Category: Newcastle News

Speers Point Park will come alive tomorrow (Saturday 25 October 2025) for the second annual Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo – a community event featuring interactive displays and hands-on activities from a wide range of emergency and essential service providers.

The family-friendly expo is a fantastic opportunity to meet the heroes who keep our community safe and running during emergencies including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and many more.

The event will showcase recruitment opportunities while highlighting the capabilities of local emergency and essential services, providing a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the people behind the uniforms and discover how they keep our community safe, prepared, and resilient every day.

Lake Macquarie Police District Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM said the event provided an opportunity for the community to see behind the scenes.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and see the incredible work our local emergency services and community partners do every day. Their collaboration and commitment play a vital role in keeping Lake Macquarie safe and resilient,” Supt Chapman said.

“After great community feedback last year, we look forward to seeing the community out in large numbers again to support the event.”

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the event hopes to build stronger relationships between emergency services and the community.

“The Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo is a celebration of the extraordinary commitment of our frontline workers, everything from managing natural disasters to responding to medical emergencies,” Minister Catley said.

“Events like this go beyond education and awareness – they’re important in building trust and strengthening the connection between emergency services and the communities they serve.

“When people feel connected, they’re more informed, more engaged and more confident in the support available to them.

“I’m proud to see events like this giving the public an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of these workers, ask questions and perhaps even be inspired to begin careers in these fields.”

The event will be held at Speers Point Park between 9am and 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 25 October 2025).

Come explore the vehicles, gear, and skills that power our frontline services!

A man has been charged after police allegedly found weapons and drugs inside a car in the Hunter Valley yesterday.

About 8:30am on Wednesday 22 October 2025, officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attended Ruby Street, Bellbird following reports of a concern for welfare.

When officers approached a hatchback, the driver allegedly drove away at high speed.

A short time later police were patrolling in Pokolbin and observed the vehicle parked on Oakey Creek Road.

Upon arrival, the man allegedly ran away but was arrested a short time later.

Police conducted a search and allegedly seized knuckle dusters, folding knife, 25 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cash.

The 28-year-old man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with nine offences:
Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
Supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity
Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)
Custody of knife in public place
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle) (two counts)
Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
Drive vehicle under influence of drugs

He was refused bail and appeared at Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 23 October 2025) where he was formally refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 5 November, 2025.

Police are investigating two unrelated traffic incidents which left a man and a woman with critical injuries in the Newcastle region overnight.

About 12.20am today (Thursday 23 October 2025), emergency services were called to the intersection of Denison Street and Gordon Avenue, Hamilton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and were told a motorcycle rider had crashed while attempting to navigate a roundabout.

The rider – a 27-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for serious injuries.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.

Police declared a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Inquiries are ongoing.

About 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 October 2025), emergency services were called to the Cowper Street, Carrington, following reports of a crash.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and were told an E-bike rider had crashed into a stationary caravan.

Paramedics treated the rider – a 26-year-old woman – at the scene for life-threatening injuries, before she was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition where she remains.

Police were later notified of the crash, and officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended.

A crime scene has been declared, and an investigation commenced into the circumstances of the crash.

Inquiries are ongoing.

Police will today launch a new high-visibility operation to improve road and pedestrian safety across coastal communities from the Central Coast to Port Stephens.

The safety initiative, Operation Shore Safe, is a joint effort between Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Northern Region, aimed at improving road and pedestrian safety across these areas during the busy summer period.

Beginning today (Thursday 23 October 2025) and running through to February 2026, Operation Shore Safe will see a high-visibility deployment of up to eight solo motorcycle officers supported by unmarked highway patrol vehicles, trail bikes, and bicycle patrols.

The resources will be strategically positioned across key coastal areas to supplement local police and highway patrol teams during a time of increased traffic and visitor activity.

The operation is designed to promote safer behaviour on roads and footpaths, as well as in and around other high volume pedestrian areas, particularly in relation to the growing use of e-micromobility devices.

A key focus will be reducing road trauma, including fatal and serious injury collisions, which have disproportionately affected communities in the Northern Region this year.

Newcastle-Hunter Sector Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes said the operation is about being proactive and present in the right places at the right times.

“We know that during the warmer months, our coastal areas become significantly busier. Operation Shore Safe is about making sure we’re out there, engaging with the public, encouraging safe behaviour, and stepping in when necessary to prevent harm,” Ch/Insp Barnes said.

Traffic North Highway Patrol Commander, Superintendent Julie Boon, echoed the importance of the initiative, noting its potential to save lives.

“This is about visibility, education, and enforcement. We want to remind everyone, from drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and e-bike users, that safety is a shared responsibility. Our presence will be felt, and our message is clear: we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastlines safely.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said the operation will help ensure the safety of the community.

“Operation Shore Safe is about putting police where they’re needed most to promote road safety, prevent serious crashes and keep both pedestrians and road users safe,” Minister Catley said.

“Every summer, thousands of people flock to our coastline to enjoy everything it has to offer, and we want to make sure they get home safely at the end of the day. Our highway patrol and local police will be out in force to keep roads, shared paths and popular beachside areas safe for everyone.

“This is smart, proactive policing that shows the commitment of the NSW Police Force in keeping communities safe right across the state.”

Police are urging all road users to remain alert, follow the rules, and look out for one another as the region heads into its busiest season.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Rhylan O’Keefe, aged 14, was last seen on Barlee Street, Morisset Park, about 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 21 October 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and inquiries commenced to locate him.

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

Rhylan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170-180cm tall, slim build with blue eyes and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and black and white Nike shoes.

Rhylan is known to frequent the Morriset, Bonnells Bay and Newcastle areas.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has condemned the University of Newcastle’s decision to apply for Fair Work Commission intervention in enterprise bargaining.

