Category: Newcastle News

Illicit tobacco and vaping products have been seized and three illegal tobacconists have been issued closure notices following a Combined Agency Operation in the State’s north.

Between Tuesday 21 October 2025 and Thursday 23 October 2025, a targeted operation was conducted by officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District, the NSW Health Centre for Regulation and Enforcement.

The operation in October focused on the compliance of licensed retail tobacconists, addressing reported complaints to both Government agencies relating to the growing concern and prevalence of illicit tobacco and vaping devices being readily available to the community. The operation resulted in the inspection of 22 retail premises, three of those premises were unlicensed.

As a result of the Combined Agency Operation, 22 tobacco retail premises were inspected, which identified three unlicensed premises in Toronto, Swansea, and Warners Bay.

During those inspections police located and seized a total of

• 6,396 vaping devices,
• 593,910 illicit cigarettes and
• 53 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco

Totalling an estimated retail value of $914,179.

Following further inquiries, yesterday (Thursday 12 February 2026), Lake Macquarie Licensing Police assisted NSW Health Centre for Regulation and Enforcement with issuing thee closure notices under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 for a three-month period.

Three art lovers are being given the chance to walk away with a permanent reminder of Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection as part of the opening weekend celebrations. 

But they won’t have to worry about finding the perfect space to hang their prize, with the work of art instead being a bespoke tattoo inspired by the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition. 

Fresh from supporting Katy Perry on a national tour, Hunter musicians Kinder will be among the live performance highlights at the Friday night street party, which kicks off Newcastle Art Gallery’s opening weekend celebrations. Picture credit: Billy Zammit

The winners will be inked during the Friday night street party by Newcastle artist and tattooer Eddy Lou, as part of a packed opening weekend program of art, music and interactive experiences.  

Director Lauretta Morton OAM said while the tattoos were a quirky way to celebrate the milestone, every visit to Newcastle Art Gallery was designed to leave a lasting impression. 

“Our collection offers an extraordinary time capsule of art from around the world, incorporating significant First Nations artists, colonial era Australian icons, internationally important Japanese Sodeisha ceramics, contemporary pieces and so much more,” Ms Morton said.

“Throughout our seasonal exhibitions we will also be providing visitors with a chance to experience ambitious programs that are locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded.   

“The expansion project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination. 

“Regardless of why people come to the Gallery, we want to ensure they leave different as a result of the experience, with memories to cherish and a desire to return again and again.” 

The opening weekend will be a celebration of all the Gallery has to offer, incorporating artists from the collection and successful creatives from across the region to become cultural ambassadors for the Gallery. 

Laman Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a street party from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 27 February. 

Explore the temporary sculpture park featuring works by Braddon Snape and Dani Marti, as well as a disco-inspired garden created by Jen Denzin and David Lobb, which will evolve throughout the weekend thanks to interactive art-making activities perfect for the whole family. 

A live music stage will feature a diverse line-up, including performances by Newcastle artist James Drinkwater and his surf rock band The Pitts, Maitland siblings Kinder, who are fresh from supporting Katy Perry on her Australian tour, and headliner DJ, songwriter and producer Jayteehazard. 

Live performances will also be taking place inside the Gallery, including the CREATION choir led by multidisciplinary collection artists Deborah Kelly, Newcastle-based Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar and his dance group, and artist Tina Havelock Stevens, who will combine movement and music in a one-of-a-kind drumming solo.  

Art-lovers keen to win the flash tattoo experience on the night will need to head along to the Gallery on Fridays, Saturday or Sundays in the lead up to the opening weekend to put their name in the barrel. 

The celebrations will continue on Saturday 28 February with the official opening of the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition, displayed over both levels of the gallery, bringing together icons, favourites and unexpected gems from the Gallery’s $145 million collection. 

A series of in-person talks will be held on the Saturday featuring collection artists including internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, whose striking work Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) features 44 poles adorned with bouquets of rock oyster shells suspended within the new central atrium.  

