Category: Newcastle News

A man will face court tomorrow charged after the alleged domestic violence murder of a woman in the states’ Hunter region today.

About 4.45am today (Monday 18 August 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Unicomb Close, Rutherford, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Port Stephens – Hunter Police District attended and found a 20-year-old woman unresponsive with serious facial injuries.

She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, she could not be revived.

Police established a crime scene and detectives commenced Strike Force Clarbeni to investigate the incident.

Following inquiries a 31-year-old man – who is known to the woman – was arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with murder DV.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 tomorrow (Tuesday 19 August 2025).

Lake Macquarie City Council has been awarded $1.6 million to deliver a major upgrade of Belmont Public Wharf in Swansea.

The project will see the removal of the existing structure and construction of a brand new wharf, improving safety and usability for local boaters, visitors and families.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $23 million investment in safer and more accessible waterways through the Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grant Program.

Across NSW, 46 projects will share in funding from the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme.

A full list of successful projects is available at Boating Infrastructure for Communities | NSW Government

Further details on this grant program are available at Boating Infrastructure Maintenance | NSW Government

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“This investment will make a real difference for the community”.

“Projects delivered under the program mean safer launching and retrieval, better access for people of all abilities, and more reason for visitors to spend time and money in our local cafes, tackle shops and accommodation.”

“This program will support upgrades to public boating infrastructure, improve disability access, and fund strategic plans for future needs, delivering safer, more accessible waterways for communities across NSW.”

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“These upgrades are about delivering better, safer, and more accessible infrastructure to communities who rely on our waterways for work, leisure and connection.

“From Macleay to Lake Macquarie, Ulladulla to the Hawkesbury, these investments will make a real difference, supporting tourism, local jobs and long-term economic growth in regional NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering infrastructure that matters – projects

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

Christopher Shaw, aged 36, was last seen in East Branxton, about 6pm yesterday (Saturday 16 August 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Christopher’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Christopher is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and a long beard.

He may be driving a white Nissan Navara utility with a NSW registration AYE565.

Christopher is known to frequent the Rutherford, Chisholm and East Branxton areas.

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

Jordan Christian, aged 15, was last seen in Weston approximately two weeks ago.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified about 4:45pm on Monday 11 August 2025, and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

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

Jordan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, and about 175cm tall with medium build.

He is known to frequent Weston, Rutherford and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam vision after a crash closed the Hunter Expressway earlier today.

Emergency services were called to Greta about 5.20pm (Friday 15 August 2025), after two SUVs – both travelling southeast – collided.

A 63-year-old woman driving the vehicle in front, a red 2022-model Isuzu, was not injured and stopped nearby; however, the occupants of the following vehicle were trapped when it rolled several times.

A 61-year-old woman, who was driving the grey 2020-model Honda HR-V, and her 88-year-old female passenger, were trapped for about an hour before the older woman was released and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

The driver was taken by road ambulance to the same hospital.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and have commenced investigations into the incident.

Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam after a fatal crash closed the Hunter Expressway earlier today.

Emergency services were called to Greta about 5.20pm (Friday 15 August 2025), after two SUVs – both travelling southeast – collided.

A 63-year-old woman, from Aberdeen, driving the vehicle in front, a red 2022-model Isuzu, was not injured and stopped nearby; however, the occupants of the following vehicle were trapped when it rolled several times.

A 61-year-old woman, from Bonnells Bay, who was driving the grey 2020-model Honda HR-V, and her 88-year-old female passenger, were trapped for about an hour before the older woman was released and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where she later died.

The driver was taken by road ambulance to the same hospital.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and have commenced investigations into the incident. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or any witnesses to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle has used the winter closure period to complete more than $1 million worth of upgrades across its network of five inland swimming pools.

The installation of three new heat pumps at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is complete, ensuring swimmers will enjoy warmer water when the facility reopens for the new season on 25 August.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery (middle) with Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk and Callum Pull with the new pool blankets, which were replaced as part of the solar heating upgrade at Beresfield Swimming Centre.

