Category: Newcastle News

Two teenagers have been charged following a fatal pursuit in the state’s Hunter over the weekend, as critical incident investigation continues. 

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a Honda travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The driver – a 14-year-old boy – and a 17-year-old boy occupying the front-seat were trapped.

Once released, they were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however the 17-year-old boy died at the scene.

The driver and three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – were taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial inquiries indicate the vehicle was reportedly stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm on Saturday (6 September 2025).

Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and examined the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

Following inquiries, the 14-year-old driver has now been charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Tuesday 9 September 2025).

The 17-year-old passenger was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

The 14-year-old passenger will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act while the 25-year-old woman remains in hospital under police guard.

A critical incident team is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident is also subject to an independent review.

A critical incident investigation is underway after a teenage boy died and four people were taken to hospital following the pursuit and crash of a stolen car in the state’s Hunter overnight.

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command first attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The 14-year-old boy driving the vehicle and his 17-year-old male front-seat passenger were initially trapped.

Once released, they were treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the front-seat passenger died at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he and the three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – are all being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Initial information indicates all boys are from the Tamworth area while the woman is from the Newcastle area.

It’s believed vehicle was stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025).

A crime scene has now been established, with specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

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

Matei Ernst, aged 14, was last seen on Marlborough Street, Rutherford, about 8am yesterday (Thursday 4 September 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Matei’s welfare due to his young age.

Matei is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, of thin build and between 150cm – 160cm tall.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform – white shirt, black shorts and a black Nike backpack.

Matei is known to frequent the Maitland, Rutherford, Greenhills areas and local shopping centres in those areas.

The countdown is on to this year’s New Annual festival, with City of Newcastle revealing the final additions to the 2025 program three weeks out from the opening weekend.

The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will welcome visitors for the first time as part of the New Annual program, with pre-booked free guided sessions opening for registrations tomorrow.

Otherworldly deep sea divers, created by renowned puppetry-based theatrical producers Erth Visual & Physical Inc, will delight audiences with roving performances on Laman Street during the First Night Art Party.

First Nations artist talks, drop-in art sessions and guided tours will be among the highlights as the community takes its first look inside the building.

The Gallery will also celebrate a pre-sale preview of its inaugural book featuring 165 works of art from the $145 million collection, with insights provided by art historians, academics and curators alongside contributions by poet Jazz Money, climate scientist Joëlle Gergis, historian Santilla Chingaipe and futurist Ana Tiquia.

Tickets for these free events are expected to be snapped up by art lovers keen to explore three of the new gallery spaces and experience the significant new First Nations commissions and acquisitions.

There will be plenty to see outside the Gallery as well, as New Annual kicks off with the First Night Art Party on 26 September featuring free, family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

Towering underwater divers will bring a sense of otherworldly excitement with roving performances along Laman Street, while drop-in workshops will allow families to create their own unique fish necklace inspired by the vibrant and colourful world of artist Rosie Deacon.

Jellyfish-themed light installations will illuminate Laman Street’s fabulous fig trees while the Gallery’s façade will come to life with immersive digital art projections co-created by Art Thinking and local school students, inspired by the saltwater stories of the First Nations commissions.

The free night of music, movement and art will also feature high-energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while families can enjoy a range of hands-on ocean-themed creative activities inside Newcastle City Library.

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring everyone in our community can access free, family-friendly arts and cultural experiences,” Cr Barrie said.

“Events like New Annual play a vital role in strengthening community pride and celebrating local identity. 

“With a strong focus on free and low-cost programming, the festival makes art and culture more inclusive and accessible, giving families and individuals from all walks of life the chance to connect, participate, enjoy and have fun.”

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said there was so much to see and do during New Annual.

“These finishing touches round out a really exciting and diverse program, which features the best of international and Australian live music, theatre and art, and champions local stories and talent,” Ms Loudon said.

“We want people to find a new artist they love, explore the city in new and unexpected ways and celebrate our incredible local artists and performers. I can’t wait for it to begin.”

University of Newcastle Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Equity, Nathan Towney said the University was proud to be a presenting partner of the New Annual festival and looked forward to experiencing its diverse program later this month. 

“We’re proud to be a presenting partner for the New Annual festival and help to bring art, culture and creativity to our region,” Mr Towney said. 

“New Annual is also a great opportunity for our students to gain unique behind the scenes experience, whether that be as performers or through our career-ready placement program and volunteering experiences in the arts, tourism and event management sector.”

While the 10-day festival doesn’t kick off until 26 September, Novocastrians will get an early taste of its program with popular touring productions starting their extended seasons this weekend.

The highly acclaimed multi-sensory collection, DARKFIELD, will make its Newcastle debut tomorrow in specially designed shipping containers set up in Wheeler Place.

Its most popular experiences SÉANCE and FLIGHT will engulf audiences in immersive 360-degree audio experiences from 5 September and run through until 12 October.

Novocastrians will also welcome the return of the Spiegeltent to Civic Park, where its new circus sensation La Ronde will dazzle audiences from 5 September and run throughout the New Annual festival until 5 October. 

New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.

This includes an additional funding allocation of $130,000 each year for two years from the NSW Government’s Create NSW program, which was announced last week. 

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event. 

For more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest New Annual news visit https://newannual.com/ 

Tickets for the Newcastle Art Gallery events including the free guided tours can be booked from Friday 5 September via www.newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Zoey Pollock, aged 15, was last seen in Metford,yesterday evening (Monday 1 September 2025).

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, who commended inquiries to find her.

Police and family hold concerns for Zoey’s welfare due to her age.

Zoey is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, about 160cm tall, with black hair usually in a bun.

She is known to wear black clothing.

Zoey is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland and Muswellbrook areas.

