Category: Newcastle News

Twenty‑eight women from Arabic, Afghan and Indian backgrounds have turned their creative skills into a source of income thanks to a mentoring program supported by City of Newcastle.

Applications will open on Monday for City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorship programs, which last year helped provide economic opportunities for a group of refugee and culturally diverse women through Shared World Collective’s Make, Gather and Market initiative.

Shared World Collective founder Katrina Gulbrandsen with participants of the Make, Gather & Market initiative selling hand-made products at Olive Tree Markets. City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Corporate Affairs, Nick Kaiser said programs like this demonstrate how targeted funding can deliver practical, long-term benefits for the community.

“Our grants and sponsorships programs provide support across nine different streams to help organisations like Shared World Collective deliver initiatives that respond to local priorities, ease cost-of-living pressures for our community and contribute to a stronger Newcastle year-round,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 across categories supporting social inclusion, upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture initiatives, environmental projects and a wide range of events.” 

Participants in the Make, Gather & Market program were given guidance and small business training to help them use their existing creative skills to create hand-made products they could sell at the Olive Tree Markets. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the program focused on building confidence, skills and pathways to economic participation. 

“This grant gave us the resources to remove cost barriers and support participants all the way through from learning artisan skills to selling their work at local markets,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“The program included visits to circular economy initiatives such as Full Circle Collective and The Makers Place to learn about sustainable sourcing and selling, as well as candle making, natural ink painting, sewing and hand embroidery workshops.

“Participants told us the experience was calming and empowering, and many gained confidence, business knowledge and pride in their skills while strengthening connections within the community.” 

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program supports initiatives that deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for the local community, with funding available through Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants and Event Sponsorship. 

Event Sponsorship supports conferences and events of all sizes, including general, incubator and major events hosted across the city. Last weekend, national skate competition King of Concrete led by world champion and Olympic judge Renton Millar was held at Bar Beach after receiving support through the 2025 general event sponsorship. 

Major Events supported include the Beach 5s weekend festival at Nobbys Beach, the 20^th anniversary Hill to Harbour in March and OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival. 

Recent Infrastructure Grant recipients include Stockton Bowling Club, which received funding for a disability access ramp and Kotara South Netball Club, which was supported to upgrade court lighting. 

Community Support Grants assist projects across environment, arts, culture and history, social inclusion and sustainability. Previously, City of Newcastle has supported the Salvation Army to deliver weekly community lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged, and the Share Shop in Hamilton to expand their range of electric appliances and tools.  

Applications for City of Newcastle’s 2026 Grants and Sponsorships programs open 4 May and close 31 May. 

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

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

Ryan Forrest, aged 15, was last seen on Prestwick Street, Fletcher, about 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified on Friday 24 April 2026 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Ryan’s welfare due to his age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Ryan is known to frequent the Greenhills Shopping Centre, Thornton Shopping Centre, Maitland, Woodberry, Rutherford and Tenambit areas.

A Hunter region man is expected to face the NSW Bail Division Court today (30 April, 2026) charged with soliciting, accessing and possessing child abuse material.  

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 27, and conducted a routine examination of his luggage at Sydney International Airport on 8 November, 2025, following his return to Australia on a flight from Japan.  

During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers allegedly located suspected child abuse material. The matter was reported to the AFP for further investigation. 

The device was seized by the AFP for further digital forensic analysis.  

Following analysis of the seized device, the AFP yesterday (29 April, 2026) executed search warrant at a house in Raymond Terrace where police located and seized further electronic devices, as well as a gel-blaster.  

The 27-year-old was arrested and charged with: 

• Use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); 

• Use carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and 

• Possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth). 

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.    

AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP remained unwavering in its pursuit of anyone involved in child exploitation. 

“This investigation sends a very clear message. If you engage in the possession or distribution of child abuse material, you will be caught,” Det-Supt Needham said  

“Law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and take action against those who offend against society’s most vulnerable.”  

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said ABF officers worked closely with law enforcement and other border agency partners to detect and intercept material that posed serious harm, to ensure it did not enter our community. 

“This outcome highlights the value of collaboration and intelligence sharing across border and law enforcement agencies,” Supt Baker said. 

“There is no place for abhorrent child abuse material in our community, and ABF officers remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.” 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040 and 2026/27 Budget

Council voted to place the draft 2026/27 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Closed Circuit Television trial

Council voted to endorse a trial of up to three years of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) within a defined location(s) on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, conditional on the NSW Government contributing no less than 50% of the total cost.

Tender Report – East End regional precincts and partnerships program works

Council voted unanimously to reject all tenders received for the East End Public Domain Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8, and endorse not calling for fresh tender submissions. Council authorises the CEO to enter into negotiations with a view to entering into a contract.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council voted to lay on the table for discussion at the next Ordinary Council Meeting an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease for food and drink premises on community land at Newcastle Ocean Baths for a term of five years with a five-year option.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2026.

