Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two teenage girls missing from Muswellbrook.

Harper Pickett, aged 13, and Sharlotte Oldham, aged 14, were last seen in Muswellbrook about 6.45am today (Friday 13 December 2024).

When they were unable to be located or contacted, the girls were reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Harper and Sharlotte’s welfare due to their young age.

Harper is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a blue top, pink shorts with a black stripe and black sandals.

Sharlotte is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall, with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, red and black checkered shorts and was carrying a black bag at the time.

The girls are believed to have boarded a train from Muswellbrook to Newcastle. They may be on the Central Coast and attempting to make their way to Queensland.

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

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A teacher has been charged over allegedly possessing child abuse material.

On Tuesday 3 December 2024, police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into reports a 23-year-old male teacher was in possession of child abuse material.

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, police executed a search warrant at a school in Port Stephens and seized several devices for forensic examination.

On Friday 13 December 2024, the 23-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station.

He was charged with possess child abuse material and was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Adam Hynds,37, was last seen in Eveleen Street, Cardiff South about 4.15pm on Tuesday (10 December 2024).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.

Adam is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180cm, thin build, shaved brown hair and blue eyes. 

He was last seen wearing a white polo shirt, faded black pants and black sneakers.

Adam is known to frequent the Sydney Train Network.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Lake Macquarie Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 10 December 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Launch of new Mariyung fleet services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the historic launch of the new Mariyung fleet service from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal on December 3, 2024. The CEO will write to the Minister for Transport expressing Council’s congratulations and support and advocate for increased and quicker services between Sydney and Newcastle.

Mandatory track changes requirements for Council reports and policy documents

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the commitment from the CEO that all reports and policy documents submitted to the Council Chamber will include a version with track changes or detailed commentary clearly showing all modifications, additions, and deletions from the previous version at the time of publication of the agenda papers.

World Stroke Day morning tea

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously adopted that called for City of Newcastle to continue its support of World Stroke Day and acknowledged and thanked former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for holding the inaugural World Stroke Day in 2016, and subsequent morning teas each year in collaboration with HMRI

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to approve revised and updated Council Policies including the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Art Gallery Acquisition and Deaccessioning Policy, Media Policy and Social Media Policy.

Adoption of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee’s Strategic Work Plan

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Strategic Work Plan of City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Adoption of the Walking and Mobility Plan

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Walking and Mobility Plan, noting the summary engagement report from the recent public exhibition. The Plan is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the community’s desire for Newcastle to be a city where walking is a safe, accessible, convenient and enjoyable part of people’s lives.

Draft Newcastle 2040 review

Council voted unanimously to place the draft revised Community Strategic Plan – Newcastle 2040 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application for the demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand, with consent granted subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the Draft Schedule of Conditions.

14 Sunderland Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 14 Sunderland Street Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

22 Victoria Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 22 Victoria Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

13 Section Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 13 Section Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

115 Maryland Drive, Maryland – telecommunications facility

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application to erect a ‘telecommunications facility’, granting consent subject to compliance with conditions set out in the draft schedule of conditions.

Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South – roundabout safety improvements 

Council voted unanimously to approve roundabout safety improvements at two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue Hamilton South, at the intersections with National Park Street and Smith Street.

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.

Response to questions regarding Newcastle Airport

Council approved City of Newcastle undertaking community engagement within the Newcastle local government area to better understand awareness and support for Astra Aerolab. The findings of this community engagement will be reported to the Council in 2025.

Tender report – purchase of Summerhill Waste Management Centre landfill compactor 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase of a Landfill Compactor for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Rescinding of tender award – construction of operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre

Council voted unanimously to rescind the tender for the construction of an operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Late Item

505 Minmi Road

Council voted for the Lord Mayor and the City of Newcastle considers any action necessary, including legal responses, to protect the planning powers of the democratically elected City of Newcastle Council, including its LEP and planning functions, with respect to 505 Minmi Road.

Notices of Motion 

Youth Mock Council 2024 and investigating the re-establishment of a dedicated youth space

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2024 and reiterated its commitment to the Youth Council and quality civics engagement and education. City of Newcastle staff will engage with the Youth Council to assess the need, requirements and viability of a dedicated youth space. 

Investigating opportunities for new and upgraded sporting facilities in the Western Suburbs 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the growing need for new and upgraded sporting facilities in our city’s western suburbs and requested a report be provided to Councillors assessing the viability of new or upgraded facilities.

Citizenship Ceremonies 

Council supported an amended notice of motion that delegates the decision to schedule the January citizenship ceremony to the Lord Mayor, in his capacity as the Presiding Officer of Citizenship Ceremonies, and in line with the Lord Mayor’s existing delegations.

Lambton Pool

Council supported an amended notice of motion that included a request that staff consider, as part of the December quarterly budget review process, funding for the installation of a platform at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre that would enable those with mobility issues to enter the 25m and 50m pools more easily and safely.

111 Beaumont Street, Hamilton – place activation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting that City of Newcastle staff engage with Hamilton Business Improvement Association to determine events throughout 2025 that the vacant spaces within 111 Beaumont Street could support and enters into short term licenses with the community groups best suited to support those events, for an appropriate period before and after events.

