Category: Newcastle News

A further two teenage boys have been charged after a man was left seriously injured following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter last weekend.

Just after midday on Sunday 3 May 2026, emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Belmont, following reports of an assault on a bus.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Police Transport Command attended and were told a group of people entered the bus, before an argument ensued with a 49-year-old man.

As the group was getting off the bus, they allegedly repeatedly assaulted the man, knocking him unconscious.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. The man has since been from hospital.

A short time later, nine youths were located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Belmont.

Following inquiries, seven were released pending further investigation.

Two boys – aged 16 – were charged and remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, another two 16-year-old boys were arrested at Toronto and Belmont Police stations, where they were each charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

They are due to reappear separately before a childrens court on Monday 18 May 2026 and Monday 15 June 2026.

A 12-year-old boy was also dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Investigations are ongoing.

Art lovers are being invited to celebrate two groundbreaking commissions that are creating a more accessible and inclusive Newcastle Art Gallery for thousands of visitors.  

A panel talk and Auslan-interpreted tour on Saturday will highlight the development of the Gallery’s first access-focused digital guide, Nancy, and provide insights into the world-leading sculptural solution to the Gallery’s original floating staircases.  

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the commissions were having a significant impact on how people are interacting with the reimagined Gallery space. 

Artist Fayen d’Evie engaging with a tactile interpretation of a work of art by Brian Robinson which forms part of her sculpture, ( reflecting air ) “…Touch enabled her to discern minute details… which often pass unnoticed…”, 2025. Design and fabrication: Feather Edge. Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, commissioned with assistance from the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and proudly funded by the NSW Government 2025. © the artist. Photo: Roni Bintang

“The expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery provided the ideal opportunity to ensure access and inclusion were at the heart of how our community can experience our reimagined facility,” Ms Morton said. 

“From using an artistic and access-led solution to the physical challenge created by the space under the staircases for visitors who are blind or have low vision, to developing our first digital guide, which has already been accessed by more than 8,000 visitors, we are committed to collaborating with community members with lived experience to deliver better outcomes for everybody.” 

Saturday’s event will feature internationally acclaimed artist Fayen d’Evie and Central Coast-based Auslan trainer and interpreter Thomas Doe, who will give visitors a chance to learn more about how access-led solutions are being embedded permanently in the new Gallery. 

Digital guide Nancy takes visitors on a 24-stop tour around the ground floor collection exhibition with audio, Auslan-interpreted video and written descriptions, which can be accessed using a visitor’s personal device via the Newcastle Art Gallery website or QR codes throughout the space.  

The guide was developed using a ‘by community, for community’ model, with contributions and expertise from local d/Deaf consultants and community members, Auslan interpreters, artists, accessibility advocates and First Nations consultants.  

It was named in recognition of Nancy Tapp, a much-loved volunteer of 36 years at Newcastle Art Gallery, to celebrate the role that Gallery guides play in shaping the unique experience of every visitor. 

Thomas Doe said being involved with Newcastle Art Gallery to develop Nancy was a meaningful experience. 

“The Art Gallery team approach the project with open minds and a genuine commitment to inclusion,” Mr Doe said.  

“Providing Auslan access means d/Deaf and hard of hearing people can do more than just view the artwork – they can connect with the stories, understand the artist’s intention, and fully experience the exhibition.” 

As well as contributing to the development of Nancy, Fayen D’Evie was commissioned to create  the architectural-scale sculptures that enable visitors to move safely around the two floating staircases on the ground level of the original 1977-built Gallery, which no longer adhere to modern building code standards for people who are blind or visually impaired.  

Tactile versions of key works of art and braille incorporated into the sculptures also allow people to engage through touch with the stories of the Gallery, which d’Evie said was important for her when developing the sculptures.  

“I wanted these sculptures to be invitations not barriers, and architectural prompts for conversation between visitors, sighted and blind alike,” d’Evie said. 

“They honour the original staircase structure, while creating a tactile veil around it.” 

Fayen d’Evie’s sculpture was supported by a $50,000 grant from Creative Australia and a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grants program, while Nancy was supported by City of Newcastle and a $10,000 Museums & Galleries of NSW grant. 

Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said designing spaces with accessibility as priority means better outcomes for everyone.  

“Art should always be for everyone, and the Newcastle Art Gallery team should be commended for their work to ensure one of our city’s key cultural landmarks can be better enjoyed by all,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“Making those improvements is a key outcome from our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) which is up for renewal in 2027. 

“It’s currently undergoing early engagement, and I encourage the community to get involved and share their experiences with us to make sure we continue building a Newcastle that works better for everybody.”  

Community members can find out more and make a submission on the DIAP via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website, before Monday 15 June. 

