Category: Newcastle News

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.

Raptor Squad officers have charged nine alleged Finks OMCG members and associates following investigations into drug, firearm, affray and sexual touching related offences in the Hunter Region.
On Saturday 1 November 2025, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly touched by an unknown man on three separate occasions throughout the night at a licenced premises in Merewether.
That same night, three other men were allegedly involved in an affray at the hotel, where it is alleged one of the men armed themselves with a cutlery knife and threatened a patron.
The next weekend – on Saturday 8 November 2025 – Port Stephens Hunter Police District officers commenced investigations into an alleged brawl at a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, where it is alleged a group of men attacked other patrons standing outside the venue.
The men involved in the sexual touching and affrays were allegedly identified to be members of the Finks OMCG.
From about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025), officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad North, with assistance from local police, executed seven warrants in the Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland areas.
In Kurri Kurri, police arrested a 36-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. In North Rothbury, police arrested a 33-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to the both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Singleton Local Court on Thursday 27 November 2025. At an address in Rutherford, police arrested a 40-year-old man. He was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with sexually touch another person without consent. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 10 December 2025. During a search warrant in Maitland, police allegedly located a gel blaster. Two men – aged 28 and 38 – were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station. The older man was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident, and two counts of firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order. The younger man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, supply prohibited drug >indictable & <commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity.
Both were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Thursday 20 November 2025).
At an address in Windale, police arrested a 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman. They were taken to Belmont Police Station, where the man was charged with affray and use etc offensive weapon in company with intent indictable offence relating to the Merewether incident.
During a search of the property, police also located a shotgun.
The man was consequently also charged with a number of firearm offences, including:

• Acquire etc prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order
• Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm
• Not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm
• Acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
• Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
  The woman was charged with possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, and not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm.
  The pair were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today
  At a Bellbird address, police arrested a 32-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident.
  He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
  At a separate address in Bellbird, police arrested a 34-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit relating to the discovery of a ballistic dart gun and knuckle dusters among other things found at his property.
  He was also charged with not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, licensee not store ammunition in restricted area as required, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
  He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 18 November 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Adoption of the 2026 council meeting schedule

Council voted unanimously to adopt the amended schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2026 calendar year.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest 

Council voted to endorse the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period of 1 August to 31 October 2025.

Endorsement of the 2024/25 Annual Report and adoption of the Financial Statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2024/25 Annual Report and to adopt City of Newcastle’s audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the 2025/2029 Delivery Program for the September quarter and adopt the revised budget.

Adoption of Procurement Policy

Council voted unanimously to approve an amended updated procurement policy.

Public exhibition of planning agreement for 53 Weakleys Drive Beresfield

Council voted unanimously to place the draft planning agreement for 53 Weakleys Drive Beresfield on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and receive a report on the exhibition outcomes.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2025.

Tender report – Biennial Traffic Control Services 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of traffic control services to support construction and maintenance activities across the organisation from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.

Tender report – Biennial hire of plant, trucks and equipment 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of plant, trucks and equipment to support construction and maintenance activities across the organisation from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2028.

Notices of Motion 

Improving accessibility for the Newcastle Toy Library

Council voted unanimously to work with the Newcastle Toy Library Organising Committee to improve accessibility to the Toy Library for all families in the city and particularly in the western suburbs of the LGA.

Continued advocacy to recategorise Minmi Road as a Regional or State Road

Council voted unanimously to make a new application to the NSW Government for the classification of Minmi Road (from Longworth Avenue at Wallsend to Woodford Street, Minmi) as a State Road under its pending new road re-classification framework.

On track for high-speed rail with a station at Broadmeadow

Council voted unanimously to write to the High Speed Rail Australia Chief Executive and Federal Minister for Infrastructure encouraging them to progress the business case for a station at Broadmeadow to the next stage. Council will also engage with Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens Council on joint advocacy to the Federal and State Governments on a fast and direct public transport connection to the Airport.

Calling for Newcastle investment from the Housing Australia Fund

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO write to the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, to seek her support in advocating for new social housing in the Newcastle LGA and the broader Hunter region in the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the Hunter region.

