Category: Newcastle News

More than 50 community members have graduated from City of Newcastle’s inaugural net zero training initiative, highlighting a growing appetite for local climate action.

Experts from Australia’s leading climate change organisations equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to create community-led projects that support the shift to renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency in Newcastle.

City of Newcastle staff, Councillors Declan Clausen, Elizabeth Adamczyk and Sinead Francis-Coan join graduates from City of Newcastle’s Empowering Climate Champions training program.The six-week Empowering Climate Champions training program was inspired by Rewiring Australia, whose co-founder Dr Saul Griffiths was a keynote speaker at one of City of Newcastle’s popular Empowering Newcastle event series, which attracted more than 1500 attendees in 2024.

Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath congratulated participants at a graduation ceremony last night and said they would play an important role in the city’s action on climate change.

“Achieving our goal of net zero emissions in Newcastle by 2040 is going to take a collective effort,” Mr Bath said.

“The overwhelming response to this first round of Empowering Climate Champions training shows that people in our community not only want to see action taken to address climate change, but they are also willing to step up and lead the charge.

“This program has been designed to empower our community to be part of the solution as they learn from experts in the field, including the Climate Council, Community Power Agency and BehaviourWorks Australia.

“I look forward to seeing the community-led projects our first group of graduates deliver.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said Empowering Climate Champions is a United Nations CIFAL Newcastle UNITAR certified program that provides graduates with an internationally recognised accreditation.

“Our first community net zero training program is among the initiatives being delivered through City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy, which sets out our 10-year roadmap for achieving a sustainable Newcastle, in e the priority areas of action on climate change, nature-based solutions, and the circular economy,” Ms Kikken said.

“It has been inspiring to see such a diverse mix of participants from across Newcastle, all bringing different perspectives but sharing a common goal to be empowered to take action.” 

City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead, Lexi Crouch, Climate Change & Sustainability Manager, Heather Stevens, Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability, Marnie Kikken with graduates Benjamin Julien, Inger Lanzone and Chris Evans.Participants Chris Evans, Benjamin Julien and Inger Lanzone were among those that praised the program.

“The program delivered real-world training from passionate, qualified experts and equipped me with practical tools and strategies to drive impactful climate action,” Mr Evans said.

“It showed me that taking action doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and I now feel confident in my ability to lead meaningful change for the betterment of our community.”

Mr Juilen said the training had broadened his thinking and provided clarity on how to approach the design and delivery of future projects.

“I’m excited to apply the insights I’ve gained from the program for a project focused on transportable solar solutions for strata communities,” Mr Julien said.

Ms Lanzone said that she had previously felt overwhelmed by climate change, but the program had provided her with the knowledge, resources, and a community of people to act with to contribute to a sustainable future.

“Empowering Climate Champions has created a collaborative of empowered citizens capable of educating and inspiring their local communities with practical steps to contribute to a net zero future,” Ms Lanzone said.

“I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know.”

To keep up-to-date with future rounds of the Empowering Climate Champions program and other upcoming events, visit the Empowering Newcastle page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Rewiring Australia is a non-profit, independent, non-partisan organisation dedicated to the electrification of everything, for everyone – for a fairer, healthier, zero-emissions Australia.

CIFAL is the acronym for Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders and is a United Nations (UN) program led through The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) aimed at harnessing the power of organisations (such as educational institutions and government agencies) to share knowledge and promote best practices that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

A man has been charged with firearms and property breaking offences following an investigation in the state’s Hunter region.

In April 2025, detectives from the Rural Crime Prevention Team – Hunter Valley Police District under Strike Force Lucindale, was formed to investigate a series or break, enter and steal offences into rural properties in the Mount Royal and Rouchel areas between 20 February 2025 and 1 April 2025.

Among the items stolen were motor vehicles, farm utilities, motorbikes, firearms and ammunition.

Following inquiries, about 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 April 2025), detectives executed two search warrants at properties at Carrowbrook and Davis Creek.

Among the items seized by police from both properties were eight unregistered firearms, including a bolt action rifle, a .22 calibre long rifle, a Boita rifle, a double barrel shotgun, a pump action shot gun, a 303 bolt action rifle, two antique guns and associated ammunition.

Also located were two Polaris all-terrain vehicles, a Honda XRF motorcycle, a Yamaha peewee 50 motorbike, a red quad bike, a Nissan Patrol 4WD, a Nissan Patrol utility; swords, a box trailer and loading ramps, a surfboard, trail cameras and numerous other items.

Police arrested a 23-yar-old man at the scene.