Another of the Gallery’s iconic suspended works of art, The sea sun of 5 bells by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, will also be the subject of an ‘in conversation’ program with internationally respected Gallerist Tim Olsen, and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton who will discuss Olsen’s most significant paintings. 

A visit to the Gallery won’t be complete without a trip to the retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and the Gallery’s first permanent café, which will be open ready for the weekend celebrations. 

Named Hilliers in honour of the Oliver Hillier Drapery Store previously on the Gallery site, it will be operated by Jacque and Tom Brown, founders of Sprout Catering in Newcastle, who will infuse their longstanding commitment to seasonal food, sustainability and community into the cafe. 

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Hilliers to life inside the Newcastle Art Gallery. Being part of such an important cultural institution is a privilege, and we see the café as a place where people can continue their experience of art through food, conversation and connection,” Jacque Brown said. 

“The name pays tribute to the original Hilliers store that once stood on the corner of Darby and Laman Streets, a place woven into Newcastle’s early social fabric. Our vision is to honour that history while creating a warm, contemporary space for visitors to pause, connect and enjoy locally crafted food and coffee. 

“We want Hilliers to feel like an extension of the gallery – creative, welcoming and distinctly Newcastle.” 

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ for more details on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and full reopening program.

City of Newcastle expresses its disappointment following confirmation the NSW Government will not provide rate relief to the residents displaced by the 2025 New Lambton landslip.

The elected Council resolved in September to seek an ‘act of grace’ payment from the NSW Government that would cover the annual council rates for the 16 property owners located within the danger zone for a 12-month period from 1 July last year.

A letter has since been received from NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin rejecting the financial support requested on behalf of the residents.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the decision to withhold the funds was in stark contrast to the $40 million rates relief provided to victims of the natural disaster that hit the Northern Rivers in 2022.

“It’s disappointing that the NSW Government continues to ignore the residents of New Lambton who have been displaced from their homes since the landslip occurred in May last year,” Mr Bath said.

“The NSW Government has rightfully been very generous in its support of residents living on the mid and far north coast who were also impact by the same natural disaster in May last year. For reasons unknown, not one dollar has been provided to those in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is proceeding with its own process to grant financial assistance to the residents via a donation equal to the rates they have paid on their properties for the 2025/26 financial year.

This is in line with the restrictions of the Local Government Act, which prevent councils from waiving the rates and charges levied on a property. The process will cost City of Newcastle’s ratepayers $45,600.

Ward 3 Councillors Siobhan Isherwood, Peta Winney-Baartz and Mark Brooker urged the NSW Government to help support the affected residents.

“The Reconstruction Authority was set up to help communities recover from natural disasters. Our residents need help while they navigate the uncertainty and disruption and the financial challenges that they’ve been dealing with since May 2025,” Cr Isherwood said.

“Newcastle Council is doing all they can to support residents, but they don’t have the resources that are needed. 

“It is well past time for the State Government to step in and help manage the load. The Reconstruction Authority must be directed to provide the same support to New Lambton residents that residents in other parts of the state have access to.”

“I look forward to continuing to advocate for the impacted families to ensure their needs are met and also to continue working alongside the NSW Government to support City of Newcastle in our endeavour to secure support and funding,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This is not an opportunity for political point scoring it’s up to us all to work together to achieve tangible supports for these families.”

“It’s disappointing that the State Government has declined to offer financial assistance to the 16 displaced households of New Lambton,” Cr Brooker said.

“Through rates relief for the current year City of Newcastle has done all that it can to ease the financial burden being felt by these residents.”

A milestone in the recovery effort has occurred with the geotechnical report into the landslip currently with the NSW Public Works and Transport for NSW for peer review. 

City of Newcastle is liaising with the agencies in preparation for the report, which is expected to be received in late February and will be followed by further advocacy to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and elected representatives for support through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

City of Newcastle is seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal artists to develop public art that reflects local stories and contributes to the city’s identity as an arts and cultural destination.

Projects on Union Street, Wickham and Market Street in the East End have been identified as two key opportunities to share cultural knowledge. 

