Category: Newcastle News

Hunter Valley locals are gearing up for a huge game of Eye Spy for something beginning with ‘R’, when more than 70 critically endangered Regent Honeyeaters are released into the skies of Wonnarua Country.
The flock of zoo-bred birds will fly out over lands owned by the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council as part of ongoing efforts to boost population numbers in the wild.
With around 300 Regent Honeyeaters left in the wild, NSW’s Hunter Valley is the centre of their range and a key breeding location.
Specially fitted non-invasive radio trackers will help researchers keep a close eye on the released birds as they cross the Tomalpin Woodlands.
But it’s also likely the birds will fly into backyards, parks and school grounds, which is why ecologists are calling for all eyes on the skies.
Easily spotted by their beautiful yellow and black feathers, these birds have become synonymous with the region, yet their movements remain a mystery.
Do they make a beeline for sandstone Country breeding haunts?  Or do they hop around the Hunter’s blooming eucalypts with flocks of wild-born birds?
The data collected from this landscape-size game of Eye Spy will have a real and direct impact on answering these questions and help save this critically endangered bird from extinction.
This is the fourth bird release in this location, and marks 30 years since the Regent Honeyeater conservation breeding program began in 1995.
To date more than 220 Taronga Sydney Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo-bred birds have been released onto Mindaribba lands, areas of exceptional habitat and a diversity of flowering gums.
Reporting your Regent Honeyeater sightings is easy with a step-by-step guide and online portal at BirdLife Australia: http://www.birdlife.org.au/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-regent-honeyeater/
This critical conservation project is a joint effort between the NSW Government’s Saving our Species Program, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Birdlife Australia and Local Land Services. 
 
DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SPECIES EXPERT, KIM MAUTE:
“Reintroducing this critically endangered species into the wild is one way the NSW Government is ensuring the survival of this species.
“But everyone can play a part in making sure these genuinely beautiful and musical birds are spied by future generations.
“We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for these birds during spring and share your sightings so we can continue to make the best conservation decisions for this iconic bird”.
 
MINDARIBBA LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL CEO, TARA DEVER: 
“It’s time to let people know how special it is. This piece of Wonnarua Country, at the foot of old Tumblebee Mountain, is as much a part of everyone who has grown up here as it is to the Regent Honeyeater.
“These zoo-bred Regent Honey Eater releases are critical to the survival of the species.
“My grandparents and their parents before them had Regents in their backyard at Stanford Merthyr. We want our grandchildren to have them in theirs.
“The Regent Honeyeater is still here because this place of Kurri Kurri, this salty water place, is a good place, it’s special Country.
“This is not something that can be left to a few anymore – there is no time left to think about your involvement. Its protection starts with every man, woman and child in Kurri Kurri and beyond understanding that this bird is significant to them.
“The golden sunlight of their wings reflects the warm beauty of the Tomalpin Woodlands and Kurri Kurri itself.”
 
WELFARE AND CONSERVATION DIRECTOR AT TARONGA CONSERVATION SOCIETY, ANDREW ELPHINSTONE:
“The Regent Honeyeater is a flagship species, pollinating and maintaining habitat both sides of the Great Dividing Range, but faces an uncertain future.
“Over the past 30 years breeding Regent Honeyeaters we’ve heard some remarkable stories of Taronga Zoo-bred birds pairing and breeding with wild birds, travelling vast distances and being sighted 10-years after their release.”
 
REGENT HONEYEATER RECOVERY ADVISOR AT BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA, MICK RODERICK:
“The Tomalpin Woodlands are probably the single-most important site for Regent Honeyeaters, and it is a privilege to be able to help save this bird from extinction by supplementing the population on Wonnarua Country.
“We have seen females from previous releases pairing with wild male Regent Honeyeaters and successfully breeding, which is the truest sign of success for the team which is great news.”

Rising Tide’s application to use Foreshore Park as a campsite from 25 November to 2 December has been approved by City of Newcastle following in principle support from the elected Council at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 12 August 2025.   

At the same Extraordinary Council Meeting, the elected Council approved Rising Tide’s application to use Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December for a public concert. 

Final authorisation for the Foreshore Park event following the notification process was delegated to City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and has now been approved. 

The Foreshore Park site replaces Rising Tide’s original application to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park as a camp site, following safety concerns from the Police. 

A total of 1,500 submissions were received by City of Newcastle during the public notice period for Foreshore Park, which were submitted through the formal Have Your Say online portal. 

76.6% of submissions were supportive of the proposed event at Foreshore Park. 65% of submissions from within the Newcastle local government area were supportive of the event. Support was substantially higher in suburbs in wards 1 and 2, which are located closest to Foreshore Park.  

The authorisation does not require the submission of a valid Form 1, following representations from the NSW Police questioning the purpose and benefit, given the event at Foreshore Park is for the purpose for camping and is not expected to include a public assembly. 

A report outlining the reasons for the event authorisation for Foreshore Park can be viewed here, which is available on the City of Newcastle Have Your Say page.

