Category: Newcastle News

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to boost funding for the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The additional funding will boost the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic with additional funding to extend its operating hours and to employ more doctors and nurses in periods of high demand.

By increasing the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, even more patients will be able to receive free, high-quality urgent care without congesting the Emergency Departments of local hospitals, including the John Hunter Hospital.

Since opening in November 2024, there have been over 17,500 visits to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The largest proportion of patients to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic have been children, with over 1 in 4 visits from individuals aged under 15 years old.

More than 1 in 4 visits have taken place on the weekend, and of the visits that took place during weekdays, 1 in 4 have taken place at 5pm or later.

Health Minister Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide more funding to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

“For the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic this means increasing staff numbers in peak periods, and extending opening hours.

“With over 17,500 visits to the UCC we know how much the local community values this service.”

Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP:

“A year ago today, we opened the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic – and with over 17,500 visits, it’s proved to be one of the busiest in the country.

“That’s why we’re delivering more doctors and nurses during peak hours so that you can get the free urgent care you need, even quicker.

“That means it’s not only open every day of the week and after hours too – but it now has additional capacity to look after you and your family.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:

“In just 12 months, over 17,500 people in our community, have been able to access vital health care at the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care clinic, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in our region.

“I’ve heard firsthand from community members how transformative the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been, with some telling me that the service has been genuinely lifesaving for them.

“The Albanese Government’s funding boost means even more Novocastrians will be able to get the urgent and quick care they need, while taking even more pressure off our local hospitals.”

Following a resolution of the elected Council in December 2024, City of Newcastle has been reviewing the use and operation of the dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The dive tower was constructed as part of the original facility, which officially opened to the public in January 1963.

It includes 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and is located alongside the 1m and 3m springboards, which are all serviced by a 5m-deep pool.

General public access to the dive tower was restricted seven years ago due to safety concerns. The facilities are currently only able to be accessed by accredited diving organisations. 

There are 12 aquatic centres (including Lambton) with heritage dive towers in Australia. However the Lambton tower is one of only two heritage towers (those built before 2000) still in use, with the other remaining facility, at Canberra Olympic Pool. The heritage dive tower at Canberra Olympic Pool is scheduled for permanent closure as part of an upcoming redevelopment project.

Contemporary diving facilities around Australia built since 2000 are also predominantly restricted for use by trained and qualified professionals associated with accredited diving clubs, with public use highly limited.

As part of the review of the dive tower requested by Council, City of Newcastle sought guidance from SafeWork NSW due to the age of the asset and challenges in meeting current safety standards. Following two inspections in November, SafeWork has issued improvement notices that have identified the risks of falls and slips on the tower, 3m springboards and one of the 1m springboards.

The dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board have been temporarily closed in order to review the SafeWork improvement notices which includes engaging a qualified expert to conduct a risk-based assessment, determine appropriate control measures and associated costs. 

City of Newcastle will consult with stakeholders during the review period in line with SafeWork’s direction including the Dive Club and its approximate 70 members.

Ten sporting fields across Newcastle will be better equipped to handle wet weather next winter thanks to a $500,000 investment into improved drainage being rolled out by City of Newcastle.

Work began this month on the sand grooving program, which is a cost-effective drainage solution that enhances the playing surface without major reconstruction.

Sand grooving at Mayfield ParkChair of the Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said this program of works will take City of Newcastle’s investment to more than $3.35 million on drainage and irrigation improvements over the past five years.

“We manage more than 150 sports fields and are committed to delivering high quality sporting facilities to meet the needs of our growing and active community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Unfortunately, what we can’t control is the horrible weather that has regularly hit the east coast of Australia the past few years.

“Newcastle experienced one of its wettest winters on record this year, with May receiving 300mm of rain which was three times the normal average, and August 290mm, which is more than triple what is usually the driest month of the year.

“The levels of rainfall forced the repeated postponement and cancellation of fixtures across a range of sporting codes.

“We continue to invest in projects to lessen the impact of both incredibly wet and overly dry weather on our sporting community and currently have 24 grounds with drainage as well as 25 irrigated grounds.

“Importantly we’ve invested in the maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure to ensure we get the maximum use out of our upgraded grounds.

“We remain committed to working with local sporting organisations to prioritise and deliver key projects in line with our Strategic Sports Plan and will continue to partner with the State and Federal Governments to secure grant funding.”

The sand grooving program is being progressively rolled out at Wallsend Oval No.2, Mayfield Park, Gibbs Brothers Oval, Learmonth Oval No.2, Townson Oval, Darling Street Oval, Nesbitt Park, Lugar Park, Ford Oval and Harry Edwards Oval.

The technique involves cutting narrow trenches in the turf and backfilling them with washed sand to loosen the soil, creating a direct path for water to drain into an existing drainage system, reducing surface ponding.

City of Newcastle will also begin preparing drainage and irrigation designs for eight sports fields this financial year including Adamstown Park and Elermore Vale Reserve.

During the past five years, drainage improvements have been delivered across the city at grounds including National Park No.1, No.5 and No.6, Townson Oval at Merewether, Arthur Edden Oval at New Lambton, Myers Park at Adamstown and Johnson Park at Lambton.

