Category: Newcastle News

A fourth man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping at Muswellbrook earlier this year.

Shortly before 4am on Friday 21 March 2025, a 25-year-old man was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway near Muswellbrook by a group of five males in a silver Subaru Impreza.

The man was allegedly removed from his vehicle before he was assaulted and forced into the Subaru, and driven to Tindale Street, Muswellbrook.

Police believe the Subaru remained on Tindale Street for some time, before travelling to the Denman or surrounding rural area.

A short time later, a 35-year-old man was stopped in his vehicle outside the same address in Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his vehicle.

The 35-year-old man was allegedly approached and threatened by an occupant of the ute, before he drove away without injury. Police allege that the incidents are linked.

Police later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. He has since been released.

Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and established Strike Force Sanderston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Scone and Muswellbrook yesterday (Wednesday 7 May 2025).

During the searches, police allegedly located a replica firearm, electronics, illegal tobacco products, prohibited drugs, and a range of property believed to be stolen.

Two men – aged 34 and 21 – were subsequently arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where they were charged.

On Monday 12 May 2025, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at Muswellbrook. He was taken to in Muswellbrook police station where he was charged with take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, stalk/intimidate – intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and sexually touch another person without consent.

The three men remain before the Courts.

Following further inquiries, on Thursday 15 May 2025, Strike Force Sanderston detectives, with assistance from detectives from Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and officers from Raptor Squad, police arrested a 31-year-old man at a house in Springfield.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with six offences – intimidation, take and detain person in company with intent to commit serious indictable offence, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, police pursuit (two counts) and predatory driving.

The man was refused bail and will appear in Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 16 May 2025).

The long-awaited restoration of the historic Newcastle Post Office has been given the green light by City of Newcastle following the approval of a modified development application.

The site is owned by Dr Jerry Schwartz, who purchased it in 2018 with a plan to invest more than $3.6 million into updating the treasured icon to include a state-of-the-art conference centre, retail shops, a café and an Aboriginal cultural centre.

The original proposal was approved by City of Newcastle in April 2021 before the Schwartz Family Company lodged a modification to the approved design in 2024, which included alterations and additions to the existing building, as well as an additional level and an onsite residence.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the complexity a heritage site creates but hoped the latest approval would see the project move forward.

“This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle’s history,” Mr Bath said.

“The modification application was delayed due to the proposal of an additional level, which was then removed following feedback from City of Newcastle’s Urban Design Review Panel, City of Newcastle staff and the Heritage Council of NSW.

“We’re pleased to see the restoration begin to take shape ahead of the building being reopened to the public for the first time since 2001.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said he welcomed the approval of the development application and looked forward to returning to the cherished landmark, which has stood for more than 120 years. 

“The building in a great example of Federation architecture and was added to the NSW Heritage Register in December 2000,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“The architectural qualities provide an insight into Newcastle’s prosperity and confidence during the late 19th century coal boom. 

“I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the Federal Government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community. 

“I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the modification application has not substantially changed the original plans.

“There are a range of exciting features that form part of this development that will bring the building back to life,” Ms Bisson said.

“Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored. 

“The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room.

“Our team worked through potential issues with the modification application and are pleased to have been able to resolve these once the owner provided all the relevant information, with the approval now allowing plans for this site to be progressed.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Meilee Chen, aged 68, was last seen in Martins Creek on Friday 2 May 2025.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Meilee’s welfare as she lives with medical conditions that require medication.

Meilee is described as being of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall, of a thin build, with short black hair.

She is known to frequent the Martins Creek and Birmingham Gardens areas.

Anyone with information into Meilee’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A third man has been charged as inquiries continue into an alleged kidnapping at Muswellbrook earlier this year.

Shortly before 4am on Friday 21 March 2025, a 25-year-old man was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway near Muswellbrook by a group of five males in a silver Subaru Impreza.

The man was allegedly removed from his vehicle before he was assaulted and forced into the Subaru, and driven to Tindale Street, Muswellbrook.

Police believe the Subaru remained on Tindale Street for some time, before travelling to the Denman or surrounding rural area.

A short time later, a 35-year-old man was stopped in his vehicle outside the same address in Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his vehicle.

The 35-year-old man was allegedly approached and threatened by an occupant of the ute, before he drove away without injury. Police will allege that the incidents are linked.

Police later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. He has since been released.

Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and established Strike Force Sanderston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Scone and Muswellbrook yesterday (Wednesday 7 May 2025).

