Category: Newcastle News

Registrations are now open for Newcastle’s favourite festive community chorus, with Civic Theatre’s One Song Sing event returning to Wheeler Place next month.

This will be the third year Novocastrians have been given an hour to learn a special Christmas song before joining together in a one-off public pop-up performance led by community music group The Sum of the Parts.

More than 1,000 community members joined voices to take part in Civic Theatre’s One Song Sing event in Wheeler Place last year.

Following two hugely successful renditions of Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic ‘How to Make Gravy’, this year’s mashup will blend the nostalgia of Wham’s holiday hit ‘Last Christmas’ with the modern pop song ‘Birds of a Feather’ by Billie Eilish.

Executive Manager Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace said the event is a way of celebrating the Christmas season with the community.

“One Song Sing is our way of saying thank you to the community for their support of the theatre during the past year,” Ms Wallace said.

“We look forward to welcoming the community back to Wheeler Place on 22 December for another wonderful celebration in the heart of the Civic precinct.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the event offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to share in the fun of a festive community sing-along. 

“One Song Sing has attracted around 3,000 combined registrations during the past two years and has become a festive favourite, uniting locals in a relaxed, joyful singing experience that connects and celebrates community spirit,” Cr Barrie said.

The free sing-along will start from 5.30pm on Monday 22 December. Visit the Civic Theatre website to register for the event.  

No prior singing experience is required as the event is inclusive, welcoming and designed to make everyone feel part of something special. 

The performance will also be recorded and shared online, allowing the wider community and those who are unable to make it on the day to experience the festive spirit. A link to last year’s performance can be found here.

Foreshore Park will become a hub for youth conversation, connection and creativity this month as part City of Newcastle’s inaugural Down the Park event.

Featuring skate competitions, art workshops and a live music line-up headlined by Triple J Unearthed artists Charlie Farmer and Trophy Wyfe, the free event will celebrate the important role young people and families play in our community.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said Down the Park was designed to support young people through purposeful and creative connection.

“Down the Park celebrates families, caregivers and young people as the beating heart of our community,” Ms Duffy said.

“At a time when many households are facing challenges with access and affordability, free events like this provide valuable opportunities to connect and develop social skills, foster a sense of identity and purpose and engage with important community services and information.”

Councillor Paige Johnson, member of City of Newcastle’s Youth Council Standing Committee, said Down the Park is an excellent opportunity for young people to explore new activities and develop skills.

“This event invites Newcastle’s youth to take part in activities that encourage social interaction, spark creativity, and strengthen their sense of belonging. An important part of this is mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people,” Cr Johnson said.

“By offering a mix of creative, sporting and cultural activities, Down the Park brings young people with diverse interests together in person, helping them build vital life skills and empowering our next generation to thrive.”

The event will be delivered in collaboration with the Newcastle Youth Collective, which is made up of local government and non-government community organisations from Newcastle and surrounds.  

Newcastle Headspace Community Development Officer Byron Williams said Down the Park promotes and fosters connections that help keep our community strong and healthy, offering connections to friends, family, music, art, sport and support services.

“It’s a great opportunity to come along as a family to enjoy the entertainment whilst engaging with many of the supports available in Newcastle,” Mr Williams said.

Down the Park will run from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 20 November near the Foreshore Park Tram Sheds and is designed for young people aged 12 to 24 and their parents, carers or guardians.

The afternoon of entertainment will also include live performances from local musicians, interactive stunt and magic shows by Pretty Amazing Jono and sporting activities such as an outdoor rock-climbing wall and bungy rides. Skateboard enthusiasts can take part in free lessons run by Grundy’s Skate, as well as a mini skate competition for more experienced riders, with prizes provided by East End Skate, Bobby Pace and Galleria Skateboards.

Hands-on workshops on art, henna tattoo and beading will provide creative outlets for families, while a free barbecue, raffles, relaxation zones and 15 stalls with information and resources from local community organisations will provide plenty of options to keep people busy.

A free courtesy coach service will transport young people aged 16 and over, as well as families, to and from the event, with pick-ups from Fletcher, Maryland, Wallsend, Jesmond and Mayfield West. A full timetable will be shared via Facebook and through local schools and services.

Residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland have invested almost $3 million in renewable energy as part of a joint-Council program to improve solar and home battery uptake.

Since the Solar Neighbourhoods initiative launched in mid-September, more than 550 people have registered their interest, with more than 110 purchasing solar panels, batteries, or both, as part of a package deal.

City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead Lexi Crouch, resident Luke York and Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Zoe Johnson with the new battery.City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead Lexi Crouch said representatives from the three Councils have been energised by the response.

“We designed this program to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region,” Mrs Crouch said.

