Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter Valley area.

Cassandra Mallard, aged 39, was last seen in the vicinity of Kennedy Street, Singleton, about 12.50pm today (Tuesday 5 August 2025).

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

There are concerns for Cassandra’s welfare.

Cassandra is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, of medium build, fair complexion, with brown hair.

It is unknown what she was last seen wearing.

Cassandra is known to frequent the Singleton area and a geotext message has been sent to the Singleton area.

A girl will face Court after being charged following an investigation into a fatal stabbing at Lake Macquarie last night.

About 10.20pm yesterday (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Euston Close, Edgeworth, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a teenage girl with an injury to her torso.

She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital where she later died.

While yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

A crime scene was established which was forensically examined by specialist officers.

Strike Force Aggnes, comprising detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, was established to investigate the circumstances of the girl’s death.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested at the scene. She was taken to Toronto Police Station where she was charged with murder.

She was refused bail and will appear in a Children’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday 6 August 2025).

A teenage girl has been arrested following a fatal stabbing in the states north overnight.

About 10.20pm (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to Euston Close, Edgeworth, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a teenage girl with an injury to her torso.

She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.

She later died from her injuries and is yet to be formally identified.

A teenage girl – who was known to the girl – was arrested at the scene and is assisting police with inquiries.

A crime scene has been established, which will be forensically examined by specialist officers.

An investigation is underway – assisted by the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad – into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the states north.

About 7.50pm (Monday 4 August 2025), emergency services were called to Eurimbla Street, Thornton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port-Stephens Hunter Police District attended and found a car had crashed into a parked vehicle before crashing into a pole.

The driver – and sole occupant – a man aged in his 50s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital in a critical condition; however, he died a short time later.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash commenced.

A man will face court after a fatal crash in the Hunter Valley earlier this year.

About 2.30am on Friday 28 March 2025, emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Pokolbin, in the Singleton Military Area following reports of a crash.

At the scene, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

A passenger, a 42-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a 46-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition where he also underwent mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following extensive inquiries, on Sunday (3 August 2025), the man was issued a Court Attendance Notice charged with four offences:

• Dangerous driving occasioning death-drive under influence,
• Negligent driving (occasioning death),
• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and
• Drive vehicle illicit drug present in blood etc.

The man is set to appear before Singleton Local Court on Thursday 25 September 2025.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The Hunter is about to get a whole lot cooler, with the latest round of the Greening Our City program expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.

Councils will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel – comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will also be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities. This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better and more resilient NSW.

Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

For more information visit Greening our City

Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be planting more trees as part of the Greening our City program.

“Cooler streets and more comfortable neighbourhoods will make the Illawarra an even better place to live.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home.

“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat – whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.

“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has developed a Biodiversity in Place Framework that guides the sensible and practical delivery of biodiversity in urban areas. These grants will go a long way to see that framework adopted and applied across our cities.

“Over many years, Hunter councils and community organisations have been engaged in improving and expanding local vegetation in parks and suburbs. Access to Greening our City program will help accelerate their efforts.

“More trees mean cooler streets, and better quality of life for residents. The Greening our City program is a major contributor to creating vibrant cities where people want to live.”

A multi-agency search will resume tomorrow after a woman was swept away in floodwaters in the Hunter Valley region.

Just after 7.50pm yesterday (Saturday 2 August 2025), emergency services were called to Black Creek, Old North Road, Rothbury, about 16km north of Cessnock, following reports a car had become stuck in floodwaters.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a Mini Countryman had attempted to drive through the floodwater before it became stuck.

The driver – a 27-year-old woman – was rescued without any injuries; however, her passenger – a 26-year-old woman – was swept away.

A multi-agency search commenced for the woman including local police, NSW Rural Fire Service, and VRA Rescue NSW, and continued today (Sunday 3 August 2025).

About 4.30pm, the search was suspended due to weather conditions and visibility.

The multi-agency search will resume about 8am tomorrow (Monday 4 August 2025), on Old North Road, Rothbury.

Members of the public in flood-affected areas are reminded to avoid dangers such as damaged powerlines and flood waters on roads.

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Media personality and maths whiz Adam Spencer will put artificial intelligence under the microscope in Newcastle this month to celebrate National Science Week. 

The former Triple J presenter and comedian is headlining City of Newcastle’s packed program of events, which kick off with Spencer’s tech talk at City Hall on 15 August and culminate in a hands-on weekend of scientific discovery at Newcastle Museum.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said hosting high-profile science communicators like Adam Spencer reflects Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for innovation and learning.

“Welcoming nationally recognised speakers such as Adam Spencer, who will decode AI and other emerging technologies, provides engaging learning opportunities for all ages,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Newcastle is a creative and innovative city, home to world-class researchers and scientists on the cutting edge of their fields. 

“By collaborating with these experts and providing hands-on events at the Museum, we can inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Tickets are on sale now for Spencer’s show, which will break down the basics of AI for audiences aged 10 and older, delve into the latest developments and offer eight examples of how Novocastrians can use these technologies today.

The science-fuelled fun will continue all weekend at Newcastle Museum, with a super Saturday of soccer-playing robots, sustainable architecture and computer science skills thanks to technology and education specialists The Brainery. Tickets for the various workshops are on sale now, with different sessions suitable for primary and high school aged students.

