Category: Newcastle News

Motorists and the Hunter can finally say goodbye to the infamous Hexham bottleneck, with the long-awaited widening and higher speed limits now complete.

From today, motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has been increased to 80 kilometres per hour – marking a significant boost to traffic flow through one of the region’s busiest corridors. The opening of the full corridor marks a long-awaited milestone for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor every day.

The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.

The Albanese Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the Minns Labor Government contributing $448 million.

The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. 

All lanes are now open to traffic, with teams carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage.

These finishing works will include upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River, Foreshore Park, comprising of upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:  

I’m thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project.

This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are proud to be working together in delivering for the Hunter – not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

Like so many people across the Hunter, I’ve sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.

I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators. Today, that changes.

With three lanes now open in each direction and the speed limit increased to 80km/h, motorists will see real improvements in travel times and reliability along this critical corridor.

This is a fantastic outcome for our region and a genuine game-changer for the Hunter. It will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

This is a landmark day for Hunter motorists and any driver who relies on this critical corridor. After years of delays and frustration, we can finally say the Hexham bottleneck is cleared.

With three lanes now open in each direction and traffic moving more freely, this is about cutting congestion, improving reliability and giving people back precious time every single day.

The Hunter deserves infrastructure that matches our ambition, and today’s milestone shows what can be achieved when we back our region and deliver.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

This completion of the Hexham Straight widening is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.”

NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

We have already seen the benefits for local motorists and freight operators with the progressive opening of lanes on the Hexham Straight.

This project is a gamechanger for the 50,000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily.

This is just the first in a suite of projects in the Hunter which will improve safety, congestion and connectivity for local motorists, visitors and freight operators.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

Hexham has been a daily frustration for so many people in the community. Whether you’re heading to work, picking up the kids or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress.

This project will make a real difference to the way our region runs. It improves safety, reduces congestion and helps keep Newcastle and the broader Hunter moving as our community continues to grow.

Locals have been waiting a long time for this, and it’s fantastic to see it delivered.”

A new Newcastle Art Gallery will open its doors this weekend after more than 16 years of fundraising and perseverance, ushering in a new era of cultural tourism in the city.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC officially cut the ceremonial ribbon today to acknowledge the Gallery’s transformation into the largest public gallery in NSW outside of Sydney.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, and Mr Dennis Wilson (centre) with (L-R) Suzie Galwey, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Jeremy Bath, Minister Yasmin Catley, Sharon Claydon MP and Lauretta Morton celebrate the official cutting of the ribbon today on the opening of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

The civic event was held ahead of three days of community celebration, kicking off with a party in Laman Street on Friday night and the launch of a major exhibition, Iconic Loved Unexpected, on Saturday featuring almost 500 works of art from the Gallery’s $145 million collection.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the completion of the expansion project was a landmark moment for the city.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has stood as a cultural beacon since its establishment in 1957 and the official opening of its current building in 1977, however the Gallery’s ambition and nationally significant collection long ago outgrew its original building,” Mr Bath said.

“The decision to expand followed a sixteen-year journey culminating in a pivotal council vote on July 27 2021, which set the Gallery on an unstoppable path to transformation.

“As City of Newcastle’s largest ever capital works project, the expansion is tangible evidence of our commitment to culture and creativity, which ensures Newcastle Art Gallery will takes its place as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions.

“With Queen Elizabeth II overseeing the Gallery’s original opening, it’s fitting to have the King’s representative in NSW – and the Patron of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation – Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, replicate that role today. 

“I thank Her Excellency for doing the honours as we celebrate this significant milestone.”

The expansion project was supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnership and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Partnership, as well as $13 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. 

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King welcomed the milestone moment.

“This grand opening means people in Newcastle and beyond can now experience the gallery’s fabulous new exhibition spaces and amenities,” Ms King said.

“We know cultural institutions are a major drawcard for travellers and the expansion will create significant flow-on job and economic opportunities for the region.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the expansion will have wide-ranging benefits. 

