16 News

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie region.
Taylah Douglas, age 15, was last seen about 4am yesterday (Saturday 23 May 2026) on Shelley Street in Toronto.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Family and police hold concerns for Taylah’s welfare due to her age.
Taylah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of slim build with brown and red hair.
She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with text on the front, black shorts, grey tracksuit pants, and black sneakers.
Taylah is known to frequent the Dora Creek, Cessnock, and Kurri Kurri areas.
Anyone with information about Taylah’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has been charged over multiple alleged armed robberies across the Newcastle region this month.

Between Wednesday 13 May 2026 and yesterday (Saturday 23 May 2026), a number of items were allegedly stolen during robberies at multiple businesses across the Newcastle area.
About 5:40pm on Wednesday 13 May 2026, a 30-year-old man attended a shopping centre in Newcastle West and allegedly removed an electronic device from the store without paying for it.
About 8.20am on Saturday 16 May 2026, the man attended a shopping centre in Newcastle West and allegedly produced a knife towards the shop assistant before stealing a two electronic devices.
About 3.00pm on Sunday 17 May 2026 the man attended a restaurant on Hunter Street, Newcastle West, where he allegedly threatened staff with scissors before stealing an amount of cash.
About 9.15pm on Friday 22 May 2026 the same man attended a restaurant in Jesmond, where he allegedly demanded money from the shop assistant before stealing an amount of cash.
About 11.10am on Saturday 23 May 2026 the man attended a restaurant on Bluegum Road, Jesmond, allegedly armed with a knife where he threatened staff before stealing cash.

Following extensive inquiries, about 7am today (Sunday 24 May 2026) police attended a premises on Bluegum Road, Jesmond, where they arrested the 30-year-old before taking him to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with:
Robbery with Offensive Weapon (three counts)
Demand money with menace (one count)
Shoplifting (one count)

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Court Division 2 tomorrow (Monday 25 May 2026).

The 2026 Newcastle Memory Walk & Jog is only a few short weeks away, with the event taking place on 31 May 2026 at Griffith Park. 
 
Memory Walk & Jog returns to Newcastle in 2026, bringing the community together to get active for brain health and to show support for people impacted by dementia.
 
Memory Walk & Jog Newcastle is a key Dementia Australia community event, helping raise funds to deliver invaluable support, education and resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers.  
 
Memory Walk & Jog is about being part of the community and feeling supported. Participants can walk, jog or run and select from either 2.5km, 5km or 9.5km in distance.   
 
Local Newcastle resident, Renee Murray said participating in Memory Walk & Jog is a meaningful way to honour her stepdad Brian and support other families impacted by dementia.
 
“My connection to dementia is through my stepdad, Brian, who was in my life for almost 38 years. He was a strong, intelligent man who spent his career serving the community as an NSW firefighter,” Renee said.
 
“Dementia changed our family in ways we never expected. We had to adjust to the gradual loss of the man we knew, while still trying to honour who Brian was at his core.
 
“I’m taking part to honour Brian and keep his memory alive in a positive, meaningful way. Being part of the Newcastle event means so much to me, as it’s my way of raising awareness, supporting other families and contributing to a future where people living with dementia receive the understanding and care they deserve.”
 
Memory Walk & Jog is an opportunity to highlight the role that physical activity and social connection can play in supporting brain health. While age, genetic and family history cannot be changed, evidence shows that staying active and engaged can help reduce or delay the risk of developing dementia.
 

Two men have been charged after a property was broken into and equipment stolen in the Hunter Valley region.

Offciers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation after reports a property on Pembroke Road, Cassilis, was allegedly broken into and had over $100,000 with of equipment stolen.

The alleged items stolen included two Honda quad bikes, fuel, power tools, cattle tags and drench.

Following inquiries, police located and seized a quadbike and box trailer on Aly Street, Kayuga.

On Tuesday 19 May 2026, a 27-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station, where he was charged with dispose motor vehicle part-theft=serious indictable offence more than $5000 and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Between 7.30am and 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 21 May 2026), investigators executed search warrants at homes in Muswellbrook and Aberdeen.

During the searches, officers allegedly located and seized power tools, trail cams, electronic devices, copper cabling, mobile phones, and farming equipment, believed to be stolen.