Commissioning an independent review of council processes, procedures and performance

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion for an independent review of Council’s processes, procedures and performance to uphold public trust and ensure high governance.

City of Newcastle is investing $2 million into footpaths this year as it takes the next step to make walking and active transport the preferred choice for short trips by 2034.

Councillors voted to adopt the Walking and Mobility Plan on Tuesday night, paving the way to implement a shared vision for enhanced pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience across the city.

The plan includes a framework for determining how projects will be identified, prioritised, and scheduled.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the adoption of the 10-year plan reaffirms a commitment to building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

“Walking provides wide-ranging social, environmental and health benefits, and this plan ensures we’re taking the right steps so they can be enjoyed across the community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“One of the first unanimous resolutions of this elected Council was to commit to delivering at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council, because we know that having the right pedestrian infrastructure is vital to realising our vision of a more walkable Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Transport & Regulation Ryan Tranter said almost $2 million has already been allocated this financial year for footpath projects, including Freyberg Street, New Lambton and Traise Street, Waratah, where works are underway.

“Some new projects will update and expand existing pathways, while others will provide missing links and new crossing infrastructure,” Mr Tranter said.

“It’s all about taking a systematic, data-driven approach to make sure we are focusing our resourcing in the most beneficial areas for the community.”

Twenty-four key actions will guide the delivery of the plan, focused around promoting the safety and prioritisation of pedestrians, building and maintaining walkable neighbours, supporting walking trips and destinations, and fostering and celebrating walking in our communities.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that when we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams. 

“The adoption of this Walking and Mobility Plan will ensure pedestrians of all ages, abilities and mobilities, feel safe within the public road space,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Social equity and inclusivity are at the heart of this plan, because we want to make sure the benefits of walking can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“Including accessibility and socio-demographic factors such as age and disability as essential considerations when prioritising new pedestrian infrastructure projects is important to ensure that what we deliver is accessible and safe for the whole community”. 

Actions in the plan were updated following feedback from its public exhibition earlier this year, to provide clarity around how accessibility will be improved.

It followed an extensive consultation process with the community and other relevant stakeholders to shape the plan.  

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make the city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

A police officer – attached to North West Metropolitan region – has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence related offences.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a report of alleged breaches of an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order between Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Following inquiries, police attended a Central Coast home about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2024) and arrested a 39-year-old woman, a senior Constable attached to a command in the North West Metropolitan region.

She was taken to Wyong Police Station where she was charged with two counts of breach AVO.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Thursday 16 January 2025.

City of Newcastle is leading the way in coastal infrastructure planning by kicking off consultation with the community on its Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, the first of its kind in the state.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the various coastline precincts from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

It will be guided by Newcastle’s Coastal Management Programs and input from the local community, alongside a comprehensive review of existing facilities, as part of a strategic effort to enhance and maintain the city’s iconic coastal assets.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community is at the heart of the trailblazing work on the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan.

“We’re leading the way with our work, which will ensure that the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of Newcastle’s coastal buildings is planned and delivered in a sustainable, strategic and considered manner, and benefits the wider community,” Mr Thomson said. 

“If you’ve swam at a local beach or ocean baths, enjoyed coffee and a snack from a beach kiosk, asked a lifeguard in blue for advice, been involved with nippers or other surf lifesaving club activities, then you’ll be no stranger to the importance of the buildings situated along the city’s iconic coastline.

“To inform the development of the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, we recently hosted a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from you to help us understand your needs and aspirations for our coastal buildings.

“Community insight is crucial to help inform the new plan, which will provide clear guidance for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.” 

In addition to the user needs analysis currently underway, a review of existing infrastructure is also being undertaken. 

This important feedback will contribute to a considered framework for future planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, balancing the views of users, and considering social, environmental and technical constraints. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will also support City of Newcastle to apply for and secure NSW and Federal Government funding for projects that enhance access to our coastal areas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle’s beaches, baths and coastal areas are spectacular precincts that contribute to the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to our city, and planning for their future will serve the community and visitors now and into the future. 

“We love our coast, and our beaches are a big part of our local culture, which is why we need to proactively plan for coastal infrastructure that supports the needs of our growing community and visitor economy now, and for generations to come,” Cr Barrie said. 

“Located along arguably one of the most incredible coastlines in the country, these buildings and facilities are essential community spaces that bring people together, while also providing a base for vital surf lifesaving services.”

To find out more and have your say visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/CBRP

Coastal Management Program

To continue to guide the ongoing management of Newcastle’s coastline and related projects and planning, City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, which covers the coastline from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Lagoon, and the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. 

Coastal Management Programs set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, to protect coastal environments, manage the risk of coastal hazards, respect Aboriginal values and uses of the coastline, and ensure all use and development of the coastal environmental occurs in an ecologically sustainable way, while balancing the needs of the community. 

Newcastle Art Gallery will reopen its doors next year in time for City of Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival, New Annual, to be held in late September. 