Saturday’s Intersensorial Conversations event starts from 11am, with more information and limited bookings still available on the Newcastle Art Gallery website.  

A man and a woman have been charged with fraud offences in the state’s Hunter Valley.

In August 2025, detectives attached to Hunter Valley Police District’s Rural Crime Prevention Team commenced inquiries under Strike Force Overton, following reports of alleged fraudulent transactions, including the fraudulent sale of hay, made by employees of a local pastoral company, with the alleged value exceeding $300,000.

Following extensive inquiries by detectives, on Monday 4 May 2026, a 47-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with 21 offences – dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (19 counts) and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (two counts).

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

On Tuesday 5 May 2026, a 48-year-old woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice for five counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception.

She is expected to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tueday 16 June 2026.

Police will allege in Court that over an approximate three 3-year period, the couple had gained/caused a financial loss of more than $326,000 to the pastoral company through fraudulent hay sales, use of farm machinery on external unauthorised properties, scrap metal sales, diesel fuel theft, and mechanical and tyre repairs and maintenance on vehicles not belonging to the pastoral company.

Investigations under Strike Force Overton continue.

The NSW Electoral Commission has this afternoon declared the result of the local government by-election held on 18 April, with Gavin Morris elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
 
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge in February after 17 months in the role. 

Gavin Morris will take the affirmation of office on Tuesday 12 May in Council Chambers at the City Administration Centre.

Mr Morris will then chair the Development Application Committee Meeting, the first formal meeting of his term.

“This is an exciting time, and I look forward to leading this fabulous city, working with Councillors, staff, and the community,” Mr Morris said.

“I believe we can create an incredible future together.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the NSW Electoral Commission had to receive all postal votes before they could recognise the result today.

“Gavin Morris becomes Newcastle’s 16^th Lord Mayor, following the Electoral Commission’s declaration of the results,” Mr Bath said.

“Staff have appreciated Gavin’s collaborative comments since winning the election and look forward to working with him as we continue to make Newcastle an even better city to live and work in. 

“With the by-election result being finalised, Charlotte McCabe has finished in the acting role, and we’ve greatly appreciated her leadership over the last six months and the positive impact her calm demeanour has had on staff and Councillors.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe reflected fondly on her time representing Newcastle during the period while the office of Lord Mayor was vacant. 

“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor over the last six months and help steer the elected Council through a period of uncertainty,” Cr McCabe said.

“The collaboration shown by those in the chamber meant we were able to continue operating effectively and without disruption to the community.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to represent Newcastle through my role as Deputy Lord Mayor, and Councillor for Ward One.”

The final cost of the by-election to City of Newcastle is $1,107,777. 

The by-election was not anticipated when the budget was adopted by Council in June 2025, which forecast a surplus of $258,000. 

Therefore, the cost will be added to the 2025/26 budget position when it is reviewed by Council in May. 

City of Newcastle is making live performance more inclusive for people who are hard of hearing thanks to new assisted listening technology at the Civic Theatre and Playhouse.

The new system transmits performance audio directly into hearing aids via Bluetooth and headphone jacks, with several options available to cater for a range of audio devices used by people in the community.

The upgrade is among dozens of actions being delivered under City of Newcastle’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 (DIAP), which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces.

City of Newcastle is now asking the community to share their experiences with disability, access, and inclusion to help shape an updated DIAP for 2027 – 2031.

Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said community feedback is crucial to make sure we understand how the city can continue to become more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. 

“For someone who is hard of hearing, this new assisted listening technology can help make live performances fun, engaging, and more accessible, and it represents meaningful progress towards a more inclusive Newcastle,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“Some other examples of actions being carried out as part of the current DIAP include delivering more inclusive programming, like Low Sensory Days at Newcastle Museum and Auslan Storytime at Newcastle Libraries.

“To see actions from our current DIAP coming off the pages and into the real world as tangible outcomes is fantastic and shows how important it is that we get strong feedback from our community to continue improving accessibility across Newcastle.

“City of Newcastle staff have worked with Community Disability Hunter Alliance (CDAH) to co-design the engagement process, to ensure every person in our community can meaningfully participate and have their say. 

“I encourage anyone who has experience with disability to get involved, give feedback on what you love, what we need more of, and where we can work together to continue making our city more inclusive and accessible.”

Newcastle mother-of-two Amanda Robertson is a community representative on the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, and said her family is experiencing firsthand how the DIAP can change the city for the better. 

“I’m proud to have been working with City of Newcastle and seeing up close how the current DIAP is implemented has shown me how important it is to share my experiences as a mother to twins with mobility disabilities,” Ms Robertson said. 

