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Newcastle Museum exhibition highlights history of German-speakers in the Hunter

Margarete Ritchie was just three years old when she and her family left Austria in 1955 to make a new life on the other side of the world.

Their journey across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to Australia is just one of the stories woven into the rich tapestry of memory in Newcastle Museum’s new exhibition, Heimat in the Hunter, which opens to the public tomorrow.

Hedy Fairbairn, Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Julie Baird, Dr Sacha Davis, Tim Crakanthorp and Dr Jaime Hunt take a look at the new Heimat in the Hunter exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum tomorrow.

Developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle and drawing on the academic research of Dr Sacha Davis, Dr Jaime Hunt and Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, the free exhibition reveals the history and experiences of German-speakers in the Hunter region.

German is the tenth most common language other than English spoken in Newcastle and the Hunter.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said exhibitions such as Heimat in the Hunter offer a valuable insight into the history of our city.

“It is important to share and preserve stories of the communities and residents who have made Newcastle what it is today,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I commend the work of Newcastle Museum and the University of Newcastle on this wonderful exhibition, which will hopefully promote better understanding of the city’s many migrant community experiences.”

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said partnerships between Newcastle Museum and research institutions like the University of Newcastle offer new ways to connect the public with contemporary historical research.

“This is a history not just of German-speaking migrants, but of courage, creativity and connection, where objects become anchors for memory, cultural continuity and the migrant experience,” Ms Baird said.

“Heimat in the Hunter brings together humble objects, images and interviews that reveal extraordinary stories and the importance of home and connecting world events to our shared local stories.”

The exhibition showcases items from the Museum’s collection as well as treasured family heirlooms generously loaned by members of the community.

Margarete’s story is brought to life through the remarkable travel album created by her father, Franz Ranzenbacher, which is filled with descriptions and photographs of their journey as well as a hand-drawn map of their migration route.

Travelling with her mother, father and eight-year-old sister, Margarete set off from Genoa aboard the MS Aurelia and sailed through the Suez Canal to Columbo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), before docking in Fremantle and then finally Sydney, where they caught a train to the Greta Migrant Camp.

“I am quite honoured to have my parent’s quest to make a good home for their family in Australia, far from the turmoil in Europe in the early to mid-1950s, included in this exhibition,” Mrs Ritchie said.

A beautiful wool dinner suit tailored by Franz Schwaller helps tell the story of Viennese migrant Ernst Baumwald, who left war-torn Europe in 1939 to make a new life in Newcastle.

With strict limitations on what he could bring with him, Ernst arrived in Australia with little more than some clothing, a collection of German-language engineering books and his precious slide rule, which are among the items loaned to the exhibition by his daughter Hedy Fairbairn.

“Ernst was a civil engineer and spent the larger part of his working life at Newcastle’s State Dockyard. He was responsible for the design of the turntable on the Southern Hemisphere’s first drive-on-drive-off passenger ship, Princess of Tasmania,” Mrs Fairbairn said.

“Two vital items came with him from Vienna: his technical books/manuals and his slide rule. He relied on those books all his working life. Every calculation and computation for his design work was made with that slide rule. Later in life he purchased a pocket calculator, but the slide rule was never truly replaced.”

University of Newcastle Discipline Lead for History, Dr. Sacha Davis, said German-speaking migrants form an important element in the rich history of the Newcastle and Hunter region.

“Their experiences on the one hand are individual and specific, and on the other hand speak to the story of migration to the region more broadly. Yet German-speaking migration to the region has frequently been overlooked,” Dr Davis said.

“The great strength of this exhibition has been the passionate and generous involvement of the community in the telling of these stories.”

Visitors to the exhibition are also encouraged to share their stories via a QR code as part of the University of Newcastle’s current research project, German as a Heritage Language and Culture in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, led by Dr Hunt.

This exhibition has been supported by the NSW Government, through Create NSW, the University of Newcastle Copley Bequest Pilot Research Fund, and the Australian Linguistic Society.

Heimat in the Hunter opens on Tuesday 17 June and will be on display until Sunday 21 September.

First national police legacy day celebrates life-changing support for police families

Police families across Australia will be honoured this week with the launch of the inaugural National Police Legacy Day, a new annual event dedicated to recognising the vital support provided to the loved ones of police officers who have lost their lives.

Held for the first time on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, the day is being led by NSW Police Legacy in partnership with Police Legacy organisations across the country.

It will include fundraising activities, local events, and blue light tributes, including the illumination of the Sydney Opera House with the Michaelmas Daisy – the symbol of Police Legacy.

National Police Legacy Day is about shining a light on the often unseen but life-changing work Police Legacy organisations carry out.

Since 1987, NSW Police Legacy has supported more than 1,500 legatees through education and career grants, counselling, camps, and personal support – always reminding families that they remain part of the policing family.

Tonight, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the symbol of National Police Legacy Day.

For more information on how to participate in National Police Legacy Day, visit the NSW Police Legacy website.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Police Legacy organisations provide vital support for families when they need it most.

“Today, we honour Police Legacy organisations and the resilience of our police families.

“Our police officers safeguard our communities – and behind every fallen officer is a family that deserves care and support.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley:

“This first-ever National Police Legacy Day is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a powerful reminder that behind every fallen officer is a family still living with that loss.

“Today, we come together across the nation to say: we see you, we honour you and we will stand with you – always.

“When tragedy strikes a police family, Police Legacy steps in with strength, compassion and practical support. National Police Legacy Day is our chance to say: you are not alone.

“Every officer deserves to know their family will be cared for if the worst happens. Police Legacy gives that assurance – and National Police Legacy Day celebrates that quiet, vital promise.

“From education to emotional support, Police Legacy walks with families through the hardest times. On June 17, we shine a light on their extraordinary work and the lives they’ve helped rebuild.”

Graduate nurses and midwives encouraged to join Australia’s largest public health system

Graduate nurses and midwives are being encouraged to start their careers in Australia’s largest public health system, with applications now open for NSW Health’s GradStart program.

GradStart is an annual, state-wide recruitment process for graduate nurses and midwives, which provides a vast range of employment opportunities across more than 150 health facilities in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.

Applications for NSW Health’s 2026 GradStart intake opened today (17 June) and close on 30 June 2025. Students are eligible to apply if they:

Are completing a nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026.
Will meet all the requirements to be registered as a Registered Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Are an Australian Citizen or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.

Candidates may also be eligible for scholarships.

Working in NSW Health provides a large variety of employment possibilities and experiences to start graduate nurses and midwives on their career journey.

GradStart can also provide candidates an opportunity to experience six months of work in a rural setting and six months in a metro setting through the Metro Rural Exchange.

More information on the GradStart program, including details on how to apply, is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/gradstart/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our nurses and midwives are essential to the NSW healthcare system, playing a vital role across our hospitals and health facilities. They care for people throughout every stage of life and are there for patients during their most vulnerable moments.

“By starting your career in the NSW public health system you will have access to comprehensive professional development, a wide variety of clinical experiences and ongoing training and support.

“Graduate nurses and midwives also have the opportunity to work across different locations in our fantastic state, and I hope graduates consider rural and regional settings which offer both a great lifestyle and exciting professional opportunities.”

Record $9 billion for schools across NSW including a new public school in Sydney’s growing South West

The Minns Labor Government will deliver a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget — continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW.

This investment in our future includes $2.6 billion that will be spent over the coming financial year alone, to deliver our record pipeline of new and upgraded schools to support growing communities across NSW.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

This budget includes the following additional new schools and upgrades:

New schools

Emerald Hills – new primary school
Grantham Farm – new primary school
West Dapto – new primary school
Wilton – new high school

Major upgrades

Newington Public School
Excelsior Public School
Thornton Public School
Rydalmere East Public School
Rydalmere Public School
Ermington West Public School
Asquith high schools
Bayside High School (provisional name)
Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Campus

These new schools being funded in the 2025-26 Budget will deliver approximately 140 new classrooms that are estimated to accommodate 2,500 students.

The new school that is being announced for the first time today for Emerald Hills, near Leppington, will open for more than 550 students on Day 1 Term 1, 2028, with facilities including modern classrooms, a multipurpose hall, canteen, library and sports field.

Leppington was one of a number of growth areas within the South-West and North-West growth corridors identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The audit found the former Coalition government failed to accurately reflect the rapid population growth in these areas and failed to build the schools to match it.

Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has commenced construction on more than 25 new and upgraded schools for growing communities across NSW, with another 30 set to begin before the end of 2025.

In addition to these, the NSW Government has fast-tracked schools to open in temporary facilities while their permanent facilities are built in Box Hill, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills.

This has meant that families in growth suburbs like Marsden Park, Leppington, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills were able to enrol in schools years earlier than planned by Liberals and Nationals.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education following a decade of neglect that saw new schools and upgrades promised but never delivered by the former government.

This budget continues to ensure students across NSW no matter where they live can attend a public school close to home, and that these schools deliver a world class education to the next generation.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education and improve student outcomes by addressing over a decade of neglect by the former Government.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding public education by:

banning mobile phones in all public schools, which has meant reduced distractions in school
paying our teachers more, which has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since coming to office. That means more teachers in front our classrooms
this has meant that the number of merged and cancelled classes have been almost halved
making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“New and upgraded schools are essential, but nothing matters more than having a great teacher in every classroom.

“That’s why we delivered the biggest teacher pay rise in a generation — cutting permanent teacher vacancies by 40 per cent and slashing the number of merged or cancelled classes across NSW.

“This announcement today continues our record investment in public education with new funding for schools in the communities that need them most, fast-growing suburbs that were overlooked for far too long.

“Families in Western Sydney were promised schools that never came under the former government. We’re fixing this — building the schools that these communities need and deserve.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, has invested record funding to build new and upgraded schools across growing parts of NSW that were neglected for too long under the Liberals.

“Our investment also includes new, fee-free public preschools co-located with public schools as part of our commitment to build 100 public preschools across NSW. These will be a game-changer for families in suburbs where access to high quality, affordable early education is scarce.

“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National Government failed to keep pace with population growth in these suburbs and towns. We are fixing that with real investment, building world-class local public schools and early education for families close to home.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I was elected on a commitment of delivering schools for our growing community.

“This new primary school and preschool at Emerald Hills is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in public education – alongside the new Leppington High School, an elective sports stream at Eagle Vale High School, five new public preschools, and four major school upgrades across the Leppington electorate.

“We’re making sure every family has access to quality local schools, close to home.”

NSW Budget delivers veterans free access to National Parks

In a nod to those who’ve served our country, the Minns Labor Government will expand free vehicle access to national parks in NSW to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget measure will enable more veterans from around Australia to apply for a free pass to enter the 45 national parks in the state where a vehicle entry fee applies.

The pass is currently available for some categories of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders, and this decision by the Minns Labor Government will ensure all DVA Veteran Card holders are able to apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.

It will increase veteran access to our network of national parks and have the added benefit of boosting veterans’ physical and mental health.

NSW has an incredible network of 895 national parks and reserves that conserve close to 10 per cent of the state, protecting unique ecosystems across deserts, Alpine regions, coastal areas, rainforest and Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Only 5 per cent of parks and reserves in NSW have vehicle entry fees. They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter. Removing the charge will make it easier for all Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders to enjoy more of these natural wonderlands.

Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from Monday, 7 July 2025, by visiting https://pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/concession/application.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Our veterans have given so much to Australia – this is about giving something small but meaningful back.

“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places.

“The invite to visit the best national parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether you’re from NSW or interstate.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, which are loved by people from within our state, across Australia and internationally.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity, to help all DVA Veterans Card holders enjoy them. This is a small way we can thank veterans for their service.”

Minister for Veterans, David Harris:

“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so it makes sense that they have earnt free access to our beautiful national parks.

“We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”

New residential drug rehab program launched for Hunter New England youth

Young people in the Hunter region and across NSW have access to a new, intensive alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service, with the official launch of Palm Youth Rehab by the Ted Noffs Foundation (Noffs) in Newcastle.

Palm Youth Rehab is a three-month, residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation program specific to adolescents aged 12 to 17. Taking a holistic, harm-reduction approach, the program supports young people through complex trauma, alcohol and other drug use, and behavioural challenges, helping them safely move forward in their lives.

The new rehabilitation service was funded as part of the Government response to the Ice Inquiry, which aimed to address treatment gaps and improve health and social outcomes, particularly for young people, and people in regional and rural areas. Almost $13 million over four years has been invested in the new service, including capital funding.

Delivered by a multi-disciplinary team trained in trauma-informed care, the program includes individual counselling, group work, family support, education and vocational training, life skills, recreational activities, and in-reach medical care provided by the local health district.

Noffs is one of Australia’s largest providers of youth alcohol and drug treatment services, with a proven track record of reducing drug dependency, crime, and mental health challenges in young people across the country.

The new service operates under the Palm therapeutic community model, which empowers participants to take an active role in the day-to-day running of their community, developing accountability, decision-making skills, and social connection.

Young people are supported beyond the program, with up to three years of post-residential case management offered in their community.

Referrals can be made by general practitioners, health professionals, community workers, family members, and young people can also self-refer. An intake worker is available during business hours to support the process.

For more information or to make a referral, contact Palm Youth Rehab by Noffs.

Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:

“This new residential rehabilitation program reflects our commitment to delivering targeted, evidence-based support for young people across the state.

“It’s about providing safe, structured care that addresses the root causes of alcohol and drug use, and gives young people the tools to build a healthier future.

“The team at Noffs are known for their dedicated and empowering rehabilitative support, this program will deliver holistic, trauma-informed care and make a tangible impact on the lives of young people in our community.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“This new rehab service is a fresh start for young people doing it tough. With real care, evidence-backed support and a safe space to heal, it’s where recovery begins – a chance to reset, rebuild and rediscover what they’re capable of.

“What makes this place special is the people. Peer workers who’ve lived it, professionals who genuinely care and a team that really gets it. It’s a space where young people can feel connected, understood and hopeful again.

“At the end of the day, it’s about giving young people a place where they feel heard, supported and ready to make real change – something the NSW Government is proud to back.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

“The Ted Noffs Foundation are performing vital work across the country, and I welcome this new program in Newcastle.

“By providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation, Noffs can provide long term and meaningful support to vulnerable young people as they move forward in their lives.”

HNELHD District Manager Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services, Kylie Whitford:

“We’re proud to be working with the Ted Noffs Foundation to deliver this vital service for our young people. Through a collaborative model of care, we can provide early, effective, and compassionate support for those experiencing significant challenges.”

“This initiative supports our broader goal of improving access to mental health and alcohol and other drug services across the district, especially for vulnerable populations.”

Matt Noffs, CEO of Ted Noffs Foundation:

“International research done by UNSW has proven that our Youth Rehab significantly reduces drug problems, violent crime and even hospitalisations. We’ve done this for decades and the more treatment we have, the safer and healthier NSW becomes.”

“Most of the young people in our programs have gone through significant trauma in their lives. The reason why we are a large provider of treatment for young people in Australia is that our program replicates a positive family environment and it’s based on over 20 years of evidence and experience.”

“While the core of our work focuses on drugs, crime and suicide, the reason we are successful is because we deal with the underlying trauma. We provide a safe space and help the young people we work with to become productive members of society.”

“The NSW Government have made a significant commitment toward regional areas that are struggling with issues related to young people, drugs and crime. This goes a long way and we are incredibly grateful.”

Buses replace some trains

Wednesday 18 June

From 8am to 1pm, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah or Muswellbrook.
The 08:29 Newcastle Interchange to Dungog will not run. Catch the 08:48 Newcastle Interchange to Telarah train and change at Maitland for a bus towards Dungog.
Buses also replace the 10:02 Dungog to Newcastle Interchange service.
Replacement buses for trackwork may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes
1HU Newcastle Interchange, all stations to Telarah and return
4HU Maitland, all stations to Dungog (in that direction only)
7HU Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus
15HU Maitland, all stations to Muswellbrook (in that direction only)
19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)
28HU Muswellbrook, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)

NSW Budget delivers major upgrade for Thornton Public School

Maitland students will soon be enjoying new play space and modern classrooms as the Minns Labor Government delivers a multimillion-dollar upgrade for historic Thornton Public School in the 2025-26 Budget.

The major upgrade for the school, which dates back to 1919, will include a new, state-of-the-art building with 16 new contemporary classrooms, a new library, new student and staff bathrooms, additional parking and a covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

Due for completion in 2028, the upgrade will expand the school’s capacity and help cater for the population boom in the local area.

Maitland is one of the fastest-growing areas in NSW, with significant population growth underway southeast of the Maitland city centre. In the Thornton and Chisholm communities, the number of students has already increased from 2,100 in 2018 to 3,000 students in 2025. It’s expected these areas will expand by close to 9,500 people in the coming years.

Despite this rapid population growth, the Liberals and Nationals denied Thornton Public School needed an upgrade, saying the school was dealing with temporary “fluctuations” in enrolments in 2022.

After 12 years of mismanagement and neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, the Minns Labor Government is building a better a better NSW.

We are providing the essential school infrastructure that young families rely on, giving our children a head start and setting our state up for long-term prosperity.

As part of our long-term plan, the Minns Labor Government is delivering better public school facilities for families across the Hunter region.

This includes delivering a new public school and high school at Huntlee, a new high school for Medowie, major school upgrades at Newcastle High School, Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School, and a full redevelopment of Gillieston Public School in Maitland, which will deliver a new co-located public preschool.

These upgrades are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment over four years to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“In recent years, the community in and around Thornton has rapidly grown – but the Liberals and Nationals denied this school needed an expansion.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and the tireless advocacy of Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and I am delighted to announce we will deliver this long-awaited major upgrade for the Thornton Public School community.

“This new project, as part of the Minns Government’s budget, demonstrates our commitment to continue delivering the vital school infrastructure that Hunter families need.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a huge win for our community. This area is growing rapidly, and our schools need to grow, too. This upgrade ensures our kids have the learning environment they need.

“This is about future-proofing education in one of NSW’s fastest growing areas.”

Thornton Public School principal Stuart Wylie said:

“Our school community is thrilled to see this project get the green light. We are rapidly growing, and this upgrade will make a real difference to our students and teachers.

“We’re excited to see our school evolve to meet the needs of our growing community while keeping learning on track every step of the way.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Glendale

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region.

John Littler, aged 50, was last seen on Labulla Parade, Glendale, about 7:40pm on Sunday 15 June 2025.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified yesterday (Monday 16 June 2025) and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family members hold serious concerns for John’s welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

John is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of solid build, with short grey hair and a grey beard.

He is known to frequent Redhead Beach and Nobbys Beach/break wall.

Elder abuse on the rise

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP today announced her support for the Relationship Australia NSW policy paper, and the calls for action it champions to support the 15% of older people aged 65+ who are abused and lack support services.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina

“There is a disgraceful head in the sand approach to the care and support for older people who are suffering abusive treatment. Reforms that ensure that funding and support services are available and accessible are essential when at least 15% of older people experience abuse.”

“As NSW Greens spokesperson for Older People, and a regional MP, I am happy to support the Relationships Australia NSW policy paper’s calls for action on the growing crisis of elder abuse.”

“It’s time to shine a light on the struggles that older people are facing. Every Australian should have access to support and with 28% of people 60+ living outside of Sydney, due consideration for the challenges to access that the regions face should be accounted for.”

“Funding, research and protections are needed right now to ensure that our elders are afforded dignity and respect.”

“50% of young adults under 30 are living at home. This changing dynamic within our family units sees the risk of elder abuse quietly rising in our own households.”

“Coercive control laws, and strong protections in Enduring Power of Attorney arrangements are vital, in conjunction with accessible services that speak to marginalised communities and the 3 in 10 seniors in NSW living beyond the reach of Sydney’s services.”

“Access is not a buzzword. 50% of older people 65+ are living with a disability. When you combine that statistic with those living regionally, the numbers are very grim indeed.”