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Four teens have been charged after allegedly stealing a car and fleeing from police across the Hunter Region yesterday.

About 6am (Sunday 26 October 2025), police received a report that a stolen Mazda SUV had been driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway, Tomago, with reports passengers were throwing items at other drivers.

Officers attached to Maitland Highway Patrol attended and began patrolling the area searching for the vehicle.

During this search police located the Mazda travelling on the Pacific Highway, Hexham, about 8am the same day.

Police directed the vehicle to stop; however, when the driver allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along the highway towards Hexham Bridge, Hexham, with the Mazda allegedly reaching speeds of 180km/h in a signposted 60km/h zone.

As the pursuit reached the bridge the SUV collided with a concrete barrier; however, it continued along the highway before stopping at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road.

Four teens exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene; however, police arrested the group before taking them to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The alleged driver – a 15-year-old boy – was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h, and breach of bail.

The other three teens – all aged 15 – were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, with one teenage boy also being charged with breach of bail.

All four teens were refused bail to appear before children’s court today (Monday 27 October 2025).

City of Newcastle is delivering new places to play across the city, with the first two playground upgrades now open as part of a $750,000 investment this financial year.

Local families were treated to a community celebration at Maryland today to officially mark the completion of the new playground and half-court basketball space at Beauford Avenue Reserve.

Councillors Callum Pull, Deahnna Richardson, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk join City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy, parents and children to celebrate the completion of the playground upgrade at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland.It follows the installation of a refreshed playground at Stockton Swimming Centre, which opened in time for the start of the swimming season last month.

Work is also progressing at the Morpeth Road Reserve playground at Waratah, while construction at Johnson Park playground at Lambton is set to commence in the coming months.

Artist’s impression of the new playground to be built at Johnson Park Playground Lambton.Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing recreational opportunities for the community.

“Through our annual Playground Replacement Program we’ve been able to upgrade, replace or improve 28 popular parks and recreational areas across the region since 2018, ensuring every suburb has access to safe, modern and inclusive recreational facilities,” Mr Bath said.

“This year we’re investing $750,000 into four neighbourhood playground projects, with two already complete and another two on their way for communities to enjoy.

“It’s part of a broader investment in outdoor recreation, with our 2025/26 Budget also including $10 million for the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace, Newcastle’s first regional-level playground.

“I can’t wait to see it open and attracting thousands of people to the east end.”

City of Newcastle has invested more than $14 million into playground projects across Newcastle during the past seven years.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation, Lynn Duffy, said the Playground Replacement Program plays an important role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Playgrounds do more than provide equipment for children, they bring people together, encourage physical activity and support social and emotional development,” Ms Duffy said.

“The Maryland playground now features a variety of new play equipment designed to spark creativity and encourage physical development in younger children, alongside a new half-court basketball area for older kids and teens.

“The improvements include accessible pathways, shaded seating and soft-fall surfacing to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users.

“Stockton families are also benefitting from a recently completed upgrade to the recreation space at the swimming centre, which features upgraded play equipment, family-friendly barbecue facilities, shaded picnic areas and accessible footpaths.”

City of Newcastle maintains 116 playgrounds across the local government area.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date on progress on playgrounds in your area.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will this Sunday present the prestigious Emeritus Mayor Award to Nuatali Nelmes, former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, in recognition of her outstanding service to local government and her enduring legacy of leadership, innovation and advocacy.

Elected to Newcastle City Council in 2008, Ms Nelmes became the city’s youngest and second-ever female Lord Mayor in 2014. Across three consecutive terms, she was a transformative leader in local government who championed gender equity, sustainability and economic resilience.

Former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will be honoured with the Emeritus Mayor Award from Local Government NSW for her dedication and service to council and the community.

Local Government NSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the award acknowledges the significant impact Ms Nelmes has had on her community and the broader local government sector.

“Ms Nelmes’ achievements exemplify the values of dedication, innovation and community leadership that the award celebrates,” Mayor Miller OAM said.

“She has been a trailblazer for women in leadership and a tireless advocate for inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking local government.

“Her legacy is one of bold vision and practical outcomes that have improved the lives of Novocastrians and set a benchmark for councils across the state. She has shown that leadership is not just about holding office, it’s about lifting others up and creating lasting change.

“Her commitment to empowering women and driving sustainability has left an indelible mark on the local government sector.”

