Category: Newcastle News

The Hunter is about to get a whole lot cooler, with the latest round of the Greening Our City program expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.

Councils will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel – comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will also be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities. This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better and more resilient NSW.

Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

For more information visit Greening our City

Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be planting more trees as part of the Greening our City program.

“Cooler streets and more comfortable neighbourhoods will make the Illawarra an even better place to live.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home.

“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat – whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.

“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has developed a Biodiversity in Place Framework that guides the sensible and practical delivery of biodiversity in urban areas. These grants will go a long way to see that framework adopted and applied across our cities.

“Over many years, Hunter councils and community organisations have been engaged in improving and expanding local vegetation in parks and suburbs. Access to Greening our City program will help accelerate their efforts.

“More trees mean cooler streets, and better quality of life for residents. The Greening our City program is a major contributor to creating vibrant cities where people want to live.”

A multi-agency search will resume tomorrow after a woman was swept away in floodwaters in the Hunter Valley region.

Just after 7.50pm yesterday (Saturday 2 August 2025), emergency services were called to Black Creek, Old North Road, Rothbury, about 16km north of Cessnock, following reports a car had become stuck in floodwaters.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a Mini Countryman had attempted to drive through the floodwater before it became stuck.

The driver – a 27-year-old woman – was rescued without any injuries; however, her passenger – a 26-year-old woman – was swept away.

A multi-agency search commenced for the woman including local police, NSW Rural Fire Service, and VRA Rescue NSW, and continued today (Sunday 3 August 2025).

About 4.30pm, the search was suspended due to weather conditions and visibility.

The multi-agency search will resume about 8am tomorrow (Monday 4 August 2025), on Old North Road, Rothbury.

Members of the public in flood-affected areas are reminded to avoid dangers such as damaged powerlines and flood waters on roads.

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Media personality and maths whiz Adam Spencer will put artificial intelligence under the microscope in Newcastle this month to celebrate National Science Week. 

The former Triple J presenter and comedian is headlining City of Newcastle’s packed program of events, which kick off with Spencer’s tech talk at City Hall on 15 August and culminate in a hands-on weekend of scientific discovery at Newcastle Museum.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said hosting high-profile science communicators like Adam Spencer reflects Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for innovation and learning.

“Welcoming nationally recognised speakers such as Adam Spencer, who will decode AI and other emerging technologies, provides engaging learning opportunities for all ages,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Newcastle is a creative and innovative city, home to world-class researchers and scientists on the cutting edge of their fields. 

“By collaborating with these experts and providing hands-on events at the Museum, we can inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Tickets are on sale now for Spencer’s show, which will break down the basics of AI for audiences aged 10 and older, delve into the latest developments and offer eight examples of how Novocastrians can use these technologies today.

The science-fuelled fun will continue all weekend at Newcastle Museum, with a super Saturday of soccer-playing robots, sustainable architecture and computer science skills thanks to technology and education specialists The Brainery. Tickets for the various workshops are on sale now, with different sessions suitable for primary and high school aged students.

Younger children will also welcome the return of the Poo Palace – an amazing inflatable journey through the digestive system delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), which will be available all weekend.

Newcastle Museum will cap off Science Week celebrations will the largest single-day event on its annual calendar, the Hunter Science Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the free, all-ages hands-on activities on Sunday 17 August. 

The festival is delivered by City of Newcastle in conjunction with a range of partners including Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH), showcasing the latest in science and technology from local researchers, educators and institutions.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said bringing Science Week to Newcastle is a chance to spark curiosity that could last a lifetime.

“Newcastle Museum is proud to be the hub for discovery and ideas. Providing an opportunity for our community to interact with leading experts and local institutions, could help nurture and inspire a lifelong passion within the future innovators of our region,” Ms Baird said.

“We hope to foster a sense of pride in the region’s contributions to science and technology and help to break down barriers and show that science is for everyone, not just the classroom or the lab.”

Festival-goers can explore solar technology by building and racing solar cars or boats or catch the Big Science Big Fun! Show by Fizzics Education. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with scientists from the Hunter and interact with displays hosted by leading Hunter-based groups including Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre and Hunter Astronomical Society. 

City of Newcastle’s Waste Services and Climate Change and Sustainability teams will be there to help visitors calculate their environmental footprint, pick up a free native plant or see the inside of a garbage truck.

For more science week information and bookings visit: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events

The finishing touches have been completed on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot. 

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of upgrades to improve navigation of the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, which has a history of vehicle crashes and frequent near misses. 

This includes the installation of a new set of traffic lights, switched on last month. The lights have significantly improved safety for vehicles, while also making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access local schools, businesses, public transport, and the Fernleigh Track. 

The intersection was adjusted to accommodate the traffic lights, with a new median constructed east along Glebe Road to assist with managing traffic movements.  

New shared paths, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane were also installed at the intersection to address the challenge previously faced by cyclists when crossing Glebe Road. 

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich said the changes have made a positive difference to navigating the precinct. 

“Glebe Road is heavily trafficked at relatively high speeds and cyclists and pedestrians have been riding and running for their lives across it for years,” Mr Reich said. 

“Much needed improvements to the shared spaces, paths and lanes have made the intersection much more user friendly, and pedestrians and cyclists can now cross Glebe Road at a signalised crossing. 

“Newcastle Cycleways Movement has worked closely with the City of Newcastle for years to get this result, and we congratulate the planners and crews who have completed this complex project so successfully.” 

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of during peak periods on a typical weekday. 

The project was part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. 

Mattara Dry Cleaners Director Lee Kliousis has operated his business in Adamstown for more than 30 years and said the recent safety upgrades were a welcome outcome. 

“Before the traffic lights were installed, I was calling the police, a tow truck, or an ambulance almost every week because of vehicle crashes,” Mr Kliousis said.  

“It was a notorious black spot, especially with drivers crossing from Park Avenue onto Glebe Road, it often felt like a game of chance than safe driving. 

“The new pedestrian crossing has made a difference too. It’s much safer now to walk across the road to The Gates Hotel, a big improvement for locals and visitors alike.”  

City of Newcastle will continue working with Transport for NSW to maximise the performance of the intersection, including ongoing works with Sydney Trains around the coordination of the signals with the operation of the rail gates.  

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements. 

The finishing touches have been completed on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot. 

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of upgrades to improve navigation of the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, which has a history of vehicle crashes and frequent near misses. 

This includes the installation of a new set of traffic lights, switched on last month. The lights have significantly improved safety for vehicles, while also making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access local schools, businesses, public transport, and the Fernleigh Track. 

The intersection was adjusted to accommodate the traffic lights, with a new median constructed east along Glebe Road to assist with managing traffic movements.  

New shared paths, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane were also installed at the intersection to address the challenge previously faced by cyclists when crossing Glebe Road. 

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich said the changes have made a positive difference to navigating the precinct. 

“Glebe Road is heavily trafficked at relatively high speeds and cyclists and pedestrians have been riding and running for their lives across it for years,” Mr Reich said. 

“Much needed improvements to the shared spaces, paths and lanes have made the intersection much more user friendly, and pedestrians and cyclists can now cross Glebe Road at a signalised crossing. 

“Newcastle Cycleways Movement has worked closely with the City of Newcastle for years to get this result, and we congratulate the planners and crews who have completed this complex project so successfully.” 

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of during peak periods on a typical weekday. 

The project was part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. 

Mattara Dry Cleaners Director Lee Kliousis has operated his business in Adamstown for more than 30 years and said the recent safety upgrades were a welcome outcome. 

“Before the traffic lights were installed, I was calling the police, a tow truck, or an ambulance almost every week because of vehicle crashes,” Mr Kliousis said.  

“It was a notorious black spot, especially with drivers crossing from Park Avenue onto Glebe Road, it often felt like a game of chance than safe driving. 

“The new pedestrian crossing has made a difference too. It’s much safer now to walk across the road to The Gates Hotel, a big improvement for locals and visitors alike.”  

City of Newcastle will continue working with Transport for NSW to maximise the performance of the intersection, including ongoing works with Sydney Trains around the coordination of the signals with the operation of the rail gates.  

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements. 

What if your story could save someone else’s life? 
Newcastle community called to help improve the outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer  

Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer including ovarian, uterine/endometrial, cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, and tragically six lose their lives. For women living in areas such as Newcastle, the path to diagnosis and treatment can often be challenging, with delays that can have devastating consequences for individuals and families. 1 

The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is working to change this through its powerful Survivors Teaching Students®(STS) program.  

This deeply impactful national initiative brings the voices of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer directly into university classrooms. These courageous volunteers share their personal stories with medical and nursing students to help shape a more compassionate, informed and responsive generation of healthcare professionals. 

Since launching in 2017, STS volunteers have reached more than 20,000 students across 22 universities in Australia and New Zealand. Their stories help future doctors and nurses better understand the signs and symptoms of these diseases to reduce delays in diagnosis, and embed empathy, good communication and respect into the care of every woman affected.  

“Survivors Teaching Students was by far one of the most memorable and impactful experiences I had during medical school. The program not only provided me with important clinical knowledge about gynaecological cancers but also emphasised the profound and life-altering impacts the diseases have on those diagnosed and their families,” said Nikita Rosendahl, Medical student at the University of Queensland. 

With plans to expand the program’s reach, ANZGOG is now calling on women from regional and rural communities, including Newcastle, to join the STS network, in a volunteer capacity and help change outcomes for women with these cancers. 

“We’re inviting women to be part of this remarkable initiative. Your story could be the one that helps a future doctor or nurse recognise the signs of gynaecological cancer and save a life.” said Alison Evans, CEO ANZGOG. 

No public speaking experience is required, just a willingness to share your personal story in a safe, supportive environment. Volunteers consistently report that participating in STS is not only rewarding but empowering, giving meaning to their experience and creating lasting impact.  

STS is made possible through ANZGOG’s fundraising arm, WomenCan, and supported by a network of over 100 community volunteers across the country, who are determined to change the future for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.  

To learn more or register your interest, visit: www.anzgog.org.au/sts or to support STS, you can make a donation by visiting WomenCan.org.au.   

About ANZGOG: The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research. 

** The Survivors Teaching Students program is under license to ANZGOG from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the USA. 

1. www.anzgog.org.au/GCTI  

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Dominic Short, aged 13, was last seen on Mathieson Street, Bellbird, about 7.30pm on Tuesday (29 July 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

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

Dominic is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, about 120cm tall, with dark blonde hair.

He was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket, grey track pants and white joggers.

Dominic is known to frequent the Hunter Valley area.

Anyone with information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The United Services Union (USU) has slammed the City of Newcastle over its questionable and inconsistent recruitment process for two newly created Executive Manager roles at the Civic Theatre and City Hall, positions reportedly valued at over $200,000 per annum each.

USU Official Luke Hutchinson said the process lacked transparency, fairness, and any genuine merit-based selection which is seemingly in breach of the Local Government Act and Council’s own policies.

“This is a slap in the face to the hundreds of casual workers who keep these venues running,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Over 70% of staff at the Civic Theatre and City Hall are employed casually, many are young, lower-paid workers who’ve dedicated years to these spaces. 

“Yet Council appears to be quietly handing out permanent, high-paying roles to select individuals without a proper process.

“Casualisation is a big issue amongst our venue staff, they’d love to have permanent or permanent part-time roles but the Council insists they must stay casual, but here we have a situation where people are getting permanent full time roles on big money with no due process, it’s unfair and it doesn’t pass the pub test.”

The USU is demanding answers after Council failed to advertise the roles externally, instead conducting a brief six-day internal “Expression of Interest (EOI)” process overseen by a single executive. 

The union says this contradicts previous Council practices where external advertising was deemed essential to attract a suitable pool of applicants.

“Council’s hypocrisy is staggering,” Mr Hutchinson added.

“They’ve insisted on external advertising for other roles, including lower-paid ones, but now they’re bypassing that entirely for senior positions. It reeks of favouritism and undermines the principles of equal opportunity.”

The Union has raised concerns that the EOI process is merely a formality, designed to rubber-stamp  pre-selected appointments. With no formal consultation or reporting to the USU, the union is now preparing to escalate the matter to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

“This isn’t just a union issue, it’s a community issue,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Our theatres and venues thrive because of passionate, hardworking staff. They deserve respect, transparency, and a fair go, not backroom deals.”

The USU calls on the City of Newcastle to halt the current process and recommit to a fair, open, and merit-based recruitment approach.

Newcastle Art Gallery has taken a significant First Nations series of work out of storage and onto the world stage as part of a major exhibition at a prestigious London institution.

While local art lovers are anticipating the return of the $145 million collection to the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery, London audiences are being given the chance to appreciate one of its treasures firsthand at the Tate Modern.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM with the Awely series painted by Emily Kam Kngwarray, on display at the Tate Modern in London. The three works from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection are positioned on the top left and bottom left and right of the image. 

Awely 1990 is a series of paintings by Indigenous artist Emily Kam Kngwarray (c.1914-1996), who is internationally renowned as one of the most significant contemporary painters of the late 20th century.

The work is currently being featured at the London gallery as part of the first major exhibition held in Europe dedicated to the extraordinary talent of the late Anmatyerr elder.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it was an honour to have Newcastle’s collection represented in this landmark exhibition.

“Emily Kam Kngwarray was an incredibly important Australian artist, whose unique style enabled her to create powerful depictions of her cultural connections to her Country, Alhalker, located in the Sandover region of the Northern Territory,” Ms Morton said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery is committed to celebrating and championing the work of First Nations artists as part of our vision to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded.

“We are proud to be the only public gallery from outside of an Australian capital city to be included in this important exhibition at the Tate Modern and can’t wait until we can invite our community back into our expanded Art Gallery to see more of the significant First Nations works from our collection.”

The Tate Modern exhibition was organised in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia, bringing together more than 80 works from across Kngwarray’s extraordinary career. It is the first time many of Kngwarray’s works, including the series from Newcastle Art Gallery, are being shown outside of Australia.

For more information about Newcastle Art Gallery and its collection visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/

To learn more about the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition on show at the Tate Modern visit https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/emily-kam-kngwarray

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

Jada Hill, aged 15, was last seen in Maitland about 9am yesterday (Wednesday 30 July 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, she was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who commenced inquiries to find her.

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

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

She was last seen wearing black track pants with white pin stripes, navy coloured jumper with white draw strings, and pink/white “TN’s”.

Jada is known to frequent the rail network or the Waterloo area.