Anyone with information in relations to Zoey’s whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is putting Hunter mines on notice to protect local air quality, with the annual Bust the Dust campaign kicking off again this spring.

Now in its sixth year, the successful regulatory campaign returns with strengthened penalties which came into force after passing into law in 2024.

Mines found to be in breach of their licence conditions now face significantly higher penalties, including $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for a subsequent offence.

During the campaign, EPA Operations Officers will be out in force doing roadside surveillance, unannounced inspections and using drones to monitor dust generation.

NSW EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said he recognises the community wants to see stronger regulation to ensure open cut mines don’t contribute to air pollution.

“While we regulate dust emissions year-round, regional air quality monitoring shows spring is a peak time for particle pollution.

“The Bust the Dust campaign is a timely reminder for operators to have the right practices in place before we come knocking.

“Mines can prevent dust pollution through improved surveillance and reporting and by deploying water on stockpiles and roads or just ceasing work during dry and windy conditions,” Mr Gathercole said.

Earlier this year, Warkworth Mining in Mount Thorley entered into a legally binding agreement to improve dust management. The mine was forced to pay $120,000 to a local environmental rehabilitation project after finding operational failures during the Bust the Dust campaign in 2023.

More than 11 mines were inspected across the region in last year’s campaign, and all were found to be managing dust appropriately.

Community members are encouraged to report concerns about dust emissions to the Environment Line on 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Jada Hill, aged 15, was last seen in Telarah about 3am on Saturday 30 August 2025.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, who commended inquiries to find her.

Police and family hold concerns for Jada’s welfare due to her age.

Jada is described as bring of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, about 165cm tall, with long red hair.

She was last seen wearing black track pants and a black school jumper.

Jada is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, Hornsby and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information in relations to Jada’s whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two men have died and two have been injured after a crash in Newcastle’s north-western suburbs overnight.

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road, Mayfield East, about 11.15pm (Saturday 30 August 2025), after a maroon Toyota Corolla left the road and struck a power pole, catching alight on impact.

The driver, a 24-year-old man, and the driver’s-side back-seat passenger, a 19-year-old man, were assisted from the wreckage by passers-by; however, the remaining two passengers were trapped.

Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW arrived on-site and were able to remove the two remaining occupants, who were taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering critical burns.

Police have been advised both men – believed to be aged in their 20s – have now died.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District understand all four men are students in Australia and police are now working with officials from the High Commission of Bangladesh.

The driver remains under guard in hospital undergoing treatment for minor injuries. The second man has also been taken to hospital.

Investigators are now appealing for anyone with information about the crash to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate an elderly woman missing from the Port Stephens area.

Penelope Parker, aged 77, was last seen at on Kingsley Drive, Boat Harbour, about 8:30am today (Wednesday 27 August 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Officers hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and as she lives with dementia.

Penelope is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with long white hair.

She was last seen wearing a long brown coat and reading glasses.

Penelope is known to frequent walking tracks around the Boat Harbour area; however, is not overly mobile and is believed to still be in the nearby area.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 August 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 August 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Aubrey Brooks

A Lord Mayoral Minute noted the passing of Aubrey Brooks and acknowledged his significant contributions and advocacy to Newcastle’s steel history following the closure of BHP in 1999. 

Ordinary business 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2025 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party update

Council noted the Newcastle Maritime Heritage Working Party updates including the terms of reference, summary of collection, memorandum and meeting minutes for 19 June, 25 July and 12 August 2025.

Adoption of the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program and submit it to the Minister for Environment certification. 

Adoption of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from operational land to community land

Council voted unanimously to reclassify 22 public land parcels as Community Land and categorise them as Natural Areas in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. 

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy and Procurement Policy and change the instruments of delegation to the Lord Mayor, Development Applications Committee and Chief Executive Officer to remove awarding tenders from the additional functions reserved for Council, unless valued over $5 million.

Adoption of planning agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street 

Wickham

Council voted to endorse the Planning Agreement for 1/21 Railway Street and 29 Bishopsgate Street Wickham. 

Transport for NSW third-party delegation

Council voted unanimously to sub-delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the functions and authorisations granted under the Transport for NSW ‘Authorisation and Delegation Instrument to Councils’.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

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

Tender report – Mitchell Street – revetment remediation Stockton

Council voted to accept a tender for the Mitchell Street revetment renewal and upgrade project.

Tender report – provision of security services 

Council voted to accept a tender for the provision of an integrated range of security services for 90 City of Newcastle sites.

Notices of Motion 

Petition to retain open-air changing rooms as part of Stage 2 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths restoration project

Council supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 2,035 signatories requesting the retention of open-air change rooms as part of Stage 2 of the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Community consultation took place from 17 June 2024 until August 2024. A key theme from the consultation process was the provision of an open-air change room or open-air amenity.

Committee membership updates following the countback election of Siobhan Isherwood

Council formally congratulated Councillor Siobhan Isherwood on her election to City of Newcastle and appointed her as a Councillor representative to the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Access Inclusion Standing Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee. 

Councillor seating arrangements

A notice of motion to alter seating arrangements for the current Council term, allowing all councillors to be seated to political groupings, was laid on the table.

Advocacy for addressing the impacts of cost shifting onto Local Government

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the findings of the Local Government NSW Cost Shifting report for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a request to place a copy of the report on City of Newcastle’s website. Council will write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government asking that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.

Improving our engagements with foreign representatives

Council supported a notice of motion to reaffirm our support for all communities, including Tibetan and Taiwanese Novocastrians, and reiterated our commitment to building an inclusive city which respects and supports all residents regardless of their faith or background. 

Better utilisation of our former City Hall Chambers

Council supported a notice of motion to create a working party under the Community and Culture Advisory Committee to develop a plan which preserves, respects and shares our city’s rich history, while improving access to the former City Hall Chamber for members of the public.