Category: Newcastle News

The sights and sounds of sport will soon return to Smith Park following City of Newcastle’s delivery of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the Hamilton North site.

The playing surface has been significantly improved by the installation of new drainage and irrigation, the realignment of fields used for cricket, football and Oztag, as well as the repositioning of three synthetic cricket wickets.

Chair of the Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said City of Newcastle is committed to delivering spaces that bring people together for active living and social connection.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with the community and sporting groups to improve this 56,000 sqm park,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This project contained a significant scope of works. Drainage improvements include 13 new stormwater pits, more than 330 metres of stormwater lines and more than five kilometres of subsoil drainage lines.

“Irrigation upgrades feature a new pump station, two water tanks and more than 3.7 kilometres of irrigation lines with sprinklers for watering.

“These improvements represent stage one of the Smith Park Masterplan and are consistent with the long-term vision for the park, meeting the needs of all users including Hamilton Azzurri Football Club, junior and senior cricket, and Newcastle Oztag.

“Future works proposed for Smith Park include carpark realignment, a community building, a multi-sports court and lighting.”

The upgrade was delivered by City of Newcastle with support from a $2.56 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering fit for purpose infrastructure that benefits all members of the community.

“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and these improvements will allow the fields to cater for more participants and more playing time,” Minister Kamper said.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he’s pleased to be part of a Government that is committed to ensuring green spaces such as Smith Park meet the needs of our community.

“Upgrading green space in the city is crucial to supporting local communities and provides a safe place for people to gather and connect,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“I look forward to seeing our local sporting talents benefiting from these fantastic upgrades.”

President Andrew Cornwell said Newcastle Junior Cricket was thankful to the NSW Government and City of Newcastle for delivering this much-needed upgrade.

“Smith Park will now provide a first-class hub for our junior cricketers and will support the growth of cricket into the future,” Mr Cornwell said.

“Our cricketers will now have access to quality grounds that will be more resilient to wet weather and drought.

“The project is a great example of what can be achieved when sporting codes work together with Council.”

Smith Park isn’t the only popular park receiving an upgrade, with City of Newcastle also installing a new irrigation system at Wallsend Oval One and Two.

The improvements are being delivered by City of Newcastle in collaboration with Wallsend District Cricket Club, which successfully secured a grant from the Federal Government under the Investing in Our Communities Program.

The project also includes the installation of irrigation tanks and pump shed infrastructure, with the works likely to be completed in June.

A multi-agency search is currently underway for a missing swimmer at a beach in Newcastle.

About 4.35am today (Sunday 13 April 2025), emergency services were called to Newcastle Beach, Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle, following reports of a missing swimmer.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived and were told an unknown woman had entered the water about 4.25am and had not returned.

Police with assistance from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter immediately commenced a multi-agency search to locate the woman.

She was last seen wearing a pink top, black pants and no shoes.

Police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the woman to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It’s been almost 40 years since an English Queen last visited Newcastle, but Novocastrians are giving a royal welcome to SIX of history’s sassiest for their three-week reign in the city.

The curtains have gone up on the first performances of SIX The Musical this week, with the global phenomenon to grace the stage at the Civic Theatre until 4 May.

(Front row) Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian producer Louise Withers, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace celebrate the three-week season of SIX The Musical at the Civic Theatre with the SIX Queens (back row). Picture credit: Peter Stoop Photography.Theatregoers from across the country are travelling to Newcastle for the production, which tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as they step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

The Australian production has just wrapped up a season in New Zealand after sell-out shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, with Newcastle the first non-capital city included on the national tour.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge welcomed the SIX cast and crew to Newcastle and encouraged everyone to take the chance to see this award-winning show in the iconic surrounds of the Civic Theatre.

“Strong support from audiences have ensured we’re receiving ongoing interest from the promoters of live theatre and musical productions, who are keen to add Newcastle to the national touring circuit,” Cr Kerridge said.

“This is indicative of support for our thriving live performing arts scene and is a fantastic outcome for theatregoers, who benefit from being able to see these types of productions right here in Newcastle.”

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said there was a demonstrated demand for international-quality touring productions in Newcastle.

