Category: Newcastle News

A woman has been charged following a fatal pursuit in the state’s Hunter over the weekend, as critical incident investigation continues. 

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a Honda travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm, Saturday 6 September 2025, due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The driver – a 14-year-old boy – and a 17-year-old boy occupying the front-seat were trapped.

Once released, they were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however the 17-year-old boy died at the scene.

The driver and three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – were taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial inquiries indicate the vehicle was reportedly stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm on Saturday 6 September 2025.

Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and examined the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

Following inquiries, the 14-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit.

He appeared before a children’s court today (Tuesday 9 September 2025). He was granted bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 20 October 2025.

The 17-year-old passenger was charged with be carried in conveyance taken w/o consent of owner.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

The 14-year-old passenger will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Following further inquiries, today (Tuesday 9 September 2025) a passenger – a 25-year-old woman – was charged with being carried in conveyance taken without consent of the owner.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

A critical incident team is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident is also subject to an independent review.

A body has been located during a search for a woman missing from the Hunter region last week.

The 25-year-old woman was last seen in the Merriwa area, about 1pm Saturday 6 September 2025.

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

About 3.30pm today (Tuesday 9 September 2025), police located the body of a woman during a search of bushland in the Coolah Tops National Park.

While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the missing woman.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Two teenagers have been charged following a fatal pursuit in the state’s Hunter over the weekend, as critical incident investigation continues. 

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a Honda travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The driver – a 14-year-old boy – and a 17-year-old boy occupying the front-seat were trapped.

Once released, they were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however the 17-year-old boy died at the scene.

The driver and three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – were taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial inquiries indicate the vehicle was reportedly stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm on Saturday (6 September 2025).

Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and examined the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

Following inquiries, the 14-year-old driver has now been charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Tuesday 9 September 2025).

The 17-year-old passenger was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

The 14-year-old passenger will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act while the 25-year-old woman remains in hospital under police guard.

A critical incident team is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident is also subject to an independent review.

A critical incident investigation is underway after a teenage boy died and four people were taken to hospital following the pursuit and crash of a stolen car in the state’s Hunter overnight.

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command first attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The 14-year-old boy driving the vehicle and his 17-year-old male front-seat passenger were initially trapped.

Once released, they were treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the front-seat passenger died at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he and the three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – are all being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Initial information indicates all boys are from the Tamworth area while the woman is from the Newcastle area.

It’s believed vehicle was stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025).

A crime scene has now been established, with specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Matei Ernst, aged 14, was last seen on Marlborough Street, Rutherford, about 8am yesterday (Thursday 4 September 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Matei’s welfare due to his young age.

Matei is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, of thin build and between 150cm – 160cm tall.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform – white shirt, black shorts and a black Nike backpack.

Matei is known to frequent the Maitland, Rutherford, Greenhills areas and local shopping centres in those areas.

The countdown is on to this year’s New Annual festival, with City of Newcastle revealing the final additions to the 2025 program three weeks out from the opening weekend.

The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will welcome visitors for the first time as part of the New Annual program, with pre-booked free guided sessions opening for registrations tomorrow.

Otherworldly deep sea divers, created by renowned puppetry-based theatrical producers Erth Visual & Physical Inc, will delight audiences with roving performances on Laman Street during the First Night Art Party.

First Nations artist talks, drop-in art sessions and guided tours will be among the highlights as the community takes its first look inside the building.

The Gallery will also celebrate a pre-sale preview of its inaugural book featuring 165 works of art from the $145 million collection, with insights provided by art historians, academics and curators alongside contributions by poet Jazz Money, climate scientist Joëlle Gergis, historian Santilla Chingaipe and futurist Ana Tiquia.

Tickets for these free events are expected to be snapped up by art lovers keen to explore three of the new gallery spaces and experience the significant new First Nations commissions and acquisitions.

There will be plenty to see outside the Gallery as well, as New Annual kicks off with the First Night Art Party on 26 September featuring free, family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

Towering underwater divers will bring a sense of otherworldly excitement with roving performances along Laman Street, while drop-in workshops will allow families to create their own unique fish necklace inspired by the vibrant and colourful world of artist Rosie Deacon.

Jellyfish-themed light installations will illuminate Laman Street’s fabulous fig trees while the Gallery’s façade will come to life with immersive digital art projections co-created by Art Thinking and local school students, inspired by the saltwater stories of the First Nations commissions.

The free night of music, movement and art will also feature high-energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while families can enjoy a range of hands-on ocean-themed creative activities inside Newcastle City Library.

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring everyone in our community can access free, family-friendly arts and cultural experiences,” Cr Barrie said.

“Events like New Annual play a vital role in strengthening community pride and celebrating local identity. 