Overwhelming community support for free and accessible active recreation at Camp Shortland is helping drive the design for the future of the popular coastal site.

More than 500 participants weighed in on what should stay as part of City of Newcastle’s staged remediation of the former Newcastle 500 track.

An aerial view of Camp Shortland, including the existing temporary elements that were put in place on the former racetrack area.

Community members were invited to share how they use Camp Shortland and whether temporary fitness, sport and play elements introduced in 2020 to activate the racetrack area between events should remain as part of the site’s permanent landscape.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the consultation revealed clear priorities that will help guide the site’s design.

“The message from our community has been resoundingly clear, they want Camp Shortland to remain an accessible space for active recreation that welcomes people of all ages and abilities,” Mr Bath said.

“We’ve heard strong support for keeping the half basketball court and fitness equipment, along with suggestions to consolidate or relocate some of the exercise elements to achieve a better balance between active recreation and open green space.

“What’s particularly encouraging is the diversity of feedback, with 40 different suburbs represented, every age demographic from school-age to retirees, and more than 100 responses from beyond our local government area. 

“This tells us Camp Shortland truly functions as a regional asset, not just a local park and is highly valued by the community as part of the broader regionally significant Foreshore Park precinct.”

The consultation also informed the community about planned upgrades to existing infrastructure including barbecues, seating and shelters, which will be incorporated into the final design to enhance the functionality and comfort of the space.

The feedback will be used to refine the final landscape plan for the staged remediation, which must balance social, environmental, technical and heritage requirements.

It will then be submitted to the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage for assessment. As Camp Shortland sits within the State Heritage-listed Coal River Precinct, any modifications require approval to ensure they preserve the area’s cultural and historical significance. 

Mr Bath said the community would have another opportunity to review and provide feedback on the updated plan before it proceeds to final endorsement.

“Before we submit anything for final Heritage approval we’re committed to bringing the updated landscape plan back to the community for review,” Mr Bath said. 

“We want residents to see how their feedback has shaped the design and have another opportunity to provide input.

“Our goal is to create a space that honours Camp Shortland’s heritage, serves our community’s wellbeing and can be enjoyed for generations to come. The feedback we’ve received gives us a strong foundation to achieve that outcome.”

For more information and to view the engagement reports, visit the Have Your Say section of City of Newcastle’s website.

Newcastle’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor has passed the baton of civic leadership to the first Greens councillor to hold the role in almost a decade during a ceremony at City Hall today.

Ward Four Liberal Councillor Callum Pull officially handed over the title, and the Deputy Lord Mayor’s chains, to Councillor Charlotte McCabe after completing a year-long stint in the role.

Councillor Callum Pull officially passes on the Deputy Lord Mayor chains to Councillor Charlotte McCabe as part of a handover ceremony at City Hall today.The transition marks the first changeover for this council term as part of a unanimously supported amendment moved by former Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen in October 2024, to share the position between four Councillors over four years.

Cr Pull became Newcastle’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor when he was elected to the role at age 23 in October last year and is the second Liberal to hold the title following Councillor Brad Luke’s service from 2012-2014. 

He said it had been an “incredible honour” to serve as the Deputy Lord Mayor. 

“Throughout my 12 months as Deputy Lord Mayor I’ve been focused on initiatives that genuinely improve outcomes for the people I represent,” Cr Pull said.

“From championing an independent review of Council’s processes to the Minmi Road duplication as part of our record $145 million capital works program, I’ve focused every day on driving positive change. 

“The sharing of this role recognises the diverse political makeup of the Council our city elected. 

“It has been heartening to see that the majority of Councillors have been able to work across party lines and find compromise, because the political reality of the chamber is that compromise is essential and is the key to success.

“It has been one of the most eventful first 12 months of a Council term I’ve seen but through it all the city has continued to progress and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of and I hope will continue throughout the rest of the term.”

Cr McCabe is the first Greens Deputy Lord Mayor to serve in nearly a decade, following the term of former Councillor Michael Osbourne, which finished in 2016.  

She said she was honoured to take on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor.

“I think this strengthens the Council through bringing different skills and experience to the role. It also allows us to demonstrate that the diverse political perspectives of our electorate are included and acknowledged in a collaborative, inclusive governing body,” Cr McCabe said.

“As a second term Councillor it’s been incredible to see the tangible results taking place across the city after we’ve gone through the careful processes of consultation and refining plans, through to final adoption in the chamber.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the Lord Mayor, Councillors and staff as we continue to deliver our strategic plans and respond to the needs of our community.”

From L-R: Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe and Cr Declan Clausen will share the role of Deputy Lord Mayor over the council term.Four councillors were nominated to serve a one-year tenure over the four-year period of this elected Council’s term. Cr McCabe will be followed by Labor Councillors Declan Clausen and Deahnna Richardson in 2026 and 2027 respectively. 

Raptor Squad have charged a man following an aggravated robbery in the state’s Hunter Region earlier this year under Strike Force Bromsgrove.