Under Ms Nelmes’ leadership, City of Newcastle became the first council in NSW to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2020, reducing its carbon footprint by 77%. She oversaw the delivery of the city’s first 5MW solar farm and led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a strong focus on infrastructure Ms Nelmes oversaw the record delivery of more than $1 billion in public works, increasing the Council’s annual capital works investment by 300% while maintaining strong operational surpluses. During her almost 10 years as Lord Mayor she saw Newcastle rise to NSW’s leading council for development approval times. 

As an advocate for gender equality, Ms Nelmes led Newcastle’s first female-majority council and rebalanced the city’s leadership team to reflect gender equity. She also established the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women with the University of Newcastle and the Women Empowered Scholarship with Hunter TAFE, supporting women pursuing education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Beyond Newcastle, Ms Nelmes has served on boards and committees, including ICLEI Oceania, the Global Covenant of Mayors and as Treasurer of LGNSW. Her role as a Director of Newcastle Airport helped it grow its value to almost $450 million and secured global partnerships advancing sustainability and NetZero initiatives, including Australia’s endorsement of the CHAMP agreement at COP28.

Now a Professor of Practice at the University of Newcastle Business School, Ms Nelmes continues to contribute her expertise in strategy, business, urban revitalisation and inclusive growth. 

The Emeritus Mayor Award is reserved for retired councillors who have served consecutive terms as mayors and demonstrated exemplary service. Ms Nelmes will be formally honoured by Local Government NSW at a ceremony on Sunday at Blackbutt Reserve, officiated by President Phyllis Miller OAM.

Ms Nelmes said she was deeply honoured to receive the Emeritus Mayor Award.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our community, council team, and partners who shared a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Newcastle,” Ms Nelmes said.

“Together, we delivered transformative projects in infrastructure, culture and housing that will benefit generations to come. I am proud of what we achieved and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Newcastle.” 

Cr Declan Clausen, who served alongside Ms Nelmes as Deputy Lord Mayor for seven years and is now the city’s longest-serving councillor, said her leadership transformed both the Council and the community.
 
“Nuatali’s leadership was grounded in collaboration and shared purpose,” Cr Clausen said.

“As Labor colleagues, we worked closely to build a more sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking Newcastle. 

“She led with conviction and courage, empowering those around her and proving that progressive values can deliver real, lasting results for our community.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Nelmes’ dedication to excellence was evident throughout her 16 years of service to the Newcastle local government area.

“Ms Nelmes joins a distinguished lineage of Lord Mayors whose long serving contributions have shaped our city’s identity including Joy Cummings, John Tate, John McNaughton and even going back to Frank Purdue and Douglas McDougall,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Like Emeritus Mayors Joy Cummings and John Tate, it is fitting that Ms Nelmes is recognised for her dedication and service to Newcastle. She takes her place among Mayors across the state and nation who have made a valuable contribution to public service.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said it had been a privilege to collaborate with Ms Nelmes during her time on Council.

“Nuatali’s extensive service to Newcastle spanning six years as a Councillor and 10 years as the Lord Mayor is deserving of this high honour,” Cr McCabe said.

“During her time as Lord Mayor, she led a progressive Council that invested in bold, ambitious projects that have set the city as a leader through our public spaces, art gallery, climate policy and strategic plans.

“I extend my congratulations to Nuatali on receiving this award.”

Key Achievements

Infrastructure and economic growth:

• delivered a $1 billion capital works program, creating thousands of local jobs and increasing annual investment by 300%
• increased capital works from $43 million to $170 million.

Major projects include:

• Bathers Way coastal walk – a world-class 6km coastal pathway
• new waste recovery centres and 5MW Summerhill Solar Farm
• $15 million upgrade of the State Heritage Register listed Newcastle Ocean Baths
• $10 million investment in Blackbutt Reserve
• oversaw record development approvals valued at over $9 billion
• reduced development application processing times, accelerating housing and business delivery to be NSW leading
• established a $100 million property-driven Future Fund to secure long-term financial sustainability
• championed investments in flood mitigation, tourism, event-led economic development, playground upgrades and digital infrastructure, including NSW’s first digital library.

Housing innovation:

• Developed Newcastle’s first Social and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, ensuring sustainable housing supply
• Formed a novel partnership with Homes NSW to accelerate social housing delivery across the region.

Established:

• Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women (University of Newcastle)
• Women Empowered Scholarship (Hunter TAFE)
• advocated for women in sport, including early promotion of the Matildas, WNRL, and Australian Diamonds
• raised the Torres Strait Islander flag on City Hall for the first time, reinforcing cultural recognition and inclusion.