“With a strong focus on free and low-cost programming, the festival makes art and culture more inclusive and accessible, giving families and individuals from all walks of life the chance to connect, participate, enjoy and have fun.”

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said there was so much to see and do during New Annual.

“These finishing touches round out a really exciting and diverse program, which features the best of international and Australian live music, theatre and art, and champions local stories and talent,” Ms Loudon said.

“We want people to find a new artist they love, explore the city in new and unexpected ways and celebrate our incredible local artists and performers. I can’t wait for it to begin.”

University of Newcastle Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Equity, Nathan Towney said the University was proud to be a presenting partner of the New Annual festival and looked forward to experiencing its diverse program later this month. 

“We’re proud to be a presenting partner for the New Annual festival and help to bring art, culture and creativity to our region,” Mr Towney said. 

“New Annual is also a great opportunity for our students to gain unique behind the scenes experience, whether that be as performers or through our career-ready placement program and volunteering experiences in the arts, tourism and event management sector.”

While the 10-day festival doesn’t kick off until 26 September, Novocastrians will get an early taste of its program with popular touring productions starting their extended seasons this weekend.

The highly acclaimed multi-sensory collection, DARKFIELD, will make its Newcastle debut tomorrow in specially designed shipping containers set up in Wheeler Place.

Its most popular experiences SÉANCE and FLIGHT will engulf audiences in immersive 360-degree audio experiences from 5 September and run through until 12 October.

Novocastrians will also welcome the return of the Spiegeltent to Civic Park, where its new circus sensation La Ronde will dazzle audiences from 5 September and run throughout the New Annual festival until 5 October. 

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.

This includes an additional funding allocation of $130,000 each year for two years from the NSW Government’s Create NSW program, which was announced last week. 

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event. 

For more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest New Annual news visit https://newannual.com/ 

Tickets for the Newcastle Art Gallery events including the free guided tours can be booked from Friday 5 September via www.newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Zoey Pollock, aged 15, was last seen in Metford,yesterday evening (Monday 1 September 2025).

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, who commended inquiries to find her.

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

Zoey is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, about 160cm tall, with black hair usually in a bun.

She is known to wear black clothing.

Zoey is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland and Muswellbrook areas.

Anyone with information in relations to Zoey’s whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is putting Hunter mines on notice to protect local air quality, with the annual Bust the Dust campaign kicking off again this spring.

Now in its sixth year, the successful regulatory campaign returns with strengthened penalties which came into force after passing into law in 2024.

Mines found to be in breach of their licence conditions now face significantly higher penalties, including $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for a subsequent offence.

During the campaign, EPA Operations Officers will be out in force doing roadside surveillance, unannounced inspections and using drones to monitor dust generation.

NSW EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said he recognises the community wants to see stronger regulation to ensure open cut mines don’t contribute to air pollution.

“While we regulate dust emissions year-round, regional air quality monitoring shows spring is a peak time for particle pollution.

“The Bust the Dust campaign is a timely reminder for operators to have the right practices in place before we come knocking.

“Mines can prevent dust pollution through improved surveillance and reporting and by deploying water on stockpiles and roads or just ceasing work during dry and windy conditions,” Mr Gathercole said.

Earlier this year, Warkworth Mining in Mount Thorley entered into a legally binding agreement to improve dust management. The mine was forced to pay $120,000 to a local environmental rehabilitation project after finding operational failures during the Bust the Dust campaign in 2023.

More than 11 mines were inspected across the region in last year’s campaign, and all were found to be managing dust appropriately.

Community members are encouraged to report concerns about dust emissions to the Environment Line on 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Jada Hill, aged 15, was last seen in Telarah about 3am on Saturday 30 August 2025.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, who commended inquiries to find her.

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

Jada is described as bring of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, about 165cm tall, with long red hair.

She was last seen wearing black track pants and a black school jumper.

Jada is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, Hornsby and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information in relations to Jada’s whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two men have died and two have been injured after a crash in Newcastle’s north-western suburbs overnight.

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road, Mayfield East, about 11.15pm (Saturday 30 August 2025), after a maroon Toyota Corolla left the road and struck a power pole, catching alight on impact.

The driver, a 24-year-old man, and the driver’s-side back-seat passenger, a 19-year-old man, were assisted from the wreckage by passers-by; however, the remaining two passengers were trapped.

Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW arrived on-site and were able to remove the two remaining occupants, who were taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering critical burns.

Police have been advised both men – believed to be aged in their 20s – have now died.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District understand all four men are students in Australia and police are now working with officials from the High Commission of Bangladesh.

The driver remains under guard in hospital undergoing treatment for minor injuries. The second man has also been taken to hospital.

Investigators are now appealing for anyone with information about the crash to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.