Fatal truck crash on the M1 – Morisset

A driver has died following a two-truck crash on the state’s Central Coast.

About 2.45pm today (Tuesday 22 July 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a crash between two trucks in the south bound lanes of the M1 at Morisset.

The male driver of one of the trucks died prior to the arrival of emergency services. The man is yet to be identified.

The second driver – a 57-year-old man – was uninjured.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene and are awaiting the arrival of specialist police.

South bound lanes on the M1 are closed and traffic diversions have been implemented. The roadway is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

As investigations commence police are urging anyone with information about the crash – or was in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – is urged to contact Morisset Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For details relating to traffic diversions please monitor www.livetraffic.com

Woman charged with alleged property offences – Hunter Region

A woman has been charged after an investigation into several property offences alleged to have occurred in the Hunter Region.

On Friday 30 May 2025, police began an investigation after a bank card was allegedly stolen from a vehicle on Lake Road, Argenton.

Police will allege that the bank card was later used to make unauthorised purchases at electronics and sporting goods stores.

Further stealing and property offences are alleged to have occurred between Sunday 1 June 2025 and Saturday 19 July 2025 in the Lake Macquarie and Rutherford areas, that police believed were linked.

Following extensive inquiries by Port Stephens-Hunter Police, a 28-year-old woman was arrested at Maitland Police Station about 7.30pm yesterday (Monday 21 July 2025).

She was subsequently charged with 12 offences:

  • Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts),
  • Enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner/occupier (three counts),
  • Larceny value (greater than $5000 and less than or equal to $15,000),
  • Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,
  • Larceny (three counts), and
  • Breach of bail.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Tuesday 22 July 2025), where she was formally refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 23 July 2025).

Key to the City marks 60 years of the University of Newcastle’s impact

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of the Institution’s historic and ongoing contribution to Newcastle’s cultural, economic and social life. 

The civic honour was formally conferred during a special graduation ceremony at City Hall today, celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary and its enduring partnership with City of Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of 60 years of impact. From L to R: Aunty Cheryl Newton, 
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge 
and Aunty Amanda Kelly at the official presentation during the University’s graduation ceremony at City Hall today.

Image: University of Newcastle

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is proud to recognise the institution’s six decades of service and its profound impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“The University and its students have played a pivotal role in transforming Newcastle into a city of learning, aspiration and progress. Their influence is woven through our city and communities,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Over the past 60 years, the University has transformed lives and opened doors for tens of thousands of people in our city.

This honour particularly recognises the University’s role in enabling so many ‘first in family’ students to go to university, and the University’s ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for all.”

The motion to bestow the Keys to the City was initiated by Cr Declan Clausen and supported by the elected Council in May, acknowledging the transformational power of education and the University’s leadership in fostering access and equity through programs such as Yapug and Open Foundation.

“The University has long been a leader of inclusive education, with a deep commitment to equity that has delivered lasting benefits to our city, region, state, nation and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our ongoing collaboration continues to be a cornerstone Newcastle’s progress, from community health and sustainability to First Nations engagement and urban innovation.

“The University’s central role in Newcastle’s urban renewal, through developments like NUspace and the City Campus, has helped shape the vibrant city we are today.”

The Key was accepted on behalf of the University by Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM. The ceremony also featured Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, Elders in Residence at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, alongside students and special guests from the University’s 60-year history, including some who have been part of the community since its earliest days.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the honour reflected the collective efforts of the entire University community.

“This is a proud moment for our institution. For 60 years, our staff, students and alumni have worked to deliver meaningful change, for Newcastle and across the world,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We’re honoured to accept the Key to the City and will continue to be ambassadors for Newcastle and the values we share.”

The City of Newcastle ambassador program was established in 2017 to highlight individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to Newcastle. The University now joins 13 other recipients who have been honoured with the Key to the City.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Pedestrian and cyclist bridge installed at Newcastle Inner City Bypass northern interchange

Another key milestone has been achieved on the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass with the installation of a steel arch pedestrian bridge at the northern interchange. Once the interchange at Jesmond opens to traffic, this new bridge will connect shared paths on Newcastle Road and Illoura Street, providing pedestrians and cyclists an uninterrupted journey over the on- and off-ramps and under the bypass. Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the installation was carried out overnight. “A 400-tonne crane lifted the steel bridge into place, with the installation completed in just a few hours,” Ms Zycki said.” “The pedestrian and cyclist bridge installation follows other significant recent progress at the northern interchange”. “May saw the opening of the permanent right-hand turn for motorists travelling west on Newcastle Road onto the northern lanes of the bypass towards University Drive. This has removed one of the sets of traffic lights, helping improve traffic flow in the area as construction continues”. “Work on the southern interchange for the project has also progressed significantly, with the recent shift of the Lookout Road and McCaffrey Drive intersection onto the new bridge structure. “This has seen traffic switched to the new signalised intersection and use of what will be the final northbound off-ramp until the bypass is open to traffic.” “The final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond is just part of a massive package of road projects across the Hunter region. “Along with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, Hexham Straight Widening and Singleton Bypass, Hunter motorists can look forward to safer, more reliable journeys for all road users, and saving businesses time and money.” These changes can be seen by viewing fly-through videos on the design map at the project portal https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/rankin-park-to-jesmond

NSW leads the way with nation-first trial of smart school zone signs – technology pioneered in the Hunter

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a nation-leading safety trial in the Hunter, with the installation of two new smart school zone signs at Wallsend South Public School.