A 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station, where he was charged with,

• knowingly deal with proceeds of crime,
• dispose motor vehicle part-theft=serious indictable offence more than $5000,
• fail to provide adequate exercise to confined animal, and
• passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

Inquiries continue.

Queensland out for revenge, NSW out for 2 from 2
 
PBR Australia Presents: Monster Energy Origin I – Newcastle
May 30, 7:00PM | Newcastle Entertainment Centre
 
The toughest rivalry in Australian sport returns to the chutes on MAY 30, with Newcastle set to host the opening clash of the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series, where state pride, raw power and eight seconds of chaos collide.
 
The teams have officially been announced, with both the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues assembling stacked line-ups of elite riders ready to go head-to-head in one of sport’s most brutal and unpredictable arenas.

Fresh off history in 2025, the pressure now sits firmly on New South Wales after claiming their first-ever PBR Origin Series title in a dramatic Sydney decider, and proving it was no one-off performance. But Queensland arrives in 2026 with a rebuilt, reinvigorated squad determined to bring the trophy back across the border.
 
Last year’s Origin finale delivered one of the most electric nights in Australian bull riding history, with the Blues defeating Queensland 500.25 points to 419.50, notching six qualified rides to the Maroons’ five. Now, the rematch begins on neutral ground in Newcastle.
 
The 2026 series kicks off at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 30, before heading to Brisbane on June 6, and culminating in Sydney on August 1. Tickets are on sale now.
 
Queensland’s charge is led by a powerhouse roster featuring reigning Australian Champion Kurt Shephard (Mareeba), world-class talents Macaulie Leather (Calliope) and Donnie Rutherfurd (Mount Isa) — both returning from standout US campaigns ahead of Origin — alongside Zane Hall (Athol), Boston Leather (Calliope) and Ben Bode (Calliope).
 
New South Wales enters the opener with equal firepower, boasting returning Origin standouts Sam Woodall (Heywood), Clint Glass (Willow Tree), Dylan Weir (Tumut), Jack Rowlandson (Oberon) and Lachlan Slade (Tamworth), as well as international reinforcements Keny Roger and Alison Aguiar from Brazil.
 
Queensland will once again be guided by coach Jared Borghero, the former bull rider turned elite protection athlete known for his uncompromising approach, while NSW is led by Lachlan Richardson, seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier and one of the sport’s most respected competitors.
 
On reviewing the teams, PBR Australia’s Simon Mallory said the Newcastle event will see both teams come out firing!
 
“Queensland has Macaulie Leather fresh back from competing in the USA World Championships, in superior form however he will need to hit the practice pen to reconnect with the Aussie Bulls bucking style. His brother Boston dominated Nowra, and looks to be back in form,” he said. “The northern duo of Leith and Kurt is a powerful one – Kurt on a mission for back to back Australian titles, Leith in his pocket learning everything he can and producing the goods, and there’s Donnie Rutherford coming back from the USA which gives another HUGE boost for the team”
 
“New South Wales rider Sam Woodall is so hot right now he has to be careful where goes to not cause a bushfire! He was dominant in the recent Sydney Meatstock and looks good for Newcastle, and Dylan Weir is riding like the Cowboy of Origin cheque is already his.”
 
“The seasoned veterans of Clint, Toby, Lachlan Slade are no strangers to pressure and pulling of high scoring rides while the new Brazilian Keny Roger is as good as we’ve seen from the internationals in the last few years, and putting serious heat on Kurt for end of year Gold Buckle.”
 
TEAM QUEENSLAND
Coach: Jared Borghero
· Macaulie Leather – Calliope, QLD
· Kurt Shephard – Mareeba, QLD
· Donnie Rutherfurd – Mount Isa, QLD
· Zane Hall – Athol, QLD
· Ethan Coster – Miriam Vale, QLD
· Kelsey Pavlou – Toora, VIC
· Boston Leather – Calliope, QLD
· Ky Borghero – Proserpine, QLD
· Ben Bode – Calliope, QLD
· Leith Malone – Mareeba, QLD
Alternates:
· Thomas Triplett – Bungundarra, QLD
· Dawson Foden – Moura, QLD
 
TEAM NEW SOUTH WALES
Coach: Lachlan Richardson
· Keny Roger – Brazil
· Sam Woodall – Heywood, VIC
· Clint Glass – Willow Tree, NSW
· Colby Edgar – Tamworth, NSW
· Dylan Weir – Tumut, NSW
· Jack Rowlandson – Oberon, NSW
· Toby Collins – Maldon, VIC
· Alison Aguiar – Brazil
· Thomas Hudson – Dungog, NSW
· Lachlan Slade – Tamworth, NSW
Alternates:
· Thomas Hudson – Dungog, NSW
· Charlie Bailey – Oberon, NSW
 
JUNIORS TO RIDE IN THE SPOTLIGHT FIRST!!!!