“These upgrades mean the gallery can host our local artists while also attracting global talent well into the future,” Ms Claydon said.

“We are supporting projects like this to foster Newcastle as a destination for the arts and make it an even better place to live.” 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the expansion would drive cultural tourism opportunities.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life for almost 50 years, and this redevelopment will take it to the next level,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The transformation means more of the gallery’s collection can be displayed, while expanding its capacity to host major touring exhibitions and deliver a wider range of cultural experiences for visitors and the community.

“This project is a major win for Newcastle and the region, strengthening its position as one of NSW’s leading cultural destinations.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the expanded Gallery offers a cultural and economic boost for the region.

“The Hunter has long been home to some of Australia’s most celebrated artists from John Olsen to Margaret Olley and more. We are not short on talent here, and our extraordinary landscape has inspired generations of creativity,” Ms Catley said.

“We deeply value our local artists and today’s opening reflects the pride we take in nurturing and showcasing that creative spirit.

“This upgrade delivers more than a world-class gallery. It creates a welcoming space for locals to come, while also drawing visitors to our region supporting local jobs, strengthening small businesses and investing in the Hunter’s future.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said this was a milestone moment for its members and donors, who had shown unwavering support for the expansion project over many years.

“The opening follows many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter and we now look forward to continuing to work together as a community to help our new Gallery realise its full potential,” Ms Galwey said.

The project extended the building’s 1977 footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street to accommodate an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space.

It has more than doubled in size from five to 13 galleries, with dedicated areas to exhibit the collection, as well as a new international-standard loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art.

Other features of the expansion include a new café and retail shop championing the work of local makers and creators, as well as multi-purpose and educational program spaces that provide additional opportunities for the Gallery to engage with the community.

More than 20,000 people have already visited the Gallery, which has been operating three days a week since the first four new exhibition spaces were opened late last year while the remaining galleries were being prepared for the return of works of art from the collection.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said this was just the tip of the iceberg for the Gallery and its ambitious 2026 exhibition program, which was also announced today. 

“The response from the community since our initial reopening in September last year has been overwhelmingly positive as the anticipation builds towards our full reopening this weekend,” Ms Morton said.

“Visitors have already travelled from every state and territory in Australia and 35 countries across six continents around the world to experience our reimagined Gallery. 

“We’re thrilled to begin the new era of the Gallery with the first large-scale presentation of our collection, Iconic, Loved, Unexpected, which brings together national icons, well-loved favourites and unexpected gems, including never before and rarely seen works.

“But this is just a taste of what’s to come this year with a really significant program of exhibitions from local, national and internationally renowned artists whose works of art will challenge, delight and inspire visitors.”

The ambitious 2026 exhibition program, which was announced today and kicks off in May, features local, national and internationally-renowned artists.

Highlights include Brian Robinson: Multiverse (23 May to 30 August 2026), the first major solo exhibition in NSW by the multi-skilled artist, who grew up on Waiben (Thursday Island) in the Torres Strait. It will feature new and rarely seen works across his multidisciplinary practice.

The Mordant Family Gift: Newcastle Art Gallery Collection (23 May – 8 November 2026) celebrates the incredible gift from Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM, the largest number of works of art the leading philanthropists have ever gifted to one institution.

From September, the Gallery will present Muse, the first major Australian survey of globally recognised and Newcastle-based artist Angela Tiatia (26 September 2026 – 21 February 2027). Spanning 20 years of video, photography, and installation, this landmark exhibition is the largest presentation of Tiatia’s practice to date.

The year concludes with a world-first inaugural solo exhibition by national icon and painter Anh Do (28 November 2026 – 28 March 2027). This expansive exhibition brings together celebrity portraits, Archibald Prize entries, character sketches from his award-winning books and new landscapes, offering audiences an intimate insight into the artist’s distinctive visual world.

Further information on the 2026 program can be found on the Newcastle Art Gallery website.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Newcastle area.

Timothy Trippier, aged 37, was last seen at a hospital on Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, on Saturday 21 February 2026.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified yesterday (Wednesday 25 February 2026) and commence inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Timothy’s welfare

Timothy is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm – 185cm tall, of medium build with light brown hair.

He is believed to frequent the Newcaslte and Central Coast areas.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Cessnock area.

Sophia Payne, aged 12, was last seen on Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully, about 9pm on Monday 23 February 2026.

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

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Sophia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with long brown hair, brown eyes and a nose ring.

She is known to use public transport and frequents the Sawyers Gully area.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

An independent, geotechnical report has confirmed the 2025 New Lambton landslip is the largest residential landslip in Australian history and was the result of a natural disaster following two days of intense rainfall.

The report shows 198mm of rain fell on the night of the landslip and presents evidence the area had moved in 2015 and 2022.

The report has been made public following a peer review by Transport for NSW and NSW Public Works. It concludes that the impacted site, including public and private assets, is unable to be remediated through isolated works, and would require a whole-of-slope intervention.

Work to restore the site to its pre-landslip condition is anticipated to cost in excess of $130 million according to preliminary estimates prepared by third party consultants.

City of Newcastle met with affected landowners on Monday night to outline the findings of the report, which shows the landslip was driven by geological conditions and extreme weather, and not caused by former mining operations or any other action by third parties.

The geotechnical report shows the landslip area remains unstable, is still sensitive to large rainfall events and continues to pose risks to property and infrastructure in and around the danger zone.

“Near neighbours are reporting increasing concern regarding potential expansion of the landslip, damage to their properties, fear of future evacuations, rising insurance premiums and significant reductions in property values,” City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said.

The geotechnical investigation included 20 boreholes, inclinometers, piezometers, and downhole imaging. The report found the landslide has caused severe and ongoing damage, including:

• The formation of a 2–3m high head scarp that continues to migrate upslope and eastward
• Impacts on multiple properties with 16 properties currently evacuated
• Widespread damage to essential public assets sewer, water, stormwater, power, and telecommunications
• Major deformation and damage to the Baker Street and Victoria Street pavements.

Survey and inclinometer data show:

• Initial surface movements of 0.4–0.8m on 23 May
• Additional surface movements up to 2.1m during July–August rainfall
• Total displacements up to 2.9m near the toe of the landslide
• Ongoing creep of up to 14mm/day.

Russell Road currently lies above and outside the landslide and minimal movement has been recorded or observed along Russell Road.

City of Newcastle will present two reports at Tuesday’s Council Meeting calling for urgent assistance from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

The first report will ask Councillors to endorse the peer-reviewed geotechnical report and request the RA submit a Category D Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements application for long-term recovery, enabling solutions to be determined and funded.

The second report calls on the RA to provide urgent financial support for residents who require rental assistance, with insurance-funded temporary accommodation set to end from the start of June 2026.

Mr Bath said City of Newcastle is doing everything it can to help, but long-term recovery is the responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“We will continue to advocate for the impacted families, but the NSW Reconstruction Authority cannot ignore the findings of the independent geotechnical report,” Mr Bath said.

“Councils do not have the financial capacity or legislative authority to deliver the scale of work required to stop the ground from moving beneath the 16 affected homes. 

“City of Newcastle is not permitted to fund or undertake private property remediation or land buybacks, except in very limited circumstances prescribed by legislation, which are not met in this case.

“These limitations are well recognised within disaster recovery frameworks and are the reason State and Commonwealth funding mechanisms exist.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s own Landslide Policy recognises that landslides involve prolonged displacement and require specialist coordination and State-level leadership, factors that are clearly present at New Lambton.

“Funding exists specifically to address these circumstances, enabling the State to determine and fund recovery outcomes that are beyond the scope, authority and financial capacity of local government.”

City of Newcastle has already met with representatives of the RA after providing the agency with a copy of the geotechnical report on the Monday of last week and will continue to advocate for financial support for residents.

Once insurance-funded temporary accommodation is no longer available residents will be required to pay to live in temporary rental accommodation while also servicing mortgages on properties they cannot enter, repair, sell or occupy.

“These costs are borne entirely by residents, through no fault of their own, and in circumstances where a return to their homes is not foreseeable,” Mr Bath said. 

“We’re working with the 16 impacted households to better understand housing-related costs for the next 12 months to support formal State consideration of collective financial assistance in the vicinity of $750,000.

“Beyond the financial impacts, residents continue to experience psychological stress, trauma and exhaustion, disruption to family routines, and ongoing uncertainty regarding housing security, liability and long-term outcomes.”

City of Newcastle representatives, including Mr Bath, presented at NSW Parliament last week as part of the review of the operations of the NSW RA regarding the East Coast severe weather from May 2025.

At the inquiry, Mr Bath revealed it was not until 30 January this year when the RA finally explained that their reason for not leading the recovery effort was that it considered the impact of the natural disaster on the 16 homes to be rated as low severity. This is despite several of the homes collapsing and none of them considered safe enough for people to ever return without $130 million in engineering works. 

City of Newcastle will continue to advocate on behalf of residents and keep them informed, with a further meeting planned for next week where affected landowners can ask questions about what the geotechnical report means for the future of the site.

Effective remediation will require long term monitoring as well as staged implementation and is likely to require a combination of measures including comprehensive surface and subsurface drainage, retaining structures and stabilisation earthworks.

City of Newcastle continues to provide local recovery coordination and community support, taking on significant unbudgeted costs such as site management, monitoring, security and resident engagement, with costs already exceeding $1.3 million. 

These are costs that should be borne by the NSW Reconstruction Authority rather than Newcastle ratepayers.

Skilled migrants, refugees and international students will connect with potential employers next month at the region’s first International Careers Day, which is designed to create job pathways while helping address workforce shortages.

A one-day expo will be held at Newcastle City Hall on 23 March, offering access to full-time, part-time, graduate and casual opportunities across health, technology, tourism, advanced manufacturing and professional services sectors.

The initiative is being led by City of Newcastle and delivered in partnership with the University of Newcastle, TAFE NSW, College of International Education, Business Hunter, Mosaic Multicultural Connections, Training Services NSW, Genu Training, Hunter Local Jobs, and Refugee Education Australia, with support from Study NSW. 

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Affairs Nick Kaiser said the event will deliver meaningful employment opportunities for students while supporting businesses with ongoing workforce pressures. 

“With 250 students and 35 businesses expected to participate, the expo will feature employer booths, breakout presentations, and one-on-one support services designed to build confidence, capability and connections,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“By delivering an interactive expo-style format with resume writing support, professional photography and industry presentations, we’re making it easier for businesses to connect with talent and for students to take confident steps toward employment.” 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the event demonstrates the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally connected local economy. 

“Through initiatives like our International Student Ambassador Program, we are proud to champion programs that help students feel welcomed, supported and connected to opportunity,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Building on this work and previous events such as the Jobs Connect Breakfast, this Careers Day strengthens long-term industry partnerships and advances workforce inclusion across our region.” 

The event is supported by $20,000 in funding from Study NSW, helping deliver a high-impact program that enhances the international student experience engagement and employability. 

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said the event will help international students build strong career pathways and position NSW as a globally competitive study destination.  

“Newcastle and the Hunter region offer international students a powerful combination of world‑class education, industry‑connected learning and a community that genuinely welcomes global talent,” Ms McPhee said.

“Events like this help students translate their skills and qualifications into real career opportunities, while giving local employers direct access to a diverse and highly capable workforce.”

Registrations are now open for businesses and students to express their interest in taking part in the event.

Police are conducting a search for a man missing from the Lake Macquarie region in the state’s north.

