Category: Newcastle News

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.

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.

• 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.