Notices of Motion 

Affirming commitment to the genocide convention

Council supported a notice of motion affirming commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in accordance with Australia’s obligations.

Late items

Awaba Park food pantry

Council supported a foreshadowed notice of motion that City of Newcastle ensures that ongoing maintenance and space activation is built into the new design of the Awaba Park pantry facility.

Support for Newcastle Jets finishing top of the ladder

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and congratulate the Newcastle Jets for their Premiers Plate success and ensure plans are in place to provide the Newcastle Jets with a Civic Reception should they secure the Premiership.

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

Teagan Few, aged 28, was last seen at a hospital on Edith Street, Waratah, about 2.45pm on Saturday 25 April 2026.

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

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a medical condition and requires ongoing treatment.

Teagan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a thin build, with long brown hair.

SHe was last seen wearing a grey baggy jumper and glasses.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Booragul and West Wallsend areas.

During the running of race six at Maitland last night, Kawasaki Girl sustained injuries as a result of a racing incident.

An assessment of the injuries by the on-track veterinarian determined that, regrettably Kawasaki Girl was deemed unsuitable for admission to GRNSW’s industry leading Greyhound Care Scheme which provides ambulatory, surgical and rehabilitation care for greyhounds injured in any race.

Our condolences go out to the trainer, owners and connections of Kawasaki Girl.

While such outcomes have reduced by almost 90% since 2017-18, and during this current financial year 2025-26 we have seen a 40% reduction of on-track euthanasia – down from a record low of 13 last financial year – the NSW Greyhound Racing industry remains committed to delivering the highest welfare for its canine athletes.

As part of the industry’s renewed focus and determination to see ongoing reductions in serious injury rates, it has explored and implemented a range of strategies designed to substantially reduce serious injuries.

These strategies include:
Installation of double arm lures and preferential box draws;
Race Injury Review Panel;
Education for trainers in relation to injury prevention and treatment;
The trialling of Hock Braces;
Introduction of clearance to return to racing following long layoff due to injury; and
Ongoing research into other race injury causations.

In implementing these strategies, the greyhound racing industry in NSW is committing itself to becoming the world leader in racing safety.

The success of the industry’s race injury reduction efforts will be monitored and reported to the community by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.

The Commission publishes race injury data on a quarterly basis, making NSW one of the very few jurisdictions in the world to do so.

Farmers for Climate Action
 
 
· Increased bushfires and heatwaves driving increased climate concern
· Energy companies blamed for high bills
· Just 17% of Hunter residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy
Some 30% of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed, as a local farmer says sustainability is “just good farm management”.
The polling of 302 Hunter residents was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20. The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of The Research Society of Australia. Farmers for Climate Action has released the poll as it aims to make sure regional voices are heard.

FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the data showed 30% of Hunter residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.
“30% of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Bushfires (77%), heatwaves (75%) and floods (68%) were the top answers when Hunter residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Fifty-six per cent of Hunter residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills. Others named global energy price spikes and coal power station breakdowns; just 15% said clean energy was responsible.
“Some 69% of Hunter residents name solar as the “significant” energy source for the future, while 43% nominate onshore wind, 42% say offshore wind, 40% pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30%, and nuclear last at 22%.”
“The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy. Support for clean energy in the Hunter remains strong at 60%, with 17% opposed, and 23% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 40% of those polled said they thought there was majority support for clean energy in the region.
“Media and social media algorithms continue to promote conflict and FCA continues to listen to farmers, not Facebook.”
Macka’s Pastoral Director Robert Mackenzie , in Gloucester, Hunter Valley, said sustainability was “just good farm management”.
 
“As a farmer in the region, our focus is simply on running a more efficient and resilient business,” Mr Mackenzie said.
 
“We’re improving soil health, animal performance and energy use, with a clear focus on reducing our footprint, delivering benefits for both the business and the environment. For us, sustainability isn’t a statement, it’s just good farm management.”

The Salvation Army in the Newcastle and Hunter is calling on locals to dig deep and get involved in the Red Shield Appeal this year, raising vital funds to support those in our local region who are doing it tough.
 
Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal is in its 62 nd year and aims to raise $41 million nationally, which funds life-changing community programs across the country.
 
“We know that people are doing it really tough in our community right now, as global uncertainty coupled with further increases in the cost of living locally puts an incredible strain on individuals and families. We know that many are on the edge of breaking point as they struggle to make ends meet,” said Major Bruce Harmer, External Communications Manager for NSW.
 
“That is why we are calling on those in Newcastle and Hunter to dig deep, get involved in the Red Shield Appeal, and be the hope our community desperately needs right now.”
 
The funds raised in Newcastle and Hunter for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the needs faced by those who are struggling and need a hand.
 
“There is no better way to support those doing it tough than by donating or volunteering with us this year. We can’t do our work in the community without you, so we are calling on people to partner with The Salvation Army this Red Shield Appeal and see the powerful transformation that takes place when we come together to support our fellow Aussies in need,” Major Harmer added.
 
The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield Weekend (May 30 and 31), and there are a number of ways to get involved throughout the month of May- volunteering by collecting at local shopping centres and other locations, door knocking, online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event and making a donation.
 
The Salvos across the country are aiming to recruit an army of 15,000 volunteers for the Red Shield Appeal this year, so please reach out to your local Salvos to find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal
 
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provided:*
· Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
· More than 1.74 million sessions of care to over 228,000 people in need
· Over 1 million nights of safe accommodation
· More than 1.4 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.
 
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au

City of Newcastle is planning to deliver 274 projects and forecasting a fifth consecutive surplus as it releases its draft Budget for the upcoming financial year.

The 2026/27 Budget will invest $128.5 million in infrastructure to deliver everyday benefits for the community while also completing major projects like the Western Corridor road upgrades and the city’s largest ever children’s playground at Foreshore Park.

CEO Jeremy Bath said a commitment to responsible financial management means City of Newcastle can maintain its high level of service and infrastructure delivery.

“After many years of measured and deliberate decision-making, Council is well placed to continue investing sustainably in Newcastle’s future,” Mr Bath said. 

“City of Newcastle will spend $458 million in the coming financial year, delivering important services and infrastructure for the community, from Bar Beach to Beresfield and everywhere in between.

“We’re also forecasting a modest $1.4 million surplus, which means we can confidently commit to the high level of service delivery the community expects, while also being well positioned to weather unforeseen challenges.”

Councillors will vote to place the 2026/27 draft Budget and Operational Plan on public exhibition for community feedback at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe encouraged the community to have their say on the proposed plans.

“Community feedback plays an important role in everything we do, and inviting the community to have some input on the plan gives people an opportunity to influence what we’ll deliver across Newcastle,” Cr McCabe said.

“Taking the time to get familiar with the plan is a great way for people to learn more about what Council does to make Newcastle a better place, and to understand what is proposed for the next 12 months.”

Highlights of the Budget include:

• $29 million on road renewal and road upgrades, including the Western Corridor Road Upgrades at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue
• $20.1 million on City and Civic venues, aquatics and recreation and sports improvements, including the Foreshore Park play space
• $8.1 million on waste management and Summerhill Waste Management Centre
• $7.6 million on footpath and pedestrian access and mobility projects including citywide renewal programs
• $7.0 million on bridge renewal and upgrades including bridge replacement at Cottage Creek, Hunter Street
• $6.4 million on city-wide stormwater upgrades, flood planning and management works, including Union Street, Cooks Hill stormwater drainage rehabilitation
• $5.2 million coastal, city, and urban centres including Georgetown Local Centre and East End Hunter Street Mall
• $4.3 million on coastal management including seawall repairs at Mitchell Street, Stockton
• $4.3 million on cycleway projects including Broadmeadow to Hamilton East, Lambton Park to Croudace Street, and the trial Hunter Street cycleway
• $3.4 million on climate action and sustainability initiatives including community energy projects, electric and low‑emission transport, and solar and battery initiatives
• $3.4 million on street and park trees, bushland and watercourses, and Blackbutt Reserve
• $1.9 million on affordable housing including the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project.

Mr Bath said the Budget strikes the right balance between renewing and maintaining existing infrastructure assets across Newcastle and delivering major projects that will have an impact on people’s lives.

“Our road renewal and upgrade program covers everything from improving hundreds of local streets to finishing Council’s largest ever road project at Wallsend,” Mr Bath said.

“There is continued investment in affordable housing, delivering active transport and improving changerooms, lighting and drainage at our sportsgrounds.

“We’re also focussing on the natural environment with more new street and park trees, bushland and watercourse improvements, coastal management actions and ongoing work at Blackbutt Reserve. 

“Our commitment to climate action includes a city-wide community battery project, repairing the Mitchell Street seawall, and city-wide stormwater upgrades as we help make Newcastle more resilient in years to come.

“We’re continuing to invest in services our community expects including reliable waste services, fast development application processing times and high-quality cultural spaces like our libraries, theatres and art gallery.”

Executive Manager Finance & Property and Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said City of Newcastle is maintaining its status as the Hunter’s most financially sustainable council.

“We have delivered nine budget surpluses in the past 12 years, and this Budget sets us up to do so once again,” Mr Moore said.

“It has been developed so we can continue to meet the changing needs and expectations of our community, while ensuring we’re financially healthy now and into the future.

“It is incumbent on City of Newcastle to spend ratepayer money responsibly, and savvy long-term financial planning across more than a decade has us well-placed to continue delivering a high level of service for the community while ensuring we give them the best value for money we can.”