Before the big guns buck it out, the next generation of bull riding stars will take centre arena. Junior riders will compete at all three Origin events in Newcastle, Brisbane and Sydney, with teams of four selected from the 2025 PBR Australia Can-Am Junior Academy. Aged between nine and 17, these rising stars will go head-to-head in one of the fiercest rivalries in Australian sport, just on a smaller, but no less determined, scale.
 
Team Queensland
· Lane Cross (Bundaberg, QLD) – 17 years
· Chase Wieland (Gympie, QLD) – 14 years (second time representing – 2024)
· Wylie Roots (Duaringa, QLD) – 13 years (third time representing – 2024, 2025)
· Jasper Wieland (Gympie, QLD) – 9 years
 
Team New South Wales
· Liam Birks (Tamworth, NSW) – 16 years
· Kassedy Carlon (Bundarra, NSW) – 13 years (third time representing – 2024, 2025)
· Nash Goddard (Glendon Brook, NSW) – 12 years
· Chase Berry (Gunnedah, NSW) – 10 years
 
“The Can-Am Junior Academy is more than a ride or a series; it’s the breeding ground for the next generation of champions. These young athletes are born for this and represent the future of bull riding in Australia. Bringing them into the Origin Series gives them even more experience, this time riding bulls as a team.”
 
PBR Monster Energy Origin Series – THE SCOREBOARD SO FAR!
· 2019: Queensland
· 2020: Covid year
· 2021: Queensland
· 2022: Queensland
· 2023: Queensland
· 2024: Queensland
· 2025: News South Wales
 
 
ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings —which also owns UFC and WWE— has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide. In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the former operators of a Thai restaurant in New South Wales, alleging they failed to make superannuation payments and breached workplace laws when trying to cover it up.

Facing the Federal Circuit and Family Court are Greathunter Pty Ltd, which operated Larnna Thai restaurant in Newcastle until it closed in 2026, and the company’s sole director and manager, Chengda Li.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Greathunter Pty Ltd as part of a campaign targeting Newcastle food outlets.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges it discovered that Mr Li was involved in Greathunter failing to make superannuation payments to three employees, as required under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.

The company had engaged the employees at Larnna Thai for various periods between November 2021 and October 2023. The FWO alleges no superannuation payments were made for any of their work at the time required.

The alleged non-payment of superannuation has been rectified by Greathunter by the company making more than $23,000 in superannuation payments to the employees in 2025, long after the FWO commenced its investigation.

One of the employees was a Thai international student and another was a young worker, aged 19 to 21 at the time. Two of the employees were engaged as cooks and one performed waiter and front-of-house duties.

It is alleged that Mr Li and Greathunter also breached the Fair Work Act by knowingly or recklessly providing false pay slips to the Fair Work Ombudsman during its investigation on two separate occasions stating that the superannuation entitlements had been paid.

Mr Li and Greathunter allegedly also committed a further breach by falsely telling the Fair Work Ombudsman that the pay slips had been prepared by Greathunter’s accountant, when they had in fact been prepared by Mr Li.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the alleged conduct warranted litigation.

“Allegedly failing to pay superannuation and trying to cover it up with false pay slips and other false information is completely unacceptable conduct,” Ms Booth said.

“We are committed to taking action to protect vulnerable workers in this country and ensure that employers who breach the law are held to account,” Ms Booth said.

“Our experienced inspectors will see through false information. Employers need to be aware that we treat such alleged blatant breaches seriously, and penalties can follow.

“Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect young and migrant workers and improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector are priorities for the FWO.

“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”

The FWO is seeking penalties in court. Greathunter Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $93,900 per breach and Mr Li faces penalties of up to $18,780 per breach.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney on 10 July 2026.

Current federal laws require superannuation to be paid by employers within 28 days after the end of the quarter in which the earnings were paid.

It is noted that from 1 July 2026, employers need to pay superannuation contributions at the same time they pay their employees’ wages.