The move comes as 140 job cuts loom over staff already experiencing severe stress and anxiety about their futures.

University management has applied for the Fair Work Commission to deal with a bargaining dispute, despite negotiations commencing just six months ago.

NTEU members are pushing for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and flexible work provisions.

NTEU members will strike for half a day on Thursday October 23.

The University of Newcastle attempted to sideline staff and their union from the bargaining process a little over two years ago.

UoN Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky serves as Vice-President of the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA), the aggressive employer association known for advising universities on strategies to circumvent union negotiations.

NTEU General Secretary Damien Cahill said:

“The University of Newcastle has shown it would rather blow up negotiations and push disputes to the commission than engage constructively with staff seeking fair pay and conditions.

“Management is running to the Fair Work Commission rather than staying at the bargaining table and addressing the reasonable demands of staff for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and job security.

“This is a cynical tactic from a university whose vice-chancellor is the vice-president of the bosses’ association that is notorious for using aggressive industrial tactics.

“Staff are already under enormous pressure with 140 job cuts hanging over their heads. Now they must endure management’s aggressive industrial tactics designed to avoid genuine negotiation.

“The University of Newcastle appears to have lost faith in its own executives’ ability to negotiate a fair agreement. Instead of working with staff and the NTEU, they’re deploying the same failed playbook as they did last time.

“Universities that find common ground with the NTEU reach agreements that benefit everyone. But the University of Newcastle seems determined to pursue confrontation.

“The NTEU will continue to fight for fair pay, secure jobs and reasonable working conditions for all university staff.”

Detectives have released CCTV footage as they appeal for public assistance in relation to an armed hold up that occurred last year in the states Hunter region.
Shortly after 8pm on Thursday 18 April 2024 officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of an armed hold up at a café on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay.
Police were informed that two men entered the store armed with a machete and a shortened baseball bat and stole a quantity of cash.
The men left the location in a red two-door hatchback that was driven from the location by a third unknown person.

There were no reports of any person being injured.

Strike Force Merson was established to investigate the incident.

As inquiries continue investigators have released CCTV of two men who maybe able to assist police.
The first man was wearing a black balaclava, black hooded jumper with the word EVERLAST written in white across the back, black gloves, blue jeans and red sneakers. He was also carrying a green shopping bag.
The second man was wearing a grey beanie, white jumper with a fluorescent yellow hood, black gloves, white pants and white sneakers.

Police are warning members of the public to be on alert after counterfeit cash has been reported being handed to businesses across the Hunter Valley.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were alerted after counterfeit $50- and $100-dollar notes were handed to businesses in Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone, Singelton, Blandford, Cliftleigh, Glendon, Merriwa and Middle Falbrook between May 2025 and October 2025.

Officers have seized the notes which amount to over $2,600 in counterfeit notes and inquiries are now underway.

Tips from NSW Police to spot a counterfeit note include,

• Feel the note – a genuine note is printed on special plastic polymer and is difficult to tear
• Check for words that mark the note as counterfeit such as ‘prop’ or ‘specimen’
• Hold the note to the light and look for the Australian Coat of Arms. This is generally located to the left of the clear window, or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.
• Feel for slightly raised printing on the main design of the note
• Look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle
• Compare the background printing – look for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.
• Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image: $50 has the Southern Cross and the $100 has the lyrebird.
• If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbers

City of Newcastle has looked close to home for its latest strategic investment, purchasing a significant industrial property in Sandgate to augment its long-term financial plans.

The 8.64-hectare land holding is the first Newcastle property acquired under City of Newcastle’s Future Fund, which was established to ensure it can meet the need for infrastructure and services across the city into the future. 

Executive Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the Future Fund enables City of Newcastle to diversify its revenue base to cater for both the growing population and aging assets. 

“Ensuring the long-term sustainability of almost $3 billion worth of infrastructure we manage on behalf of the community is one of our key responsibilities,” Mr Clarke said.

“As our infrastructure ages, the cost of maintaining and renewing these essential assets increases, which is why we proactively set aside funds each year to meet these future needs.

“Our Future Fund is a strategic initiative that enables us to invest our cash reserves into a diversified portfolio of property and commercial assets. 

“This latest acquisition strengthens that portfolio and positions us to generate stable returns, protecting our financial position and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our growing community without putting extra pressure on rates.”

The Rural Drive property includes two warehouses that have existing leases in place with a number of businesses, which will generate ongoing rental income for City of Newcastle.

Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle will also consider potential longer term uses for the site.

“This strategic purchase also presents an opportunity to explore its use in the years ahead,” Mr Clarke said.

“We will undertake a master planning process on the site to determine the most suitable mix of operational and income producing uses. 

“One future consideration could include building a new, more modern facility for our Works Depot, which currently sits within the footprint of the Broadmeadow Precinct Investigation Area. 

“This master planning process will take some time and there is a lot to consider before any decision can be made at a later date.”

The Sandgate purchase was vetted by the Future Fund Governance Committee in line with its adopted investment strategy before being approved by the elected Council. 

The Committee’s membership includes representatives of City of Newcastle and the elected Council, as well as two independent members with appropriate professional capabilities and an independent Chairperson. 

It is the third property purchased under the Future Fund, with previous acquisitions including a Bunnings warehouse in Taree and a Wollongong medical centre.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Lailah Russell, aged 13, was last seen in Newcastle about 6pm yesterday (Thursday 16 October 2025). 

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

There are serious concerns for Lailah’s welfare due to her young age.

Lailah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm, thin build with long light brown hair

She was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black shorts and white sneakers.

Lailah is known to frequent the Newcastle, Muswellbrook and Singleton areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.