Category: Newcastle News

A critical incident investigation has been declared after the death of a man in the State’s north.

About 9.35am on Sunday 12 April 2026, emergency services were called to a unit on Ocean Street, Mereweather, following reports of a concern for welfare, however, were unable to raise the occupant.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District continued inquiries.

Today (Tuesday 14 April 2026), police reattended the unit and located a 46-year-old man deceased inside the property.

A crime scene has been established and a Critical Incident Team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

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

City of Newcastle will kick off its annual Youth Week program by celebrating an initiative that has been bringing people together through their love of Young Adult fiction for the past five years.

Avid readers are invited to join award-winning author Gary Lonesborough tonight at a special event acknowledging the fifth anniversary of Newcastle Libraries’ Young Adult Book Club.

Young Adult Book Club founder Danielle Hilliard celebrates the club’s five-year anniversary with members attending in-person and online at Newcastle City Library.The author talk will mark the start of City of Newcastle’s 2026 Youth Week activities, which include free workshops and performances delivered in partnership with young people and local community organisations.

Youth Council Standing Committee member Councillor Paige Johnson said Youth Week is about recognising young people and the important role they play in our city.

“City of Newcastle supports young people all year round, from creative programs like the Young Adult Book Club, leadership opportunities with the Youth Council and grant funding for youth-led climate action projects, to the annual program of Youth Week events and activities,” Cr Johnson said.

“We’re committed to creating spaces where young Novocastrians feel safe to connect, create and be themselves.”

The Young Adult Book Club was established in 2021 and meets monthly at Newcastle City Library, attracting between 10-15 people online and in-person each session.

It is open to people of all ages with a love of Young Adult fiction, although the majority of participants are high school and university students from the Newcastle area. 

Club founder and Library Customer Service Officer Danielle Hilliard said the program has become an important space for young people to feel connected and supported. 

“The club is deliberately relaxed and welcoming, people can talk, listen or just enjoy being there,” Mrs Hilliard said. 

“What makes it special is the sense of trust and community that’s developed. Seeing friendships form and knowing people have found a safe space where they feel comfortable and included has been incredibly rewarding.

“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate this milestone moment for the book club ahead of the wider program of Youth Week events.”

NSW Youth Week 2026 is a statewide initiative that runs from 16 to 26 April with the theme Dream, Dare, Do.

City of Newcastle’s Youth Week celebrations, which are supported by a grant from the NSW Office of Youth, will continue on Thursday 17 April with the Future Makers event at Newcastle Museum.

The free event will showcase youth-led live music, hands-on creative workshops, skateboard demonstrations and opportunities for young people to make, write and design together. 

Live performances will be delivered by emerging young artists Rose White, Evan Worgan and Filthy E and the Clean Teens, alongside creative activities including badge-making, blackout poetry, origami, upcycled fashion and a collaborative art installation led by local artist Ken O’Regan, which will be displayed at Wallsend Library. 

The Future Makers program will also include a creative writing workshop, Surviving Dystopia, inspired by the Museum’s Model Newcastle exhibition, as well as a switch gaming workshop for video game enthusiasts. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the Youth Week program reflects City of Newcastle’s focus on access, participation and youth led cultural spaces.

“Youth Week allows us to deliver free activities, workshops and performances developed in collaboration with young people,” Ms Baird said.

“By activating places like libraries and Newcastle Museum, we’re creating welcoming cultural spaces that support youth creativity, connection and wellbeing, while highlighting the diversity and innovation of youth culture in Newcastle.”

The Youth Week program will wrap up with a free skate competition at Wallsend Park on Saturday 25 April featuring multiple divisions including girls, young entrants and non-binary skaters. Grundy’s Skate Store will be facilitating workshops and will partner with Globe to give away $2000 worth of prizes on the day. 

In addition to the official Youth Week events, City of Newcastle will also be helping school-aged youth shift into a higher gear when it comes to cycling skills, bike safety and creative expression, with nine free hands-on workshops on offer next week.

The DIY Maintenance workshop on 14 April focuses on practical skills to keep bikes in safe working order. Students will learn how to complete basic safety checks, repair punctures, maintain tyres and chains, and identify when professional servicing is required.  

The City Riding workshops (16 and 19 April) provide real-world riding experience, helping students build confidence on local streets. Participants will learn about road rules, route planning, safe positioning and how to ride predictably in shared environments.

