Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is adding the finishing touches to a $2.1 million project which is improving safety for all road users at two key intersections in Hamilton South.

Upgrades to the roundabouts at Smith and National Park Streets along with new on-road cycle lanes have created a safer, more comfortable journey for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Features of the project include the realignment of kerbs, the addition of six speed bumps, new shared path crossings and off-road cyclist bypasses, which will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move around the area safely and confidently.

The project has been delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $469,000 from the Australian Government Black Spots Program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said Parkway Avenue is an important connecting route for schools, sportsgrounds, shopping centres and beaches.

“These changes have been designed to cater for everyone who travels through the area,” Mr Tranter said.

“We’ve made it safer for all users by slowing traffic on approach to the roundabouts, providing off-road cyclist bypasses at each roundabout, as well as designated on-road cycle lanes with a clear buffer to parked vehicles.

“This will help to address the conditions which have led to eight crashes in the past five years at these two roundabouts, with the majority involving cyclists.

“We’ve worked closely with Newcastle High to ensure the project aligns with the school’s transport management plans and supports NSW Schools Infrastructure’s current campus development project, ensuring the new connections support the expected increase of students.

“The two raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue in front of the school will also improve pedestrian safety and we made sure to retain the heritage character of Parkway Avenue and its beautiful tree-lined median.

“Our engagement period in 2024 showed the community overwhelming supported the safety and cycling improvements this project is delivering.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the completion of the Parkway Avenue project is a real win for our community.

“These improvements make it safer and easier for people of all ages to walk, ride and connect with their neighbourhood,” Ms Claydon said.

“Good cycling infrastructure saves lives. By providing options to separate bikes from traffic and improving visibility, we’re making our streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.

“This project, backed by a $469,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, is about giving people genuine transport choices. 

“Whether you’re riding to school, commuting to work, or out for exercise, this cycleway delivers safer connections and a healthier, more liveable Newcastle.”

In addition to the black spot funding which addressed the roundabout safety improvements and the two shared-path crossings, City of Newcastle has funded additional upgrades including the eight shared-path cyclist roundabout bypasses and the two on-road cycle lanes.

The project aligns with City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan (2021-2030) and will support future cycleway connections to the Harbour Foreshore, creating a more connected, accessible city.

Newcastle Cycleways Movement president Nev Jones said the project design offers choices for cyclists.

“The shared paths and crossings are there for less confident riders, while experienced cyclists can continue through the roundabout on-road by claiming the lane,” Mr Jones said.

“The changes to Parkway Avenue near Newcastle High School are expected to slow vehicle speeds at the roundabouts, improving safety for pedestrians and people of all ages riding bikes.

“The changes are a positive step toward a safer school precinct.”

City of Newcastle will complete the final stage of the project by early February including line marking, signage and landscaping.

Novocastrians can make a splash on 26 January without dipping into their pockets with City of Newcastle offering free entry to its inland pools from 1pm.

Standard fees will apply before 1pm at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield Pools, with kiosks to be open at all five facilities, while the operating hours of the waterslide at Lambton will be extended until 5pm.

The free entry proposal was approved by the elected Council in June last year as part of a $2 entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools for the 2025/26 swimming season.

Councillor Callum Pull, who proposed the free entry, says it’s a great way for families to enjoy quality time together without the expense.

“Afternoon free entry on Australia Day allows the community to come together and enjoy the public holiday while promoting social cohesion and wellbeing,” Cr Pull said.

“Our $2 entry fee trial is proving popular at Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield so I’m sure Novocastrians will take full advantage of free entry on Australia Day.

“City of Newcastle and our specialist pool operator BlueFit will ensure there is an appropriate number of lifeguards on duty to keep the community safe.”

City of Newcastle is also supporting a range of events and initiatives to bring the community together on the Australia Day long weekend.

Swimmers will be diving into a different body of water on 26 January with hundreds expected to take part in the 30^th anniversary of Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club’s popular Newcastle Harbour Swim.

Competitors can attempt a single crossing from Stockton to Queens Wharf or the double crossing which also starts in Stockton, as part of the only legal swim across a working harbour.

On 25 January, City of Newcastle is supporting the fifth year of Ngarrama, a free public event in King Edward Park.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said it’s an opportunity for the community to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba before 1788, and our journey towards reconciliation.

“Ngarrama celebrates the richness and resilience of First Nations culture, in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional custodians of the land upon which Newcastle now stands,” Cr Richardson said.

“Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know’ and as the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.”

The long weekend will also feature the sixth action-packed edition of the Beach 5s Rugby Festival at Nobbys Beach from 24 to 26 January, with a record number of teams registering for the event and free entry for spectators.

The program for Monday 26 January includes several Indigenous exhibition games, the Liam ‘Grump’ Gallager memorial match and the All Star Legends clash featuring Kurt Gidley’s Newcastle Knights up against the Talk2MeBro All Stars.

Beach 5s rugby is based on modified rules of Rugby Union, Rugby League and Touch Football with no lineouts, scrums or conversions.

For a change of pace, Newcastle Museum is also hosting a free event featuring three days of fun on the water across the long weekend.

Museum Park will come alive with working model boats, hands-on activities for kids, science shows and plenty for families to explore.

The event will include live sailing circuits, docking and manoeuvring demonstrations, tugboats and steam-period demonstrations, while on Sunday visitors will have the chance to make and sail sustainable bark canoes.

For more information head to the VisitNewcastle website:

https://visitnewcastle.com.au

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from the State’s Hunter Region.

Brayden Bennett-Schuster, aged 16, was last seen in Raymond Terrace about 12pm on Friday 16 January 2026.

Unable to be contacted or located since, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for Brayden’s welfare due to his age.

Brayden is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, with a thin build, and brown hair.

He is known to the frequent the Raymond Terrace, Central Coast, and Mount Druitt areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Newcastle Inner City Bypass is collaborating with several agencies to mitigate impacts to native plant species across the project site, including the vulnerable Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan).

Transport for NSW, the Hunter Region Landcare Network, Trees in Newcastle and Fulton Hogan have collaborated to collect plant species before impact by the Newcastle Inner City Bypass – Rankin Park to Jesmond project.

The conservation efforts included salvage of the vulnerable Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan).
As part of the salvage of the threatened species, the team carried out the collection of seeds, cuttings and other native plant material to use at their nursery located at Redhead, Lake Macquarie.

Plant propagation of various species, including a range of Eucalyptus, is already underway in nurseries managed by Landcare and Trees in Newcastle.

Seed has been collected from felled trees that are otherwise difficult to collect due to their height.
On top of this work, the project team has also salvaged suitable trees to be reused as bridge timber in the maintenance of Transport’s heritage bridges.

In addition, suitable felled timber has been provided to Local Land Services for reuse in river restoration projects and to local Indigenous people to produce cultural weapons and tools to enable the continuation of cultural practices.

The historic Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya pine tree) from the Jesmond roundabout has also been donated to a local guitar making school while appropriate timber will be reused onsite for fauna habitat and rehabilitation during landscaping.

Revisions throughout the design process have seen the project corridor moved east from the original design alignment to minimise the impacts to flora, in particular to threatened species.

Clearing within the project boundary has been reduced to the greatest extent practicable, resulting in around an eight-hectare reduction in native vegetation clearing against the 44-hectare limit originally approved for the project.

Biodiversity offsets have been provided in accordance with the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major Projects. This includes 3,244 ecosystem credits and 12,690 species credits. This includes offsetting for fringe impacts to the existing bushland.

Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle:

“Newcastle expects major projects to proceed while protecting the precious environment that makes our region so special – that’s exactly what this work is doing. We’re delivering critical infrastructure while safeguarding vulnerable species like the Black-eyed Susan.”

“This is smart, responsible project delivery. By redesigning the corridor and working with our incredible local Landcare groups, we’re keeping native plants in the landscape and reducing impacts wherever possible.”

“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass will ease congestion for tens of thousands of motorists, and these environmental protections mean we can do it without sacrificing the natural environment our community values so deeply.”

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.

Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15 kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6 kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.

Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.

Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.

The $2.24 billion M1 extension project is jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. 

The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.

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

“These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.

“This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.

“Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over these summer holidays or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.

“Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”

A man has been charged after a male was allegedly hit by a vehicle in the state’s Hunter Valley yesterday.

About 11.30am yesterday (Sunday 18 January 2026), emergency services were called to Blaxland Avenue, Singleton Heights, following reports an elderly man had been struck by a car in the front yard of a house.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told the man sustained serious injuries and was dragged underneath the vehicle following an argument with the driver.

The elderly man was treated at the scene by first responders and NSW Ambulance Paramedics for suspected spinal fractures, a head injury and severe lacerations to the arms and legs, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

About 12.10pm, police arrested a 44-year-old man at Singleton Police Station.

