Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged following an alleged shooting in the state’s north today.

About 8.50am (Wednesday 8 October 2025), emergency services were called to a property on Rotherwood Road, Cassilis, following reports a man had sustained a gunshot.

Police attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told the man allegedly sustained the injury while hunting on the property.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and declared the 71-year-old man deceased.

A crime scene was established and Hunter Valley detectives commenced inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

Following inquiries, a 63-year-old man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with manslaughter and fire firearm manner likely injure persons or property.

His bail was refused to appear at Local Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Thursday 9 October 2025).

City of Newcastle has named civic leader Carol Duncan OAM as the 21st Freeman of the City for a community-focused career with international impact. 

The city’s newest Freeman was celebrated as a trusted and influential voice in Newcastle whose more than 30-year contribution spanned broadcast journalism, local government and community advocacy.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulates Carol Duncan OAM on being named the Freeman of the CityLord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Duncan’s contribution to Newcastle has been profound and enduring. 

“Carol is a trailblazer, her ability to unite people through storytelling, public service, or cultural preservation has made Newcastle a stronger, more connected city,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“In 2012 she established the hugely popular local history group Lost Newcastle, which has helped reunite families, support academic research and grow the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, ensuring Newcastle’s stories endure for generations.

“The Lost Newcastle project has become an extraordinary resource for gathering important stories and details from our history that would otherwise be lost. It is a community-based people’s history project that has become much loved.”

The former ABC journalist and Newcastle councillor has used these avenues to advocate for local arts and culture, help the community through challenge and sustain local history, through local storytelling. 

Ms Duncan’s passion for health and science communication and her award-winning reporting on disasters and public health helped shape policy and support vulnerable communities. 

This included sharing the stories of people with lived experience of Human Papillomavirus, with her groundbreaking broadcast work supporting the extension of the HPV vaccination for boys in Australia and the UK in 2013. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presents Carol Duncan OAM with the Freeman of the City honour at an awards ceremony last nightDeputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presented Ms Duncan with the honour at City Hall last night before an audience that included city officials, cultural leaders and fellow Freemen.

Cr Pull said Ms Duncan’s passion and advocacy for music, arts and the night-time economy were key achievements on her time on Council.

“Carol was a stalwart community advocate throughout the seven years she served as a Newcastle councillor, championing arts, culture, and civic life and chairing key committees including city of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee and Public Art Standing Committee,” Cr Pull said.

“Her leadership helped shape Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure and supported countless community-driven initiatives and I am honoured to officiate today’s Freeman of the City ceremony for such a deserving recipient.”

Ms Duncan said the honour reflects the strength of Newcastle’s people. 

“I feel very honoured and deeply appreciative to be appointed a Freeman of the City of Newcastle. At its heart, my long career in radio and in local government showed me the immense value of working for and with our community,” Ms Duncan said. 

“Whether it’s preserving and sharing our rich history and memories through Lost Newcastle, building bridges between communities and supporting them through challenges, or championing the next generation of musicians and creatives, this recognition reminds us that Newcastle’s greatest strength has always been its people and their stories.

“To be able to contribute positively to people’s lives is a gift, but there’s a long list of people who have supported and encouraged me for more than 30 years, and their generosity makes everything possible. And I’m not done yet!”

The Freeman of the City acknowledgement is Ms Duncan’s second major honour this year, after being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her service to the community.

Ms Duncan joins a list of 20 other Novocastrians to be named the Freeman of the City including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, philanthropist and historian Vera Deacon and Surfest co-founder Warren Smith.

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 1.40pm yesterday (Sunday 5 October 2025), emergency services were called to Maitland Vale Road, Melville, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two vehicles – a motorcycle and an SUV – had collided.

The motorcycle rider was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

While he is yet to be formally identified, he is believed to be aged in his 60s.

The driver of the SUV – a 56-year-old woman – was uninjured. She was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police are appealing for public assistance as an investigation into the death of a dog in Newcastle commenced.
About 2pm yesterday, (Sunday 5 October 2025), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation following reports a dog had died after it was found with serious injuries.
Police were told about 12pm on Friday (3 October 2025), the dog’s owner tied the Rottweiler up to a tree on Steel Street, Newcastle West, before he attended a nearby shopping centre.
About 12.15pm, the man returned and located the dog suffering from serious injuries.
The man took the dog to a vet; however, due to the extent of its injures, the dog was euthanized.
It is believed the dog was assaulted by a group of people while it was tied to the tree.
A crime scene has been established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.

Novocastrians have thrown their support behind the revitalisation of the Queens Wharf precinct.

Almost 1,800 comments and suggestions are being considered by City of Newcastle following an invitation for the community to share their memories and ideas for the popular harbourside location.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive, with 97% endorsing City of Newcastle’s overall vision for the project. 

“We reached out to the community to test our vision for this precinct and seek their input into what types of vibrant mixed-use outcomes people would most like to see as part of the redevelopment,” Mr Clarke said.

“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a complex undertaking, and we’ll consider this valuable feedback from the community alongside a variety of technical, financial, social and economic factors to guide its progression.”