He was taken to Singleton Police Station where he was charged with 18 offences;

– steal motor vehicle (three counts),

– break, enter and steal (four counts),

– stealing,

– steal trailer,

– steal firearm or imitation firearm,

– possess unregistered firearm (three counts),

– possess more than three unregistered firearms,

– possess ammunition without a permit,

– not keep firearm safely,

– possess prohibited drug,

– supply prohibited drug and goods in custody.

He was refused bail to appear before Singleton Local Court today (Friday 11 April 2025), where bail was formally refused. He will re-appear before the same Court on Thursday 1 May 2025.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in Werakata National Park and adjacent lands tomorrow on Friday 11 April, weather permitting.

The burn will reduce fuel loads of around 50 hectares and is expected to take two to three days, including mop-up and patrol operations.

NPWS will lead the burn in partnership with NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

The low-intensity burn aims to reduce fuel loads in the national park and surrounding areas to help protect neighbouring residential areas from potential bushfires.

It will take place in Werakata National Park and on land next to Albury Street and Forbes Street, Abermain, and smoke may impact properties in the local area.

Walking tracks and trails in the area will remain closed until mop-up crews deem them safe. NPWS asks all visitors to obey directions and signage for the safety of themselves and fire fighters. 

Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

Smoke may be visible in the nature reserve and nearby communities depending on wind direction. People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory issues are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.

All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level. Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me website and app, and on NPWS Alertswebsite. 

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia. For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.

This Friday, April 11, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) teams will hit the water at Port Stephens to practice the critical and complex task of disentangling whales, ahead of the start of the annual humpback migration season. 

The on-water training exercise is designed to improve skills and processes needed to safely free whales that become entangled in ropes, nets and other marine debris. Beyond technical training, the exercise also helps staff to develop skills in remaining calm, focused and staying safe when dealing with a panicked, powerful 30-tonne animal.

Each year, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast, with a few dozen becoming entangled in fishing gear or marine debris. These entanglements can have devastating impacts on whale health and survival and responding swiftly and safely is critical.

The annual NPWS training refreshes skills for experienced responders while preparing new team members. Friday’s session will involve teams from the Hunter Central Coast and Greater Sydney regions, and is part of a broader program supported through the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.

Last year, 11 humpback whales were successfully freed from entanglements off the NSW coast. As most tangled whales keep swimming, sometimes at speeds above 5 knots (about 9kph), being able to relocate the whale quickly is critical. If it is safe to do so, we encourage the community to get photos and detail the exact GPS location.

Funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy has supported NPWS in training whale disentanglement teams stationed along the coastline. The training is conducted in close collaboration with Marine Rescue NSW, who provide skilled volunteers and vessels to ensure operations are carried out safely and effectively.

NPWS also works in partnership with ORRCA, Sea World Foundation, Gamay Rangers, the fishing industry, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), OceanWatch Australia and the Professional Fishermen’s Association (PFA) to reduce entanglement risks and build response capacity.

If you see a distressed or entangled whale, contact the NPWS on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on 02 9415 3333 immediately.

Quotes attributable to NPWS Team Leader Conservation, Doug Beckers

Whale-watching is an increasingly popular activity right along NSW’s Coast, and it’s humbling to know that a few loops of rope can bring down one of these huge, majestic animals.

If you do happen to spot an entangled whale, please report it to NPWS or ORRCA straight away – every minute counts.

National Parks now has the capacity to deploy whale disentanglement teams right along the Coast – but only when conditions permit. We need the right weather, not too much swell, and enough daylight hours to safely find the animal and complete operations.

Humpback whales are awesome creatures which can weigh between 30 and 40 tonne, so for your own safety and theirs, you need to keep your distance. All water craft must keep 100m from a whale, or 300m if a calf is present.

A man has been charged after an alleged armed robbery in the state’s north.

About 3pm on Friday 28 March 2025, police were called to a licensed premises on Ntaba Road, Jewells, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man forced his entry into the premises with a broken glass bottle before he stole an amount of cash and left the scene.

There were no injuries reported due to the incident.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.

Following inquiries, about 10am today (Thursday 10 April 2025), detectives attended a home on Doongara Close, Jewells, and arrested a 31-year-old man.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Thursday 10 April 2025) where he was formally refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 11 April 2025).

People living with eating disorders across NSW can now access specialist residential care with the opening of the new $13.5 million Residential Eating Disorders Centre in Charlestown.

The two-storey, 12-bed centre in Charlestown is the first publicly funded service of its kind in NSW.

Suitable for people aged 16 and older with a diagnosed eating disorder, the centre provides evidence-based interventions in a nurturing, home-like environment.

The centre is designed to bridge the gap between community-based care and hospital admission, offering personalised support for people living with eating disorders and those who care for them.

