Category: Newcastle News

As the Hunter community pauses for Remembrance Day to honour the fallen, families are being asked to help bring home the identities of soldiers who never returned.

They were miners and clerks, surf lifesavers and sailors. Young men from Newcastle, Wallsend, Cooks Hill, Jesmond, Teralba, Stockton and across the Hunter who volunteered together, fought together, and never came home.

At the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, Australia’s first major engagement on the Western Front, more than 5,500 Australians were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Among them were scores of soldiers from the Hunter region serving with the 5th Division. Their names are etched on honour rolls across the region, yet their resting places remain unknown.

In 2008, a mass grave was uncovered at Pheasant Wood in Fromelles, France. The remains of 250 missing Australian soldiers were recovered. Since then, 180 have been identified through DNA. Around 70 men remain unknown – the “Final 70.”

Now, the Fromelles Association of Australia is appealing to Hunter families to come forward and help identify the final soldiers through DNA testing.

“Every name we restore is a family reconnected and a promise finally kept,” said Tony Ryan, spokesperson for the Fromelles Association of Australia.

“We know who these men are. We simply need living relatives to help us match them with DNA. Even a small family story or a single cheek swab could solve a 109-year-old mystery.”

Hunter soldiers still missing

Just some of the men from the Newcastle and Hunter region still missing include:

• Private Alfred “Alfie” John Smith, Cooks Hill – Surf lifesaver and clerk
• Private John Hay Wishart, Wallsend – Hospital dispenser who died rescuing a mate
• Private Edward Leslie Downie, Maryville – Young sailor from a large local family
• Private John “Jack” Bainbridge, Newcastle – Local sportsman lost crossing No Man’s Land
• Private Thomas Easton, Jesmond/Teralba – Coal miner and one of many mates who enlisted together

Others remain unaccounted for from Waratah, Charlestown, Stockton, Lambton, Weston, Cassilis, Wallsend and surrounding communities.

Call for families to come forward

The Association’s volunteers work in partnership with the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties Unit in Canberra and provide free genealogical support.

“You don’t need to know your full family tree,” Mr Ryan said.
“If you had a great-uncle who went missing in France, or your family has deep Hunter roots, please reach out. One DNA test could honour a soldier’s sacrifice and finally return his name.”

On Remembrance Day, as we pause for the Ode, Australians unite to ensure these men are never forgotten.

“These young men gave their lives for Australia,” Mr Ryan said. “The least we can do is return their names.”

How to help

Families who believe they may be related to soldiers lost at Fromelles are encouraged to contact the Fromelles Association:
Website: www.fromelles.info
Facebook: Fromelles Association of Australia

An investigation is underway after a truck crash on the M1 Motorway at Morriset overnight.

About 11:30pm yesterday (Sunday 9 November 2025), emergency services were called to the M1 at Morriset – following reports of a crash.

At the scene, police located a semi-trailor which has crashed into a guard rail and caught fire.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers have extinguished the fire and are working to contain a diesil spill.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District have are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The southbound lanes of the M1 have been closed and diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and delay non-essential travel.

For up-to-date traffic information visit: www.livetraffic.com

Darby Street will come alive this weekend with live music, street performers, and family-friendly activities thanks to City of Newcastle’s annual Special Business Rates (SBR) program. 

More than $750,000 in funding has been allocated to support nine events and activations across the City Centre and Darby Street precincts, celebrating themes of music, food and fashion. 

Councillor Jenny Barrie, festival organiser Sarah Madden from Hey Tilly and City of Newcastle Executive Manager for Media Economy Engagement, Nick Kaiser, join Darby Street retailers from Palinopsia, Made on Darby and the Delany Hotel ahead of the festival on Saturday.Among the successful applicants is Hey Tilly, organisers of the Darby Street Festival, who received funding in the 2025 round and will benefit from an additional boost to bring the event back in 2026. 

City of Newcastle Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie said the SBR program plays a vital role in supporting local business precincts and continues to enhance Newcastle’s cultural identity.

“We provide funding to projects and events that support the promotion, beautification, and economic development in the Darby Street and City Centre areas,” Cr Barrie said.

“Newcastle is a city that thrives on creativity and community. These events not only attract visitors but also strengthen the local economy, bringing people together to celebrate what makes our city so unique.

“Our Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040 envisions a city that is vibrant, inclusive and creative. Events like the Darby Street Festival are a perfect example of how we’re bringing that vision to life.” 

Festival organiser Sarah Madden from local business Hey Tilly said the funding helps showcase the unique character of Darby Street. 

“We’re delighted to receive Special Business Rate funding from the City of Newcastle. This support allows Darby Street to celebrate local culture, showcase our vibrant community and give businesses a valuable boost,” Ms Madden said. 

“It also fosters a wonderful sense of connection, with local traders working together toward a shared goal of creating something special for our city. We can’t wait to bring the festival to life on 8 November and are thrilled to see it return in 2026.”