New stormwater pits, subsoil drainage lines and irrigation enhancements were installed at Smith Park in Hamilton North while drainage designs have been completed at Harker Oval at New Lambton, Fletcher’s Kurraka Oval, Novocastrian Park at New Lambton and Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

Drainage improvements were also incorporated into the recent masterplans adopted for Waratah Park and Adamstown Park.

Additional sportsgrounds identified for drainage upgrades will be included as part of the public exhibition for 2026/27 Council budget.

City of Newcastle remains committed to working with local sporting organisations to prioritise and deliver key upgrades and will continue to partner with the State and Federal Governments to secure grant funding.

Following a resolution of the elected Council in December 2024, City of Newcastle has been reviewing the use and operation of the dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The dive tower was constructed as part of the original facility, which officially opened to the public in January 1963.

It includes 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and is located alongside the 1m and 3m springboards, which are all serviced by a 5m-deep pool.

General public access to the dive tower was restricted seven years ago due to safety concerns. The facilities are currently only able to be accessed by accredited diving organisations. 

There are 12 aquatic centres (including Lambton) with heritage dive towers in Australia. However the Lambton tower is one of only two heritage towers (those built before 2000) still in use, with the other remaining facility, at Canberra Olympic Pool. The heritage dive tower at Canberra Olympic Pool is scheduled for permanent closure as part of an upcoming redevelopment project.

Contemporary diving facilities around Australia built since 2000 are also predominantly restricted for use by trained and qualified professionals associated with accredited diving clubs, with public use highly limited.

As part of the review of the dive tower requested by Council, City of Newcastle sought guidance from SafeWork NSW due to the age of the asset and challenges in meeting current safety standards. Following two inspections in November, SafeWork has issued improvement notices that have identified the risks of falls and slips on the tower, 3m springboards and one of the 1m springboards.

The dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board have been temporarily closed in order to review the SafeWork improvement notices which includes engaging a qualified expert to conduct a risk-based assessment, determine appropriate control measures and associated costs. 

City of Newcastle will consult with stakeholders during the review period in line with SafeWork’s direction including the Dive Club and its approximate 70 members.

Police are appealing for the public’s assistance following a number of suspicious fires in the state’s north yesterday.

About 12.20pm yesterday (Sunday 30 November 2025), emergency services were called to the corner of Frame Drive and Gingers Lane, Sawyers Gully, following reports of a grass fire.

A short time later, at about 12.30pm, emergency services were called John Renshaw Drive, Buchanan, following reports of two more grass fires.

NSW Rural Fire Service crews attended and extinguished both blazes.

About three hours later, at 3.40pm, emergency services were called to a fire on a grass verge on John Renshaw Drive, Black Hill, and further emergency services responded to another fire on a grass verge of Averys Lane, Buchanan.

Both these fires were again extinguished.

No reports of injuries were received and there were no reports of damage to vehicles or property.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called established crime scenes at all locations, commencing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

As part of inquiries, police are appealing for information on a white Mazda SUV last seen in Kurri Kurri about 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 30 November 2025).

Anyone else with CCTV or dash cam footage of the Sawyers Gully, Buchanan, and Kurri Kurri areas between 12pm and 4pm yesterday (Sunday 30 November 2025) is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle will undertake short-term remediation work at Bar Beach next week to combat erosion threatening the stability of the sand dunes, following recent severe storm events and large swells.

Heavy machinery will be used to scrape sand from the lower part of the beach and deposit it closer to land to support and accelerate the natural process of sand accumulation.

The work is intended to strengthen the resilience of the dune system while City of Newcastle continues to develop long-term management solutions for the Bar Beach to Merewether embayment as part of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP).

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said sand scraping is an interim solution to a complex issue.

“The current erosion south of Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club is approximately 100 metres in length, with an erosion width varying from 5–10 metres,” Ms Kikken said.

“The short-term remediation will build a protective buffer to help reduce the immediate risks to public safety and infrastructure and reduce the risk of further erosion.

“However, the work is subject to natural processes and could be seriously impacted by a single severe storm event.”

The short-term remediation work will begin on Monday and is expected to take five days to complete. It has been designed to cause minimal disruption to residents, businesses and surf lifesaving club activities.

A small section of the Dixon Park Beach carpark will be used as a site compound for equipment, with a temporary ramp to be built to allow machinery to access the beach.

There will be intermittent disruptions and pedestrian diversions along Bathers Way to allow machinery access, with the operation of heavy equipment along Dixon Park Beach and Bar Beach to take place during normal business hours.

There will also be temporary closures of sections of Bar Beach for public safety.

The current fencing and exclusion zones remain in place along the Bathers Way due to the unstable dune, with City of Newcastle’s coastal engineers conducting regular inspections and ongoing stability assessments of the cliff and promenade.

The development of a more permanent solution for the stretch of coastline has moved a step closer with City of Newcastle recently completing a month-long education campaign and eight-week community engagement process on the Southern Beaches CMP.

More than 800 people attended in-person pop-up events across Newcastle during the consultation, with almost 1400 contributions received through the online survey and poll on potential management options for the coastline from Bar Beach to Merewether.

The feedback will be considered as part of the development of the draft CMP, which is expected to go on public exhibition in 2026.

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.”