Category: Newcastle News

A phone booth that transforms New Year’s resolutions into a glowing LED installation will be a quirky addition to City of Newcastle’s end-of-year celebrations on the Foreshore next month. 

The “wish exchange” is among the family-friendly fun being offered at this year’s New Year’s Eve event, which will once again culminate in the 9pm fireworks over the harbour. 

City of Newcastle’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Foreshore 2024Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the celebrations will facilitate a moment of reflection for the whole community and a chance to connect over a shared year of achievement. 

“Our New Year’s Eve celebration is a highlight of Newcastle’s annual events calendar, attracting more than 35,000 to the Foreshore precinct surrounding Queens Wharf each year,” Cr McCabe said.

“The event is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate a momentous year, while looking forward to what comes next.”

The New Year’s Eve celebrations will kick off at 5pm with plenty on offer for people of all ages.

Families can enjoy a kids’ zone with nostalgic carnival-style games, circus workshops, a toddler-only jumping castle and a craft section where kids can design their own sustainable New Year’s Eve sunglasses from thrifted frames. 

The Station will feature bigger stages this year with a line-up of homegrown entertainment, including local musicians, comedy and cabaret performances as well as three DJ stages across the site. 

The celebrations will culminate in a spectacular display of fireworks, which will launch from a barge in the middle of the harbour to provide incredible uninterrupted views. 

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said the inclusive event has been tweaked following feedback for an improved experience.

“We’ve listened to the community’s comments from previous years and moved the fireworks display to a central harbour location so they can be seen from every point along the foreshore, from Queens Wharf to Camp Shortland,” Mr Kaiser said.

“The event will include an accessible viewing platform, grassy picnic zones and a dedicated quiet zone ideal for those who may need a break from the large crowds and stimulation. Designated spots for accessible parking and additional public transport options will also be available.” 

To find out more visit visitnewcastle.com.au/nye2025 

A Tighes Hill cooking school is working to tap into Newcastle’s $1.5 billion annual tourism market with tasty new experiences aimed at attracting more visitors from outside the region.

Yellow Door Kitchen is one of five local businesses taking part in City of Newcastle’s Product Mentoring Development Program, which is designed to develop and promote new tourism products and activities to a wider market.

Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser with owner Janet Newton at Yellow Door Kitchen.Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said City of Newcastle is working to expand the range of bookable tourism experiences in Newcastle to meet growing demand.

“This program is aimed at enhancing Newcastle’s growing reputation as a compelling destination within the Australian leisure travel market,” Mr Kaiser said.

“Almost five million people visited our city in 2024 but the majority of those visitors only came on a day trip or stayed overnight.

“With the expansion of Newcastle Airport’s international routes, it’s important to build capacity for domestic and international tourist-ready experiences.

“The unique activities will provide a deeper connection to life in Newcastle beyond the usual sightseeing opportunities, giving tourists even more reasons to stay in our city while providing a boost to the local economy.”

This year’s Product Mentoring Development Program attracted businesses that offer a range of experiences such as brewery tours, history crawls, First Nations culture and Civic Theatre backstage tours.

As part of the program businesses are taking part in two half-day workshops and will receive one-on-one mentoring sessions with previous participants such as Nova Cruises, Mitch Revs and Foghorn Brewery, as well as six months of ongoing business support.

Yellow Door Kitchen is already popular with locals and visitors from Sydney, but owner Janet Newton said she’s looking to expand her reach.

“City of Newcastle’s Product Development Mentoring Program is perfectly designed to help us find ways to reach a wider audience,” Ms Newton said.

“We have so much to offer with hands-on classes for people of all ages and cooking abilities, as well as cooking demonstrations involving food from all over the world.

“I’m excited to be part of this year’s program and look forward to learning from other industry professionals.”

This is the third round of the Product Development Mentoring Program, which to date has seen City of Newcastle support 23 local businesses develop and expand their ideas for the tourism market.

Mr Kaiser said the program was just one of the initiatives being delivered under City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan to help grow and support the visitor economy.

“The tourism sector plays a vital role in Newcastle’s economy, having experienced significant growth during the past 10 years,” Mr Kaiser said.

“We’re committed to leading a collaborative whole of industry approach toward shaping Newcastle as a premier destination.

“Projects such as the Product Development Mentoring Program are about investing in the capacity of our local industry, while initiatives such as our campaign with global travel platform Tripadvisor highlight our bookable attractions to attract new visitors and increase tourist spend. 