“While the program is called Solar Neighbourhoods, we’ve found the majority of customers are buying a home battery, either to complement their existing solar panels or as part of a package.

“This is a trend we’re seeing across Australia with more than 100,000 home batteries installed since July when the Federal Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme.

“We intend to run Solar Neighbourhoods again next year, but the current program is still open until 30 November, and we’re urging interested residents to register and sign a quote as soon as possible in order to lock in this year’s prices before the government rebates drop.”

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator, Zoe Johnson, said local government is leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program.

“This initiative is the first of its kind for our Councils and responds to community feedback,” Mrs Johnson said.

“Residents from the three Council areas told us they want solar and batteries for their homes, but they were overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar and battery systems.

“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we identified a range of high-quality solar and battery systems, delivered by our program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and installed by trusted Hunter tradies, to make the process as easy as possible.”

Coordinator Sustainability Strategy and Education, Ben Maddox from Maitland City Council said the program has made it more affordable for residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.

“We’re making sure affordable options to pay the system off over time are available in addition to paying upfront, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates of $1,250,” Mr Maddox said.

“Households installing a new solar and battery system can save up to 90 percent on a typical family electricity bill, so we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.

“By partnering with our neighbouring Councils we’re reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Swansea resident Luke York said he was purchasing a battery as part of the program to complement his existing solar panels.

“We’ve paid off our solar panels so this battery will further support our household energy usage,” Mr York said.

“I was so surprised and pleased with the cost of the battery as part of the program and hopefully it ensures we won’t need to take any energy from the grid once it’s up and running.

“I can highly recommend this Council-led program to anyone who is thinking about solar panels and home batteries.”

Residents across the three Council areas have been accessing quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and their network of local installers.

1KOMMA5° Australia CEO Luke Stronach said the partnership is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can come together to support Australia’s renewable energy transition.

“Between the support for renewables across all levels of government and significant community uptake, it’s clear the moment to take a step towards energy independence is now,” Mr Stronach said.

To be part of this year’s Solar Neighbourhoods program head to the website for more information and to register by 30 November 2025.

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Newcastle’s Civic precinct is set to sparkle this month as City of Newcastle lights up the season with the return of its much-loved Christmas tree and festive program of free, family-friendly fun.

Wheeler Place will take on a festive feel from this Friday when the installation of the 11-metre tall Christmas tree begins.

An example of a festive ‘pawtrait’ featuring three dogs, as part of City of Newcastle’s 2024 Christmas program in Wheeler PlaceThe Christmas cheer will kick up a notch from 28 November with the official lighting of the tree and the first of three weekends of live performances, dazzling decorations and plenty of selfie-worthy moments, including twinkling reindeer, oversized bells and Santa’s sleigh, perfect for DIY family and pet ‘pawtraits’ with Santa.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the festive program is a highlight of Newcastle’s events calendar, drawing people into the city centre in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Our Christmas program of activities celebrate the joy and togetherness of the season while shining a light on the amazing local retailers, cafes and restaurants that make our city so special,” Cr McCabe said.

“We’re encouraging everyone to come into the city, explore our unique shops, dining spots and free entertainment while supporting local traders and cultural venues.

“The festivities will officially launch on Friday 28 November and will feature Christmas-themed dancers, live music, a Christmas DJ, Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa Claus as we officially turn on our Christmas tree lights.

“Families can also enjoy a Christmas craft station, where children can write letters to Santa on our decorated cards and create their own silver bell ribbon bracelets to take home.”

Adding even more festive cheer to the precinct, City of Newcastle’s cultural venues are serving up a merry line-up of performances during November and December. 

Locally produced play A Very Newy Chrissy offers something for the adults at the Civic Playhouse from 6 to 15 November as part of the Upstage at the Playhouse season, while the Newcastle University Choir will deliver a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah at City Hall on 14 December. 

The popular One Song Sing community choir event will be back in Wheeler Place on 22 December while musical Kinky Boots will provide an award-winning reason to visit the Civic Theatre from 18 to 21 December.

For more details about the full festive program and other events across Newcastle, visit https://visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on/christmas2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 28 October) of Tuesday 11 November 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Adoption of council policies

Council endorsed an amended motion to adopt the updated Housing and Heritage Policies. 

Astra Aerolab engagement report

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Astra Aerolab Surveys Research Report prepared by Communica and Taverner Research Group.

Notices of Motion 

Land dedication to City of Newcastle 

Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion that City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Health, Roads, Regional Transport, and Member for Wallsend to dedicate the remaining bushland parcels surrounding Rankin Park to Jesmond Bypass and the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct to City of Newcastle, to enable their long-term protection and management as public bushland assets.

