Category: Newcastle News

Raptor Squad officers have charged nine alleged Finks OMCG members and associates following investigations into drug, firearm, affray and sexual touching related offences in the Hunter Region.
On Saturday 1 November 2025, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly touched by an unknown man on three separate occasions throughout the night at a licenced premises in Merewether.
That same night, three other men were allegedly involved in an affray at the hotel, where it is alleged one of the men armed themselves with a cutlery knife and threatened a patron.
The next weekend – on Saturday 8 November 2025 – Port Stephens Hunter Police District officers commenced investigations into an alleged brawl at a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, where it is alleged a group of men attacked other patrons standing outside the venue.
The men involved in the sexual touching and affrays were allegedly identified to be members of the Finks OMCG.
From about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025), officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad North, with assistance from local police, executed seven warrants in the Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland areas.
In Kurri Kurri, police arrested a 36-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. In North Rothbury, police arrested a 33-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to the both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Singleton Local Court on Thursday 27 November 2025. At an address in Rutherford, police arrested a 40-year-old man. He was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with sexually touch another person without consent. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 10 December 2025. During a search warrant in Maitland, police allegedly located a gel blaster. Two men – aged 28 and 38 – were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station. The older man was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident, and two counts of firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order. The younger man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, supply prohibited drug >indictable & <commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity.
Both were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Thursday 20 November 2025).
At an address in Windale, police arrested a 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman. They were taken to Belmont Police Station, where the man was charged with affray and use etc offensive weapon in company with intent indictable offence relating to the Merewether incident.
During a search of the property, police also located a shotgun.
The man was consequently also charged with a number of firearm offences, including:

• Acquire etc prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order
• Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm
• Not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm
• Acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
• Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
  The woman was charged with possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, and not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm.
  The pair were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today
  At a Bellbird address, police arrested a 32-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident.
  He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
  At a separate address in Bellbird, police arrested a 34-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit relating to the discovery of a ballistic dart gun and knuckle dusters among other things found at his property.
  He was also charged with not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, licensee not store ammunition in restricted area as required, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
  He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 18 November 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Adoption of the 2026 council meeting schedule

Council voted unanimously to adopt the amended schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2026 calendar year.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest 

Council voted to endorse the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period of 1 August to 31 October 2025.

Endorsement of the 2024/25 Annual Report and adoption of the Financial Statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2024/25 Annual Report and to adopt City of Newcastle’s audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the 2025/2029 Delivery Program for the September quarter and adopt the revised budget.

Adoption of Procurement Policy

Council voted unanimously to approve an amended updated procurement policy.

Public exhibition of planning agreement for 53 Weakleys Drive Beresfield

Council voted unanimously to place the draft planning agreement for 53 Weakleys Drive Beresfield on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and receive a report on the exhibition outcomes.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

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

Tender report – Biennial Traffic Control Services 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of traffic control services to support construction and maintenance activities across the organisation from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.

Tender report – Biennial hire of plant, trucks and equipment 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of plant, trucks and equipment to support construction and maintenance activities across the organisation from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2028.

Notices of Motion 

Improving accessibility for the Newcastle Toy Library

Council voted unanimously to work with the Newcastle Toy Library Organising Committee to improve accessibility to the Toy Library for all families in the city and particularly in the western suburbs of the LGA.

Continued advocacy to recategorise Minmi Road as a Regional or State Road

Council voted unanimously to make a new application to the NSW Government for the classification of Minmi Road (from Longworth Avenue at Wallsend to Woodford Street, Minmi) as a State Road under its pending new road re-classification framework.

On track for high-speed rail with a station at Broadmeadow

Council voted unanimously to write to the High Speed Rail Australia Chief Executive and Federal Minister for Infrastructure encouraging them to progress the business case for a station at Broadmeadow to the next stage. Council will also engage with Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens Council on joint advocacy to the Federal and State Governments on a fast and direct public transport connection to the Airport.

Calling for Newcastle investment from the Housing Australia Fund

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO write to the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, to seek her support in advocating for new social housing in the Newcastle LGA and the broader Hunter region in the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund.