“This campaign has been running since mid-September and has already resulted in more than 80,000 visits to our ‘Seek New in Newcastle’ webpage, ensuring we continue to reinforce everything Newcastle has to offer to as many potential visitors as possible.”

A phone booth that transforms New Year’s resolutions into a glowing LED installation will be a quirky addition to City of Newcastle’s end-of-year celebrations on the Foreshore next month. 

The “wish exchange” is among the family-friendly fun being offered at this year’s New Year’s Eve event, which will once again culminate in the 9pm fireworks over the harbour. 

City of Newcastle’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Foreshore 2024Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the celebrations will facilitate a moment of reflection for the whole community and a chance to connect over a shared year of achievement. 

“Our New Year’s Eve celebration is a highlight of Newcastle’s annual events calendar, attracting more than 35,000 to the Foreshore precinct surrounding Queens Wharf each year,” Cr McCabe said.

“The event is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate a momentous year, while looking forward to what comes next.”

The New Year’s Eve celebrations will kick off at 5pm with plenty on offer for people of all ages.

Families can enjoy a kids’ zone with nostalgic carnival-style games, circus workshops, a toddler-only jumping castle and a craft section where kids can design their own sustainable New Year’s Eve sunglasses from thrifted frames. 

The Station will feature bigger stages this year with a line-up of homegrown entertainment, including local musicians, comedy and cabaret performances as well as three DJ stages across the site. 

The celebrations will culminate in a spectacular display of fireworks, which will launch from a barge in the middle of the harbour to provide incredible uninterrupted views. 

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said the inclusive event has been tweaked following feedback for an improved experience.

“We’ve listened to the community’s comments from previous years and moved the fireworks display to a central harbour location so they can be seen from every point along the foreshore, from Queens Wharf to Camp Shortland,” Mr Kaiser said.

“The event will include an accessible viewing platform, grassy picnic zones and a dedicated quiet zone ideal for those who may need a break from the large crowds and stimulation. Designated spots for accessible parking and additional public transport options will also be available.” 

To find out more visit visitnewcastle.com.au/nye2025 

A Tighes Hill cooking school is working to tap into Newcastle’s $1.5 billion annual tourism market with tasty new experiences aimed at attracting more visitors from outside the region.

Yellow Door Kitchen is one of five local businesses taking part in City of Newcastle’s Product Mentoring Development Program, which is designed to develop and promote new tourism products and activities to a wider market.

Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser with owner Janet Newton at Yellow Door Kitchen.Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said City of Newcastle is working to expand the range of bookable tourism experiences in Newcastle to meet growing demand.

“This program is aimed at enhancing Newcastle’s growing reputation as a compelling destination within the Australian leisure travel market,” Mr Kaiser said.

“Almost five million people visited our city in 2024 but the majority of those visitors only came on a day trip or stayed overnight.

“With the expansion of Newcastle Airport’s international routes, it’s important to build capacity for domestic and international tourist-ready experiences.

“The unique activities will provide a deeper connection to life in Newcastle beyond the usual sightseeing opportunities, giving tourists even more reasons to stay in our city while providing a boost to the local economy.”

This year’s Product Mentoring Development Program attracted businesses that offer a range of experiences such as brewery tours, history crawls, First Nations culture and Civic Theatre backstage tours.

As part of the program businesses are taking part in two half-day workshops and will receive one-on-one mentoring sessions with previous participants such as Nova Cruises, Mitch Revs and Foghorn Brewery, as well as six months of ongoing business support.

Yellow Door Kitchen is already popular with locals and visitors from Sydney, but owner Janet Newton said she’s looking to expand her reach.

“City of Newcastle’s Product Development Mentoring Program is perfectly designed to help us find ways to reach a wider audience,” Ms Newton said.

“We have so much to offer with hands-on classes for people of all ages and cooking abilities, as well as cooking demonstrations involving food from all over the world.

“I’m excited to be part of this year’s program and look forward to learning from other industry professionals.”

This is the third round of the Product Development Mentoring Program, which to date has seen City of Newcastle support 23 local businesses develop and expand their ideas for the tourism market.

Mr Kaiser said the program was just one of the initiatives being delivered under City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan to help grow and support the visitor economy.

“The tourism sector plays a vital role in Newcastle’s economy, having experienced significant growth during the past 10 years,” Mr Kaiser said.

“We’re committed to leading a collaborative whole of industry approach toward shaping Newcastle as a premier destination.

“Projects such as the Product Development Mentoring Program are about investing in the capacity of our local industry, while initiatives such as our campaign with global travel platform Tripadvisor highlight our bookable attractions to attract new visitors and increase tourist spend. 

“This campaign has been running since mid-September and has already resulted in more than 80,000 visits to our ‘Seek New in Newcastle’ webpage, ensuring we continue to reinforce everything Newcastle has to offer to as many potential visitors as possible.”

Raptor Squad have charged a man following an aggravated robbery in the state’s Hunter Region earlier this year under Strike Force Bromsgrove.
Strike Force Bromsgrove is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Raptor North into a series of related aggravated robbery related incidents in the Nelson Bay area in March 2025.
About 5.25am on Thursday 27 March 2025, emergency services were called to Salamander Way in Salamander Bay following reports of a home invasion.
On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were told five unknown men dressed in dark clothing and face coverings – two armed with firearms, and one armed with a knife – had entered the home.
The group of males allegedly threatened the home’s occupants – a 48-year-old woman and two men aged 52 and 26 – demanding drugs before stealing their mobile phones, a luxury handbag, and a luxury hat.
The offenders then fled the scene in a white 4WD vehicle, suspected to be bearing stolen registration plates CX35UZ.
Local police commenced initial inquiries and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the youngest man for a suspected broken nose.
The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Raptor North who commenced investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove.
Following extensive inquiries, about 7.50am today (Wednesday 26 November 2025), strike force detectives arrested a 21-year-old man in Prestons.
The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon and participate in a criminal group.
He was refused bail to appear in Liverpool Local Court today, where police will allege in court the man was allegedly armed with a shotgun during the home invasion, which he used to assault the occupants of the home.
Investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove continue.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Sunny Jenkins, aged 30, was last seen at John Hunter Hospital about 1.00pm on Sunday 23 November 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were contacted and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Sunny is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and hazel-coloured eyes.

He is known to frequent the areas of Swansea, Belmont and Garden Suburb.

The Minns Labor Government has secured a blockbuster lineup of Rugby League World Cup 2026 matches for Newcastle, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events.
The pride and passion of the Pacific will be on full display at McDonald Jones Stadium for Round One of the tournament on 18 October 2026. A dynamic Sunday afternoon double-header will see the New Zealand women taking on their Fiji Bulikula rivals before a barnstorming Pasifika showdown in a crucial men’s group match between the Fiji Bati and their Cook Islands neighbours.
In a major boost for the Hunter region, thousands of rugby league fans from across the globe will descend on Newcastle for the first men’s and women’s Semi Finals on Saturday 7 November 2026, further demonstrating the city’s ability to host unforgettable sporting moments.
With a further 12 matches to be played across Sydney and Wollongong, Rugby League World Cup 2026 is estimated to attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy, delivering significant economic benefits for hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across the three host cities and surrounding regions.
Hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2026 aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. A key pillar of the Strategy is building a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives year-round visitation to support jobs and businesses that rely on tourism.
Today’s announcement adds to NSW’s unrivalled line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, Sydney Sail GP, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, Bathurst 1000, State of Origin, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.
For information on Rugby League World Cup 2026 fixtures and tickets visit www.rlwc2026.com. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Newcastle is Rugby League heartland and that passion will be on full display during the 2026 World Cup.
“Watching a footy game at McDonald Jones Stadium should be on every League fan’s bucket list and the 2026 World Cup is the perfect opportunity to experience a double-header game day in Newcastle.
“Our city is a world class sporting destination and it is terrific that thousands of people will travel here not only for the match, but to experience everything we have to offer.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Newcastle is the home of thousands of devoted rugby league fans. This is a huge win for my community.
“In 2025, we saw major sporting events come to our city, from NRLW Magic Round to Wallabies and Wallaroos home tests. It is great to see more major events lined up for 2026.
“I can’t wait to show the world how great Newcastle is.”

The final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will enhance comfort, convenience and opportunities for connection for visitors while preserving the site’s heritage. 

City of Newcastle has lodged the development application for the revitalisation of the pavilion building including its distinctive Art Deco façade, which will undergo conservation and refurbishment works including measures to retain its structural stability.

