As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

The Minns Labor Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.  

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES – 132 500.

The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. 

Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.

Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.

The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.

With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

The AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.

RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.

Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. 

People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If the matter is life threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We know our states farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.

“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.

“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.

“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.

“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).

“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”

Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.

New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.

An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.

The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.

Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.

“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses. 

“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”

This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.

The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.

Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.

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

Train services have resumed running between Scone, Mindaribba and Newcastle Interchange following earlier flooding on the tracks at Sandgate. Trains will run at a reduced frequency. Limited buses are also supplementing trains.

No trains or buses are able to run between Paterson and Dungog due to flooding of the tracks and roads. You will need to utilise other transport in this area.

Please allow extra travel time, check transport apps, information screens and listen to announcements.

Central Coast & Newcastle Line

Details

Limited buses are replacing trains between Newcastle Interchange and Fassifern in both directions due flooding on the tracks at Cockle Creek. At this stage there is no forecast for when the line will reopen. Power supply issues at Strathfield may also affect Central Coast & Newcastle Line services. Allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps or information screens for service updates.

Trains are not running on Hunter Line

Details

Due to flooding at Sandgate, no trains are running on the Hunter Line.

Limited buses are replacing trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange in both directions.

Please allow plenty of extra travel time as trips will take longer than usual.

At this stage, there is no forecast for when the line will reopen. Check transport apps and listen to announcements for the latest service updates.

A 22-year-old man has been charged following an investigation by Child Abuse Squad detectives into the alleged sexual assault of a girl in the Hunter region earlier this month.

On Wednesday 14 May 2025, a 14-year-old girl added a man previously unknown to her to a list of friends on a social media account. The man told the girl he was aged 17.

The following day, the 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl met with the man on the Central Coast.

It is alleged that over the following days, the man sexually assaulted the younger girl and later prevented both girls from leaving their location.

About 7.00pm on Monday 19 May 2025, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended a house in the Hunter Valley area to check on the welfare of the two girls. Police then arrested the 22-year-old man at the home.

He was taken to Singleton Police Station.

Following a coordinated response by detectives from State Crime Command’s Newcastle Child Abuse Squad and Hunter Valley Police District, the man was charged with aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16, aggravated sexual assault – inflict actual bodily harm on victim, take person intend commit serious indictable offence and intentionally sexually touch child between the ages of 10 and 16.

The man was refused bail and appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Tuesday 20 May 2025), where he was further refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

More than 80 schools are closed due to flooding in parts of the Mid North Coast, Central Coast and Hunter regions, with adverse weather expected to impact communities further north.

Parents and carers have been and will continue to be updated by their schools, which are their first source of advice.  

Deputy Secretary of Public Schools Deb Summerhayes said the department continues to take a safety-first approach and make decisions with information and advice provided by emergency services. 

“Please do not send your child to school if it is closed,” she said.

“Our communities around Taree, the Great Lakes and Port Macquarie are experiencing heavy rain and high winds, and we may need to close more schools in the coming days.

“The decision to temporarily close schools is always done with the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff in mind.”

While the schools are temporarily closed, students will be provided with learning from home resources. 

Schools do not offer minimal supervision when they are temporarily closed due to flooding.  

The department will keep families updated via their schools and reopen schools as soon as it is deemed safe to do so – following advice from the NSW State Emergency Services.

“We have had no reports of major damage or flooding at schools so far. We’ll assess our schools for damage as soon as it is safe to do so,” Ms Summerhayes said.

The NSW Department of Education also requires all early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to operate safely, including during extreme weather events.

The department urges services to assess the risk of severe weather in their community and if necessary, activate their emergency plans and procedures. We encourage services to follow the advice of local authorities and the SES.

There have been 73 early childhood education and care services closed due to the flooding, along with TAFE NSW campuses in Taree, Ourimbah, Kempsey and Wauchope.

Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in flood water, and any avoid unnecessary travel. Download the Hazards Near Me App to stay across the latest warnings and information. 

Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need emergency assistance in floods and storms. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au 

Visit our website for information on schools that are closed. 