Public art elements have been included in recent public domain projects in Newcastle, such as the South Newcastle Beach Bathers Way work by local artist Ellie Hannon. Image credit: Lee Illfield.

Art will be incorporated into City of Newcastle’s planned public domain upgrades for these locations and may take the form of murals, sculptures, design features in footpaths, street furniture or walking trails.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said public art provides opportunities to share stories, cultural knowledge and foster relationships between First Nations and non-Aboriginal communities.  

“These cultural landmarks are significant to the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, and to the broader community. There is a deep sense of belonging and connection to place, which has been shaped by the ancestors over thousands of years,” Cr Richardson said. 

“Learning about the rich history of these sites and the ongoing relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the land encourages us all to respect and appreciate the places that we live, work and play on, and facilitates that dialogue that is necessary for reconciliation. 

“By incorporating cultural knowledge into public art at these sites we hope to bring people together and continue to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and the broader community.”

The chosen artists will collaborate with a core group of representatives from local Aboriginal communities to ensure public artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples. 

The process has been guided by best practice recommendations from the National Association of Visual Arts and the Connecting with Country Framework.

It has also been endorsed by City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and Public Art Standing Committee.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the EOI was open to both early career artists and those experienced in developing large-scale public art, with preference given to local artists, or those who have a strong connection to Newcastle and the identified site locations.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for young and emerging artists to develop their skills and experience, with the potential for mentoring and professional development,” Ms Morton said.

“It’s all about making the process inclusive and ensuring fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

“There will be a range of minor, medium and major artwork projects developed across these sites, providing several artists the opportunity to have their art on display in the public domain.”

Following the expressions of interest process, a series of artwork briefs will be developed providing specific information about the location, scale, size, timeline and deliverables.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to prepare a concept design for a fee, responding to the creative brief and putting forward their own ideas for developing the artwork. Successful artists will work with the core group of Aboriginal representatives to incorporate themes and stories that are both meaningful and reflective of local Aboriginal culture.

Expressions of interest for Aboriginal artists are open until 10 March 2026. 

For more information visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the states Hunter Region.

Aaron Dege, aged 43, was last seen at Gwalia Close, Medowie about 3am today (Monday 9 February 2026).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Aaron is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing hi-vis clothing.

Aaron is known to frequent the Medowie, Karuah, Lemmon Tree Passage and Soldiers Point areas.

He may be driving a white Isuzu MUX with NSW registration plates DAJ 17D.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Cr Ross Kerridge has resigned from his role as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, effective immediately.

The Lord Mayor wrote to City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath this morning to confirm his decision to prioritise his health and family as he continues to experience the side-effects of recent cancer treatment.

The resignation will trigger a byelection and election of a new Lord Mayor. The State Electoral Commission has been contacted and a date will be finalised over the coming week.

It has been a challenging few months for the Lord Mayor as he has battled ill health and we recognise the effort of coming back early from his treatment to resume his civic duties.

While his ongoing commitment to the city is clear, we support the Lord Mayor in prioritising his health and recognising that he is no longer best placed to lead the elected council and the city.

We wish Dr Kerridge and his family all the best and hope for ongoing improvements to his health and wellbeing.

Section S231(3) of the Local Government Act states that in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor will exercise these functions. On this basis, Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe will again take on the functions of the Lord Mayor until such time as a byelection is held. This election is likely to occur in mid-April.

Workers, families and community members will gather this Sunday at Wangi-Wangi Bowling Club for a Myuna Community Family Fun Day as part of the growing campaign to secure a fair long-term coal supply agreement and protect local jobs.

The event brings together Myuna workers, their families and supporters from across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter to demonstrate visible community backing for the 300 direct jobs and thousands more supply-chain roles that depend on the mine remaining open while Eraring Power Station continues operating.

Organisers say the day is about showing the human side of the campaign and the real families behind the headlines.

“This is a community that wants a fair and orderly future, not uncertainty,” a spokesperson said. “Myuna exists solely to supply Eraring, and when decisions are made about the power station, the people who keep it running should not be left behind.”