During the searches, police allegedly located a replica firearm, electronics, illegal tobacco products, prohibited drugs, and a range of property believed to be stolen.

Two men – aged 34 and 21 – were subsequently arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where they were charged. They remain before the Courts.

On Monday 12 May 2025, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at Muswellbrook. He was taken to in Muswellbrook police station where he was charged with take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, stalk/intimidate – intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and sexually touch another person without consent.

He was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 13 May 2025).

Inquiries into the incident continue under Strike Force Sanderston.

One of the Hunter’s most popular community assets will remain open to the public during vital maintenance work that will improve the safety, longevity and functionality of the Fernleigh Track tunnel.

Originally part of the railway line that transported coal from mines in Lake Macquarie to the port of Newcastle from 1892 to 1991, the tunnel became the highlight of the much-loved cycling and pedestrian path when it opened in 2003.

As part of annual engineering inspections, City of Newcastle identified the need for maintenance to ensure the safety of users and extend the life of the 181-metre-long curved tunnel. 

The renewal work will begin later this week and is expected to be finished by the end of June, weather permitting.

Steel mesh will be installed in parts of the tunnel while damaged mortar will be repaired to maintain the stability of the bricks. Weep holes will also be installed in the tunnel to allow for improved drainage.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the needs of the community have been at the forefront of planning for this project.

“We know how popular the Fernleigh Track and tunnel are with local cyclists, runners and pedestrians,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The project will provide maintenance for the existing elements of the tunnel and help to reduce future renewal costs, however the biggest priority is to ensure the safety and longevity of the historic site for everyone to enjoy.

“The maintenance will take place between 6pm and 2am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruptions to daytime users. Additional lighting and temporary fencing will be added to the work area and clear signage will be in place at both tunnel entrances.

“In order to minimise the disturbance to users and residents, access to the tunnel will be maintained, but the usual two-lane pathway will be reduced to a single shared lane within the work zone.

“Pedestrian pathways will be clearly marked 60 metres from the tunnel entrances in both directions and traffic controllers will be on site to safely manage pedestrian and cyclist movements.

“While some noise may be noticeable during work hours because of the use of machinery and equipment, we will make every effort to minimise disturbance throughout the project.”

Other features of the works include the removal of existing graffiti and the application of a new anti-graffiti coating.

For more information on the planned upgrades please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Davidson Business Advisory has confirmed in a Public Briefing to Councillors and the community that its independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance has found no instances of fraud, corruption, breaches of legislation or maladministration.  

Rather, the review has found City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and high performing organisation, with numerous examples of best practice in the way that it operates and serves the community.  

Davidson outlined 20 recommendations arising from their review along with actions for improvement across the six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture. 

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting. 

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review, alongside around 260 internal City of Newcastle documents and numerous one-one-one interviews with staff, Councillors and community members. 

Davidson Business Advisory’s Colin Jensen, who served as the CEO of Brisbane City Council for more than a decade, said the report’s recommendations offer avenues for continued growth and excellence. 

“Davidson Business Advisory was engaged to provide an impartial evaluation of City of Newcastle’s current practices, aiming to enhance performance and maintain the highest standards of public service,” Mr Jensen said. 

“Every document and submission was considered by the reviewers, assessing them against City of Newcastle’s adopted policies, processes and procedures to identify where there was evidence of best practice or opportunities for better practice. 

“Overall, City of Newcastle was found to be a well-managed and high-performing organisation, with numerous examples of best practice highlighted in the repot. 

“The review includes 20 actionable recommendations designed to enhance City of Newcastle’s processes, ensure the organisation operates with the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and reinforce public trust in its ability to serve the community effectively.” 

City of Newcastle’s independent Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates highlighted the integrity of the process and praised City of Newcastle for its commitment to continuous improvement. 

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. Importantly, there were no issues related to fraud, corruption, legislative breaches, or maladministration.  

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.” 

The full report will be tabled to the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 May for endorsement by Councillors. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.

Full statement from ARIC Chair Stephen Coates

The City of Newcastle Audit Risk & Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review. 

The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

Importantly, there were no issues related to fraud, corruption, legislative breaches, or maladministration. 

Specifically, the Audit Risk & Improvement Committee oversaw the initial scoping of the review, as well as again confirming the scope after submissions had been received. We have been involved in the draft version of the report, but only to the extent of suggesting wording adjustments to better reflect the intent of the commentary. 