Cultural transformation:

• delivered the $50 million Newcastle Art Gallery redevelopment – the largest cultural investment in the city’s history
• established the New Annual cultural festival, now a signature event
• partnered with Venues NSW to bring global music icons Pink and Elton John to Newcastle, generating $40 million economic impact
• returned the World Surf League Championship Tour after 25 years, delivering $15 million economic impact
• supported Newcastle 500 Supercars, Surfest, Writers Festival and Unity in Diversity Festival
• achieved a 60% increase in tourism through event-led economic development, investment in the after-dark economy, and Smart City infrastructure.

Leadership and inclusion:

• positioned Newcastle as a United Nations City and secured Australia’s signatory status to CHAMP at COP28
• participated in the Harvard Bloomberg Mayors Leadership Initiative and launched the Bloomberg Climate Youth Grants Initiative
• served on ICLEI Oceania, Global Covenant of Mayors, and as Treasurer of LGNSW
• championed gender equity, leading Newcastle’s first female-majority council.

City of Newcastle has further cemented its position as the Hunter’s most financially sustainable council. 

Draft audited financial statements for 2024/25 reveal City of Newcastle returned a modest budget surplus of $8.7 million while delivering a record $164.1 million in infrastructure for any regional council in NSW.  

It is the city’s third consecutive surplus and ninth in the past 12 years. The only years City of Newcastle has not delivered a budget surplus was for three consecutive years when the Council ran deliberate deficit budgets to supercharge the local economy during the pandemic. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle continued to build on its legacy of prudent economic management. 

“Maintaining financial sustainability while balancing the needs and expectations of our growing community remains a key driver for City of Newcastle,” Mr Bath said. 

“This legacy is what has allowed us to deliver a record capital works program, renewing and maintaining our older assets while delivering essential community infrastructure and undertaking once-in-a-generation projects such as the upgrades to South Newcastle Beach and the Bathers Way. 

“City-shaping projects formed a key part of the infrastructure program last financial year, including $34.9 million on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion and $14.4 million for remediation of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland to maintain the local protected environment. I look forward to sharing our vision next year with regard to how we are going to make the most of this site for the coming decades. 

“Additionally, our financial statements for 2024/25 have exceeded every financial key performance benchmark set by the Office of Local Government, once again demonstrating the city’s fiscal responsibility and effective management.” 

Other highlights of the 2024/25 infrastructure program include:  

• $17.2 million invested into road rehabilitation work and significant expenditure allocated to projects at Longworth Avenue, Minmi Road and Memorial Drive 
• $13.9 million on recreation and sport including upgrade projects at Smith Park, Gregson Park and work on Foreshore Park’s regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area 
• $11.2 million on planning and environment projects including $3.4 million on coast, estuaries and wetlands and $2.5 million on Blackbutt Reserve with significant expenditure for a new cafe and multipurpose facility 
• $8.4 million on city infrastructure revitalisation including $4.2 million for the Hunter Street Mall East End Village upgrades 
• $8.4 million on waste services 
• $8.3 million on transport projects including $3.6 million for cycleways and $3 million on safety improvement works at the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, Adamstown. 

The draft audited financial statements for 2024/25 will be tabled at next week’s Council meeting to be authorised for signing.

City of Newcastle’s iconic City Hall will be up against the cream of Australia’s hospitality venues next week as it vies for the honour of being named the national Caterer of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence on Monday 27 October, with City Hall up against stiff competition including the historic Doltone House at Sydney Town Hall, the riverside dining experience at Blackbird in Brisbane and Australia’s fourth oldest winery, Sandalford Wines in Western Australia.   

The hard-working team at City Hall holding the awards they picked up at the NSW Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence. They are now in the running for the national titles of Caterer of the Year and Events Caterer.City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of City Venues, Samantha Bullen, said this recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of the entire City Hall team.

“City Hall is more than a beautiful, historic building, it’s a place where our community gathers to celebrate, connect and create memories,” Ms Bullen said.

“Being recognised among the best catering venues in Australia is a testament to our passionate team and all those involved in bringing an event together, from the event coordinators, back of house, office and front of house teams, to the talented kitchen team led by our Executive Chef Jess Le Good, who works closely with our Hunter suppliers to showcase the very best of our region.

“This achievement puts Newcastle’s hospitality scene firmly on the national stage. Regardless of the result on Monday, this is a win for our city and a proud moment for everyone involved.”