But before the community is invited back into the reimagined space, City of Newcastle will undertake the most complex fit-out and commissioning process of any building project in its history. 

An artist’s impression of the interior of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the next stage of work was critical to meet the exacting international standards required to accommodate world-class works of art. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to be the custodian of one of the nation’s most significant public collections of Australian and international art, which is valued at more than $126 million,” Ms Morton said. 

“But with this honour comes great responsibility as we create a fit-for-purpose home for both our own collection and works of art on loan from across Australia and around the world. 

“We need to get every aspect right, from the international standard humidity and temperature control system, to the global-specification loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art, as well as the international standards to display the collection, which includes the top 10 works alone collectively valued at $34million.” 

Work on the project remains on schedule for the planned reopening next year, with the final stages of construction now underway. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said he was looking forward to the completion of the transformational project to ensure the long-term protection, preservation and enjoyment of the city’s most valuable cultural asset. 

“It’s been a tremendously exciting project to design and build. The challenge has been to design a building that is entirely welcoming and inviting to the public but that appropriately secures $126 million in artwork,” Mr Thomson said. 

“I sometimes equate what we are building to that of a bank vault, but with windows on every side, a huge front door, a staff entrance and a loading dock. It’s been a massive challenge but I’m confident that we have got the balance right in terms of designing a building that Novocastrians can be proud of, but that is also capable of safely hosting in the vicinity of $50 million of art on any day of the year. 

“A project of this nature is unique for our city, and has required collaboration, perseverance and passion as we prepare to deliver one of the largest galleries in Australia.  

“Like many complex infrastructure projects, we have had to overcome a range of challenges, including excessive wet weather, underground utilities and important archaeological preservation, and the remediation of historic mine workings which required five-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools worth of grout to be pumped beneath the site.  

“We have also navigated the task of combining a new building with the retrofit of an iconic 47-year-old structure, carefully respecting its heritage while ensuring compliance with modern-day requirements and standards. 

“What we are delivering, however, will make a significant contribution to our city, creating jobs and economic investment now, while promising to help drive our visitor economy once it reopens.  

“It’s been fantastic to watch the transformation on site as the roof takes shape and we shift toward the final stages of construction in the coming months, before the fit-out and commissioning are completed.” 

The project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Art Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows. 

It will deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street. 

The expanded Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year. 

The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted by virtue of an outstanding warrant in Newcastle.

William Rex Morris, also known as Craig Byers, aged 40, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for alleged domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District are conducting inquiries into his whereabouts.

William is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, thin build, about 170cm tall, black hair with a beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper with a large logo on the front and dark coloured tracksuit pants.

He is known to frequent the Wyong, Swansea, Glendale, Merewether and Bar Beach areas.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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

City of Newcastle is leading the way in coastal infrastructure planning by kicking off consultation with the community on its Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, the first of its kind in the state.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the various coastline precincts from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls. 

It will be guided by Newcastle’s Coastal Management Programs and input from the local community, alongside a comprehensive review of existing facilities, as part of a strategic effort to enhance and maintain the city’s iconic coastal assets.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community is at the heart of the trailblazing work on the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan.

“We’re leading the way with our work, which will ensure that the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of Newcastle’s coastal buildings is planned and delivered in a sustainable, strategic and considered manner, and benefits the wider community,” Mr Thomson said. 

“If you’ve swam at a local beach or ocean baths, enjoyed coffee and a snack from a beach kiosk, asked a lifeguard in blue for advice, been involved with nippers or other surf lifesaving club activities, then you’ll be no stranger to the importance of the buildings situated along the city’s iconic coastline.

“To inform the development of the Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan, we recently hosted a series of focus groups with key stakeholders, and now we want to hear from you to help us understand your needs and aspirations for our coastal buildings.

“Community insight is crucial to help inform the new plan, which will provide clear guidance for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.” 

In addition to the user needs analysis currently underway, a review of existing infrastructure is also being undertaken. 

This important feedback will contribute to a considered framework for future planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, balancing the views of users, and considering social, environmental and technical constraints. 

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will also support City of Newcastle to apply for and secure NSW and Federal Government funding for projects that enhance access to our coastal areas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie said Newcastle’s beaches, baths and coastal areas are spectacular precincts that contribute to the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to our city, and planning for their future will serve the community and visitors now and into the future. 

“We love our coast, and our beaches are a big part of our local culture, which is why we need to proactively plan for coastal infrastructure that supports the needs of our growing community and visitor economy now, and for generations to come,” Cr Barrie said. 

“Located along arguably one of the most incredible coastlines in the country, these buildings and facilities are essential community spaces that bring people together, while also providing a base for vital surf lifesaving services.”

To find out more and have your say visit https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/CBRP

Coastal Management Program

To continue to guide the ongoing management of Newcastle’s coastline and related projects and planning, City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, which covers the coastline from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Lagoon, and the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. 

Coastal Management Programs set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, to protect coastal environments, manage the risk of coastal hazards, respect Aboriginal values and uses of the coastline, and ensure all use and development of the coastal environmental occurs in an ecologically sustainable way, while balancing the needs of the community.