When it comes to governance and City of Newcastle operations, there’s a strong focus on professionalism and adherence to protocols in Council meetings. Even when tackling contentious issues like media communications or councillor conduct no misuse of authority has been found. 

Financially, City of Newcastle remains in a solid position, with a diverse revenue base, competitive rates, and a high level of community investment. Debt and reserve management are both well managed, and service delivery is operating efficiently. The NSW Audit Office has raised no concerns in its latest external audit. 

City of Newcastle has also adopted best practice compliance and enforcement policies. This final report indicates conflict of interest processes are generally well-managed, and disclosures are made appropriately. There were no major or systemic compliance failures identified. 

Major projects are handled by a well-structured Project Management Office, which uses strong asset management and procurement policies. A “lessons learned” protocol helps improve future project delivery. 

There are strong examples of community engagement strategies in place. City of Newcastle offers consultation opportunities and maintains transparency through public reports and other available planning documents. Proactive releases under GIPA and other detailed reporting further demonstrate City of Newcastle’s commitment to transparency. 

Finally, the staff and executive culture is described as positive, professional, and high performing. 

While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.

TOMORROW, Saturday, 10th May at 12pm, the aunt of 18-year-old murder victim, Emerald Wardle, will be co-hosting the Community Rally Against Violence in Newcastle, to honour her niece and all women and children who fall victims of heinous crimes.

“So far this year, 24 women in Australia have been murdered, and by the time we rally, that number could sadly be higher. This is a heartbreaking reality we can no longer ignore,” said Ms Smith.

“On Saturday we’ll be walking and calling for critical change to the justice system that failed Emerald, our family and many other victims of violent, heinous crimes against women and children,” she said.

Ms Smith who played a critical role in initiating amendments to the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 and the Mental Health Act 2007 that strengthened oversight and governance in forensic mental health matters, was in the gallery to witness the bill being presented by The Hon. Rose Jackson.

“While we’re deeply grateful for the recent changes to legislation that the Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP advocated for and the Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. Rose Jackson implemented, more needs to be done to protect the community when forensic patients are released, as the changes don’t go far enough,” Ms Smith said.

“With the support of Advocacy Australia, we and other victims of family members who have been brutally killed will continue to fight to protect the community from these killers even if the NSW Government, the Opposition and the Greens object to these important changes that will save lives,” said Ms Smith.

After Emerald’s young life was brutally taken by her boyfriend in 2020, Ms Smith says Emerald and her family were failed by a system that treated her cherished niece as just another statistic.

In April 2024, in the Court of Criminal Appeal, Emerald’s killer successfully overturned his murder conviction and a maximum 20-year sentence to be ‘act proven but not criminally responsible’, with oversight of the killer transferred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

The Mental Health Review Tribunal with its unprecedented, autonomous powers, makes decisions about the treatment and supervision of forensic patients and conducts reviews that can grant known killers leave from a facility that Ms Smith says not only fails to meet community expectations but poses serious risks to the wider community especially women and children.

“Emerald lost her young life at the hands of her boyfriend, a person she trusted, and then to learn that her killer was granted day release by the Tribunal and was using dating apps, was devastating,” she said.

“This rally is extremely important to me as not once in the last four years has Emerald, our family or the community be considered in the decisions that have been made around this case.

“When will victims of crime and their families be considered when these decisions are being made,” Ms Smith said.

“This needs to change. The victims must be given appropriate consideration in these matters and the safety of the community must be the priority not just needs of the perpetrator,” she said.

“There will never be an end to our overwhelming grief knowing that Emerald’s killer, a forensic patient, can be released without the same checks and balances as convicted murderers when granted parole, including ankle bracelet monitoring for known killers and other violent forensic patients, like Emerald’s killer, as proposed by Mr Philip Donato MP” Ms Smith said.

“The system with oversight of forensic patients’ needs a complete overhaul, and on Saturday when I join many who hope to prevent the same tragic acts of violence against women and children, I’ll be calling on the NSW Government to step up and hear our voices crying out for support.

“While I’m incredibly grateful to all those who supported the amendments to the legislation, there is still so much more that needs to be done and we’ll continue to fight for continued change to legislation and hold to account the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, the courts, the Mental Health Review Tribunal and NSW victim services for the decisions made that impact all victims of heinous crimes and the wider community.

“When we walk on Saturday as part of the Community Rally Against Violence, we’ll be saying NO MORE to the violence so many Australian women and calling on the NSW Government to hear our pleas to end the violence and implement vital changes to achieve this,” Ms Smith said.

