Police are appealing for public assistance as an investigation into the death of a dog in Newcastle commenced.
About 2pm yesterday, (Sunday 5 October 2025), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation following reports a dog had died after it was found with serious injuries.
Police were told about 12pm on Friday (3 October 2025), the dog’s owner tied the Rottweiler up to a tree on Steel Street, Newcastle West, before he attended a nearby shopping centre.
About 12.15pm, the man returned and located the dog suffering from serious injuries.
The man took the dog to a vet; however, due to the extent of its injures, the dog was euthanized.
It is believed the dog was assaulted by a group of people while it was tied to the tree.
A crime scene has been established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Community feedback shaping next steps for harbourside landmark
Novocastrians have thrown their support behind the revitalisation of the Queens Wharf precinct.
Almost 1,800 comments and suggestions are being considered by City of Newcastle following an invitation for the community to share their memories and ideas for the popular harbourside location.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive, with 97% endorsing City of Newcastle’s overall vision for the project.
“We reached out to the community to test our vision for this precinct and seek their input into what types of vibrant mixed-use outcomes people would most like to see as part of the redevelopment,” Mr Clarke said.
“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a complex undertaking, and we’ll consider this valuable feedback from the community alongside a variety of technical, financial, social and economic factors to guide its progression.”
Councillor Declan Clausen, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee, said it was important to involve the community in reimaging this key waterfront precinct.
“It was fantastic to have so many people engaged in the process, sharing their memories of the Queens Wharf area, their big ideas for the future and their priorities for how it should be used,” Cr Clausen said.
“This is a unique opportunity to celebrate our local identity and establish a legacy for future generations, and we’re excited to bring our community along on this journey with us.”
Key themes have been identified from the feedback, with around a quarter of the comments highlighting a desire for Queens Wharf to be a community and family-friendly destination with activities and events for all ages.
Submissions showed support for a diverse and mixed-use precinct with food and dining, retail, arts and culture, night-time activation, open spaces, amenities, and recreation opportunities.
Supporting local businesses, creating jobs and opportunities and a renewed sense of pride in showcasing Newcastle to tourists and visitors were also suggested in the comments.
A range of short-term ideas to bring the precinct to life were proposed during the consultation and will be considered for implementation while the long-term transformation is underway.
Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle will work with stakeholders, community, businesses, government and agencies to bring a shared vision for Queens Wharf to life.
A development application for the demolition of the fire-damaged western building has recently been submitted, while an expression of interest process for prospective development partners will be launched on 9 October.
“We are committed to ensuring this iconic location at the heart of our waterfront remains open and accessible to all members of the public,” Mr Clarke said.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant and dynamic space that supports a variety of uses and activities.
“Next week we will invite expressions of interest from the market to help us identify and select an appropriate partner who will transform Queens Wharf in accordance with our vision, building on the feedback from this engagement process.
“Our aim is to attract quality proposals through a competitive process that will revitalise this landmark site for future generations.”
Queens Wharf sits at the heart of the Newcastle harbour foreshore, connecting Stockton, Honeysuckle, Foreshore Park and Newcastle East.
The waterfront precinct has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
It includes two separate buildings, two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. The western building has been vacant since a fire in May 2020 rendered it unusable.
The results of the recent community engagement are available to view on the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website.
Minns Labor Government releases blueprint for the Hunter’s transport future
The Minns Labor Government has today delivered on a major election commitment with the release of the Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan – a long-term strategy to guide the region’s transport future and support growth for the next two decades. For the first time in over a decade, the Hunter now has a clear set of long-term priorities based on evidence, data and collaboration, with elected representatives from all levels of Government and across parties having participated in its development. Following extensive consultation with government, community and industry, the Plan sets out 49 short and medium-term actions across public and active transport, roads and freight to support one of Australia’s fastest growing regions. Importantly, the Plan recognises that public transport use in the Hunter is low and needs to increase. This Plan sets a framework to enable long-term, well-planned decision making and investment in the infrastructure that can support an uptake. Over the next five years, 30,000 new homes are expected to be built across the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, while the Hunter’s population will grow by almost a quarter over the next 15 years. The Plan identifies actions to support growth with better transport connections, including investigating: • More reliable and frequent services on the Hunter Rail Line, extending to the strategic centres of Singleton and Muswellbrook. • Increased bus services across both peak and non-peak periods. • Upgrades to more than 20 key road corridors, including Newcastle Link Road, Cessnock Road and the Morisset M1 interchange. The Plan also considers the Hunter’s role in renewable energy, identifying critical freight links from the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones, and recommends improving safety with bridge replacements and Pacific Highway intersection upgrades. It also calls out priority locations including suburbs and regional centres that need better public transport connectivity, as well as key attractions such as Newcastle International Airport, universities and other hubs that need quality public transport access to flourish.