An artist’s impression of how the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will look, revitalising the pavilion building and upper promenade.

The application also includes upgrades to the upper promenade and surrounding areas to create a safer, more inviting and inclusive destination for all members of the community.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure, Rob Dudgeon, said this was a significant milestone for the project, which preserves the heritage of the facility while ensuring it is fit-for-purpose for future generations.  

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have contributed to the social, historical and cultural fabric of our city for more than 100 years,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“They have become an iconic visual symbol of Newcastle’s coastal lifestyle and continue to be an important destination for community connection, recreation and leisure. 

“The upgrades delivered to the pool and lower promenade have been embraced by the community, with more than 181,000 people visiting between September 2024 and April 2025.

“This next stage of work will restore, protect and enhance the pavilion buildings and surrounding areas to ensure the much-loved facility remains accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”

The project includes upgraded pedestrian access from Shortland Esplanade to the front of the building, where visitors can appreciate the Art Deco façade before making their way through to the upper promenade.

An expanded café and kiosk will be incorporated into the southern wing of the building, providing both sit-down dining and takeaway options. A community space adjacent to the café will be bookable through City of Newcastle, providing another option for community groups looking for somewhere to gather and meet.

New shade structures and seating will be installed overlooking the adjoining Canoe Pool, with informal terraces offering additional spaces for people to sit and relax. 

The northern pavilion building will feature inclusive changerooms that cater for all members of the community, including accessible amenities, a ‘Changing Places’ facility and two private family / non-gendered facilities.

The amenities will include a mix of open and enclosed spaces for changing, as well as new toilets and showers. 

The project’s design has been updated in response to feedback from the community and Heritage NSW, as well as considerations from technical studies. 

Key changes include a revised north-south layout for the changerooms, creating a central entry point facing the Baths, as well as an increase in changing space.

The height of the roof over the amenities has also been increased to provide natural light and an open air feeling balanced with privacy, security and protection for the historic façade. 

More outdoor seating and spaces for picnics have been incorporated into the design, along with a second service window for the kiosk overlooking the pool.

Mr Dudgeon said the community would have a chance to provide feedback on the development application before it is assessed for determination by the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. 

Should the DA be approved, the detailed design will be finalised ahead of a call for tender for construction. 

During this time, activities will also be underway to identify a suitable operator for the lease of the café and kiosk.

To find out the latest details including information on how to provide feedback when the Development Application goes live on the NSW Planning Portal and public exhibition starts, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

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

Alyssa Bell, aged 13, was last seen on Shaw Crescent, Muswellbrook, in early November 2025.

When family couldn’t locate or contact her, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Thursday 20 November 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Alyssa is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, of slim build, with dark hair and light blue eyes.

She is known to travel on public transport, specifically railway stations in Central Coast and Sydney CBD.

City of Newcastle has launched a new hands-on program designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection at Newcastle Museum.

Led by resident artist and educator Ken O’Regan, the Make N Do workshops encourage participants to get their creative juices flowing with guided and open-ended activities inspired by history, science and the Museum’s current exhibitions.

Local artist Ken O’Regan guides participants through creative activities during the Make N Do workshops at Newcastle Museum

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said Make N Do is part of the Museum’s commitment to offering creative, inclusive spaces that foster community connection.

“Make N Do gives adults permission to create for the sake of creativity,” Ms Baird.

“It invites people to step away from their screens, slow down and explore the joy of making something with our hands.

“When we make, we shift our focus, calm the mind and open new neural pathways. It’s not about skill level or perfection, it’s about curiosity, experimentation and connection.

“Our programs at Newcastle Museum are always well-received and highly valued by the community. We know hands-on workshops like this bring people together in meaningful ways and provide a fun, welcoming space for adults to explore their creativity.”

The workshop series kicked off on Thursday 13 November, and will run each Thursday until 4 December, taking inspiration from the Model Newcastle exhibition.

Participants at the first session were invited to design and build miniature homes or imaginative structures using everyday recyclable materials. 

Following the first four weeks, Make N Do will continue as an ongoing series in 2026, while group bookings and tailored workshops for community and disability support groups are also available on request.

The free workshops run from 2pm to 4pm on each Thursday, with all materials provided. Bookings are essential via the Museum’s website. For group or accessibility enquiries, contact Newcastle Museum via enquiries@newcastlemuseum.com.au or 4974 1400.