Students can also take part in creative workshops delivered by local artists Yvette Ten-Bohmer, Jane Lander, and Aksara Harriram (April 14-16), which invite participants to reflect on movement, place and personal experience, transforming everyday travel into meaningful artworks.

Registrations for the cycling workshops are essential, with more details available on City of Newcastle’s website. The sessions are being delivered with support from the NSW Government through the Holiday Break Program.  

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Youth Week program visit Youth Week 2026 and the Young Adult Book Club. 

City of Newcastle is helping high school students shift into a higher gear when it comes to cycling skills, bike safety and creative expression, with a series of free holiday workshops on offer. 

The program includes nine hands-on sessions led by experienced instructors and local artists, which are designed to support students in developing practical skills and encourage active transport options such as riding to school.

Students looking to improve their cycling skills can take part in two Bike School workshops options, each designed to support safe and independent riding.  

The DIY Maintenance workshop focuses on practical skills to keep bikes in safe working order. Students will learn how to complete basic safety checks, repair punctures, maintain tyres and chains, and identify when professional servicing is required.  

The City Riding workshop provides real-world riding experience, helping students build confidence on local streets. Participants will learn about road rules, route planning, safe positioning and how to ride predictably in shared environments. 

Led by instructors from Newcastle Bicycle Workshop, these bike safety workshops will help young riders build the confidence, competence and awareness needed to travel more safely and independently.  

Students can also take part in a series of art workshops linked to City of Newcastle’s “I heart my way to school” art competition.  

Three local artists will each deliver two sessions, with the workshops to provide a relaxed and supportive space for creative exploration. Students will use mixed media techniques such as drawing, collage, and experimental mark-making to interpret their journey to school. 

Participating artists include Yvette Ten-Bohmer, Jane Lander, and Aksara Harriram, who each bring a unique artistic perspective to the program. 

The workshops invite students to reflect on movement, place and personal experience, transforming everyday travel into meaningful creative work. Finished pieces can be entered in the competition.

The “I heart my way to school” art competition invites students to share what makes their journey to school fun and meaningful, with students in Kindergarten to Year 2 able to enter via a colouring in sheet and those in Years 3–12 submitting original artwork. Launched on Ride2School Day, entries are open until 22 May 2026.

The Autumn school holiday program includes:

• Bike School – DIY Maintenance
  Carrington Community Hall
  Tuesday 14 April, 9.30am to 1pm
  
• Bike School – City Riding
  Starting near Tighes Hill TAFE Campus
  Thursday 16 April, 10am to 1pm
  Sunday 19 April, 10am to 1pm
  
• Art Workshops
  Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton
  Tuesday 14 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
  Wednesday 15 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
  Thursday 16 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 4pm

These free workshops are designed for high school students of all experience levels, with no prior skills required. All sessions are delivered in a safe, inclusive environment with guidance from experienced facilitators.  

Registrations are essential and must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Visit the Cycling Classes webpage to view full workshop details and secure your place.  

City of Newcastle is delivering the school holiday program with support from the NSW Government through the Holiday Break Program.  

A man has been charged with several firearm offences in the state’s Northern Region.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation earlier this month, following reports a 32-year-old man had allegedly threatened a 19-year-old woman known to him with a firearm.

Following inquiries, about 9am today (Friday 10 April 2026), Newcastle police – with assistance from Tactical Operations Unit, Police Negotiators and Traffic and Highway Patrol – executed a search warrant at a house on Parkhill Parade, Waratah West.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized a loaded spear gun, extendable baton, four gel blasters, a rifle, firearm parts and an amount of ammunition.

Police also located and seized an allegedly stolen vehicle.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the location and was taken to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with five counts of possess unauthorised firearm, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, armed with intent commit indictable offence and receive property-theft serious indictable offence.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Saturday 11 April 2026).

A second woman will face court today charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby during a home birth near Newcastle in 2024.

On Wednesday 2 October 2024, a privately practicing midwife attended a home in Wallsend to assist a woman with a home birth.

Police will allege in court that over the following two days, the midwife did not act upon signs of complications and requests by the woman to attend hospital.

On Friday 4 October 2024, the woman attended John Hunter Hospital where the baby was delivered by emergency caesarean.

On Thursday 10 October 2024, the baby boy died in hospital.

Inquiries under Strike Force Girona commenced and police charged a 36-year-old woman who remains before the court.

Following extensive inquiries about 7am today (Friday 10 April 2026), detectives arrested a 28-year-old woman at Newcastle Police Station where she was charged with manslaughter.