The Minns Government is already acting to boost spending in the Hunter region, and this reform provides a blueprint to inform future investment decisions. This announcement takes us one step further in building a better and fairer NSW. More information and a copy of the final Hunter SRITP can be found here. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley: “The Hunter is powering New South Wales, and our transport network needs to keep pace with that growth and ambition. This Plan provides the framework to do just that.” “It’s about making it easier for people to get to work, school, university, the airport and the shops, while also keeping freight moving to support our industries and our economy.” “For locals, it means more reliable public transport, safer roads and better connections between our towns and our growing suburbs.” “For businesses, it means confidence that the Hunter’s transport links are being planned for the long-term, backing jobs and giving industry the certainty it needs.” Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison: “Today we release a long-term vision for the future of Hunter transport. “The Hunter region has the most people living in it today of any area in our state outside of Sydney, and by 2041 it is expected another 185,000 people will live here so we need to get planning and transport priorities for that growth right now. “Only the Minns Labor Government will deliver for one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. The Liberals and Nationals showed their cynical disregard for the Hunter with 12 years of neglect. “Our long-term transport vision for the Hunter puts people first. It recognises that the region is changing and growing. Families are moving in droves to enjoy the quality of life in our major centres and regional towns. We’re booming but we will be held back without well-planned infrastructure. “This Plan will inform long term decision making. The Minns Government has already started this process and is not sitting on its hands. “I wish to thank all community members and stakeholders who took the time to offer insights and feedback, to help ensure that this Plan reflects community priorities. “We heard loud and clear that public transport is a key priority and this Plan identifies opportunities to explore future transport options. “Some of the initiatives are already in planning while other new and will require further investigation to determine their feasibility.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Plan was finalised following a 10-week formal consultation period inviting the public to have their say via an online survey, email submission, and an extensive ‘have your say’ process using pin drops on an interactive map to encourage broader engagement During development and public consultation Transport for NSW received more than 1500 pieces of feedback to help inform the Plan. There were almost 600 responses from residents, businesses, public and active transport users as well as key stakeholders such as local councils, other government agencies, peak bodies, community organisations and transport operators. Transport is committed to providing annual status updates on the initiatives and undertaking a review of the Plan every five years to ensure long-term outcomes are realised.
Audiences soak up exclusive performances as New Annual festival heads towards closing weekend
Global social media sensation and pop violinist Joel Sunny will deliver an exclusive Australian performance at the Newcastle Ocean Baths tomorrow as part of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.
The Baths have emerged as the city’s hottest new live music destination, attracting more than 4,000 visitors over the first two nights of New Annual’s unique free sunset concert series, SOAK.
Newcastle post punk band DUST drew huge crowds to the Newcastle Ocean Baths as it was transformed into a live music venue for New Annual.
New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said Novocastrians and visitors were embracing the opportunity to experience art in iconic local spaces and responding to the unique collaborations on offer.
“People are coming out in droves to soak up the atmosphere, soak up the setting and soak up the incredible talent on show during these live music sessions,” Ms Loudon said.
“This has never been done at the Ocean Baths before and I’ve been thrilled by the reception we’ve received for SOAK and the wider New Annual festival.
“This year’s program is opening up a range of experiences to people who might not usually engage with more traditional arts venues.
“We’re only halfway through the festival and there’s so much more to come, so I hope everyone jumps online to see what’s in store for the rest of this week and into the weekend.”
SOAK: Live at the Baths opened with Newcastle post-punk favourites DUST performing a spectacular set on a floating stage on Saturday.