City of Newcastle has been forced to change the way people enter Wallsend Library after 3pm weekdays following a series of ongoing threatening and violent attacks towards staff and the general public.

Visitors to the Library will need to scan their library cards to gain entry to the building on weekday afternoons after 3pm following the installation of technology known as OPEN+, which safely manages and monitors use of the space.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle implemented the changes in response to a series of anti-social behaviours, which had impacted the wellbeing of staff and visitors.

“As recently as a week ago a group of young people carrying hammers were attacking the windows of the library. Two weeks ago, a group of people blocked the entry to the library and refused to allow people to enter or leave,” Mr Bath said.

“For the past year we’ve had to employ a security guard to patrol Wallsend Library. We’re now at the point where we are exploring employing paid police to protect our staff and library patrons. 

“Earlier this month Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed. It’s the third time this season the pool has been broken into and vandalised. 

“It goes without saying that this situation is unacceptable. We are regularly meeting with Police but this is not the solution.

“It’s clear that Wallsend needs help. It’s extraordinary that a local council should have to pay police to protect the local library, but that’s what we are now considering.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle was committed to the safety of its staff and the community.

“Obviously it is disappointing that we need to take these measures, but the library needs to be a safe place for staff and visitors,” Cr Kerridge said.

“City of Newcastle already uses this technology at Lambton Library and it works very well for visitors.

“Importantly, visitors who have forgotten their cards or do not have a card, will be able to access the library by ‘buzzing’ the intercom at the front door. They will be assisted and supported by staff promptly.

“I will be visiting Wallsend Library in the coming weeks to talk to staff and visitors about these new arrangements.”

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 change,” Ms Baird said.

“We’ve worked with Police, who have previously responded to instances of anti-social behaviour at Wallsend Library, and they are supportive of this new arrangement.

“Our staff will remain on site during the afternoons and will be able to assist members who need help with the technology.

“We appreciate the support and patience of our library members while they adjust to this change, which will ensure safer access for library members while delivering a positive experience for all visitors and staff.”

Customers who may not have their membership details with them or other visitors to the site will still be able to access Wallsend Library by using an intercom located at the main entry to contact staff onsite.

No changes will occur to opening times, closing times and staffing hours and security will remain onsite during afternoon and evening hours to continue to provide friendly, helpful service to library customers and visitors.

Projects that support Newcastle’s social, cultural, environmental and economic development are set to benefit from almost $1 million from City of Newcastle.

Community and sporting groups, residents and businesses are being invited to apply for a share of the funding available through City of Newcastle’s annual grants, sponsorships and Special Business Rates programs.

Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Jenny Barrie and Declan Clausen join Bianca Bartlett from The Full Circle Collective, who received City of Newcastle funding for a clothes swap event in Wallsend. Jade Perry from AMS Art Studio, the event location, is also pictured.City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, said successful projects deliver real and lasting benefits for the city and the community.

“City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship programs offer support across a broad range of areas from recreation facility improvements to community initiatives, events and creative projects,” Ms Jones said.

“Our Special Business Rates program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.

“Funding is assessed across a range of criteria including economic impact, social cohesion, creativity and innovation, and is available to events and projects at all stages of development.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the funding helped to deliver worthwhile initiatives for the community. 

“City of Newcastle invests in diverse initiatives across the city each year that enhance community wellbeing and deliver tangible impacts,” Cr Barrie said.

“These projects can help strengthen the community, improve the city’s identity and make Newcastle a better place in which to live, work, play and invest.”

Previous grant recipients include a diverse mix of initiatives such as Books at the Bowlo by Club Lambton, Summer Runway by Facon Models and projects creating culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal women through art and film.

Environmental initiatives have included wildlife habitat enhancement, invasive vine removal and storage infrastructure for community gardens.

Social inclusion programs have also been supported, such as mental health and wellness walks, youth outreach and health and wellbeing programs tailored for Afghan women and people experiencing homelessness.

The Full Circle Collective received Special Business Rates funding in 2024 to continue their Wallsend Op Shop Trail, delivering related events such as the community Clothes Swap, which took part in Wallsend today.   