Celebrating pride and visibility in the heart of Hamilton

Council voted to endorse an amended notion of motion to include permanent public art ‘Pride crossings’ as continuous footpaths along Beaumont Street near Hamilton Railway Station as a planning project in City of Newcastle’s 2026-2027 proposed Capital Works Budget.

Potential job losses and plant closure at Molycop

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to write to the State Government urging it to align all contracted fleet maintenance with its stated objective of local procurement. City of Newcastle will also write to the Federal Government Industry Minister seeking the ongoing development and ratification of measures that will ensure fair competition for Australian manufacturers, support for local manufacturing and the protection of local manufacturing jobs.

Celebrating the success of New Annual festival 2025

Council voted unanimously to formally recognise the success of the 2025 New Annual festival and its contribution to Newcastle’s cultural life, community, connection and creative economy.

Community engagement in City of Newcastle

Council voted to endorse a notice of motion acknowledging the importance of Council’s community engagement practice in quality decision-making and in building and maintaining our communities’ trust in Council. 

Protecting public land at Warabrook 

Council voted unanimously to endorse a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, the Member for Newcastle, the Member for Wallsend and the Shadow Minister for the Hunter to request that the sale of land at Warabrook be halted and ownership transferred to City of Newcastle for preservation as public-owned land.

Newcastle Jets victory at the Hahn Australia Cup

Council voted unanimously to write to the Newcastle Jets to congratulate them on winning the Hahn Australia Cup.

As the Hunter community pauses for Remembrance Day to honour the fallen, families are being asked to help bring home the identities of soldiers who never returned.

They were miners and clerks, surf lifesavers and sailors. Young men from Newcastle, Wallsend, Cooks Hill, Jesmond, Teralba, Stockton and across the Hunter who volunteered together, fought together, and never came home.

At the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, Australia’s first major engagement on the Western Front, more than 5,500 Australians were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Among them were scores of soldiers from the Hunter region serving with the 5th Division. Their names are etched on honour rolls across the region, yet their resting places remain unknown.

In 2008, a mass grave was uncovered at Pheasant Wood in Fromelles, France. The remains of 250 missing Australian soldiers were recovered. Since then, 180 have been identified through DNA. Around 70 men remain unknown – the “Final 70.”

Now, the Fromelles Association of Australia is appealing to Hunter families to come forward and help identify the final soldiers through DNA testing.

“Every name we restore is a family reconnected and a promise finally kept,” said Tony Ryan, spokesperson for the Fromelles Association of Australia.

“We know who these men are. We simply need living relatives to help us match them with DNA. Even a small family story or a single cheek swab could solve a 109-year-old mystery.”

Hunter soldiers still missing

Just some of the men from the Newcastle and Hunter region still missing include:

• Private Alfred “Alfie” John Smith, Cooks Hill – Surf lifesaver and clerk
• Private John Hay Wishart, Wallsend – Hospital dispenser who died rescuing a mate
• Private Edward Leslie Downie, Maryville – Young sailor from a large local family
• Private John “Jack” Bainbridge, Newcastle – Local sportsman lost crossing No Man’s Land
• Private Thomas Easton, Jesmond/Teralba – Coal miner and one of many mates who enlisted together

Others remain unaccounted for from Waratah, Charlestown, Stockton, Lambton, Weston, Cassilis, Wallsend and surrounding communities.

Call for families to come forward

The Association’s volunteers work in partnership with the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties Unit in Canberra and provide free genealogical support.

“You don’t need to know your full family tree,” Mr Ryan said.
“If you had a great-uncle who went missing in France, or your family has deep Hunter roots, please reach out. One DNA test could honour a soldier’s sacrifice and finally return his name.”

On Remembrance Day, as we pause for the Ode, Australians unite to ensure these men are never forgotten.

“These young men gave their lives for Australia,” Mr Ryan said. “The least we can do is return their names.”

How to help

Families who believe they may be related to soldiers lost at Fromelles are encouraged to contact the Fromelles Association:
Website: www.fromelles.info
Facebook: Fromelles Association of Australia

An investigation is underway after a truck crash on the M1 Motorway at Morriset overnight.

About 11:30pm yesterday (Sunday 9 November 2025), emergency services were called to the M1 at Morriset – following reports of a crash.

At the scene, police located a semi-trailor which has crashed into a guard rail and caught fire.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers have extinguished the fire and are working to contain a diesil spill.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District have are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The southbound lanes of the M1 have been closed and diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and delay non-essential travel.

For up-to-date traffic information visit: www.livetraffic.com

Darby Street will come alive this weekend with live music, street performers, and family-friendly activities thanks to City of Newcastle’s annual Special Business Rates (SBR) program. 

More than $750,000 in funding has been allocated to support nine events and activations across the City Centre and Darby Street precincts, celebrating themes of music, food and fashion. 