Lambton also has a new platform to improve accessibility, while Beresfield Swimming Centre received an upgrade of its solar heating system supported by a $220,000 grant from the NSW Government.

Families in Stockton will have plenty to celebrate once the warmer weather returns thanks to a $145,000 upgrade at their Swimming Centre that includes new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and new accessible footpaths.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it’s been a busy program of maintenance activity.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities for the community,” Ms Duffy said.

“During winter all five of our inland pools have received safety upgrades, fresh paint jobs, maintenance of pool tiles and promenades, servicing of plant rooms and equipment, as well as plumbing repairs and improvements.

“New roller shutters have been installed at Wallsend and Lambton to improve security and we’ve delivered lighting upgrades at Beresfield and Mayfield.

“Lambton also received a new platform lift and ramp to make the pool more accessible, as well as an extensive paint job which includes non-slip areas.

“Replacing the solar heating system at Beresfield required pump room modifications and the replacement of rooftop thermal solar matting, which will greatly improve the facility’s energy efficiency.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she was delighted to nominate the project for funding under the Local Small Commitments Grant scheme.

“Beresfield Pool is such an important community asset and the solar heating upgrade was very deserving of funding,” Ms Hornery said.

“Providing this $220,000 from the Minns Government will go a long way to ensuring the pool is kept heated into the swimming season and provide a more comfortable experience in the water for our local swimmers and swimming clubs.”

“I want to thank City of Newcastle for implementing this project.”

City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield will reopen on Saturday 27 September.

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.

The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.

Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.

There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.

When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026. `

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.

“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening the first stage of a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”

State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter is the economic powerhouse of NSW, and this project demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring our region has the world-class infrastructure it deserves.

“The Hexham Straight is a vital link in our broader Hunter transport network, connecting our growing residential areas with major employment hubs, the Port of Newcastle, and key industrial precincts.

“This $2.2 billion investment shows what can be achieved when governments work together with a shared vision for the Hunter’s future.”

State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.

“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.

“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“Maitland Road is a vital local artery that’s used by about 50,000 vehicles each day.

“This project will reduce congestion and improve journey times and safety for all road users, including local businesses and freight operators travelling to and from the Port of Newcastle.

“Congratulations must go to Transport for NSW and contractors – SMEC, Georgiou and Daracon – for their great work on the project to date.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“This is fantastic news for residents in Wallsend and across the Hunter who rely on this busy corridor every day to get to work, school and essential services.

“The opening of the first widened section shows real progress on a project that will transform how people move around our region.

“With 50,000 vehicles using this stretch daily, these improvements will make a meaningful difference to families in Wallsend who depend on reliable transport connections to Newcastle and beyond

The elected Council has voted to approve an amended motion to allow Rising Tide’s application to use community land for its People’s Blockade event in November.  

Councillors voted at tonight’s Extraordinary Council Meeting to endorse an event authorisation for Camp Shortland and in-principle support for Foreshore Park, pending public notification and a requirement for a Form 1 from NSW Police consistent with the event licence application. 

Rising Tide applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

The application included the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. 

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. Public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days. 

A total of 1,855 submissions were received by City of Newcastle during the public notice period, which were submitted through the formal Have Your Say online portal, along with paper and email correspondence.  

A subsequent request was received from Rising Tide to amend their application to transfer the activities at Richardson Park to Foreshore Park. 

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge called an Extraordinary Council Meeting to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide could be considered and debated by Council. 

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing from the north coast.

Benjamin Holt, aged 34, was last seen launching a boat from a boat ramp at Rathmines, about 1pm yesterday, (Monday 11 August 2025.)

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare.

Benjamin is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants and a black hoodie.

Benjamin is known to frequent the Bolton Point, Swansea, Coal Point and Marmong Point areas and associated boat ramps.