It shifted gears the following night with a conservation-themed collaboration between world-renowned beatboxer, Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz artist Freyja Garbett.
-web.jpg "Joel Sunny will perform at the Newcastle Ocean Baths")
- Internationally acclaimed pop violinist Joel Sunny will perform at the Newcastle Ocean Baths as part of New Annual’s SOAK: Live at the Baths program. Photo credit: Cal McIntyre
It will kick up another notch tomorrow night when Joel Sunny turns the curved art deco stairs into his stage as part of his global tour. He will deliver his trademark classical compositions with a pop sensibility, which have helped him amass more than four million social media followers worldwide.
Friday night will be another first when four of Australia’s brightest R&B and hip-hop artists – A.Girl, Dean Brady, BOY SODA and Finbar Stuart – deliver an unmissable supergroup-style performance alongside a live band and string section.
The SOAK programming wraps up on Saturday night with the city’s most unique pool party soundtracked by legendary local DJ jaytee hazard alongside DJ GNGR, who is one of Australia’s finest Afrobeats DJs.
SOAK is not the only free, family-friendly event to look forward to during the closing weekend of New Annual, with Global Gathering also offering a diverse line-up of music, dance, culture and food on Saturday 4 October.
Hamilton’s rich cultural history and cosmopolitan dining destination, Beaumont Street, will provide the perfect backdrop for Global Gathering’s community celebration, which runs from 2pm to 9pm.
MasterChef fan favourites including social media star Brendan Pang, Cake Boi’s Reece Hignell, Good Food columnist Emelia Jackson and Novocastrian Depinder Chhibber will add a culinary twist to the cultural feast, dishing up exclusive live cooking demonstrations on the food stage.
Adding extra spice to the program, the chefs will be interviewed live by acclaimed hosts Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong. The duo will delve into each chef’s approach to food, their favourite ingredients and the personal family histories that inspired their passion for cooking.
Beyond the food, the main entertainment stage will showcase the rich diversity of Newcastle’s community, featuring flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, the storytelling movement of Minangay Dreaming, and the high-energy spectacle of Samoan Dance.
Audiences can also experience the powerful rhythms of ILE ILU, a collective of women drummers, horn players, and dancers from Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle led by Marina Da Silva, and the genre-bending soundscapes of GabzaK & Dance of Worlds.
New Annual is proudly supported by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.
New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.
Visit https://newannual.com/ for the full program.
Woman charged following alleged pursuit – Swansea
A woman will face court following an alleged pursuit in Swansea this afternoon.
About 12.10pm (Tuesday 30 September 2025), police were patrolling M1 Motorway, Somersby, when they attempted to stop a Volkswagen sedan.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued to the Tuggerah Interchange where police abandoned the pursuit, and the vehicle continued to proceed through Doyalson, Lake Munmorah, Moone, Pinny Beach into Swansea.
The sedan then allegedly crashed into a vehicle while making a turn onto Lake Road before continuing to travel north on the Pacific Highway. No injuries were reported.
Police attempted to deploy road spikes just north of the Swansea Bridge, however, the vehicle has swerved.
A short time later, road spikes were deployed for a second time in Pelican, which the vehicle avoided before continuing to travel towards Belmont.
Following inquiries, police located the vehicle abandoned on Moorilla Close, Windale, and arrested five people, including the driver, near the vehicle.
The alleged driver – a 19-year-old woman – was taken to Belmont Police Station where she was charged with learner exceed speed by more than 45km/h estimated, drive with two passenger seatbelt/restraint not properly fastened, part of body outside window/door (driver permit passenger), drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and not comply with direction to stop/not move vehicle.
She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 1 October 2025).
Police will allege in court a 10-month-old baby was also in the vehicle at the time of the arrests.
The four other passengers have since been released without charge.
Community input required to shore up beloved coastline
City of Newcastle is calling on the community to help shape the future of the coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether by providing feedback on potential management strategies.
Investigations show this area is at the most immediate risk from climate change-driven threats such as erosion and sea level rise.
Over time this will lead to narrowed sandy beaches and a loss of space for people to enjoy, as well as impacting events such as surf carnivals and Surfest, while also putting nearby surf clubs, walkways and roads at risk.