Younger children will also welcome the return of the Poo Palace – an amazing inflatable journey through the digestive system delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), which will be available all weekend.

Newcastle Museum will cap off Science Week celebrations will the largest single-day event on its annual calendar, the Hunter Science Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the free, all-ages hands-on activities on Sunday 17 August. 

The festival is delivered by City of Newcastle in conjunction with a range of partners including Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH), showcasing the latest in science and technology from local researchers, educators and institutions.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said bringing Science Week to Newcastle is a chance to spark curiosity that could last a lifetime.

“Newcastle Museum is proud to be the hub for discovery and ideas. Providing an opportunity for our community to interact with leading experts and local institutions, could help nurture and inspire a lifelong passion within the future innovators of our region,” Ms Baird said.

“We hope to foster a sense of pride in the region’s contributions to science and technology and help to break down barriers and show that science is for everyone, not just the classroom or the lab.”

Festival-goers can explore solar technology by building and racing solar cars or boats or catch the Big Science Big Fun! Show by Fizzics Education. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with scientists from the Hunter and interact with displays hosted by leading Hunter-based groups including Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre and Hunter Astronomical Society. 

City of Newcastle’s Waste Services and Climate Change and Sustainability teams will be there to help visitors calculate their environmental footprint, pick up a free native plant or see the inside of a garbage truck.

For more science week information and bookings visit: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events

The finishing touches have been completed on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot. 

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of upgrades to improve navigation of the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, which has a history of vehicle crashes and frequent near misses. 

This includes the installation of a new set of traffic lights, switched on last month. The lights have significantly improved safety for vehicles, while also making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access local schools, businesses, public transport, and the Fernleigh Track. 

The intersection was adjusted to accommodate the traffic lights, with a new median constructed east along Glebe Road to assist with managing traffic movements.  

New shared paths, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane were also installed at the intersection to address the challenge previously faced by cyclists when crossing Glebe Road. 

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich said the changes have made a positive difference to navigating the precinct. 

“Glebe Road is heavily trafficked at relatively high speeds and cyclists and pedestrians have been riding and running for their lives across it for years,” Mr Reich said. 

“Much needed improvements to the shared spaces, paths and lanes have made the intersection much more user friendly, and pedestrians and cyclists can now cross Glebe Road at a signalised crossing. 

“Newcastle Cycleways Movement has worked closely with the City of Newcastle for years to get this result, and we congratulate the planners and crews who have completed this complex project so successfully.” 

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of during peak periods on a typical weekday. 

The project was part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. 

Mattara Dry Cleaners Director Lee Kliousis has operated his business in Adamstown for more than 30 years and said the recent safety upgrades were a welcome outcome. 

“Before the traffic lights were installed, I was calling the police, a tow truck, or an ambulance almost every week because of vehicle crashes,” Mr Kliousis said.  

“It was a notorious black spot, especially with drivers crossing from Park Avenue onto Glebe Road, it often felt like a game of chance than safe driving. 

“The new pedestrian crossing has made a difference too. It’s much safer now to walk across the road to The Gates Hotel, a big improvement for locals and visitors alike.”  

City of Newcastle will continue working with Transport for NSW to maximise the performance of the intersection, including ongoing works with Sydney Trains around the coordination of the signals with the operation of the rail gates.  

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements. 

The finishing touches have been completed on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot. 

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of upgrades to improve navigation of the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, which has a history of vehicle crashes and frequent near misses. 

This includes the installation of a new set of traffic lights, switched on last month. The lights have significantly improved safety for vehicles, while also making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access local schools, businesses, public transport, and the Fernleigh Track. 

The intersection was adjusted to accommodate the traffic lights, with a new median constructed east along Glebe Road to assist with managing traffic movements.  

New shared paths, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane were also installed at the intersection to address the challenge previously faced by cyclists when crossing Glebe Road. 

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich said the changes have made a positive difference to navigating the precinct. 

“Glebe Road is heavily trafficked at relatively high speeds and cyclists and pedestrians have been riding and running for their lives across it for years,” Mr Reich said. 

“Much needed improvements to the shared spaces, paths and lanes have made the intersection much more user friendly, and pedestrians and cyclists can now cross Glebe Road at a signalised crossing. 

“Newcastle Cycleways Movement has worked closely with the City of Newcastle for years to get this result, and we congratulate the planners and crews who have completed this complex project so successfully.” 

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of during peak periods on a typical weekday. 

The project was part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. 

Mattara Dry Cleaners Director Lee Kliousis has operated his business in Adamstown for more than 30 years and said the recent safety upgrades were a welcome outcome. 

“Before the traffic lights were installed, I was calling the police, a tow truck, or an ambulance almost every week because of vehicle crashes,” Mr Kliousis said.  

“It was a notorious black spot, especially with drivers crossing from Park Avenue onto Glebe Road, it often felt like a game of chance than safe driving. 

“The new pedestrian crossing has made a difference too. It’s much safer now to walk across the road to The Gates Hotel, a big improvement for locals and visitors alike.”  

City of Newcastle will continue working with Transport for NSW to maximise the performance of the intersection, including ongoing works with Sydney Trains around the coordination of the signals with the operation of the rail gates.  

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements.