was integral to the revised design process.
 
“The Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 development has seen Council work closely with Heritage NSW, independent design reviewers and our technical experts to make sure the plans strike the right balance between preserving what makes the Baths special and creating a facility that works well for everyone.
 
“The updated design gives us an opportunity to deliver a facility that feels open, inviting and easy to use, while respecting the character and history of the site.
 
“Most importantly, it will provide a safe and accessible place for the community to enjoy now and well into the future.”

An updated render of the female amenities showing the more open layout and new roof design 

A development application for the final stage of the revitalisation project, including the pavilion buildings, upper promenade and surrounding areas, was lodged in November last year.

City of Newcastle received feedback from Heritage NSW, the Urban Design Review Panel and the community, which was used to guide the final design.  

A more open layout has been introduced to the amenities to make it easier for people to move around, balanced with improved privacy options for users, including children, families and vulnerable people.

The accessible amenities and Changing Places facility have been relocated to the southern pavilion closer to the accessible parking spaces and pool access ramp for added convenience.

Family change rooms have been redistributed across the southern and central pavilions, while the community space has been reduced to accommodate these changes.

The pavilion’s roof has also been refined to better balance openness, comfort, privacy and protection from the elements.

It features a simplified design and glazed finish that “floats” above the original building to maximise natural light and ventilation, while an engineered timber frame combines strength and durability with a warm, natural appearance.

An updated render showing changes to the tiered seating near the Canoe Pool to better retain the view of the historic seawall

Other key updates enhance the site’s heritage elements, with changes to the tiered seating adjacent to the Canoe Pool to highlight and preserve the historic seawall, while the Art Deco façade will be enhanced with the addition of a second awning to add balance to the front of the building.

A café and kiosk remain part of the plans in the southern wing of the building, providing both sit-down dining and takeaway options, with the operational plan allowing for earlier opening hours to service the early morning Baths users.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the focus has always been on creating a Newcastle Ocean Baths precinct the whole community can feel proud of.

“It’s great to see so much overlap between our redesign and the concept shared with the community earlier this month by the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths,” Mr Bath said.

“While there have been different ideas and approaches considered along the way, there’s a strong shared vision for what the future of the Baths can be.

“We all want to see the heritage of this much-loved place respected, better access for the community and facilities that will serve Newcastle well into the future.

“We believe the amended design gives us a practical way forward, moving this long-awaited project towards construction and delivering the improvements the community has been waiting for.

“Our goal now is to have our DA approved, then move into the detailed design stage before awarding a tender for construction in mid-2028.”

Information on how to provide feedback will be available on the project page on City of Newcastle’s website when the amended development application is placed on public exhibition later this month for 28 days.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person with murder following an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.

Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.

Over the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys have been charged with murder and remain before the courts.

Following further extensive inquiries, about 9.40am yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2026), strike force detectives arrested a 20-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station. He has since been charged with murder.

The 20-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Friday 21 August 2026).