Image © Jo Acland Photography, Bar Beach Swell Event July 2025
Program Lead for Coast and Estuary, Dr Josh van Lier, said City of Newcastle was developing a long-term Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the area between Nobbys Headland and Glenrock Lagoon, collectively known as the Southern Beaches.
“We need effective, practical and long-term strategies to keep this coastline section safe, accessible, and fit for future use” Dr van Lier said.
“This phase of consultation for the Southern Beaches CMP focuses on the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch as it is at the highest and most immediate risk.
“With increasing pressures such as climate change and growing visitor numbers, managing our coastline while balancing community enjoyment and environmental care is more important than ever.”
CMPs identify coastal management issues and the actions required to address them. This includes how and when actions are to be implemented, their costs and proposed funding mechanisms and cost-sharing arrangements.
Coastal hazard modelling was used to understand natural processes such as wave action and sand movement to estimate how inundation and erosion may change the coastal environment in the future under different sea-level rise scenarios and storm events.
A range of options have since been developed to respond to current and future coastal risks between Bar Beach and Merewether utilising a range of resources such as historic coastal erosion data and geotechnical investigations.
Each management option also considers the potential impacts on the quality of surf breaks along the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch based on the findings of a surf amenity impact assessment.
The community is being asked to provide their feedback on strategies such as beach nourishment, protection structures and a managed retreat, or a combination of these elements, which all come with different benefits and risks.
“We’ve considered whether the options are practical, cost-effective and environmentally responsible, but most importantly, will they effectively address the risks we’ve identified,” Dr van Lier said.
“To emphasise the importance of this program we’ve estimated the ongoing cost of each option, which all run into the millions of dollars.
“People can make their voices heard by spending less than 10 minutes to complete the survey online or by voting in the quick poll, as well as attending one of several planned pop-up events to speak to a City of Newcastle representative.
“The community’s feedback will be used alongside feasibility and viability studies to determine the preferred management options that are included in the draft Southern Beaches CMP.”
Chairman Tim Ryan said the Merewether National Surfing Reserve Committee is happy to be a contributor to City of Newcastle’s Southern Beaches CMP.
“We applaud City of Newcastle’s process of consultation for the CMP,” Mr Ryan said.
“The climate change impacts on our beaches require significant planning and investment from a Local, State and Federal Government level to maintain a level of public amenity and maintain the wave quality and beach amenity along our coastline.
“We are looking forward to an outcome that fairly balances all the interests of the beach community and maintains the quality of the waves on the Merewether to Bar Beach stretch.”
To take part in community consultation head to City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page.
Consultation closes on Monday 24 November 2025.
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September
Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.
Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.
2005 Bali bombing commemoration
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.
Ordinary business
2025 Local Government NSW Conference
Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.
Adoption of council policies
Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.
Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment
Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).
Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management
Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.
Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027
Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.
Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024
Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.
Asset Advisory Committee Charter review
Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.
Executive monthly performance report
Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2025.
Notices of Motion
Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)
Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.
Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event
Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.
Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund
Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.
Protecting koala populations
Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.
Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow
Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.
Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle
Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.
Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle
Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.
Georgetown village centre renewal enters next stage
New road surfaces, more green space and improved footpaths are on the way in Georgetown as City of Newcastle begins work on the latest upgrades to the neighbourhood’s shopping precinct.
The multimillion-dollar project aims to improve the look and feel of Georgetown and enhance safety and accessibility for all members of the community.
Early drainage works kick off the beginning of stage 2 upgrades at the corner of Cowper St and Georgetown Rd. From L-R City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Management Office Matthew Bennett, Cr Siobhan Isherwood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, Cr Mark Brooker and Project Manager Grant Mansfield.
Widened footpaths will make it easier to navigate Georgetown on foot, while new seating and landscaped areas including more than 30 new street trees will enhance the feel of the public spaces.
The current stage of the project will also deliver new road surfaces on Georgetown Road and Moate Street for a smoother drive.
City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Manager Project Management Office Matthew Bennett said the project will improve the already thriving village centre.
“Georgetown has a strong business community and this project will help create a more engaging environment for visitors to stop, shop, and enjoy,” Mr Bennett said.