Councillor Declan Clausen, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee, said it was important to involve the community in reimaging this key waterfront precinct.

“It was fantastic to have so many people engaged in the process, sharing their memories of the Queens Wharf area, their big ideas for the future and their priorities for how it should be used,” Cr Clausen said.

“This is a unique opportunity to celebrate our local identity and establish a legacy for future generations, and we’re excited to bring our community along on this journey with us.”

Key themes have been identified from the feedback, with around a quarter of the comments highlighting a desire for Queens Wharf to be a community and family-friendly destination with activities and events for all ages.

Submissions showed support for a diverse and mixed-use precinct with food and dining, retail, arts and culture, night-time activation, open spaces, amenities, and recreation opportunities. 

Supporting local businesses, creating jobs and opportunities and a renewed sense of pride in showcasing Newcastle to tourists and visitors were also suggested in the comments.

A range of short-term ideas to bring the precinct to life were proposed during the consultation and will be considered for implementation while the long-term transformation is underway.

Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle will work with stakeholders, community, businesses, government and agencies to bring a shared vision for Queens Wharf to life.

A development application for the demolition of the fire-damaged western building has recently been submitted, while an expression of interest process for prospective development partners will be launched on 9 October.

“We are committed to ensuring this iconic location at the heart of our waterfront remains open and accessible to all members of the public,” Mr Clarke said. 

“Our vision is to create a vibrant and dynamic space that supports a variety of uses and activities.

“Next week we will invite expressions of interest from the market to help us identify and select an appropriate partner who will transform Queens Wharf in accordance with our vision, building on the feedback from this engagement process.

“Our aim is to attract quality proposals through a competitive process that will revitalise this landmark site for future generations.”

Queens Wharf sits at the heart of the Newcastle harbour foreshore, connecting Stockton, Honeysuckle, Foreshore Park and Newcastle East.

The waterfront precinct has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. 

It includes two separate buildings, two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. The western building has been vacant since a fire in May 2020 rendered it unusable. 

The results of the recent community engagement are available to view on the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Global social media sensation and pop violinist Joel Sunny will deliver an exclusive Australian performance at the Newcastle Ocean Baths tomorrow as part of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.

The Baths have emerged as the city’s hottest new live music destination, attracting more than 4,000 visitors over the first two nights of New Annual’s unique free sunset concert series, SOAK.

Newcastle post punk band DUST drew huge crowds to the Newcastle Ocean Baths as it was transformed into a live music venue for New Annual.

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said Novocastrians and visitors were embracing the opportunity to experience art in iconic local spaces and responding to the unique collaborations on offer. 

“People are coming out in droves to soak up the atmosphere, soak up the setting and soak up the incredible talent on show during these live music sessions,” Ms Loudon said.

“This has never been done at the Ocean Baths before and I’ve been thrilled by the reception we’ve received for SOAK and the wider New Annual festival.

“This year’s program is opening up a range of experiences to people who might not usually engage with more traditional arts venues.

“We’re only halfway through the festival and there’s so much more to come, so I hope everyone jumps online to see what’s in store for the rest of this week and into the weekend.”

SOAK: Live at the Baths opened with Newcastle post-punk favourites DUST performing a spectacular set on a floating stage on Saturday.

It shifted gears the following night with a conservation-themed collaboration between world-renowned beatboxer, Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz artist Freyja Garbett.

• Internationally acclaimed pop violinist Joel Sunny will perform at the Newcastle Ocean Baths as part of New Annual’s SOAK: Live at the Baths program. Photo credit: Cal McIntyre

It will kick up another notch tomorrow night when Joel Sunny turns the curved art deco stairs into his stage as part of his global tour. He will deliver his trademark classical compositions with a pop sensibility, which have helped him amass more than four million social media followers worldwide.

Friday night will be another first when four of Australia’s brightest R&B and hip-hop artists – A.Girl, Dean Brady, BOY SODA and Finbar Stuart – deliver an unmissable supergroup-style performance alongside a live band and string section.

The SOAK programming wraps up on Saturday night with the city’s most unique pool party soundtracked by legendary local DJ jaytee hazard alongside DJ GNGR, who is one of Australia’s finest Afrobeats DJs.

SOAK is not the only free, family-friendly event to look forward to during the closing weekend of New Annual, with Global Gathering also offering a diverse line-up of music, dance, culture and food on Saturday 4 October.

Hamilton’s rich cultural history and cosmopolitan dining destination, Beaumont Street, will provide the perfect backdrop for Global Gathering’s community celebration, which runs from 2pm to 9pm.

MasterChef fan favourites including social media star Brendan Pang, Cake Boi’s Reece Hignell, Good Food columnist Emelia Jackson and Novocastrian Depinder Chhibber will add a culinary twist to the cultural feast, dishing up exclusive live cooking demonstrations on the food stage.

Adding extra spice to the program, the chefs will be interviewed live by acclaimed hosts Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong. The duo will delve into each chef’s approach to food, their favourite ingredients and the personal family histories that inspired their passion for cooking.

