Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has dished up a tasty transformation project to enhance the community’s experience of visiting one of the city’s most popular parks.

First Light café will open its doors to the public tomorrow after City of Newcastle completed a redevelopment of the former baby health centre in Lambton Park.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Finance & Property Scott Moore, café operators Corey Park-Pearson, Angelo Luczak and Luke Marshall with City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley officially cut the ribbon to open First Light café in Lambton Park.

Constructed in the 1940s, the building has been modernised with the support of a $1 million grant through the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said it was fantastic to launch a new chapter for this significant building.

“As one of City of Newcastle’s premier parks and home of community facilities including the swimming pool, library, sporting fields and manicured gardens, Lambton Park is a cherished community hub for recreation, heritage, community events and activities,” Ms Hyland said.

“This building has played an important role in the Lambton community, offering support for generations of young families visiting the baby health centre, before providing opportunities for social connection when it operated as tea rooms.

“Now, we have invested in the revitalisation of this community asset to transform it into an inclusive café space that welcomes and caters for community members of all ages.

“The addition of the large rear deck with ramp access will ensure people with mobility issues can enjoy the leafy outlook, while its location next to the playground, which itself is about to undergo a complete upgrade by City of Newcastle, will make this the perfect destination for families.

“We thank the NSW Government for its investment into this project, which has helped City of Newcastle deliver the first major adaptive reuse of this historic building since its construction more than 80 years ago.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund project will enhance the experience of parkgoers.

“Lambton Park is a place where people come to spend time together with family, friends and teammates, and this upgraded café makes that experience even better,” Mr Kamper said.

“By investing in facilities that support how communities already use their parks, we are ensuring Crown land remains welcoming, inclusive and central to everyday life.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the NSW Government is focused on delivering practical upgrades that communities can see and use every day.

“This café is exactly why people choose the Hunter – it offers the lifestyle so many are looking for, with strong communities, local character and space to enjoy life,” Ms Catley said.

“But lifestyle only works when it’s liveable, and that’s what we’re delivering – investing in the spaces, services and local hubs that make day-to-day life easier and keep communities connected.

“We’re making smart use of what’s already here, preserving the character and history of the area, while locating this café alongside existing facilities, making it a part of the daily rhythm of the community.

“We’re backing local councils with the funding they need to deliver projects that reflect what their communities actually want and need, and today’s opening is another example of that.” 

The upgrade included the installation of a new commercial kitchen, accessible bathroom facilities and the reconfiguration of the building into a more attractive and accessible open plan design. 

While remaining sympathetic to the aesthetic of the original building, it also features an outdoor seating area and takeaway window at the front and bi-fold doors opening onto the new rear deck extension.

First Light café is operated by three accomplished names in Newcastle’s hospitality scene, Angelo Luczak, Luke Marshall, and Corey Park-Pearson, who said they have been blown away by the community’s anticipation for the project.

“We’ve certainly received a warm welcome from the Lambton community and local business who have been reaching out to us on our social media platforms to wish us well and eagerly anticipate our opening,” Mr Luczak said.

“It’s also been wonderful to hear from locals who chatted with us through the construction fencing and told us about their history with the building when it was the baby health centre.

“Our vision is for First Light to be a welcoming space for the community to gather, and we look forward to adding to the vibrancy of Lambton.”

First Light café will open its doors to the public from 7am on Wednesday 22 April.

A man has died after being stabbed in the state’s north this morning.

Shortly after 4am (Sunday 19 April 2026), emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a man aged in his 30s had been stabbed.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established, with Lake Macquarie detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation into the incident.

The area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Lake Macquarie or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.

A man will face court after the body of a woman was found in the state’s north.

Just after 8pm yesterday (Saturday 18 April 2026), emergency services were called to a home on Merrigum Street, Windale, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find the body of woman – believed to be aged in her 40s.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to treat the woman; however, she could not be revived.

She has yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established, and investigations have commenced.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with murder (DV).

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 19 April 2026).

The Minns Labor Government is backing Swansea Surf Clubs with over $200,000 in funding for new and upgraded facilities.

Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club received $176,622 to replace the existing shade cover which is over 20 years old and no longer safe.

The new structure will provide a safe, all-weather space for members, Nippers, surf sports events and community functions all year round.

The grant will also fund a full upgrade to the male amenities, providing safe, modern and accessible facilities for members, guests and the wider community.

The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club received $41,200 to replace 15 deteriorated windows with modern, coastal-grade windows. The new glazing will improve safety, security ventilation and weatherproofing.

The new windows will also protect lifesaving assets, helping the club continue to deliver lifesaving activities, training youth development and community programs.

The Surf Club Facility Program provides grants of up to $1 million for projects that involve upgrading, resorting or building new surf life saving club facilities.