The woman was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Friday 10 April 2026).

A truck driver has died after his vehicle crashed into a tree in the state’s Hunter Valley earlier today.

Just before 9.00am (Thursday 9 April 2026), emergency services were called to Mirannie Road, Mirannie, near Singleton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that a garbage truck had veered off the road and crashed into a tree, before rolling down a steep embankment.

The male driver is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be aged in his 40s.

Police established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the crash has commenced.

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

The Hunter’s largest infrastructure project is powering ahead, with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace now expected to open to traffic in late 2026 -more than a year earlier than originally planned.
This accelerated timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete.
The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are being funded jointly with a total investment of $2.24 billion – $1.792 billion provided by the Albanese Labor Government and $448 million from the Minns Labor Government.   
Significant progress has been made on the ground, including the completion of five kilometres of new motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass.
As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also all been completed.

Completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass means this section of the M1 extension is ready to go, and will open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year. 
Following opening, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment, and targeted maintenance as required – for up to two years on the southern section and one year on the northern section.
The project’s early delivery has been supported by detailed planning, staged construction sequencing and strong delivery partnerships, helping bring forward the benefits for motorists travelling to, from and around the Hunter.
For more information and to sign up for regular updates on the progress of the M1 extension visit www.nswroads.work/m12rtportal: http://www.nswroads.work/m12rtportal

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
“This is a big day for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Hunter’s history. Completion of the Heatherbrae section of this project means we are well and truly past the halfway mark, with all work set to be completed by the end of the year.
“The school holiday traffic we’re seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital. Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks.
“This is just one of a number of important investments the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are making in the fast-growing Hunter region, ensuring we have safe and reliable road network for decades to come.”Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:  “Only Labor is delivering the infrastructure the Hunter needs to keep moving forward. 
“We are investing heavily in the infrastructure our community relies on and projects like this mean less time in traffic and more time doing what matters.
“Now that the Heatherbrae Bypass is complete, this next step is linking it properly into the motorway so the benefits are felt right across the Hunter.
“Reaching this milestone is incredibly exciting and even more so because we’re opening ahead of schedule.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:“Seeing a project of this scale moving more than a year ahead of schedule doesn’t happen by chance – it’s down to the incredible crews on the ground getting the job done. 
“As one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history, the M1 extension will deliver faster, safer and more reliable journeys for communities across the region.
“The project is now progressing ahead of the previously expected 2028 completion, with the full motorway on track to open in late 2026.
“Reaching this milestone with the northern section, including the Heatherbrae Bypass, shows just how much progress is being made and brings us one step closer to delivering a fully connected motorway.
“I want to give a huge thanks to the crews and everyone involved in delivering this phase of the project. The completion of Heatherbrae Bypass is the result of detailed planning, smart construction sequencing and a strong partnership between Transport for NSW and its industry partners.”

the Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:
“My community is excited to see the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace being delivered a full year ahead of schedule.
“By the end of the year, we’ll finally be able say goodbye to the Hexham Bridge bottleneck.”

Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:  
“The completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass is another major milestone delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, and a clear sign we are one step closer on completing this project for our community.”
“I committed to delivering the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch it take shape. Seeing it power ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes – and it means the Hunter will benefit from this vital infrastructure sooner.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:  
“Novocastrians know better than anyone how frustrating the bottlenecks around Hexham and Heatherbrae can be.
“This project means less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with family – that’s a real, everyday win for our community.
“Seeing this progress brings us closer to a solution that will genuinely improve the way Novocastrians move every single day.”

the State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery: 
“Completing the northern section, including the Heatherbrae Bypass, is a huge achievement for everyone involved in this project.
“This is a big piece of infrastructure that will take pressure off local roads and improve safety once the full motorway is open.
“It’s great to see the project tracking ahead of schedule and moving closer to a late 2026 opening for our community.”

A man has died after a crash in the state’s north overnight.

About 9:15pm today (Sunday 5 April 2026), emergency services were called to Cullingral Road, Merriwa (approximately 70km north west of Muswellbrook), following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District located a single vehicle which had left the road, before crashing into an embankment.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to treat a man – however; he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Officers have commenced investigations into the circumstances of the crash.

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

A beloved children’s book will take centre stage during the April school holidays as City of Newcastle provides a range of activities to keep kids active and entertained.

