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The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the murder of Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin.

Shortly before midday on Wednesday 17 May 2000, police forced their way into a home on Doran Street in Carrington, where they found the bodies of 32-year-old Susan Kay and 37-year-old Joanne Teterin.

It was established the women were last known to be alive on Thursday 11 May 2000 before they were allegedly bludgeoned to death and discovered a week later.

At the time, detectives attached to Homicide and Serious Crime Agencies assisted Newcastle Police with the investigation; however, no arrests or charges laid over the murders.

Following a 2003 coronial inquest, the matter was referred to the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit for review and assessment.

During this time, detectives also announced a $100,000 reward for information into their deaths.

In 2025, the review was finalised and unearthed fresh forensic opportunities that have since become the focus of police inquiries.

As inquiries continue, police will today announce a reward for information into any person or persons responsible for the murder of Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin, has increased to $1 million.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the increased reward reflects the ongoing determination to secure answers for the families of the two women, who have endured years of uncertainty and grief.

Our police do not walk away from cases like this. Detectives have spent years chasing every lead, revisiting every detail and refusing to let these women become forgotten victims and today’s reward is a clear message that this investigation is far from over.”

Someone out there knows something. It might be a conversation they overheard, something they saw years ago, or a detail they never thought mattered – but it could be the missing piece police need.”

These families have lived with unimaginable grief and unanswered questions for far too long. If you have information, no matter how small, come forward now and help police finally deliver the answers they deserve.”

Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said he has confidence that someone in the community has information that can help.

It has now been 26 years since Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin were found deceased. These women were loved, they were valued, and they were taken from their families in the most violent way,” Det Supt Doueihi said.

Over that period, detectives have continued to review material, re-test exhibits and pursue new lines of inquiry – avenues that have only become possible with the passage of time.

We’re now hoping that same passage of time may encourage someone to come forward with information.

We are appealing to the community to help us give their families the answers, the accountability and the closure they deserve.”

Susan’s daughter Samantha Kay said her family has carried the unbearable pain of losing her mum for 26 years.

My mother was brutally taken from us on Mother’s Day, 2000. I was only nine years old when I was told the person I loved most in the world was never coming home. In an instant, my childhood was shattered. Every milestone, every birthday, every hard moment in life has been lived with the ache of her absence,” Samantha said.

While we have spent decades grieving, searching for answers and trying to rebuild what was broken, the person responsible has remained free. Somewhere, someone knows what happened to Mum.”

After all these years, we are simply asking for the truth – so my mum can finally have justice, and our family can finally have peace.’

Susan’s sister Desiree expressed her hope that this reward will motivate someone to speak.

Susan is so much more than a news headline – she is a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and she has grandsons and great nieces and nephews she never got to meet. She remains very much loved, often spoken about, and very much missed,” Desiree said.

Anyone who knows, or even suspects something, to come forward and help us have a resolution to this aspect of our grief at last.”

We also hope that today’s announcement makes the person responsible realise that this has not gone away, that it will never go away, and that there will never be a time they can relax.”

Anyone with information about the murders of Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing from that state’s Hunter Region.

Nicholas Mowbray, aged 43, was last seen about 9pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026, near Chinatown in Haymarket, Sydney.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There are concerns for Nicholas’s welfare.

Nicholas is described as being of Mediterranean / Middle Eastern appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with black hair, brown eyes and unshaven.

Nicholas is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information about Nicholas’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hundreds of people hit the courts at an adaptive sports event today to mark the launch of a new community directory highlighting inclusive opportunities across sport, recreation and art. 

The free guide is designed to help people overcome barriers to participation by connecting them to a range of welcoming events and programs from more than a dozen local organisations. 

Councillors Mark Brooker and Elizabeth Adamczyk alongside Community Disability Alliance Hunter Board President Naomi Curry, join participants at the Abilities Unleashed ‘come-and-try’ sports day. City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the community directory sits among a range of initiatives to make Newcastle a more welcoming city. 

“City of Newcastle is committed to finding ways to increase social inclusion and community connections,” Ms Duffy said.

“For the past four years we have partnered with Disability Sports Australia to deliver the Abilities Unleashed program in Newcastle, which has supported more than 1,000 children and adults living with a disability to engage in sport at the annual come-and-try events. 

“The launch of our new online directory today takes this support a step further, highlighting year-round opportunities in sport, recreation and art for a range of community members who may experience barriers to participation, including people with a disability, women, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities. 

“It includes resources for local organisations to become more inclusive and shares real stories from participants, giving community members confidence to take the first step toward getting involved.” 

The directory showcases a range of local initiatives including Northern NSW Football’s walking football for over-50s with limited mobility, the Newcastle Merfolk group, Society of Artists Newcastle and a modified nippers program at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club.