The Fair Work Ombudsman filed 171 litigations against employers involving visa holder workers, and secured $39 million in penalties in cases that have included visa holder workers, in the eight financial years to June 2025.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a union member.

Hexham Manufacturing Pty Ltd has been fined $30,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to maintain its plant equipment, resulting in sewage-like odours from its dairy processing facility.
The EPA received several odour complaints from residents and businesses between August and October 2025, prompting officers to conduct multiple inspections of the site and surrounding area in Hexham, Newcastle. They confirmed offensive odours were mainly coming from the wastewater treatment plant, with the same smell detected offsite at a number of locations.
In September 2025, the EPA issued Hexham Manufacturing with a Prevention Notice and the company undertook an extensive desludging operation.
The EPA has fined the operator $30,000 for failing to properly maintain its wastewater treatment plant, breaching the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence.
NSW EPA Director of Operations Greg Sheehy said the community had been subjected to unacceptable impacts.
“Operators are required to properly maintain equipment and respond before issues escalate. That didn’t happen in this case,” Mr Sheehy said.
“Our investigation found the facility’s wastewater treatment system had not been adequately maintained for several years, contributing to shocking conditions that caused strong odours.
“Excessive sludge had accumulated in the main aeration dam, impacting the operational performance by leaving the pond overloaded. This build-up resulted in a blanket of fatty acids and dairy waste such as whey, leading to poor settling, foam and odours.
“The local community had to deal with persistent offensive odours for too long, and the EPA will continue taking action where licence holders fail to properly manage and maintain their infrastructure.”
Anyone who experiences strong or unusual odours should report them to the EPA’s Environment Line at info@epa.nsw.gov.au: info@epa.nsw.gov.au, with as much detail as possible to support our investigations.

The countdown is on.

Star Struck 2026 – Out of the Ordinary will burst onto the stage at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on 12 and 13 June, bringing together more than 4,500 NSW public school students for the Hunter and Central Coast region’s iconic performing arts events.

A major production milestone begins this week, with thousands of students to come together on the arena floor for the first time for the combined dance and drama rehearsals on Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May.

Now in its 34th year, Star Struck continues to showcase the extraordinary talent, creativity and collaboration of NSW public school students, with over 4,500 students from more than 150 schools across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast involved in this year’s production.

This year’s production promises to be bigger, bolder and more spectacular than ever, with massed dance, drama, featured vocalists, a live student orchestra, rock band and hundreds of Aboriginal dancers across both casts sharing culture, storytelling and connection through movement.

The theme Out of the Ordinary, celebrates individuality, imagination, courage and creativity, encouraging students and audiences alike to embrace what makes them unique. Through large-scale dance numbers, powerful drama, featured vocal performances and a full live orchestra, the production promises an unforgettable arena spectacular.

The Star Struck Mass Choir will hold its next major rehearsal on Friday 5 June at the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre, bringing together hundreds of student voices ahead of show week.

The highly anticipated Sitzprobe rehearsal will follow on Saturday 6 June at Warners Bay High School, uniting the full student orchestra, rock band and vocal team for the first time.

Star Struck is again proud to welcome internationally renowned conductor George Ellis as conductor of the Star Struck Orchestra. One of Australia’s most celebrated conductors and composers, George brings extensive experience across symphonic music, opera, musical theatre, jazz and contemporary performance, offering students an extraordinary professional learning opportunity.

Star Struck Operations Manager Casey Smith said Star Struck remains a powerful celebration of public education and the arts, providing opportunities for students of all experience levels, from those stepping onto a stage for the first time through to highly accomplished young performers extending themselves beyond the classroom.

We are igniting high potential and gifted education in so many ways through Star Struck,” Ms Smith said.

For many students, Star Struck is far more than a performance opportunity, it is a chance to build confidence, friendships, creativity and a lifelong connection to the arts.

The production would not be possible without the incredible support of schools, teachers, families, volunteers and sponsors.”

Tickets available through Ticketek Australia and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre website but get in quick. Demand for this year’s production has been extraordinary, with the Saturday evening performance already sold out.

Star Struck is proudly presented by the NSW Department of Education and supported by major sponsor Glencore.