The Family Fun Day is designed to be positive and family-friendly while reinforcing the strength of local support.

Activities will include children’s entertainment, face painting, a petting zoo, mining equipment on display, a sausage sizzle and lots more.

Event Details:
What: Myuna Community Family Fun Day
When: Sunday, 11:00am (speeches from 12)
Where: Wangi-Wangi Bowling Club

Media are welcome to attend. Interviews with workers, families and campaign representatives will be available on the day as well as powerful imagery of what’s at stake.

A man has been charged after allegedly displaying Nazi symbols in the state’s Hunter region.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation on Saturday 31 January 2026, following reports Nazi symbols were displayed on a council issued bin in Cessnock.

Following inquiries, a 44-year-old man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice today (Thursday 5 February 2026), for the charge of knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

He is due to face Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 19 March 2026.

A stacked line-up of world-class sport, music and stage performances is ensuring Newcastle continues to be the hottest ticket in town for fans and promoters of live events.

Strong sales are expected when tickets go on sale today for the upcoming Women’s State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium, which last year attracted almost 22,000 rugby league fans to Newcastle.

NSW player and Newcastle Knights women’s captain Yasmin Meakes, McDonald Jones Stadium Venue Manager Dean Mantle and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz celebrate tickets going on sale for the Women’s State of Origin match in April.Australian comedian Kitty Flannagan is already feeling the love from Newcastle audiences, adding two extra shows to her existing run of four dates at the Civic Theatre this week due to demand.

Thousands of music lovers are also preparing to converge on Foreshore Park on 14 February for the return of the Howlin’ Country music festival, headlined by Grammy winner Lainey Wilson and Nashville-based Newcastle singer songwriter Morgan Evans.

These events are just a taste of what’s ahead for Newcastle, with some of the world’s best male and female surfers set to make waves as part of the World Surfing League Challenger Series event, which will headline Surfest in March.

Men’s and women’s international rugby league stars will showcase their skills in October and November for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with matches featuring Fiji, Cook Islands and New Zealand, as well as a semi-final double header.

The global Rugby World Cup juggernaut will kick plenty of goals for union fans in October 2027 with the schedule revealing Newcastle will play host to pool matches featuring Japan v Samoa, Fiji v Spain, Uruguay v Portugal and Italy v Georgia.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Group Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said events are key to creating a vibrant and prosperous city.

“Sold out shows, record crowds and repeat bookings by organisers demonstrate the huge demand in Newcastle for events that engage all ages and demographics, and cater to a range of tastes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Major international-level events also help put Newcastle on the map with global audiences, providing opportunities to capture tourism, economic growth and job creation by catering to locals and attracting fans from around the country and across the world.” 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle is an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city. 

“Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to stage major events or be included on their national tour schedules,” Cr Barrie said.

“This reputation has been fostered and continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle, and collaborations with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and our major events partnership with Venues NSW.

“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering high‑quality events that generate immediate economic returns and ongoing benefits for the community.

“These events contribute millions in direct spending and unlock a breadth of wider benefits, including repeat tourism, stronger supply chains, enhanced workforce skills, increased industry capability and more employment opportunities for locals.”

To stay up to date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on

Police are appealing for information from the public following a suspicious fire near Newcastle last week.

Just after midnight (Friday 23 January 2026), emergency services were called to a business on Albert Street, Wickham, after reports of smoke coming from the building.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a fire burning on the ground floor before extinguishing the blaze. Smoke and water damage was occasioned to the ground floor.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was forensically examined.

Newcastle detectives have commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Halesworth, which is being treated as suspicious and thought related to another similar incident on the night of the 20/1/26.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of two men, and a small, light-coloured vehicle seen in the area about the time of fire. Police are appealing to members of the public if they saw anyone acting suspiciously last Friday night, or have dashcam footage, to contact police.

The first male is described as medium height and build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper and joggers.

The second male is described as medium to thin build, wearing long pants, hooded jumper, socks and slides.