Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is looking to ensure Beresfield Golf Course remains a sustainable and successful community asset by appointing a new operator for the popular Council-owned facility.

With the current lease set to expire on 31 August, an Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign aims to identify new proponents to manage the recreational facility, which features a 10-hole golf course, 18-hole footgolf course, 18-hole disc golf course and mini-golf.

City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said Beresfield Golf Course is a valued public space that brings people together for active living and social connection.

“We want to identify a new operator with the vision and capability to leverage strong local community support for the facility,” Mr Clarke said.

“City of Newcastle works hard to ensure the things we want and need are nearby and easily accessible, so it’s important to retain this facility for the community.

“We showed our commitment to Beresfield Golf Course by providing grant funding in early 2024 to create the region’s first 18-hole disc golf course. 

“Not only does the facility provide a range of different sporting options, it’s also one of the few golf courses that is dog friendly.

“We’re open to considering different approaches and models for the operation of Beresfield Golf Course.

“To ensure the EOI results in a suitable outcome, we’ve engaged an external agent to manage the leasing campaign.

“City of Newcastle will assess the submissions based on criteria such as demonstrated financial capacity, expertise in operating similar facilities, staffing plans, and a five-year business plan.

“We hope to enter into an initial five-year lease agreement with the successful proponent, a time frame that was supported by the community as part of the public exhibition of the lease.”

The EOI campaign has already attracted plenty of interest.

EOI submissions must be lodged no later than 4pm on Thursday, 10 July 2025, with the lease to commence on 1 September.

Beresfield Golf Course is located midway between Newcastle and Maitland, just a short drive from the M1 Pacific Motorway. 

The 24-hectare site also includes a Pro Shop, amenities and change rooms, a club house, greenkeepers’ workshop, a barbecue and picnic area, as well as a large car park.

More details on the EOI process can be found at www.beresfieldgolfcourselease.com.au

City of Newcastle has been forced to close Wallsend Library today in the wake of heightened violence and threatening attacks towards staff and the general public. 

Police have been called repeatedly during the past week following increased anti-social behaviour at the library, which has seen staff attacked with items, a security guard spat on, youths carrying knives in the street and people forcing their way into the building. 

Incidents of vandalism including graffiti, glass smashed on the front steps, ramp and in the overnight return chute and the signage outside the library being damaged have also been reported to the police. 

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the safety of staff and the community was of the upmost importance. 

“It is unacceptable that the behaviour of a small number of people is putting people at risk,” Mr Bath said. 

“In the wake of a week-long campaign of increased anti-social behaviour we have made a decision to close our library today for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public. 

“We’ve been working with the Police, who have been incredibly responsive in this matter, but it’s clear that more needs to be done in Wallsend.  

“The solution is not police permanently stationed at the library or on every street corner. 

“Wallsend is an amazing community but that can’t prevent us from acknowledging that there is a safety problem that needs to be addressed.

“We’re calling for the support of all those in our community including local Members, community leaders, teachers and parents, to initiate conversations with younger people about how to behave in public. 

“Library staff are being threatened on an almost daily basis. With school holidays around the corner, our staff are rightly concerned about not only their safety but also that of people attending the library.” 

City of Newcastle had previously changed the way people enter Wallsend Library in response to the anti-social issues, with visitors having to scan their library cards to gain entry to the building on weekday afternoons after 3pm. 

A security guard has also been employed by City of Newcastle for the past 12 months to patrol the site. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird said libraries have always been a valuable resource for our community, offering a safe and welcoming space that provides opportunities for social connection, education and recreation. 

“While the vast majority of visitors use the library respectfully, it’s disappointing that the troubling actions of a few within the community have necessitated this action to be taken,” Ms Baird said. 

“We appreciate the support and patience of our library members at this time.”

Newcastle Art Gallery is home to the most valuable public art collection in Australia outside of a capital city following an independent valuation of $145 million. 

This is an increase of $19 million, or around 15 per cent, since key works from the Gallery’s collection were last reviewed in 2022. 

It includes a significant rise in the value of the Gallery’s First Nations collection, which increased by nearly 80%, while works of art by female artists increased in value across the board. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery will provide a fitting home for one of City of Newcastle’s most valuable assets. 

“This is one of the most significant and highly valuable public collections of art outside of a state or national institution. To date only 1% of the collection has been displayed in any one year due to a lack of space in the existing Gallery,” Mr Bath said. 

“This limitation will soon be overcome via a significant expansion and upgrading of the Newcastle Art Gallery to international standing. The expansion will enable the Gallery to be fit-for-purpose to host our $145 million collection alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia and around the world, creating a significant cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter. 

“Following the completion of the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, iconic works by the likes of Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, William Dobell, and Joseph Lycett will be permanently on show.” 

Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the city’s collection includes works of art of local, national and international importance. 

“We are proud to be the custodians of the city significant and diverse collection, which provides a time capsule of Australian art dating back more than 200 years,” Ms Morton said. 

“We’re also proud of what this updated valuation tells us about the growing global celebration of so many significant First Nations artists, and the value and recognition for women artists, which have steadily increased during the past five years. 

“The reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery will enable more of our valuable collection and much-loved icons to be on display, allowing us to share them with our visitors.” 

The updated valuation also includes a significant new donation to the collection from Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM, who are among Australia’s leading arts philanthropists. 

The Mordants have gifted 25 works of art from their private collection to Newcastle Art Gallery, which is the largest donation of art they have ever made to a single institution. 

“Catriona and I believe that art should be seen and enjoyed by the widest possible audience,” Mr Mordant said. 

“In considering Australian and international institutions to be recipients of part of our collection, built over almost 40 years, we looked for organisations where we believed in their leadership and their ambition.  

“Newcastle was an obvious choice and we commend Lauretta and her predecessors who have worked tirelessly to put art at the centre of the community. We very much look forward to seeing these works enjoying a new life in Newcastle Art Gallery.” 

Ms Morton said this marks a significant moment for Newcastle Art Gallery as it reaches the final stages of its building expansion. 

“Having known Simon for several years, I have always admired his and Catriona’s incredible support for artists and the broader arts sector globally, so I was quite overwhelmed to be invited to review their collection and select works of art that represented the vision for our reimagined gallery – to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded,” Ms Morton said. 

“We are honoured to accept this gift as the custodian of the city’s collection and we look forward to sharing it with our community through a special exhibition in 2026 honouring Simon and Catriona’s generosity to Newcastle Art Gallery.” 

Visit City of Newcastle’s project page to stay up-to-date with the latest progress of the expansion project. 

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

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

Starleigh Bates, aged 14, was last seen about 9am on Cary Street, Toronto on Thursday 26 June 2025.

When Starleigh could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were contacted today (Monday 30 June 2025) and commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold concerns for Starleigh’s welfare due to her age.

Starleigh is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 155cm tall, of medium build, with red/brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit pants.

Starleigh is known to frequent Toronto, Wallsend, Woodbury, Stockton and Metford areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

Brooke Stamp, aged 33, left Silverwater, on Monday 23 June 2025, with the intention of travelling to Newcastle.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified today (Monday 30 June 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for her welfare as she has medical issues that require medication.

Brooke is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 160cm-165cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Hamilton and Carrington areas. She may be using the rail network to travel.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged after allegedly performing burnouts which hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley this week.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight on Sunday (29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a vehicle was allegedly performing a burnout when it hit three onlookers. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Police were told two women were also hit by the car, whoever, left the scene before emergency services arrived.

About 2.40am, the alleged vehicle involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm. It was seized for forensic examination.

Police established a crime scene at both locations and detectives commenced an investigation into the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries, about 5.30pm yesterday, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police station where he was charged with the following offences,

– dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous,

– cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,

– cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,

– negligent driving (occasioning death),

– negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm),

– prolong, sustain etc loss of traction, and

– fail to comply with requirement made under section.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Monday 30 June 2025).

Police are searching for a driver after a car performing burnouts allegedly hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley overnight.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight (Sunday 29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a modified Ford Fairmont sedan was performing a burnout when it hit three people. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Two women – who police have been told were also hit by the car – also left the scene before emergency services arrived.

The vehicle alleged to be involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm, about 2.40am.

It has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Police have established a crime scene at both locations and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.

As inquiries continue, detectives are hoping to speak to the driver of the Ford or anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man will face court today charged after a fatal crash near Newcastle at the weekend.

The crash happened about 2.40am Sunday (22 June 2025), when a Commodore sedan and a Hyundai sedan collided on Newcastle Road at North Lambton

A 55-year-old woman, who was a passenger in a Hyundai, died at the scene.

The driver of that car – a 28-year-old woman – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Police were later informed that the woman was pregnant and had subsequently lost her unborn child.

The driver and front-seat passenger of the Commodore allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.

The two passengers in the back seat of the Commodore – girls aged 15 and 17 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in serious conditions.

Following extensive inquiries, police attached to Strike Force Carrarang – assisted by Operation UTAH officers – arrested a 19-year-old man at a home in Mayfield yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 24 June 2025).

He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with seven offences,

Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit,
Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit,
Cause bodily harm by misconduct – in charge of motor vehicle (three counts)
Use vehicle displaying misleading number plate, and
Never licensed person drive vehicle on road.
The man, from Wallsend, has been refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Wednesday 25 June 2025).

The critical incident investigation is ongoing by Hunter Valley Police District and will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command, oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).