“For families like ours, things like the Foreshore Park playground, which opens later in the year, and more improvements to Newcastle’s footpaths through the Pedestrian Mobility and Access Plan will genuinely make our lives better.  

“These actions are included in the current DIAP and are clear examples of how feedback from people in the community with lived experience can make a real difference.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said local government plays an important role in making communities better for everyone.

“In December, the Minns Labor Government launched our ambitious four-year plan to build a more inclusive and accessible NSW. Local councils have the task of reflecting that ambition, working within communities to develop their new Disability Inclusion Action Plans,” Ms Washington said.

“I congratulate the City of Newcastle on its work done to date to improve inclusion across the city and encourage Novocastrians to have their say about the next steps needed to build an even more inclusive Newy.”

A mix of online and in-person workshops, high-visibility pop-up events across Newcastle, and a comprehensive online campaign will capture the experiences, opinions, and input that guides the DIAP for 2027 – 2031. 

Through a partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter there will be a focus on learning directly from people with lived experience, carers and other stakeholders to ensure the perspectives of under-represented and marginalised people are included. 

Community members can find out more and make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website, before Monday 15 June.

Two teenage boys have been charged, and a man remains in hospital, following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter yesterday.

Just after midday (Sunday 3 May 2026), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Belmont, following reports of an assault on a bus.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Police Transport Command attended and were told a group of people entered the bus, before an argument ensued with a 49-year-old man.

As the group was getting off the bus, they repeatedly assaulted the man, allegedly knocking him unconscious.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

A short time later, nine youths were located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Belmont.

Following inquiries, seven were released pending further investigation.

Two boys – aged 13 and 15 – were taken to Belmont Police Station where they were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

They both refused to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 3 May 2025).

Investigations are ongoing.

Newcastle Museum is rolling out the red carpet for a new exhibition that celebrates the city’s connection to Australia’s fashion industry.

Showcasing 10 years of Newcastle-based fashion magazine and modelling agency Façon, the retrospective offers an insight into couture culture, with a focus on how local designers, models, personalities and locations have been celebrated in print and on the runway.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird and Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish with the Toni Maticevski gown featured as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum on 1 May.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning, Julie Baird, said the exhibition was testament to the vision of Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish, who saw an opportunity to intertwine her experience in the international fashion industry with her hometown. 

“Newcastle Museum is a place where local stories are shared, celebrated and preserved and this same ethos has been at the heart of Façon from the very beginning,” Ms Baird said.

“They proudly prioritised their Newcastle identity, providing opportunities for local photographers, models, designers and creatives alongside nationally and internationally recognised names.

“They celebrated the place where the magazine was produced, showcasing the city’s iconic locations like Fort Scratchley, the Civic Theatre and the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“From the famous faces that have adorned its covers, to the designers whose looks have styled its pages, Façon has spent a decade bringing high fashion to Newcastle – and Newcastle to the world.”

Enlarged reproductions of the magazine’s covers and fashion shoots take visitors on a journey through the years, featuring everyone from Newcastle’s own Miss Universe Tegan Martin to the universally loved icon of Australian television Kate Ritchie and Indigenous supermodel Samantha Harris.

Some of the magazine’s signature looks are also brought to life in the exhibition, with mannequins dressed in clothing and accessories from Newcastle-based and nationally renowned designers including Jean Bas, High Tea With Mrs Woo, Saretta The Label, Studio Melt and vintage Givenchy.

Designer fashion on display at Newcastle Museum as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, including a gown designed by John Robinson (far right).

Never before displayed couture from the Museum’s own collection is included in the exhibition with mid-twentieth century gown, The Lantern Dress by John Robinson. The Newcastle designer combined made-to-measure craftsmanship with theatrical embellishment, often incorporating hand-applied sequins and beads. 

A selection of Robinson’s gowns from the Museum’s collection were featured in the Winter 2021 issue of Façon magazine, reaffirming their enduring significance within Australian fashion history.

The showpiece of the exhibition is a sculptural evening gown created by renowned Australian designer Toni Maticevski, which was worn by singer and television presenter Ricki-Lee Coulter for the cover of the Summer 2019 issue.

Ms Lupish said Façon has become more than a magazine, it is a conduit for launching, shaping and celebrating people, places and creativity.

“Façon was designed as a celebration of Newcastle and the Hunter; a way to highlight local businesses and creatives alongside luxury national and international brands,” Ms Lupish said.

“But it has become more than a magazine; it is a record of time, place and community.

“We’re proud to have launched and progressed the careers of countless up-and-coming models including Face of Façon finalist Sarah Henderson, who went on to sign with Metropolitan Models Group in Italy, walk the runway at Australian Fashion Week and for DIOR in Paris.