“We need our parliamentarians to put politics aside and stand with us – the people, the victims, and the families left behind. It’s time for courage, not complacency. Enough is enough. It should not take a personal experience for our leaders to recognise the urgency. The time to fix this fractured system is now.” said Ms Smith.

Ms Smith and other advocates will meet at Newcastle Museum and march to Foreshore Park to stand together for the 24 women who’ve already lost their lives during the 19 weeks of 2025 – to demand real action from the NSW Government.

“We will be walking for my niece Emerald Wardle who was a beautiful and kind young woman, and all victims of heinous violent crimes so we hope the community will join us and bring their loved ones, their signs and their voices to help us create noise that cannot be ignored to bring about essential change,” Ms Smith said.

Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia said, “Only by standing together to say NO MORE violence against women and children, can we as a society ensure a safer future for everyone.

Swimmers are being invited to dive into discussions around a proposal to trial reduced entry fees at City of Newcastle’s five inland pools next season.

Community members are being asked if they support a trial of single entry admission fees being set at $2 per person in 2025/26, and whether the reduced entry would encourage them to visit more often.

Community members are being asked to share their views on the proposed trial introduction of a $2 entry fee to City of Newcastle owned pools, including Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The consultation follows resolutions at the February and April ordinary council meetings, with the feedback to be considered alongside an upcoming report on the projected financial cost of the proposed $2 fee, and its impacts on the draft 2025/26 Budget.

Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the amendment at the April Ordinary Council meeting to facilitate the consultation, encouraged the community to have their say on the trial.

“Council is exploring a $2 pool entry trial to make our local pools more affordable and accessible for everyone in our community,” Cr Clausen said. 

“We know cost-of-living pressures are real, and we want to hear whether this initiative would make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

“I encourage all residents to have their say during the consultation. Your feedback will help shape the final decision and how we deliver this $2 pool entry trial.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it was important to gather as much data as possible to help inform Councillors in their deliberations over the proposed trial.

“It is valuable to understand the community’s views on the trial proposed by the elected Council, and whether it will affect the way they interact with and use our pools,” Ms Duffy said.

“It is also important to consider the financial implications of the trial of reduced single entry admission fees, as income from pool entry fees are retained by the operator Bluefit to support the day-to-day running of the facilities. 

“Any difference between the regular single entry fee and the proposed reduced fee of $2 would need to be met by City of Newcastle and included in the 2025/26 draft Budget, which is currently on public exhibition.

“In addition to the subsidised pool fee trial, City of Newcastle is also planning significant investment during the next 12 months to maintain and improve our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community.”

Projects included in the 2025/26 draft Budget include preparing detailed reports to replace the roof of the grandstand and installing accessible platforms at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre. 

A $1 million investment has also been set aside to progress the design of a year-round indoor pool as promised by the previous elected Council and included in City of Newcastle’s Inland Pools Strategy 2043. 

Around $1 million will also be spent over the next 12 months on infrastructure upgrades across the five swimming pools, including a platform to improve pool accessibility at Mayfield. A busy program of maintenance activities will be delivered during the winter closure including safety upgrades, re-painting to enhance durability and visual appeal, and maintenance of pool tiles and promenades.

Stockton Swimming Centre will receive a makeover with the playground equipment, barbecues and picnic tables to be upgraded, along with new shade structures to be installed, while lighting upgrades will be delivered at Beresfield and Mayfield.

Beresfield Swimming Centre will also benefit from the upgrade of its solar heating system, supported by a $220,000 grant received from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program in August last year during the pool season. 

A heating upgrade is also on the cards for Lambton, with the installation of a new heat pump during the winter period once the pool closes for the season on Sunday 25 May. Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools have already closed for the winter break. 

Community members can provide feedback on the proposed $2 entry fee trial by visiting City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page by 5pm on 29 May.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s central north.

Hollie Campbell, aged 12, was last seen on De Lisle Street, Metford, about 6.15am yesterday (Monday 5 May 2025).

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Hollie’s welfare.

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

She was last seen wearing a black jumper and a black Nike backpack.

Hollie is known to frequent the Metford, Beresfield, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s central north.

Aubree Wray, aged 13, was last seen on Oasis Close, Soldiers Point, approximately 11km north of Anna Bay, about 9am on Saturday 3 May 2025.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Aubree’s welfare.

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

She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

Aubree is known to frequent the Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay and Lemon Tree Passage areas.