The man was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

After his release from hospital, the man was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with five offences – cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, operate vehicle so as to harass/intimidate, drive furiously in motor vehicle – cause bodily harm and negligent driving (occasioning grievous bodily harm).

He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division – Court 2 earlier today (Monday 19 January 2026), where bail was formally refused, to appear at Newcastle Local Court on 18 March 2026.

As investigations continue, police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Singelton Heights and may have witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage, to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A woman will face court today charged with domestic violence offences after a man was allegedly stabbed at a Newcastle hotel yesterday.

About 10.50am yesterday (Friday 16 January 2026), emergency services were called to a hotel on Young Street, Carrington, following reports of an alleged stabbing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and located a 23-year-old suffering stab wounds. He has allegedly assaulted and stabbed by a woman, known to him.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A 22-year-old woman – known to the man – was arrested at the hotel and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

She was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV), stalk/intimidate intend fear physically harm, and common assault.

The woman was refused bail to appear at Bail Division – court 2 today (17 January 2026).

A man will face court charged over two alleged armed robberies in the state’s north.

On Tuesday 23 December 2025, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation following reports of an alleged armed robbery in Ryamond Terrace.

Police were told about 6.40pm two men entered a business on William Street, Raymond Terrace, before allegedly threatening an employee and demanding cash.

One man allegedlly assaulted the employee – a 23-year-old man – with a metal pole before leaving with cigarettes, and an amount of cash.

The employee was not injured.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.

About 8am yesterday (Thursday 15 January 2026), police were called to a business on William Street, Raymond Terrace, after reports of an alleged armed robbery.

Police were told two men entered the store before allegedly stealing packets of cigarettes and an amount of cash and leaving in a black sedan.

A crime scene was established as police commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquires, about 3pm yesterday (Thursday 15 January 2026), police arrested a 25-year-old man on Campbell Drive, Raymond Terrace.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, and robbery in company.

He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 2 today (Friday 16 January 2026).

Inquirires into the incident continue.

Almost 400 paddlers will put their power to the test in Newcastle this weekend as the city hosts the state’s largest regatta for outrigger canoes.

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club will bring the ancient Polynesian tradition, turned popular sport, to the city’s harbour as teams from across NSW battle it out in a spectacular display of speed, balance and endurance. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe joins Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia with club members alongside a six-person outrigger canoe, named Whibayganba at Throsby Creek. The Pasha Dasha Regatta is one of 19 events to have shared in more than $155,000 from City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the funding program helps support the growth and sustainability of the city’s visitor economy while enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as an events destination.

“City of Newcastle is committed to getting behind events that showcase Newcastle as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals,” Cr McCabe said.

“Through our annual sponsorship program we support events at all levels, from local community activations to nationally recognised events, helping to drive visitation and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the city.

“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of competitors, their families and supporters to Newcastle for this weekend’s Pasha Dasha Regatta, which will also provide a fantastic spectacle for locals to watch and enjoy.” 

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia said he was grateful for the support from City of Newcastle, which will help them deliver their 15^th annual Pasha Dasha Regatta on 17 January. 

“As a local club, we’re proud to facilitate what has become the largest club regatta in New South Wales,” Mr Hakaraia said.

“This is our biggest annual event, attracting hundreds of participants from across the state, travelling from the south at Wollongong and north from Port Macquarie. 

“The event has been running since 2010 and we’re proud to host the 15^th annual regatta in Newcastle and showcase the iconic harbour.”

The regatta is just the tip of the iceberg in a packed events calendar supported by City of Newcastle.

Upcoming sporting events will see competitors travel to Newcastle from across the Hunter and around the state, including for the sixth action-packed edition of the Beach 5s rugby festival, which will be held at Nobbys Beach from 24-26 January.

Hundreds of swimmers are expected to take to the open water for the 30^th anniversary of Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club’s popular Newcastle Harbour Swim on 26 January, while Stockton will also play host to the Island Triathlon Festival on 31 January and 1 February with two fitness-fuelled days of running, triathlon, and aquathlon events. The focus will then be on the road when thousands of runners take on one of the city’s most challenging courses with the Hill to Harbour race on 29 March.

The Newcastle Show (27 February – 1 March) and Newcastle Chilli Festival (22 March) offer other options for locals and visitors looking to spice up a trip to the city in coming months, with City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program also supporting a range of activities celebrating community, culture, food and drink.

To stay up-to-date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on, or to find out more about City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/sponsorship