“We’ve prioritised First Nations models and stories including the development of The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship to celebrate, sustain and grow Indigenous art, design and storytelling.

“This has allowed us to support recipients including filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, photographer Sean Kinchela, fashion brand Miimi and Jiinda, who have now showed at Australian Fashion Week numerous times and singer-songwriter Ruby Shay, who went on to secure an ABC Country Charts #1 after her scholarship win.

“Through it all we’ve proudly celebrated our city and its stories. We will continue to create and put Newcastle on the map, not only in our own country but in the world.” 

The free exhibition, Facon 10: Retrospective, will open tomorrow and remain on display at Newcastle Museum until 27 June 2026.

Twenty‑eight women from Arabic, Afghan and Indian backgrounds have turned their creative skills into a source of income thanks to a mentoring program supported by City of Newcastle.

Applications will open on Monday for City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorship programs, which last year helped provide economic opportunities for a group of refugee and culturally diverse women through Shared World Collective’s Make, Gather and Market initiative.

Shared World Collective founder Katrina Gulbrandsen with participants of the Make, Gather & Market initiative selling hand-made products at Olive Tree Markets. City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Corporate Affairs, Nick Kaiser said programs like this demonstrate how targeted funding can deliver practical, long-term benefits for the community.

“Our grants and sponsorships programs provide support across nine different streams to help organisations like Shared World Collective deliver initiatives that respond to local priorities, ease cost-of-living pressures for our community and contribute to a stronger Newcastle year-round,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 across categories supporting social inclusion, upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture initiatives, environmental projects and a wide range of events.” 

Participants in the Make, Gather & Market program were given guidance and small business training to help them use their existing creative skills to create hand-made products they could sell at the Olive Tree Markets. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the program focused on building confidence, skills and pathways to economic participation. 

“This grant gave us the resources to remove cost barriers and support participants all the way through from learning artisan skills to selling their work at local markets,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“The program included visits to circular economy initiatives such as Full Circle Collective and The Makers Place to learn about sustainable sourcing and selling, as well as candle making, natural ink painting, sewing and hand embroidery workshops.

“Participants told us the experience was calming and empowering, and many gained confidence, business knowledge and pride in their skills while strengthening connections within the community.” 

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program supports initiatives that deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for the local community, with funding available through Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants and Event Sponsorship. 

Event Sponsorship supports conferences and events of all sizes, including general, incubator and major events hosted across the city. Last weekend, national skate competition King of Concrete led by world champion and Olympic judge Renton Millar was held at Bar Beach after receiving support through the 2025 general event sponsorship. 

Major Events supported include the Beach 5s weekend festival at Nobbys Beach, the 20^th anniversary Hill to Harbour in March and OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival. 

Recent Infrastructure Grant recipients include Stockton Bowling Club, which received funding for a disability access ramp and Kotara South Netball Club, which was supported to upgrade court lighting. 

Community Support Grants assist projects across environment, arts, culture and history, social inclusion and sustainability. Previously, City of Newcastle has supported the Salvation Army to deliver weekly community lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged, and the Share Shop in Hamilton to expand their range of electric appliances and tools.  

Applications for City of Newcastle’s 2026 Grants and Sponsorships programs open 4 May and close 31 May. 

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

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

Ryan Forrest, aged 15, was last seen on Prestwick Street, Fletcher, about 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified on Friday 24 April 2026 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

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

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Ryan is known to frequent the Greenhills Shopping Centre, Thornton Shopping Centre, Maitland, Woodberry, Rutherford and Tenambit areas.

A Hunter region man is expected to face the NSW Bail Division Court today (30 April, 2026) charged with soliciting, accessing and possessing child abuse material.  

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 27, and conducted a routine examination of his luggage at Sydney International Airport on 8 November, 2025, following his return to Australia on a flight from Japan.  

During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation. 

The device was seized by the AFP for further digital forensic analysis.  

Following analysis of the seized device, the AFP yesterday (29 April, 2026) executed search warrant at a house in Raymond Terrace where police located and seized further electronic devices, as well as a gel-blaster.  

The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with: 

• Use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); 

• Use carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and 

• Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). 

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.    

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained unwavering in its pursuit of anyone involved in child exploitation. 

“This investigation sends a very clear message. If you engage in the possession or distribution of child abuse material, you will be caught,” Det-Supt Needham said  

“Law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and take action against those who offend against society’s most vulnerable.”  

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said ABF officers worked closely with law enforcement and other border agency partners to detect and intercept material that posed serious harm, to ensure it did not enter our community. 

“This outcome highlights the value of collaboration and intelligence sharing across border and law enforcement agencies,” Supt Baker said. 

“There is no place for abhorrent child abuse material in our community, and ABF officers remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”