The event promoted sustainable fashion and the reduction of textile waste by inviting participants to exchange pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories.

Co-founder and Director of The Full Circle Collective Bianca Bartlett said the funding enabled her team to deliver hands-on, community-driven events, and highlight the important role op shops play in a sustainable future. 

“Support from the City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program has made it possible for us to create fun, inclusive and sustainable events like the clothes swap,” Ms Bartlett said. 

“Our goal is to empower the community to take simple steps toward reducing waste and embracing the circular economy. Initiatives like these help people see that environmental action doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it can be creative, practical and social.”

Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from 2 June and close 29 June.

Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants, Event Sponsorship, and Tourism and Economic Development Sponsorship.

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Applications for City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rates program are invited for projects that support the promotion, beautification and economic development of the Wallsend and Hamilton business precincts.

Expressions of interest open on 26 May and close on 22 June. For more information visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/business/supporting-local-business-people/business-improvement-associations/special-business-rates-program 

A long-vacant aged care facility in Mount Hutton is now home to women over 55 experiencing homelessness, thanks to a groundbreaking project supported by the Minns Labor Government.

The former Anglicare site — sitting unused for years — has been converted into Lakeside Haven: 20 fully refurbished studio units offering safe, supported accommodation. Over the next five years, it’s expected to provide housing for up to 100 women in the Hunter.

The project is being delivered by Pacific Link Housing and Women’s Community Shelters, with more than $550,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund—helping to cover the costs to run the project, including fit-out and refurbishment, operating costs, and support staff.

Designed for women over 55, the property provides access to communal lounges, kitchens, laundry facilities, and gardens, and aims to help up to 100 women over its five-year lease term.

This is the first “meanwhile use” housing project in Lake Macquarie, part of a broader push by the NSW Labor Government to make better use of empty buildings and get people housed faster.

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, which will build over 30,000 new and upgraded homes across the state – the largest investment ever in housing for NSW.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Housing is a major concern for people in the Hunter – no one should have to worry about whether they’ll have a roof over their head.

“This new facility will provide women with the safety and stability of a home, surrounded by a supportive community of other women.

“I’m proud to be part of this announcement as we enhance the Hunter’s reputation as one of the best places in Australia to live, work and thrive.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is exactly what we should be doing — taking empty buildings and turning them into homes for people who desperately need them.”

“This aged care home sat unused for years. Now it’s a lifeline for women who would otherwise be sleeping rough or stuck in motel rooms.”

Minister for Women and Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“This Homelessness Innovation Fund project represents a significant step forward in our collective commitment to supporting vulnerable women in our community, particularly those facing the harsh realities of homelessness and domestic and family violence.

“Lakeside Haven is a great example of what’s possible when the New South Wales Government partners with incredible organisations such as Pacific Link Housing, Women’s Community Shelters and Anglicare, all of whom bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and compassion to the table.

“It’s through this ongoing collaboration that Lakeside Haven has become a reality and a place to restore hope, dignity, and security to women in need.”

Pacific Link Housing Group CEO Ian Lynch said:

“Lakeside Haven represents a significant step towards our mission of providing safe, secure and affordable housing for those in need.

“This collaborative project demonstrates our commitment to not just address immediate housing crises but to also create sustainable housing outcomes.

“Thanks to the support from the Homelessness Innovation Fund and our work with Women’s Community Shelters and Anglican Care, Lakeside Haven is turning a temporary solution into long-term stability for older women facing homelessness.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO Women’s Community Shelters said:

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to be standing beside cherished partners in opening a new safe haven for older women at risk of homelessness, and to be working with the Lake Macquarie community for the first time. At ‘Lakeside Haven’, women will access safety, housing and critical supports they need for a secure future.

“Our long-established model of revitalising vacant properties and turning them into safe and supported housing brings together the best of collaboration between the NSW Government, community housing providers, Women’s Community Shelters, corporate partners and the local community.

“We thank the NSW Government for embracing our ‘meanwhile use’ housing model as a pragmatic and immediate response to NSW’s housing crisis, and we look forward to opening more of these life-changing homes for women, where they can thrive with the respect and care they deserve.