Residents may stay at the centre for up to three months, depending on their progress. They will receive individualised support from a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and social workers.

A range of support and daily wellness activities will help residents increase their independence and continue their recovery journey at home, including psychotherapy, grocery shopping, cooking classes, and gentle movement sessions.

The funding is part of a $63 million Albanese Labor Government commitment to deliver eating disorder care centres nationally.

The centre will complement other eating disorder services across NSW, including local health district day programs and community-based therapies.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, contact the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HOPE) or visit Butterfly.

Assistant Minister McBride:

“An estimated 1.1 million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder.

“The Labor Government is investing $63 million to open eating disorder centres across the country, including in Charlestown.

“We want people who have an eating disorder to access the care and support they need to recover and live a healthy life.”

Minister Conroy, Member for Shortland:

“Most of us will know someone who has experienced an eating disorder at some point in their lives – a friend, colleague or family member.

“I welcome this additional, specialised support people living with eating disorders in Charlestown and the Hunter region.”

“This is another example of the Federal Labor Government investing in quality healthcare services in Lake Macquarie after delivering the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and restoring funding to the GP Access After Hours Service.”

Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle:

“Opening this new centre is a significant step forward in providing much needed support and care to people struggling with eating disorders.

“This facility will not only provide expert treatment but also foster a compassionate and understanding environment where people can begin their journey to recovery.

“I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is working to address these issues with the seriousness and empathy they deserve, and this centre is a vital part of that commitment.”

Local employers came together at a forum hosted by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) on Tuesday night to discuss the five generations working side-by-side in the workplace and strategies to bridge the generation gap. With apprentice completion rates still hovering at just 54%, it’s critical for businesses to engage and retain their young talent.

Former Newcastle Knights NRL player and current Assistant Coach Blake Green shared insights from his time spent coaching young athletes, emphasising that trust and communication go together in any team environment. “When I first started receiving feedback, you just copped it in front of everyone; it didn’t matter how you felt about it. That can’t happen in our environment today because you lose trust, the relationship breaks down.”

“It’s important to deliver feedback firmly, but the most important thing for us is showing genuine care and developing relationships. Once we show that, then we’re able to deliver feedback more effectively.”

Coaching psychology expert Susie Burrell, who led the panel, said, “Research highlights that apprentices and trainees are most likely to leave their jobs due to problems with their experience in the workplace, specifically around communication. Employers who fail to recognise generational differences or adapt their communication style risk losing valuable talent.”

Some of the strategies discussed included implementing regular career check-ins, highlighting pathways for the employee to keep them motivated, setting employees up for success with clear guidelines and expectations and mentorship through peer buddy systems.

ASA NSW North Manager, Jeff Cooke, said, “Larger employers with strong HR resources and experience in mentoring apprentices and trainees often achieve the highest completion rates. But not every business has that level of in-house expertise. That’s why these events and our programs are designed to support employers of all sizes, providing practical, low-cost strategies to help them build positive relationships with the next generation of workers.”

“Workplaces are changing, and while Gen-Z often get labelled with certain stereotypes, the reality is they can bring a lot of value to a business — especially when it comes to fresh ideas, technology and innovation,” Ms Burrell said. “It’s really just about employers learning how to genuinely connect with them to unlock their true potential.”

More information about ASA’s programs is available at apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or by calling 1300 363 831.

Police are appealing for public assistance over an armed robbery in the state’s north.

About 3pm on Friday 28 March 2025, police were called to a licensed premises on Ntaba Road, Jewells, following reports of an alleged armed robbery.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man forced his entry into the premises with a broken glass bottle before he stole an amount of cash and left the scene.

There were no injuries reported due to the incident.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident was commenced.

Following inquiries, police have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, with short hair and beard, seen wearing grey track pants and black shoes.

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the second stage of planned improvements to Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground, which would deliver the upgrades required to host elite national level competition.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the $20 million project builds on City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment into city’s premier sportsground, with a vision to attract men’s and women’s domestic first-class cricket and Big Bash League matches, as well as high level AFL fixtures.

“City of Newcastle is committed to the major redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground, which will transform the facility into a modern venue able to cater for the needs of local, regional and elite-level sporting fixtures,” Mr Bath said.

“In 2022 we completed an $8 million refurbishment, which included major upgrades to the field of play, lighting and seating capacity.

“At that time we said government grants would be required to deliver the second stage of this development, which includes a two-storey addition at the rear of the existing grandstand to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.

“We have been working with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia for a number of years to develop this proposal to complete the facility’s transformation, with lighting, media and spectator upgrades that would make No.1 Sportsground a destination for top level sport across a range of codes, including cricket and AFL.”