Additional support is provided by Platinum Sponsor NSW Teachers Federation; Gold Sponsors Newcastle School Portraits and Kinetic Creations; Bronze Sponsors Wests and Hunter Manufacturing Awards; Megastar Sponsors Cappuccino Monkey, Mango Shake, Cabarrus International and Dantza Abesti; and Product Sponsors Perry on Parry, Traffic Plan Professionals and Lake Macquarie Dance Academy.

Media partners include NewFM, 2HD, Newcastle Weekly, Newcastle Herald and Graphika.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Media are invited to attend combined rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances. Interview, photography and rehearsal access opportunities available.

Combined dance and drama rehearsals:
Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre
Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May

Star Struck Mass Choir major rehearsal:

Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre

Friday 5 June – 9:00am to 2:00pm

Tech and dress rehearsals:
Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Wednesday 10 June – 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Cast A
Thursday 11 June – 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Cast B

Final performances will take place on:

Friday 12 June – 11:00am and 7:00pm
Saturday 13 June – 1:00pm and 7:00pm

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
Abermain Public School
Adamstown Public School
Anna Bay Public School
Argenton Public School
Ashtonfield Public School
Barnsley Public School
Belair Public Schol
Belmont High School
Belmont North Public School
Belmont Public School
Berkeley Vale Public School
Biddabah Public School
Blackalls Park Public School
Blacksmiths Public School
Bolwarra Public School
Bonnells Bay Public School
Booragul Public School
Branxton Public School
Brooklyn Public School
Budgewoi Public School
Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus
Callaghan College Wallsend Campus
Callaghan College Waratah Campus
Cardiff High School
Cardiff South Public School
Carrington Public School
Caves Beach Public School
Central Mangrove Public School
Cessnock East Public School
Cessnock High School
Cessnock West PS
Charlestown East Public School
Charlestown Public School
Charlestown South Public School
Clarence Town Public School
Coal Point Public School
Cooranbong Public School
Denman Public School
Dora Creek Public School
Dungog High School
East Maitland Public School
Edgeworth Public School
Elemore Vale Public School
Ellalong Public School
Fassifern Public School
Fern Bay Public School
Francis Greenway High School
Garden Suburb Public School
Gillieston Public School
Glendale East Public School
Glendale Technology High School
Gorokan Public School
Greta Public School
Gwandalan Public School
Hamilton North Public School
Hillsborough Public School
Hinton Public School
Hunter River Community School
Hunter River High School
Hunter School of the Performing Arts – Primary
Hunter School of the Performing Arts – Secondary
Hunter Signing Choir
Hunter Sports High School
Hunter Trebles
Irrawang High School
Islington Public School
Jesmond Public School
Jewells Primary School
John Hunter Hospital School
Kahibah Public School
King Street Public School
Kirkton Public School
Kotara High School
Kotara South Public School
Kurri Kurri High School
Kurri Kurri Public School
Lake Macquarie High School
Lambton High School
Lambton Public School
Lisarow High School
Maitland High School
Maitland Public School
Mannering Park Public School
Marks Point Public School
Medowie Public School
Merewether Heights Public School
Merewether Public School
Merriwa Central School – Primary & secondary
Metford Public School
Minmi Public School
Morisset High School
Morisset Primary School
Morpeth Public School
Mount Pleasant Public School
Mount view high school
Muswellbrook South PS
Narara Valley High School
New Lambton Public School
New Lambton South Public School
Newcastle East Public School
Newcastle High School
Nords Wharf PS
Northlakes High School
Northlakes Public School
Nulkaba Public School
Paxton Public School
Pelaw Main Public School
Pelican Flat Public School
Plattsburg Public School
Rathmines Public School
Redhead Public School
Rutherford Technology High School
Scone Public School
Shoal Bay Public School
Shortland Public School
Singleton Heights Public School
Singleton High School
Soldiers Point Public School
Swansea High School
Swansea Public School
Tanilba Bay Public School
Tarro Public School
Telarah Public School
Terrigal High School
Terrigal Public School
The Junction Public School
Thornton Public School
TLSC Berkeley Vale Campus
Tomaree High School
Tomaree Public School
Toronto High School
Vacy Public School
Wadalaba Community School
Wallsend Public School
Wallsend South Public School
Wamberal Public School
Wangi Wangi Public School
Waratah West Public School
Warners Bay High School
Warners Bay Public School
West Wallsend High School
Whitebridge High School
Windale Public School
Wirreanda Public School
Wyee Public School.