The trial features locally developed safety technology made in the Hunter.

In an Australian-first, the trial will evaluate cutting-edge technology designed to improve safety for children and families travelling through busy school zones. The two signs feature radar, pedestrian sensors and artificial intelligence, and have been installed along Croudace Road and McCaffrey Drive.

These next-generation signs are solar-powered and internet-connected, and display dynamic messages based on real-time traffic and pedestrian activity. If a vehicle is detected exceeding the 40 km/h school zone speed limit, the sign will display a “SLOW DOWN” alert. The signs will also respond when high numbers of pedestrians are detected and can display tailored messages outside of school zone hours.

The trial has been supported by an $83,500 investment from the Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Program, administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer. The signs were developed by local Hunter manufacturer HIVIS. 

The Wallsend South Public School has been chosen as the trial site for several reasons including high volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on school days, its location close to the base of development and delivery partner HIVIS Group and the site having 4G connectivity and good solar access.

All information collected from the signs, including traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, and pedestrian data, will be securely sent to a central system for analysis. This will help assess how well the alerts influence driver behaviour and reduce speeds in school zones.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to exploring new ways to improve road safety. This trial represents the next step in the evolution of school zone safety infrastructure, which has already contributed to a 56 per cent reduction in crashes across school zones in the past decade.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“As sign technologies get smarter it opens opportunities to make our school zones safer.

“It’s around 25 years since the then Labor Government launched the original flashing alert signs at high-risk school zones here in NSW.

“They’ve served us well as a valuable high-visibility reminder to slow down and take extra care during those busy hours at the start and end of the school day, and this trial, funded by the Minns Labor Government takes it one step further.

“In the last decade, as the number of signs increased from around 1500 to over 6800 – we’ve also seen crashes in school zones drop by 56 per cent.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“I’m incredibly proud that the Hunter is pioneering this new era of school zone alert sign to help keep our children safer, and excited by the potential to drive down incidents further through the use of radars and sensors for real time alerts.

“We’ve always been a region that punches above our weight, and now we’re setting the benchmark for how tech can be used to keep our kids safe on local roads.”

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:

“I’m proud that Wallsend is leading the way in trialling this new smart technology that has the potential to make a real difference to road safety around schools.

“It’s fantastic to see this cutting-edge technology developed right here in the Hunter being used to protect our most vulnerable road users, our children.”

Transport for NSW Executive Director of Operational Technology, JP Ahern said:

“We’re always looking for ways to not just maintain but also enhance and make better the safety infrastructure we have across our network.

“We don’t want drivers to become complacent about school zone safety – after more than 20 years it’s time to start upgrading our signs – we’re using the opportunity to take them to the next level with real-time alerts.

“We are not using these signs for compliance, and they will not capture or store any images of people or vehicles. It’s all about awareness, education and safety.

“A big benefit will be the ability to gather data to compare vehicle and pedestrian numbers. Eventually we’ll be able to gather this across multiple school zones, and it will help us understand what type of alerts work the best to get motorists to slow down and also which zones may benefit from additional safety treatments.”

Critical incident declared after man dies in crash during pursuit

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man died in a crash during a police pursuit in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

About 7.30pm Saturday (19 July 2025), police attempted to stop a motorbike on King Street, Hamilton, as it did not have number plates.

When the vehicle did not stop as directed, a pursuit commenced.

The pursuit travelled south on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, where the male rider came off the bike a short time later.

The rider – a man believed to be aged in his 20s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Police established a crime scene and a critical incident team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Appeal to locate man missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Elermore Vale.

David Brown, aged 49, was last seen at Charlestown Square, Shopping Centre around 3:15am on Friday (18 July 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

David is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 183cm tall, of medium build, with receding brown hair, a red/white beard and brown eyes.

He may be travelling in a silver Honda Civic – NSW registration BVN18X.

He is known to frequent the Newcastle and New Lambton areas.

It is believed he may have been in the vicinity of Lookout Road, New Lambton about 8.15am yesterday (Friday 18 July 2025).

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media statement – Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 12 August 2025

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 12 August 2025 to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its People’s Blockade can be considered and debated by Council.

Rising Tide has applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December 2025, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

“I want to ensure Council’s decision on the Rising Tide application is debated thoroughly and resolved as soon as possible, which is why I have called an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 12 August, rather than waiting for the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 August,” Cr Kerridge said.

Councillors will receive a public briefing from Rising Tide next week ahead of the Extraordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s library services named number one in state

City of Newcastle libraries have taken the top spot when ranked against other councils in NSW. 

Among the many accolades was the prestigious title for total number of items borrowed with more than 1.7 million loans during the last year, as well as highest number of library members (more than 150,000).

Newcastle libraries also claimed the top spot in NSW for home library services, delivering more than 47,000 items to residents unable to visit in person, seven times the state average. 