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

Kobi Hughes, aged 15, was last seen on Averys Lane, Heddon Greta, about 9pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Kobi’s welfare due to his young age.

Kobi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with long blonde hair.

He was last seen wearing tight black jeans, black leather jacket, black Converse shoes and with a black backpack.

Kobi is believed to frequent the Central Coast area, often visiting Erina.

For the first time, National Thoroughbred Week is being held across Australia, and a few of the events are in Hunter Region  between 20 – 24, November.
It’s a week that opens doors the public never normally gets to walk through – racing stables, rehoming farms, and training yards that are usually not open to the public. Locals can meet the horses, talk to the people who care for them, and see a side of the industry most never get to.
In Hunter Region, there’s plenty happening:
· Backstage at the Races,  Newcastle Racecourse Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newcastle-racecourse/   – Experience a behind-the-scenes Race Day on Thursday, 20 November—enjoy lunch, meet horses and riders, and join a guided tour of the grounds at 4 PM.
· Celebrate the Thoroughbred on and off the Track,  Manning Valley Race Club Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/manning-valley-race-club/   –  Enjoy a community race day at Taree on Sunday, 23 November, celebrating Thoroughbreds, classic cars, and family fun with hands-on horse activities.
· Guided Tour,  Annabel Neasham (Archibald) Racing: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/annabel-neasham-racing/ – As part of National Horse Week, Annabel Neasham Racing invites you to enjoy morning coffee at Scone Race Club, watch trackwork, then head to the stables for a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll meet the team, learn about training methods, and get up close with horses.
· Guided Tour at Modern Equine Care,  Scone Equine Hospital: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-equine-hospital/: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/  –  Take a guided tour of the new state-of-the-art veterinary facility and see firsthand what goes on inside an equine hospital. You’ll have the chance to observe surgeries, visit patients in care, and experience the daily work that keeps our horses healthy and thriving.
· BBQ Breakfast,   Morning Trackwork and Stable Tour,  Scone Race Club: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-race-club/    –  Enjoy a free BBQ breakfast at Scone Race Club from 7:30 to 8:30 as you watch the final hour of trackwork, then follow us to Rob and Annabel Archibald’s nearby stables for an exclusive guided tour.
· Behind the Scenes at the Thoroughbred Genetics Laboratory,  Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/racing-australia-equine-genetics-research-centre/   –  Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the genetics laboratory with the Director of the EGRC, where you’ll learn how commercial genetic testing works, discover how Racing Australia and the EGRC help protect the integrity of the Thoroughbred breed, and hear about the latest research projects from the team.
· Guided Tour,  Arrowfield Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/  – Experience the world of Thoroughbred excellence with an exclusive guided tour of Arrowfield Stud in Scone. Over three days, small groups of just 10 guests will enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading breeding and racing operations, including its historic stud, yearling preparation centres, and the daily work that shapes future champions.
· Guided Tour,  Kia Ora Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/kia-ora-stud/  – Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Kia Ora Stud where you’ll meet the horses, including newborn foals and retired racehorses, explore the breeding barn to learn about the breeding process, and chat with the team to have all your questions answered.
· Guided Tour, Activities for Kids and Morning Tea,  Newgate Farm: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newgate-farm/  – Visitors to Newgate Farm are invited to experience the heart of world-class thoroughbred operation with morning tea on arrival, a stallion parade featuring some of their leading sires, time with broodmares and their foals, a look at yearlings in training, and a Q&A session with the team about breeding, care, and sales preparation.
· Guided Tour and Light Snacks,  North Bloodstock (Fromelles): https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/north-bloodstock-fromelles/  –  Visit North and discover the ins and outs of their incredible industry as you meet the team, learn what it has to offer, and spend time with their beautiful horses of all ages.
· Guided Tour,  Cressfield: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/cressfield/  –  Enjoy a tour of Cressfield’s beautiful property, home to Group 1-winning mares, their foals, and other top performers, and meet the dedicated team who care for them around the clock while upholding a culture of hard work, harmony, and excellence.
 
They’re all free to attend and family-friendly. It’s a genuine chance to get behind the scenes and see what goes on in your own backyard.

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.

Home

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