Some of Newcastle’s most loved local festivals will return with an elevated experience in 2026, including Newcastle Food Month, West Best Bloc Fest and the Conscious Couture Festival. 

The Mardi Gras Laneway Party at Bernie’s Bar will expand into a city-wide weekend celebration, while Winterheat will once again light up the city centre during the cooler months. 

For more information on the Special Business Rates program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au//specialbusinessratesprogram 

The revitalisation of Newcastle’s city centre is set to continue with City of Newcastle today calling for tenders to deliver the next stage of the East End Village project.

This will include public domain upgrades to Hunter Street, from Thorn to Newcomen Streets, and in Market Street between Hunter and Keightley Streets.

The Federal Government announced in August that City of Newcastle had been awarded $16.7 million in funding from the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program to progress the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct project.

Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said the work ensures City of Newcastle’s vision for a liveable and vibrant city centre continues to take shape.

“For many Novocastrians, the old Hunter Street Mall really felt like the heart of Newcastle and the East End Village revitalisation is bringing that feeling back,” Mr Dudgeon said. 

“All of the work we’re doing in the city centre, including projects like Foreshore Park, the Art Gallery and the Ocean Baths, makes Newcastle a better place to live, work and play.

“We thank the Federal Government for their support of this project, which will enable us to bring the next stage of this project forward.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said it’s fantastic to see the city’s East End transformation taking another major step forward.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s $16.7 million investment in the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct is helping to unlock the full potential of our city’s heart,” Ms Claydon said.

“This project is about bringing new life to the East End while honouring its heritage, improving our green spaces, supporting local jobs and small businesses, and making this area a real drawcard for locals and visitors.

“It’s exciting to see the vision for the East End Village taking shape. These next works will continue transforming the precinct into a connected, people-focused space that reflects the character of our city.”

This round of streetscape upgrades on Hunter Street will largely mirror the work delivered and nearing completion at the western end of Hunter Street and its adjoining streets. 

It includes new footpaths, roadways, and cycleways, fresh landscaping and important underground infrastructure upgrades.

Market Street, between Hunter Street and Keightley Street, will also be transformed into a public gathering space and provide an improved connection between the harbour and the city centre, with an art installation to acknowledge and celebrate Newcastle’s rich Indigenous history.  

As with previously completed phases, these improvements are intended to integrate with almost $1 billion of residential development in Newcastle’s East End, transforming the area into a vibrant and welcoming space for residents, visitors and shoppers.

The tender will close in December. Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.

The East End and Cathedral Park Precinct project will continue the revitalisation of the East End Village as a traditional high street and support the delivery of upgrades to Cathedral Park, which is located between the Christ Church Cathedral and King Street.

Other elements of the project include streetscape upgrades and new connections on Newcomen Street, between Hunter Street and Scott Street, as well as the next stage of the Cathedral Park masterplan, which will make the park easier to access and acknowledge the role the site played in Newcastle’s early post-settlement history.

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

Emily Hvirth, aged 13, was last seen on Johnson Street, Maitland, about 2.30pm on Monday (3 November 2025).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold serious concerns due to her age.

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.

She is known to frequent the Maitland, Hunter Valley and Central Coast areas.

City of Newcastle is taking the first steps towards engaging local Aboriginal communities to develop public art at four of the city’s significant cultural landmarks.

Stage two of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, the King Edward Park section of Bathers Way and projects on Union Street, Wickham and Market Street in the East End have been identified as key opportunities to share cultural knowledge and stories.

City of Newcastle has previously commissioned a number of works of art by First Nations artists including this mural created by local Aboriginal artist Jasmine Cracian for the Waratah Depot in 2019.Expressions of interest are currently open for Aboriginal persons or organisations with knowledge of the cultural significance of these sites.

Selected representatives will participate in the development of Aboriginal public art including creating themes to inspire the work, developing the artwork requirements and shortlisting artists.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said this is a fantastic opportunity for local Aboriginal communities to be directly involved in influencing the knowledge and stories that are shared.

“We are committed to recognising and building on the rich cultural history of the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play,” Cr Richardson said.

“These public places have incredible cultural significance to the Awabakal and Worimi peoples and to the broader community, and provide meaningful opportunities to share stories and experience connection with Country.

“By incorporating art into public places, we’re able to encourage cultural, spiritual and social connection and invite people to learn about the ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with the land.”

City of Newcastle has developed a robust process for commissioning Aboriginal public artworks guided by the National Association of Visual Arts, Sydney Metro Art Program and Connecting with Country Framework.

The approach has been endorsed by City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and Public Art Standing Committee.

Potential opportunities for public art may include murals, sculptures, design features in pavement and street furniture, signage and walking trails.

A separate expression of interest process for artists will be launched in the first half of 2026, with a variety of minor to major artwork projects encouraging broader participation.

Shortlisted artists for each artwork project will be invited to submit a concept design and will receive a nominated fee.