Paul Ellis, aged 48, was last seen on the beach at Catherine Hill Bay, approximately 16km north of Belmont, about 2.30pm today (Sunday 22 February 2026).

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

PolAir and Marine Rescue were involved in searching the area during daylight hours and a land search is currently underway by local police who are being supported by Police Rescue and the State Emergency Services.

Police and his family hold serious concerns for his welfare as he lives with a number of health issues.

Paul is described as Caucasian appearance, thin build, 195cm tall, short blonde hair and has a goatee beard.

He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue shorts.

One of Newcastle’s youngest residents will become the king, or queen, of the castle by permanently naming the cubby house being built as part of the Foreshore Park playspace.

City of Newcastle is inviting children under 12 years to colour in a picture of the “nuts and bolts” tower structure and suggest a name for the cubby house, which will be located underneath the elevated boardwalk.

The competition was officially launched today at a community event celebrating the opening of Foreshore Park’s new accessible amenities building and kiosk.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Councillor Declan Clausen and Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe attend the community event to celebrate the opening of Foreshore Park’s new accessible amenities building and kiosk.Asset Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was continuing to involve the community in the development and delivery of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

“Since 2020, we’ve been engaging with the community to seek their feedback, collaborate on the design and develop a shared vision for our premier city park and major events space,” Cr Clausen said.

“We’ve now delivered the first project under the Masterplan, with the accessible amenities and Sunnyboy Park kiosk open for the community to enjoy.

“Excitement is growing as work progresses on the construction of our flagship Foreshore Park inclusive playspace and waterplay area.

“The cubby house naming competition is a wonderful way to involve our youngest residents in this project and build anticipation for when they can explore the city’s largest playground for themselves.”

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by funding from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley welcomed the opening of the amenities and said she was looking forward to the completion of the playspace project.

“Foreshore Park is one of Newcastle’s most loved community spaces, and it’s fantastic to see new accessible facilities now open for families to enjoy,” Ms Catley said.

“Projects like this are all about making sure every child and every family feels welcome, included and able to enjoy our beautiful foreshore.

“Local kids are being invited to help name the cubby house, giving our younger generation a real sense of ownership and pride in their park.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the inclusive playspace completed later this year so even more families can come together to play, connect and enjoy everything this special place has to offer.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the projects would ensure Foreshore Park can be enjoyed by even more members of the community.

“Foreshore Park is a fantastic community space both for major events and for everyday enjoyment,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“These new amenities will provide high-quality, accessible public infrastructure for all Novocastrians to use.

“This colouring and naming competition is such a unique opportunity for the children of Newcastle to get creative and leave a lasting mark on this city that they call home.

“It is also great to see the new kiosk fall into the hands of local operators.”

City of Newcastle Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure Rob Dudgeon said construction of the playspace and waterplay area remains on track for completion late this year.

“While work to date has involved mostly in-ground activities to prepare the site including irrigation, stormwater and services, construction activities are starting to ramp up with major concrete pours currently in progress for the waterplay areas, along with construction of the footings for the elevated play structure ahead of its installation,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The placement of sandstone seating and retaining walls has commenced across the site, while work is expected to get underway soon on the network of footpaths and associated pathway lighting. 

“Work is also progressing offsite on the bespoke major play elements linked to the city’s industrial, maritime and Indigenous heritage, including the ‘nuts and bolts’ towers, whale-themed swing set and tugboats, which are currently being fabricated.

“We’re excited to continue sharing updates with the community as this project takes shape throughout the year.”

Visit the project page for the latest information on Foreshore Park, or the cubby house competition page to find about more details and access the colouring-in sheet.

A person has died following a house fire in the State’s north yesterday.

About 6.45pm (Friday 20 February 2026), emergency services were called to Bagnall Beach Road, Corlette, following reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended and extinguished the blaze, which caused extensive damage to the home.

A woman was found deceased inside the house.

She is yet to be formally identified.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene and an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.