The Civic Theatre is showcasing a new theatrical adaption of You & Me and the Land of Lost Things from writer Andy Griffiths and illustrator Bill Hope on 14 April, featuring a wild quest through a world of snapping turtles, flying socks, treasure-hungry pirates and a very anxious bull.

Nicholas Starte, Mym Kwa, Mathew Lee and Catherine Dominguez in the You & Me and the Land of Lost Things theatrical production. Photo credit: Phil ErbacherTo complement the production, Newcastle and Wallsend Libraries are offering illustration workshops on 7 and 8 April, while on 15 April a special event inspired by the book will offer participants the chance to learn basic navigation and map reading skills to take part in a treasure hunt.

At Newcastle Museum children can create their own version of the adventure gear that features in the popular children’s tale on 9 April, with participants also in the running to win a signed copy of the book.

Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Jenny Barrie said City of Newcastle is offering plenty of fun for families.

“City of Newcastle’s cultural facilities will be hubs of entertainment and education these school holidays for Novocastrians enjoying a staycation,” Cr Barrie said.

“The Civic Theatre has a range of options for children of all ages, including spectacular magic in Circus of Illusion, Hunter Drama’s Once Upon A One More Time at the Playhouse, a new live touring dance show called The Next Step: Legacy World Tour and a K-Pop Icons performance.

“City and Wallsend libraries have a packed scheduled, from LEGO challenges and hands-on workshops with a sea theme, to creative sessions that challenge Minecraft fans to build their own Model Newcastle inspired by the Newcastle Museum exhibition.”

There’s plenty more on offer at the Museum, including the ever-popular science shows, which will help children discover the structure of the Earth using custard and chocolate or allow them to test their knowledge of dinosaurs.

A two-day program called Marionette Melodrama will see recycled materials used to create a puppet with its own distinctive personality.

There’s also a writing workshop for teenagers and an upcycling session where participants can bring old clothes back to life.

Primary school children will have more than one reason to visit Newcastle Art Gallery with two different workshops running in the first and second week of the holidays.

Art Gallery educators will deliver ‘Frame It’ sessions where children can design and create their own frame box to explore how artists use the foreground, midground, and background to create stories in their works of art.

Inspired by collection artist Nell’s sculpture currently on display at the Gallery, the ‘Ghosty’ holiday workshops will give children the chance to create their own puppet, as well as a special case for Ghosty to live in and travel home safely.

For more information on all the school holiday activities visit The Civic Theatre, City of Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Art Gallery websites.

Balancing the needs of organised sport with a growing number of casual users will be a key consideration in the development of a new Strategic Sports Plan for Newcastle.

Following initial consultation with sporting associations, City of Newcastle is now looking for input from the community and sports club members regarding current sporting facilities within the local government area (LGA), as well as suggestions for future needs.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the feedback will play a critical role in shaping the new plan, which will guide how City of Newcastle improves and invests in sportsgrounds.

“We want to capture the thoughts and needs of all community members when it comes to sporting infrastructure,” Ms Duffy said.

“Since the COVID‐19 pandemic, social sports and recreation have been on the rise thanks to activities such as running, walking and unofficial group outdoor games.

“This trend increases the need for our sporting infrastructure to be planned and developed with shared use as a priority, to ensure it can accommodate a predicted population boom and evolving participation trends in both organised sport and informal recreation.

“We want to know who’s using the grounds, what they are using them for, and what sort of upgrades would improve their experience.

“In addition to updating the plan, the project will establish clearer frameworks for how City of Newcastle engages with users of its sportsfields and outdoor recreation spaces.”

Adopted by the elected Council in 2020, the 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the LGA.

More than 70% of its recommendations have been partially or fully delivered, but shifting participation trends, climate impacts and competing demands for usable land prompted City of Newcastle to review and update the plan.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the Strategic Sports Plan provides a crucial framework for investment.

“City of Newcastle currently invests more than $15 million annually in the maintenance or upgrade of its sporting infrastructure,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The revised plan will better reflect evolving community needs, define the process for clubs seeking facility upgrades, and align sports infrastructure planning with other projects such as the Broadmeadow Place Strategy and Southern Beaches Coastal Management Plan.

“A key objective is to review existing infrastructure and improve the quality, accessibility and functionality, creating facilities that support universal access, catering to people with disabilities, families, and older adults, not just high-performance athletes.

“The new Strategic Sports Plan will explore the way our sports users and broader community can work together to maximise the use of our sports facilities as our population grows.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website. 

Community engagement opens today and will close at 5pm on 11 May 2026.