Councillor Jenny Barrie, festival organiser Sarah Madden from Hey Tilly and City of Newcastle Executive Manager for Media Economy Engagement, Nick Kaiser, join Darby Street retailers from Palinopsia, Made on Darby and the Delany Hotel ahead of the festival on Saturday.Among the successful applicants is Hey Tilly, organisers of the Darby Street Festival, who received funding in the 2025 round and will benefit from an additional boost to bring the event back in 2026. 

City of Newcastle Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie said the SBR program plays a vital role in supporting local business precincts and continues to enhance Newcastle’s cultural identity.

“We provide funding to projects and events that support the promotion, beautification, and economic development in the Darby Street and City Centre areas,” Cr Barrie said.

“Newcastle is a city that thrives on creativity and community. These events not only attract visitors but also strengthen the local economy, bringing people together to celebrate what makes our city so unique.

“Our Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040 envisions a city that is vibrant, inclusive and creative. Events like the Darby Street Festival are a perfect example of how we’re bringing that vision to life.” 

Festival organiser Sarah Madden from local business Hey Tilly said the funding helps showcase the unique character of Darby Street. 

“We’re delighted to receive Special Business Rate funding from the City of Newcastle. This support allows Darby Street to celebrate local culture, showcase our vibrant community and give businesses a valuable boost,” Ms Madden said. 

“It also fosters a wonderful sense of connection, with local traders working together toward a shared goal of creating something special for our city. We can’t wait to bring the festival to life on 8 November and are thrilled to see it return in 2026.”

Some of Newcastle’s most loved local festivals will return with an elevated experience in 2026, including Newcastle Food Month, West Best Bloc Fest and the Conscious Couture Festival. 

The Mardi Gras Laneway Party at Bernie’s Bar will expand into a city-wide weekend celebration, while Winterheat will once again light up the city centre during the cooler months. 

For more information on the Special Business Rates program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au//specialbusinessratesprogram 

The revitalisation of Newcastle’s city centre is set to continue with City of Newcastle today calling for tenders to deliver the next stage of the East End Village project.

This will include public domain upgrades to Hunter Street, from Thorn to Newcomen Streets, and in Market Street between Hunter and Keightley Streets.

The Federal Government announced in August that City of Newcastle had been awarded $16.7 million in funding from the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program to progress the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct project.

Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said the work ensures City of Newcastle’s vision for a liveable and vibrant city centre continues to take shape.

“For many Novocastrians, the old Hunter Street Mall really felt like the heart of Newcastle and the East End Village revitalisation is bringing that feeling back,” Mr Dudgeon said. 

“All of the work we’re doing in the city centre, including projects like Foreshore Park, the Art Gallery and the Ocean Baths, makes Newcastle a better place to live, work and play.

“We thank the Federal Government for their support of this project, which will enable us to bring the next stage of this project forward.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said it’s fantastic to see the city’s East End transformation taking another major step forward.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s $16.7 million investment in the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct is helping to unlock the full potential of our city’s heart,” Ms Claydon said.

“This project is about bringing new life to the East End while honouring its heritage, improving our green spaces, supporting local jobs and small businesses, and making this area a real drawcard for locals and visitors.

“It’s exciting to see the vision for the East End Village taking shape. These next works will continue transforming the precinct into a connected, people-focused space that reflects the character of our city.”

This round of streetscape upgrades on Hunter Street will largely mirror the work delivered and nearing completion at the western end of Hunter Street and its adjoining streets. 

It includes new footpaths, roadways, and cycleways, fresh landscaping and important underground infrastructure upgrades.

Market Street, between Hunter Street and Keightley Street, will also be transformed into a public gathering space and provide an improved connection between the harbour and the city centre, with an art installation to acknowledge and celebrate Newcastle’s rich Indigenous history.  

As with previously completed phases, these improvements are intended to integrate with almost $1 billion of residential development in Newcastle’s East End, transforming the area into a vibrant and welcoming space for residents, visitors and shoppers.

The tender will close in December. Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.

The East End and Cathedral Park Precinct project will continue the revitalisation of the East End Village as a traditional high street and support the delivery of upgrades to Cathedral Park, which is located between the Christ Church Cathedral and King Street.

Other elements of the project include streetscape upgrades and new connections on Newcomen Street, between Hunter Street and Scott Street, as well as the next stage of the Cathedral Park masterplan, which will make the park easier to access and acknowledge the role the site played in Newcastle’s early post-settlement history.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Emily Hvirth, aged 13, was last seen on Johnson Street, Maitland, about 2.30pm on Monday (3 November 2025).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold serious concerns due to her age.

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.

She is known to frequent the Maitland, Hunter Valley and Central Coast areas.