Category: Newcastle News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Emma Herival, aged 15, was last seen on Awaba Street, Toronto, about 2pm on Thursday 25 September 2025.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified on Friday (26 September 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for Emma’s welfare due to her young age.

Emma is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm – 155cm tall, of thin build, with short strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes.

She is believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast region.

Drug & Firearms Squad detectives are appealing for public information following the discovery of two firearms and numerous 3D-printed firearm parts from a property in the state’s Hunter Region.

Strike Force Leeville is an investigation led by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad into the manufacture of firearms.

Following inquiries under Strike Force Leeville, about 3.15pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – searched a property in Barnsley.

During the search, police located a toolbox in the garage containing two rifles and numerous 3D printed firearm parts.

The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination and a 59-year-old man at the property was spoken to.

As investigations under Strike Force Leeville continue, police are urging anyone with information about the ownership or origins of the firearms to come forward.