It highlights the stories behind the inclusive initiatives, including the establishment of the Shake, Rattle and Roll choir following its founder’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, and the surf coach who brought together her passion for surfing and work in the disability space to offer free surf lessons for children with autism.

Healthy Change Challenge client Michael Wheatley and Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate the launch of City of Newcastle’s Inclusive Sport, Arts and Recreation Directory. Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Committee, Cr Adamczyk said the event and directory are part of a broader effort to make participation more accessible across the city.

“Abilities Unleashed shows what’s possible when barriers are removed, giving everyone the opportunity to try new activities, build confidence and connect with others through sport” Cr Adamczyk said.

“The directory builds on this by making it easier for people to find local programs and spaces that are welcoming and inclusive all year round.

“This work is part of our Disability Inclusion Access Plan, which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces, and is up for renewal in 2027.

“Community members can help shape the next iteration of the plan by sharing their experiences to highlight what could be improved, and how we can continue to create a more inclusive Newcastle.” 

To access the Inclusive Sports, Arts and Recreation Directory visit City of Newcastle’s Community Directory webpage.

Community members can find out more and make a submission on the Disability Inclusion Access Plan via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website before Monday 15 June.  

City of Newcastle is working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to finalise a funding package to enable the demolition of properties affected by the New Lambton landslip and compensate residents for the loss of their land.

Residents and landowners were updated on the next stage of recovery at a face-to-face meeting last night as they prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the event.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said progress on the recovery phase and discussions with the RA have moved forward significantly since the release of the geotechnical report in February.

“The report proved to be a turning point in our relationship with the RA as it demonstrated the critical severity of the landslip site,” Mr Bath said.

“Residents will soon move from insurance-funded relocation to a 12-month relocation package funded by the NSW Government. It’s important that we recognise and thank the NSW Government for supporting the residents in this way. 

“We continue to work with the RA on behalf of the residents to identify a long-term solution that stabilises the ground. Sadly, these works won’t permit future development on the site.

“Given the complexity of the funding arrangements, which will require State and Federal contributions, and are not committed yet, we believe demolition works at the site aren’t likely to commence until early in 2027.

“While long-term recovery is ultimately the responsibility of the NSW Government, we are committed to collaborating in our support of the affected residents and landowners.”

CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the RA is working closely with City of Newcastle, residents and landowners affected by the New Lambton landslip.

“Recovery from events like this takes time, and progress can at times feel slow, but the RA remains committed to supporting Council and residents as they consider future solutions,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“RA staff continue to work closely with Council and meet regularly as they consider options outlined in the geotechnical report and plan the next steps for recovery.

“I also want to acknowledge the residents directly affected by the landslip and reassure you that we remain here to support the Council and help you navigate the recovery process.”

It has been almost 12 months since the site experienced extensive rainfall which culminated in two days of intense rainfall, triggering a natural disaster, now recognised as the largest residential landslip in Australian history.

The New Lambton site remains a declared Danger Area under an active evacuation notice, with residents of 16 properties unable to return home.

Since 23 May 2025, City of Newcastle has undertaken significant work across the emergency response and recovery phases, including site safety measures, fencing, signage, security and site investigations.

Detailed geotechnical investigations and ongoing monitoring instigated by City of Newcastle have helped inform evidence-based decisions about public safety, public infrastructure, site stability and potential long-term recovery options.

Mr Bath said City of Newcastle remains committed to working with the impacted residents, landowners and neighbours as the complex recovery efforts continue.

“City of Newcastle has continued to lead on-the-ground activities, site monitoring and site safety through our employment of a Local Recovery Coordinator,” Mr Bath said.

“We have also coordinated property access, resident communications, legal and technical advice, and ongoing engagement with insurers and government agencies.

“We recognise the hardship faced by residents who have had to leave their homes and will continue to advocate on their behalf and keep them informed while assessments and recovery options are progressed by the RA.

“The cost of this support has been more than $2.5 million dollars so far. I’d like to thank ratepayers for their understanding in permitting us to support the 16 evacuated families with what is effectively, their money.”

Ward Three Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz, Mark Brooker and Siobhan Isherwood will put forward a Notice of Motion at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to reaffirm City of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting residents and working with all relevant agencies to progress the recovery phase.

It will also thank the government and non-government agencies that have assisted residents and City of Newcastle through both the emergency management and recovery phases, including NSW Police, NSW Public Works, Hunter Water, Ausgrid, NSW Health, Local Lands Service and the Red Cross.

City of Newcastle will also mark the one-year anniversary of the landslip by hosting a barbecue to thank SES and community volunteers for their commitment and service during the extreme weather that hit the Hunter in May 2025.