Beyond the food, the main entertainment stage will showcase the rich diversity of Newcastle’s community, featuring flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, the storytelling movement of Minangay Dreaming, and the high-energy spectacle of Samoan Dance.

Audiences can also experience the powerful rhythms of ILE ILU, a collective of women drummers, horn players, and dancers from Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle led by Marina Da Silva, and the genre-bending soundscapes of GabzaK & Dance of Worlds.

New Annual is proudly supported by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.  

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.

New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.

Visit https://newannual.com/ for the full program.

A woman will face court following an alleged pursuit in Swansea this afternoon.

About 12.10pm (Tuesday 30 September 2025), police were patrolling M1 Motorway, Somersby, when they attempted to stop a Volkswagen sedan.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued to the Tuggerah Interchange where police abandoned the pursuit, and the vehicle continued to proceed through Doyalson, Lake Munmorah, Moone, Pinny Beach into Swansea.

The sedan then allegedly crashed into a vehicle while making a turn onto Lake Road before continuing to travel north on the Pacific Highway. No injuries were reported.

Police attempted to deploy road spikes just north of the Swansea Bridge, however, the vehicle has swerved.

A short time later, road spikes were deployed for a second time in Pelican, which the vehicle avoided before continuing to travel towards Belmont.

Following inquiries, police located the vehicle abandoned on Moorilla Close, Windale, and arrested five people, including the driver, near the vehicle.

The alleged driver – a 19-year-old woman – was taken to Belmont Police Station where she was charged with learner exceed speed by more than 45km/h estimated, drive with two passenger seatbelt/restraint not properly fastened, part of body outside window/door (driver permit passenger), drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and not comply with direction to stop/not move vehicle.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 1 October 2025).

Police will allege in court a 10-month-old baby was also in the vehicle at the time of the arrests.

The four other passengers have since been released without charge.

City of Newcastle is calling on the community to help shape the future of the coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether by providing feedback on potential management strategies.

Investigations show this area is at the most immediate risk from climate change-driven threats such as erosion and sea level rise.

Over time this will lead to narrowed sandy beaches and a loss of space for people to enjoy, as well as impacting events such as surf carnivals and Surfest, while also putting nearby surf clubs, walkways and roads at risk.

Image © Jo Acland Photography, Bar Beach Swell Event July 2025

Program Lead for Coast and Estuary, Dr Josh van Lier, said City of Newcastle was developing a long-term Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the area between Nobbys Headland and Glenrock Lagoon, collectively known as the Southern Beaches.

“We need effective, practical and long-term strategies to keep this coastline section safe, accessible, and fit for future use” Dr van Lier said.

“This phase of consultation for the Southern Beaches CMP focuses on the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch as it is at the highest and most immediate risk.

“With increasing pressures such as climate change and growing visitor numbers, managing our coastline while balancing community enjoyment and environmental care is more important than ever.”

CMPs identify coastal management issues and the actions required to address them. This includes how and when actions are to be implemented, their costs and proposed funding mechanisms and cost-sharing arrangements. 

Coastal hazard modelling was used to understand natural processes such as wave action and sand movement to estimate how inundation and erosion may change the coastal environment in the future under different sea-level rise scenarios and storm events.

A range of options have since been developed to respond to current and future coastal risks between Bar Beach and Merewether utilising a range of resources such as historic coastal erosion data and geotechnical investigations.

Each management option also considers the potential impacts on the quality of surf breaks along the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch based on the findings of a surf amenity impact assessment.

The community is being asked to provide their feedback on strategies such as beach nourishment, protection structures and a managed retreat, or a combination of these elements, which all come with different benefits and risks.

“We’ve considered whether the options are practical, cost-effective and environmentally responsible, but most importantly, will they effectively address the risks we’ve identified,” Dr van Lier said.

“To emphasise the importance of this program we’ve estimated the ongoing cost of each option, which all run into the millions of dollars.

“People can make their voices heard by spending less than 10 minutes to complete the survey online or by voting in the quick poll, as well as attending one of several planned pop-up events to speak to a City of Newcastle representative.

“The community’s feedback will be used alongside feasibility and viability studies to determine the preferred management options that are included in the draft Southern Beaches CMP.”

Chairman Tim Ryan said the Merewether National Surfing Reserve Committee is happy to be a contributor to City of Newcastle’s Southern Beaches CMP.

“We applaud City of Newcastle’s process of consultation for the CMP,” Mr Ryan said.

“The climate change impacts on our beaches require significant planning and investment from a Local, State and Federal Government level to maintain a level of public amenity and maintain the wave quality and beach amenity along our coastline.

“We are looking forward to an outcome that fairly balances all the interests of the beach community and maintains the quality of the waves on the Merewether to Bar Beach stretch.”

To take part in community consultation head to City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page.

Consultation closes on Monday 24 November 2025.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.

Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.

2005 Bali bombing commemoration

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Ordinary business

2025 Local Government NSW Conference

Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.

Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).

Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027

Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.

Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024

Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter review

Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.

Executive monthly performance report

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

Notices of Motion 

Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)

Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.

Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.

Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund

Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.

Protecting koala populations

Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.

Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow

Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.

Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle

Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.

Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle

Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.