Proposed improvements to No.1 Sportsground include:

• Enhanced player and match official amenity, including upgraded changerooms and new turf training pitches.
• Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with enhanced accessibility for females and people with disabilities.
• Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming.
• Multipurpose spaces that would be utilised as community rooms outside of match days. 

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said securing a commitment from the Australian Government for the Newcastle project was one of their top national priorities ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.  

“The cricket community in Newcastle, along with the City of Newcastle, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket,” Mr Germon said.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, Newcastle No.1 could become a second home venue for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. 

“An upgraded Newcastle No.1 could also be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility. Therefore, we call on the Federal candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project would deliver wide-ranging benefits. 

“We have been working collaboratively with cricket and AFL for a number of years on the revitalisation of No.1 Sportsground for the benefit of players and spectators,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This project will not only deliver enhanced facilities for those within our community who utilise it for grassroots and regional level sport, but will also have a wider-reaching impact on Newcastle’s economy through its potential to attract and host major sporting events.”

Councillor Peter Gittins, who sits on City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities committee, welcomed the plans and the backing of Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia.

“I remember fondly the time when Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground was a premier sporting venue. Not only was there the rugby league match of the day every Saturday but the ground played host to numerous touring league and cricket teams. The crowds were large, the atmosphere electric and the ground itself was always immaculate and a Newcastle icon,” Cr Gittins said.

“As a city with such a proud sporting tradition, Newcastle deserves a venue that will enable it to host first-class cricket including Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup and the Women’s National Cricket League as well as extending its AFL arm. 

“The time has come for our No.1 Sportsground to regain the crown as a sporting venue of the highest order and, in so doing, return top quality sport to what was once its natural home in the region.”

Young Novocastrians will dive into a vibrant mix of local live music, creative workshops and climate and activism activities this Saturday as they ‘takeover’ Newcastle Museum during City of Newcastle’s feature Youth Week event. 

The NM:PM Future Street Party will be one of five free activities being hosted or supported by City of Newcastle to celebrate the statewide youth-led festival, which runs from 9-17 April.

Councillors Paige Johnson, Callum Pull & Sinead Francis-Coan join members of the Youth Council and event participants to celebrate the upcoming Youth Week program in Newcastle. Puppets supplied by Fingers Crossed Creative.More than $10,000 in grant funding from City of Newcastle and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice has been invested into the community-led events.  

City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said the Youth Week program highlights the city’s commitment to empowering young people.

“We’re proud to celebrate the valuable contributions that young people make to our city,” Ms Baird said.

“Youth Week provides a platform for youth culture to be recognised, ensuring young people are both seen and heard. 

“It is an opportunity to explore the variety of voices, creatives and events across the city and put youth creatives first in the community. We are really excited to have an all-ages NM:PM and allow Newcastle Museum to be full of young bands.”

The Newcastle Youth Week program was shaped with input from around 35 young people, with members of City of Newcastle’s Youth Council Standing Committee actively participating in the grant funding process.

Councillor Paige Johnson said the committee plays a vital role in ensuring young people have a voice in shaping community initiatives.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of the Youth Council has been instrumental in allocating Youth Week grants to projects that reflect the interests and needs of young Novocastrians,” Cr Johnson said. 

“This is about giving young people the opportunity to drive these initiatives, not only for fostering a sense of ownership and pride, but empowering them to create meaningful change in their own communities.”

Co-chairperson of the Youth Council Standing Committee Ibrahim Khalid says the program is a testament to the impact young people can have when given the opportunity.

“Young people have so much to say and offer, and this program reflects the passion and innovation of our youth,” Mr Khalid said.

“The Youth Standing Committee is proud to have helped shape a diverse and engaging lineup of events that speak to our generation. This program provides young people with a platform to express themselves, connect with their community, and play an active role in shaping the future of our city.”

Among the funded initiatives will be a Snak and Rap event hosted by creative program facilitator UP&UP at Maryland Skate Bowl, offering young people free food while they express themselves through graffiti, street art, and open mic performances.

Other grant-supported events include a multicultural youth conference, a student-led sustainability expo, and a songwriting workshop hosted by Headspace led by a local musician.

The all-ages Future Street Party at Newcastle Museum will feature music by local performers Butterknife, Trophy Wyfe, The Sobars and Evan Worgan, badge and jewellery-making workshops, and a book swap hosted by Newcastle Libraries’ Young Adult Book Club.

Attendees can also explore the history of activism through the Museum’s current exhibition from the National Archives of Australia, Disrupt, Persist, Invent, before taking part in a climate activism yarning circle hosted by Youth Rising.

For more details about the local Youth Week events visit What’s On Newcastle.