“Similar projects across the city at local centres like Llewellyn Street in Merewether and Beresford Avenue in Beresfield have delivered for those communities, and we’re excited to see the benefits this will bring to Georgetown.”
New pedestrian and shared crossings will make it safer for walkers and increase connectivity to the city’s growing cycleway network, while key infrastructure changes include moving overhead power lines underground to increase tree canopy, upgrading a 100-year-old water main, and improvements to stormwater drainage.
An artist’s impression of the intersection of Georgetown Road and Moate Street, illustrating features of the upgrade including a new pedestrian refuge for safer crossing, wider footpaths and landscaped areas with seating and more planting.Initial work on the project was completed last year, including new speed control devices to improve safety in the area and the installation of two 60kw electric vehicle charging stations to support City of Newcastle’s commitment to sustainability.
A new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road will form part of a future stage of work, with the community to be invited to have their say on the design early next year.
An artist’s impression of Georgetown Road, which illustrates the new raised shared path crossing, street trees and landscaping, street furniture and smoother roads that form part of the local centre upgrade.Georgetown is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle.
Other local centres completed include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara; Sandgate Road, Shortland and Blackbutt Village, New Lambton.
To stay up to date with the latest information visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.
City of Newcastle transforms iconic spaces for New Annual’s opening weekend
Newcastle’s coastline and civic spaces have been reimagined as vibrant stages for art, performance and community connection ahead of the New Annual festival, which kicks off on Friday.
The opening weekend of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival features diverse events, activities and performances that invite audiences to rediscover the city through storytelling, from fantastical mini putt-putt at The Station, to immersive theatre at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Artist Jen Denzin gives a sneak peek of her Argo Escargot shipping container installation to Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull.
New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said this year’s program invites audiences to see Newcastle and the places they know best through the eyes of local artists.
“This year, New Annual opens up opportunities for artists to connect with audiences through familiar spaces in new ways as they pay homage to the places that have shaped our city’s identity,” Ms Loudon said.
“With over 70% of the program featuring local artists, it’s Newcastle but not as you know it as they reimagine the spaces we know and love.”
Three giant shipping containers have transformed Camp Shortland into a public art trail that invites visitors to listen to a starfish through a sensory sound installation and experience a whole new view of the world via a walk-in camera obscura.
Newcastle artist Jen Denzin has turned the third container into a wild exploration of the storms, shipwrecks and spectral echoes of the past that have shaped her coastal home.
The trail continues down at The Station, where Denzin has collaborated with Sydney-based artist Rosie Deacon to create a whimsical six-hole mini putt-putt course especially for New Annual.
Back on the coastline, the Newcastle Ocean Baths and its bathers provide the backdrop and inspiration for an exhibition by local photographers Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards, as well as the creative reimagining of real-life stories by Newcastle production company Whale Chorus and playwright Ang Collins in their live theatre performance Meet Me at the Baths.
This weekend will also see the Newcastle Ocean Baths make its debut as a live music venue, with the first two of five scheduled ‘Soak’ sunset sessions by local and globally renowned music talent.
The Soak lineup includes Newcastle post punk band Dust, and a one-night-only collaboration between renowned beatboxer Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz composer Freyja Garbett.
A memorable musical line-up will also help set the vibe on Laman Street for New Annual’s vibrant First Night Art Party with high energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while roving performances from the awe-inspiring Erth Underwater Divers and free drop-in art workshops will deliver a family-friendly atmosphere.
For one night only, Newcastle Art Gallery’s façade will be transformed into a canvas for shared storytelling, with projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children inspired by the Gallery’s new commissions by First Nations artists.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that New Annual is a fantastic example of how City of Newcastle continues to lead in creative placemaking.
“With support from the NSW Government, the festival is drawing visitors from across the region and beyond, giving them a chance to experience our city’s infrastructure in bold, imaginative ways. It’s a celebration of place, and a powerful driver of cultural tourism,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
Other opening weekend highlights include the uplifting and unpredictable onstage filmmaking experience, POV, at Newcastle Museum, the transcendence of Jonny Hawkins’ Dancefloor Conversion Therapy and the chance to join a singing workshop with men’s choir sensations Spooky Men’s Chorale before experiencing their magnificence live on stage at City Hall.
Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said New Annual continues to showcase the city’s commitment to culture, tourism and economic development.
“New Annual is more than just a celebration of creativity; it’s a significant investment in our local arts community and a bold statement about Newcastle’s identity,” Cr Pull said.
“By showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city, we not only support our artists, but also drive tourism, boost the local economy, and reimagine Newcastle as a vibrant, cultural destination for both residents and visitors alike.”
New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.
New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.
Visit https://newannual.com/ for the full program and to download a map of the public art trail.
Milestone moment as Newcastle Art Gallery reopens its doors for first look inside expanded building
City of Newcastle welcomed the community back into the Newcastle Art Gallery today, unveiling the first new spaces completed as part of its landmark expansion project.
Visitors were treated to a taste of the Gallery’s $145 million collection alongside major First Nations commissions and acquisitions, which are on display across three of the new gallery spaces, entry foyer and soaring central atrium.
Artists Renae Lamb, Julie Squires and Shellie Smith, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath, Newcastle Art Gallery Society President Prue Viggers OAM, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey and artist Adam Manning celebrate the first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery today.
The celebrations began this morning with an opening that championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos and will be capped off tonight with a high energy First Night Art Party on Laman Street as part of the New Annual festival.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said New Annual was the ideal time to give the community a preview of the reimagined Gallery.
“Celebrating this milestone at the Gallery on the first day of our flagship arts festival New Annual is a fitting acknowledgement of our commitment to art and culture, and its role as an economic and tourism driver for our region,” Mr Bath said.
“We have created a purpose-built home for our nationally significant collection and an attractive destination for major touring exhibitions, which will ensure Newcastle Art Gallery takes its place as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions.
“The new spaces we have opened today are just a taste of what is to come and I look forward to celebrating the full reopening of the Gallery in February next year.”
Guests gather in the central atrium of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery following today’s reopening event, which championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos.
The expansion project has more than doubled the size of the Gallery, delivering an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space.
A number of these new spaces have been named in honour of the community members and artists whose generous donations helped make the expansion possible, including Valerie and John Ryan, Margaret Olley, Robert and Lindy Henderson and Mary and Richard Owens AM.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded Gallery would be a permanent tribute to all those who had shown their support for the project over many years.
“This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community,” Ms Morton said.
“We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families, and organisations including the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, as well as the contributions of the Australian and NSW Governments, whose belief in the value and importance of art has helped turn this vision into reality.
“We are proud to honour the incredible generosity of our major patrons by naming new spaces in the Gallery in recognition of their contributions. These names will forever be part of our story, reminding every visitor of the deep and lasting impact philanthropy has on the cultural life of our city.”
Valerie Ryan was a Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation member and former governor. She gifted the residue of her estate, with an estimated value of $20 million, equally to the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. It is thought to be the largest bequest in Hunter history.
Margaret Olley had a significant and long-standing connection to Newcastle and the Newcastle Art Gallery. Her legacy includes 48 works gifted to the Gallery during her life (often on her birthday) and a $500,000 bequest for the expansion of the Gallery via the Margaret Olley Art Trust.
Former Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation President Robert Henderson and his wife Lindy are long-time advocates and supporters of the Gallery. In 2022, the Hendersons pledged to match the Margaret Olley Art Trust’s gift toward the Gallery expansion.
Richard Owens, alongside his wife Mary, was a generous philanthropist and volunteer, pledging $500,000 towards the transformation of the Gallery. Richard was pivotal in the establishment of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and was Chairperson of the Foundation for some time.
The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through bequests, gifts and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.
The Gallery is open Friday to Sunday each week with timed entry and free guided tours. Visitors can also check out the new retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and view the inaugural window commission by Newcastle artist Maggie Hensel-Brown in the Learning Studio.
The entire Gallery will be reopened in February next year, in conjunction with a major exhibition of works of art from the collection and the unveiling of the commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d’Evie.
Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up to date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project.
Tickets for free guided tours of Newcastle Art Gallery can be booked via https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/events/guided-tours