Residents Peter and Jeannette Lee get a highly anticipated delivery of books to their door from City of Newcastle’s home library service delivery coordinator Glenn Wardman.

The statistics were compiled by the State Library of NSW for the 2024 financial year. A key component of Newcastle Libraries’ success is its partnership with Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries. 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the results show how deeply embedded our libraries are in the daily lives of the community.

“To be leading the state across multiple key areas is a credit to the dedication of our library team and a reflection of the trust and value our communities place in their local libraries,” Ms Baird said.

“Whether it’s borrowing a book, attending one of our events, or learning a new skill, Newcastle Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our residents.

“Use of our home library service is more than 600% above the state average, demonstrating our commitment to making library services accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, mobility or health.”

Jeanette and Peter Lee, who have been using the City of Newcastle’s home library service for the past two years, say it has brought comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy during a time of change in their lives.

“When your world and independence change, having access to books through this service helps protect your mental health. This service helps keep the mind active, and when our monthly delivery arrives, it’s like Christmas. It helps restore little pieces of what used to be normal life,” Mrs Lee said.

“Books become companions. In our age group, loneliness is very real, but when you’ve got a book you’ve got a friend. The staff always ask what we like to read, and we can request large print, it means a lot to be asked about what matters to us. It’s more than convenience, it’s care.”

Newcastle Libraries, with their joint library partners, Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries, hold the largest collection in the state, with almost a million items ranging from books, artworks and subdivision maps to local history items, e-audio collections, toys and games.

Library visitation rates and program attendance are nearly double the state average, while membership is the highest in NSW, growing 15 per cent to more than 150,000 people. 

Our libraries also ranked second in NSW for e-audio circulation and third for toy and game collection loans.

“Our doors welcomed almost 700,000 visitors into our branches during this 12-month period, including those who attended our diverse calendar of events and programs, from children’s story time and digital skills training to author talks, local history presentations and inclusive outreach events,” Ms Baird said.

“Our continued growth reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing and significant investment in local library services, which provide valuable recreational, educational and social opportunities for all members of our community.”


Newcastle Region Libraries Statewide ranking

  • 1st in NSW for total items borrowed
  • 1st in NSW for home library service
  • 2nd in NSW for e-book audio loans
  • 3rd in NSW for toy and game collection loans

Highlights from the State Library of NSW 2022-23 Statistics about Newcastle Region Libraries

  • Total visits:  691,715 / NSW average – 296,607
  • Total items borrowed: 1,727,924 / NSW average – 441,594
  • Number of events or programs held: 2,255 / NSW average – 1,149
  • Total event or program attendees: 49,136 / NSW average – 19,450

Newcastle Libraries fast facts

  • Total members: 158,856
  • Number of branches: 13
  • Items in collection: 1,063,343

WINDING DOWN HUNTER VALLEY FOOD WASTE

Hunter Valley wineries and hospitality businesses are winding down their food and organics waste pioneering sustainability in the region, thanks to funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Winding Down Wineries Food Waste’, delivered by Go Circular, is an innovative initiative aiming to reduce food and organics waste, creating a model for wine regions across Australia.

NSW EPA Acting Director Circular Economy Programs, Sam Lewis said empowering local businesses and communities to design circular solutions will drive lasting change for NSW.

“Go Circular’s project is paving the way for a more sustainable future, with benefits extending far beyond the vineyard,” said Mr Lewis.

“NSW generates 1.7 million tonnes of food waste per year. To help tackle the landfill crisis, we need to seriously combat food waste and invest in local solutions.

“That’s why the NSW Government has introduced new laws where from 1 July next year certain businesses must separate food waste from their general waste.

“The project champions new and practical strategies to better manage food waste like using in-season locally grown produce, turning vegetable off cuts into hearty stocks and recycling food waste into nutrient rich soil for vineyards.

“By co-designing innovative solutions with industry, local government and businesses, this project fosters greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing and builds a blueprint for other wine regions across Australia.”

Go Circular CEO, Annie Jiang said the Hunter Valley, with its 200-year history as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, is now showing its leadership in sustainable hospitality and tourism.

“This project highlights the power of community-led innovation. From farm to kitchen, Hunter Valley hospitality businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into everyday practice – protecting both our environment and the future of this iconic region,” said Ms Jiang.

Margan Winery and Restaurant owner, Ollie Margan said their strong focus on reducing food waste has helped shape a menu that is both sustainable and reflective of the region.

“By sourcing 90% of our non-meat ingredients directly from our own garden, we harvest only what we need, when we need it. This helps us minimise food waste from the start, while delivering fresher and unique dishes,” said Mr Margan.

The EPA provided $165,600 in funding under the Business Food Waste Partnership Grant program.

To learn more about the Winding Down Wineries Waste project visit https://www.gocircular.org.au/winding-down-wineries-waste/

To learn more about the program and other successful recipients visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Working-together/Grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/Business-food-waste-partnership-grants

Go Circular is a purpose-driven organisation based in Newcastle and the Hunter region, supporting organisations to implement circular economy principles through practical solutions that strengthen environmental, economic, and social resilience.