Once artworks are commissioned, members of the Representative Core Group will continue to work with artists to bring the creative vision to life.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said this will ensure the process of commissioning public artworks is fair, transparent and provides equal opportunities for artists at all stages of their career.

“The approach is centred on collaboration with local Aboriginal communities to ensure public artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples,” Ms Morton said.

“Early career artists will be offered mentorship and professional development, along with the unique opportunity to create something in the public realm and contribute to Newcastle’s appeal as an arts and cultural destination.

“Public art in these locations will further help to create vibrant public places that are visually appealing, welcoming and contribute to a sense of place and identity.” 

Aboriginal persons or organisations with cultural knowledge of the identified sites and an interest in guiding the development of public art are encouraged to register their interest before 21 November.

For more information visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say webpage.

An investigation has commenced in relation to a communications tower being damaged in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 3.15pm today (Wednesday 5 November 2025), officers from Newcastle City Police District responded to reports of a communications tower situated along Maitland Road, Hexham, being maliciously damaged.

The damaged is believed to have been caused about 9.30am today.

A crime scene has been established.

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

Decklan Hannaford, aged 15, was last seen in Edgeworth about 5.30pm today (Tuesday 4th November 2025).

Police and family hold concerns for Decklan’s welfare due to his young age.
When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Decklan’s welfare due to his young age.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 110cm tall with medium build with dark brown hair, and was last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing.
Police believe he may be in the Rutherford area.

City of Newcastle is leading a Hunter-first trial of AI technology to help pool lifeguards respond to potential incidents up to six times faster.

CCTV cameras are being installed at Wallsend Swimming Centre this week, which will be paired with cutting edge Lynxight AI technology to help monitor the 50m, learners’ and toddlers’ pools.

An aerial view of Wallsend Swimming Centre.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said the technology will help address safety concerns around higher attendance levels expected at the pool during the current $2 entry fee trial.

“City of Newcastle is working in partnership with our specialist pool operator BlueFit to ensure our pools continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of our community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Adequate lifeguard coverage, security measures and crowd management strategies are essential in maintaining the safe and efficient operations of our pools, especially with higher visitor numbers predicted this summer due to the $2 entry fee trial endorsed by the elected Council.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy lifeguards remain essential to pool supervision.

“This technology will help strengthen the prevention and rescue role played by the lifeguards, who remain essential to pool supervision,” Ms Duffy said.

“It empowers them with the tools to respond faster and more effectively and has already shown its lifesaving capabilities elsewhere in Australia, with a male swimmer rescued in Perth in June after suffering a medical episode and slipping below the surface.”

BlueFit Deputy CEO Brett McEwin said keeping the community safe was a key priority.

“Bluefit has experience using this technology as it is installed in other pools we manage outside of Newcastle. As part of the installation at Wallsend, our lifeguards will be given comprehensive training so they’re ready to use it once the system is activated,” Mr McEwin said.

The installation of the Lynxight AI system comes at a critical time with The National Drowning Report 2025 revealing there were 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months at pools, beaches and other waterways, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average.

Published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, the report also highlights 129 drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales, representing a 30% increase.

The AI software tracks multiple swimmers simultaneously, then uses deep learning algorithms to analyse swimmer behaviour to identify unusual or dangerous actions in real-time.

Multiple cameras offer a 360 view, eliminating blind spots and glare, to provide lifeguards with a complete understanding of what’s happening above and below the water, with signs of potential distress sent straight to their waterproof smartwatches.

The technology is already in use at more than 75 public pools across Australia.

“Wallsend Swimming Centre was identified as the most suitable location to trial the Lynxight AI drowning prevention system due to the site characteristics, which create more line-of-sight challenges for the lifeguards,” Ms Duffy said.

“This will allow us to properly assess the effectiveness and viability of the technology before making a decision on the investment of a broader roll-out to our other inland pools.”

Swimmers can be confident of maintaining their privacy as the system does not record high-definition video for surveillance purposes, instead focusing on movement detection. It does not identify individual swimmers or capture any identifiable personal data.

The system is expected to be ready for activation at Wallsend Swimming Centre in December.

A man will face court today charged with the alleged murder of a woman near Cessnock.

About 7.30pm on Friday (31 October 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Ellalong Street, Kearsley, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and located the body of a 39-year-old woman with a gunshot wound in the home.

Following the discovery, Hunter Valley detectives, assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Keavall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

About 6.45pm yesterday (Saturday 1 November 2025), following extensive investigations, strike force detectives attended a sporting club carpark on Eaton Street, Bellbird, where they arrested a 37-year-old man.

Following the arrest, strike force detectives searched a parked Hyundai Tucson locating and seizing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition.

The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with murder, possess prohibited drug (two counts), possess unauthorised prohibited firearm and possess ammunition w/o holding licence/permit/authority.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 2 November 2025).