The annual awards program recognises restaurants and caterers in a variety of categories in each State and Territory, with category winners then qualifying for the National Awards for Excellence.

The awards acknowledge exceptional standards in food, service and event delivery across Australia’s hospitality sector, with judges visiting each venue during an event to experience the operations firsthand.

Aside from being in the running for the major Caterer of the Year award, City Hall is also a national finalist in the Events Caterer category.

Official judging took place during Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Gala Ball in June, where 270 guests were treated to a fantastic night of food and entertainment at City Hall.

Chair of HMRI’s Special Events Committee, Amy-Lea Pettigrew said City Hall continues to deliver an outstanding experience for their key annual event, which this year raised a record $220,000 to support medical research.

“City Hall has been a fantastic long-term partner for the HMRI Gala Ball,” Ms Pettigrew said.

“The attention to detail, quality of service, delicious food and dedication to the community make the team at City Hall truly deserving of this recognition.”

City of Newcastle operates several landmark venues including City Hall, Fort Scratchley Function Centre and the Civic Theatre, which welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year for weddings, conferences, concerts and major celebrations.

Fort Scratchley Function Centre was also recognised at the State awards earlier this year, named a finalist in the Event/Convention Centre Caterer – Regional NSW category.

City of Newcastle is calling on the NSW Government to significantly increase investment into critical infrastructure to help councils meet their ambitious housing targets.

Newcastle was allocated the highest housing target in the Hunter region when the NSW Government released five-year housing targets for 43 local government areas in May 2024.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the forecast modelling does not consider barriers in the market that affect completion rates.

“Over the past decade City of Newcastle has been laying the groundwork for future growth, planning for higher density living and diverse housing options, and creating frameworks to deliver more streamlined and efficient development assessments,” Ms Bisson said.

“This placed us on track to exceed the long-term housing forecasts under the NSW Government’s Hunter Regional Plan 2041.

“But the NSW Government revised our target last year, compressing 62% of the previous 20-year target into just five years, disproportionately front-loading delivery expectations.

“The methodology used is based on theoretical housing capacity modelling without considering the economic and environmental constraints impacting delivery.

“While local councils play a key role in facilitating housing growth through zoning, development assessment and infrastructure planning, they are not responsible for housing construction and have little control over delivery. There are currently more than 2,000 dwellings in Newcastle that have been approved but not yet constructed. Council has no ability to make a developer commence construction.

“The pace and scale of housing delivery is primarily driven by market conditions, including financial viability, construction costs, labour costs, provision of infrastructure, workforce availability, and investor confidence.”

Newcastle’s target of 11,100 completed dwellings by 2029 almost doubles the previous forecast for delivery under the Hunter Regional Plan 2041.  

This equates to an average of 2,220 dwellings needing to be built per year. Under the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 target, an average of 940 dwellings were required to be constructed per year.

During the peak construction periods of 2016 to 2018, and 2020 to 2021, City of Newcastle averaged approval of 1,364 and 1,129 dwellings per year respectively. 

City of Newcastle is consistently ranked as the top performing council within the Hunter region and among the top-performing councils in all of NSW for development assessment and determination.

This is due in part to the implementation of its award-winning Accelerated Development Application System, which streamlines the assessment of routine and code-compliant applications to improve efficiency and reduce timeframes. 

Councillors will consider a report at next week’s Council meeting that outlines the challenges being faced by City of Newcastle, opportunities to address housing delivery and the need for more equitable access to NSW Government funding.

“Current trends and market conditions indicate that achieving the revised 2029 target is extremely unlikely without a significant injection of funding for enabling infrastructure by the NSW Government,” Ms Bisson said.

“The best chance of achieving this target would be through the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, a shared vision developed in collaboration with the NSW Government that has the potential to deliver 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people. 

“We will continue to advocate for the NSW Government to accelerate its investment in the infrastructure needed to enable development in this precinct.

“Consideration should also be given to the parameters around a range of infrastructure funding programs that City of Newcastle has been excluded from, or disadvantaged by. For example, there is more than half a billion in Government community infrastructure funding that only Sydney councils are eligible to receive. Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are not entitled to even one dollar of this. 

“The report to Council recommends continued advocacy to the NSW Government for a funding model that recognises planning performance, as well as the reinstatement of the Mine Grouting Fund to unlock stalled development.

“We will continue to leverage every available tool to eliminate barriers and streamline delivery pathways, and will continue to work with the NSW Government to secure the long-term supply of well-located housing across the city.”