Kobi Hughes, aged 15, was last seen on Averys Lane, Heddon Greta, about 9pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Kobi’s welfare due to his young age.

Kobi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with long blonde hair.

He was last seen wearing tight black jeans, black leather jacket, black Converse shoes and with a black backpack.

Kobi is believed to frequent the Central Coast area, often visiting Erina.

For the first time, National Thoroughbred Week is being held across Australia, and a few of the events are in Hunter Region  between 20 – 24, November.
It’s a week that opens doors the public never normally gets to walk through – racing stables, rehoming farms, and training yards that are usually not open to the public. Locals can meet the horses, talk to the people who care for them, and see a side of the industry most never get to.
In Hunter Region, there’s plenty happening:
· Backstage at the Races,  Newcastle Racecourse Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newcastle-racecourse/   – Experience a behind-the-scenes Race Day on Thursday, 20 November—enjoy lunch, meet horses and riders, and join a guided tour of the grounds at 4 PM.
· Celebrate the Thoroughbred on and off the Track,  Manning Valley Race Club Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/manning-valley-race-club/   –  Enjoy a community race day at Taree on Sunday, 23 November, celebrating Thoroughbreds, classic cars, and family fun with hands-on horse activities.
· Guided Tour,  Annabel Neasham (Archibald) Racing: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/annabel-neasham-racing/ – As part of National Horse Week, Annabel Neasham Racing invites you to enjoy morning coffee at Scone Race Club, watch trackwork, then head to the stables for a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll meet the team, learn about training methods, and get up close with horses.
· Guided Tour at Modern Equine Care,  Scone Equine Hospital: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-equine-hospital/: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/  –  Take a guided tour of the new state-of-the-art veterinary facility and see firsthand what goes on inside an equine hospital. You’ll have the chance to observe surgeries, visit patients in care, and experience the daily work that keeps our horses healthy and thriving.
· BBQ Breakfast,   Morning Trackwork and Stable Tour,  Scone Race Club: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-race-club/    –  Enjoy a free BBQ breakfast at Scone Race Club from 7:30 to 8:30 as you watch the final hour of trackwork, then follow us to Rob and Annabel Archibald’s nearby stables for an exclusive guided tour.
· Behind the Scenes at the Thoroughbred Genetics Laboratory,  Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/racing-australia-equine-genetics-research-centre/   –  Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the genetics laboratory with the Director of the EGRC, where you’ll learn how commercial genetic testing works, discover how Racing Australia and the EGRC help protect the integrity of the Thoroughbred breed, and hear about the latest research projects from the team.
· Guided Tour,  Arrowfield Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/  – Experience the world of Thoroughbred excellence with an exclusive guided tour of Arrowfield Stud in Scone. Over three days, small groups of just 10 guests will enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading breeding and racing operations, including its historic stud, yearling preparation centres, and the daily work that shapes future champions.
· Guided Tour,  Kia Ora Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/kia-ora-stud/  – Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Kia Ora Stud where you’ll meet the horses, including newborn foals and retired racehorses, explore the breeding barn to learn about the breeding process, and chat with the team to have all your questions answered.
· Guided Tour, Activities for Kids and Morning Tea,  Newgate Farm: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newgate-farm/  – Visitors to Newgate Farm are invited to experience the heart of world-class thoroughbred operation with morning tea on arrival, a stallion parade featuring some of their leading sires, time with broodmares and their foals, a look at yearlings in training, and a Q&A session with the team about breeding, care, and sales preparation.
· Guided Tour and Light Snacks,  North Bloodstock (Fromelles): https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/north-bloodstock-fromelles/  –  Visit North and discover the ins and outs of their incredible industry as you meet the team, learn what it has to offer, and spend time with their beautiful horses of all ages.
· Guided Tour,  Cressfield: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/cressfield/  –  Enjoy a tour of Cressfield’s beautiful property, home to Group 1-winning mares, their foals, and other top performers, and meet the dedicated team who care for them around the clock while upholding a culture of hard work, harmony, and excellence.
 
They’re all free to attend and family-friendly. It’s a genuine chance to get behind the scenes and see what goes on in your own backyard.