This year’s Program also included grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

This funding is a big win for our local clubs.

Surf life savers give so much to our community from keeping beachgoers safe, to training the next generation of champions and this investment will help them continue this vital work.

These grants will support the development of modern, fit for purpose facilities that ensure our surf life savers can continue to deliver a world-class service.

Swansea-Belmont SLSC recently hosted the NSW State Championships with the event set to return in 2027. This funding will help ensure the club’s facilities reflect the strength of our community and showcase it to the rest of the state.

I look forward to the benefits these projects will bring to the Swansea community.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

The awarding of $5.48 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”

A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle’s most stunning views.

Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall atop King Edward Park has been underway since late 2025, transforming the site into a new hospitality space while maintaining its strong historic character.

Shepherds Hill Cottage has one of the best vantage points on Newcastle’s coastline.

Expected to open in coming months, Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill café will be helmed by local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, who bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur’s Pantry, Mr O Wholefoods and Ronnie’s Pokolbin.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Councillor Declan Clausen said exploring new uses for the site was an important way to keep it open and accessible for the community.

“Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city,” Cr Clausen said.

“This project has focused on highlighting the cottage’s historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it’s exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life.”

Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the State significant site.

“We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city’s past and present,” Ms Hyland said.

“This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.

“Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”

Construction on the project is being overseen by a heritage consultant, who has helped guide work on the new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades. 

This phase of the project is supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Noke Group Directors Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier said they want to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and accessible to the community.  

“Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We’ve spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us,” Mr Leonard said.

“The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again.”

Mr Gontier said Eddie’s is about keeping things simple and doing them well.

“Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they’re going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience,” Mr Gontier said.

“I cannot wait to show what our company is about and be proud of what we can create.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved Newcastle landmark. I know the community is keen to see it activated and open to the public,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“It is great to see this project take another step closer to completion and unlocking the potential of this beautiful site.”

The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.

A driver has died after crashing into a tree in the state’s Hunter Region today.

About 2pm (Friday 17 April 2026), emergency services were called to Leconfield Road, Greta, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that a Kia sedan had crashed into a tree while navigating a bend in the road.

The driver – a 19-year-old man – died at the scene.

Forensic officers have attended and will examine the scene of the crash.

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

An investigation is underway after a bus and a ute crashed before hitting a house in the Lake Macquarie area this morning.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Clydebank and Oakwood roads at Balmoral shortly before 6am (Friday 17 April 2026), and found two people trapped.

A woman – who was a passenger in the ute – was released by Fire and Rescue NSW before being taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering multiple injuries. She’s reported to be in a critical condition.

The 72-year-old male bus driver was taken to the same hospital after also being released by Fire and Rescue NSW. He’s being checked for a suspected leg injury and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Three other people travelling in the ute, the 43-year-old man driving, his wife and eight-year-old son have been taken to the same hospital to be checked as a precaution.

Two people in the home at the time were not injured; however, the house has sustained significant structural damage.

A man will face court after a police officer was allegedly struck by an unregistered motorbike during a police operation in the Lake Macquarie area today.

About 11:30am (Thursday 16 April 2026), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting high-visibility patrols on e-bikes along the Fernleigh Track, Kahibah, following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

While officers were speaking with a 14-year-old boy on the track, an allegedly unregistered motorbike, ridden by a 47-year-old man, approached police, who identified themselves as police officers and directed him to stop.

The rider allegedly did not stop as directed and continued riding towards police before striking an officer in the arm with the motorbike.

The man then rode into a stationary police e-bike, causing damage to the vehicle, before crashing into a nearby guard rail.

The man was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

The police officer was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Following the arrest, police also searched the motorbike locating and seizing an unauthorised cardboard number plate and two knives. All items will undergo forensic testing.

He was charged with seven offences – drive recklessly/furiously or speed in a manner dangerous, custody of a knife in a public place, use vehicle with unauthorised number plate, use unregistered vehicle, use uninsured vehicle, use vehicle on road related are with motor vehicle tax unpaid and malicious damage.

Police will allege in court the carboard numberplate was registered to a different vehicle and registered to another person.

He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Friday 17 April 2026).

Police have arrested an inmate following a manhunt across the Newcastle area today.

On Tuesday (14 April 2026), police were notified that an inmate at a correctional facility in Grafton, had been incorrectly released.

Following the report officers immediately commenced a search to locate the 35-year-old man.

During the search, police determined the man had travelled from Grafton to the Newcastle area.

Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District Domestic Violence Team arrested the 35-year-old on Boreas Street, Hamilton North, this afternoon (Thursday 16 April 2026).

He has been taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant.

The man was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 tomorrow (Friday 17 April 2026).