Strike Force Bromsgrove is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Raptor North into a series of related aggravated robbery related incidents in the Nelson Bay area in March 2025.

About 5.25am on Thursday 27 March 2025, emergency services were called to Salamander Way in Salamander Bay following reports of a home invasion.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were told five unknown men dressed in dark clothing and face coverings – two armed with firearms, and one armed with a knife – had entered the home.

The group of males allegedly threatened the home’s occupants – a 48-year-old woman and two men aged 52 and 26 – demanding drugs before stealing their mobile phones, a luxury handbag, and a luxury hat.

The offenders then fled the scene in a white 4WD vehicle, suspected to be bearing stolen registration plates CX35UZ.

Local police commenced initial inquiries and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the youngest man for a suspected broken nose.

The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Raptor North who commenced investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove.

Following extensive inquiries, about 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 9 October 2025), strike force detectives arrested a 31-year-old man in Ultimo.

He was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with accessory before the fact to robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, and larceny value <=$2000.

The man was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Friday 10 October 2025), where police will allege the man stole the number plates used in the robbery from an address in Claremont meadows on Wednesday 26 March 2025.

Investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove continue.

A man has been charged following an alleged shooting in the state’s north today.

About 8.50am (Wednesday 8 October 2025), emergency services were called to a property on Rotherwood Road, Cassilis, following reports a man had sustained a gunshot.

Police attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told the man allegedly sustained the injury while hunting on the property.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and declared the 71-year-old man deceased.

A crime scene was established and Hunter Valley detectives commenced inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

Following inquiries, a 63-year-old man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with manslaughter and fire firearm manner likely injure persons or property.

His bail was refused to appear at Local Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Thursday 9 October 2025).

City of Newcastle has named civic leader Carol Duncan OAM as the 21st Freeman of the City for a community-focused career with international impact. 

The city’s newest Freeman was celebrated as a trusted and influential voice in Newcastle whose more than 30-year contribution spanned broadcast journalism, local government and community advocacy.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulates Carol Duncan OAM on being named the Freeman of the CityLord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Duncan’s contribution to Newcastle has been profound and enduring. 

“Carol is a trailblazer, her ability to unite people through storytelling, public service, or cultural preservation has made Newcastle a stronger, more connected city,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“In 2012 she established the hugely popular local history group Lost Newcastle, which has helped reunite families, support academic research and grow the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, ensuring Newcastle’s stories endure for generations.

“The Lost Newcastle project has become an extraordinary resource for gathering important stories and details from our history that would otherwise be lost. It is a community-based people’s history project that has become much loved.”

The former ABC journalist and Newcastle councillor has used these avenues to advocate for local arts and culture, help the community through challenge and sustain local history, through local storytelling. 

Ms Duncan’s passion for health and science communication and her award-winning reporting on disasters and public health helped shape policy and support vulnerable communities. 

This included sharing the stories of people with lived experience of Human Papillomavirus, with her groundbreaking broadcast work supporting the extension of the HPV vaccination for boys in Australia and the UK in 2013. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presents Carol Duncan OAM with the Freeman of the City honour at an awards ceremony last nightDeputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presented Ms Duncan with the honour at City Hall last night before an audience that included city officials, cultural leaders and fellow Freemen.

Cr Pull said Ms Duncan’s passion and advocacy for music, arts and the night-time economy were key achievements on her time on Council.

“Carol was a stalwart community advocate throughout the seven years she served as a Newcastle councillor, championing arts, culture, and civic life and chairing key committees including city of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee and Public Art Standing Committee,” Cr Pull said.

“Her leadership helped shape Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure and supported countless community-driven initiatives and I am honoured to officiate today’s Freeman of the City ceremony for such a deserving recipient.”

Ms Duncan said the honour reflects the strength of Newcastle’s people. 

“I feel very honoured and deeply appreciative to be appointed a Freeman of the City of Newcastle. At its heart, my long career in radio and in local government showed me the immense value of working for and with our community,” Ms Duncan said. 

“Whether it’s preserving and sharing our rich history and memories through Lost Newcastle, building bridges between communities and supporting them through challenges, or championing the next generation of musicians and creatives, this recognition reminds us that Newcastle’s greatest strength has always been its people and their stories.

“To be able to contribute positively to people’s lives is a gift, but there’s a long list of people who have supported and encouraged me for more than 30 years, and their generosity makes everything possible. And I’m not done yet!”

The Freeman of the City acknowledgement is Ms Duncan’s second major honour this year, after being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her service to the community.

Ms Duncan joins a list of 20 other Novocastrians to be named the Freeman of the City including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, philanthropist and historian Vera Deacon and Surfest co-founder Warren Smith.

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 1.40pm yesterday (Sunday 5 October 2025), emergency services were called to Maitland Vale Road, Melville, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two vehicles – a motorcycle and an SUV – had collided.

The motorcycle rider was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

While he is yet to be formally identified, he is believed to be aged in his 60s.

The driver of the SUV – a 56-year-old woman – was uninjured. She was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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.

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.