“The historic Civic Theatre has long been a jewel in Newcastle’s cultural crown, but there is no doubt during the past few years we’ve hit a purple patch in attracting world-class productions to Newcastle,” Cr Barrie said.

“Theatregoers are coming from every state in Australia and right throughout NSW for the Newcastle season of SIX, which is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre with around 35 per cent of ticket holders first time visitors.

“This clearly highlights the benefit of major events and the importance of attracting productions of this calibre, which deliver a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city.

“We would like to thank the Producers, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick for bringing this first-class, brilliant production to Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian Producer Louise Withers and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace with the cast members of SIX in Wheeler Place. Picture credit: Peter Stoop Photography.

SIX The Musical debuted on the West End in 2019 and has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. 

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said the musical has been a hit around the world, where it is enjoyed by more than 3.5 million each year.

“SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike,” Ms Withers said.

“We are thrilled that SIX has finally made it to Newcastle and we look forward to welcoming our fantastic SIX fans, and the new theatregoers, at the Civic during this exciting three-week season.”

SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

More than 50 community members have graduated from City of Newcastle’s inaugural net zero training initiative, highlighting a growing appetite for local climate action.

Experts from Australia’s leading climate change organisations equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to create community-led projects that support the shift to renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency in Newcastle.

City of Newcastle staff, Councillors Declan Clausen, Elizabeth Adamczyk and Sinead Francis-Coan join graduates from City of Newcastle’s Empowering Climate Champions training program.The six-week Empowering Climate Champions training program was inspired by Rewiring Australia, whose co-founder Dr Saul Griffiths was a keynote speaker at one of City of Newcastle’s popular Empowering Newcastle event series, which attracted more than 1500 attendees in 2024.

Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath congratulated participants at a graduation ceremony last night and said they would play an important role in the city’s action on climate change.

“Achieving our goal of net zero emissions in Newcastle by 2040 is going to take a collective effort,” Mr Bath said.

“The overwhelming response to this first round of Empowering Climate Champions training shows that people in our community not only want to see action taken to address climate change, but they are also willing to step up and lead the charge.

“This program has been designed to empower our community to be part of the solution as they learn from experts in the field, including the Climate Council, Community Power Agency and BehaviourWorks Australia.

“I look forward to seeing the community-led projects our first group of graduates deliver.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said Empowering Climate Champions is a United Nations CIFAL Newcastle UNITAR certified program that provides graduates with an internationally recognised accreditation.

“Our first community net zero training program is among the initiatives being delivered through City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy, which sets out our 10-year roadmap for achieving a sustainable Newcastle, in e the priority areas of action on climate change, nature-based solutions, and the circular economy,” Ms Kikken said.

“It has been inspiring to see such a diverse mix of participants from across Newcastle, all bringing different perspectives but sharing a common goal to be empowered to take action.” 

City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead, Lexi Crouch, Climate Change & Sustainability Manager, Heather Stevens, Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability, Marnie Kikken with graduates Benjamin Julien, Inger Lanzone and Chris Evans.Participants Chris Evans, Benjamin Julien and Inger Lanzone were among those that praised the program.

“The program delivered real-world training from passionate, qualified experts and equipped me with practical tools and strategies to drive impactful climate action,” Mr Evans said.

“It showed me that taking action doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and I now feel confident in my ability to lead meaningful change for the betterment of our community.”

Mr Juilen said the training had broadened his thinking and provided clarity on how to approach the design and delivery of future projects.

“I’m excited to apply the insights I’ve gained from the program for a project focused on transportable solar solutions for strata communities,” Mr Julien said.

Ms Lanzone said that she had previously felt overwhelmed by climate change, but the program had provided her with the knowledge, resources, and a community of people to act with to contribute to a sustainable future.

“Empowering Climate Champions has created a collaborative of empowered citizens capable of educating and inspiring their local communities with practical steps to contribute to a net zero future,” Ms Lanzone said.

“I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know.”

To keep up-to-date with future rounds of the Empowering Climate Champions program and other upcoming events, visit the Empowering Newcastle page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Rewiring Australia is a non-profit, independent, non-partisan organisation dedicated to the electrification of everything, for everyone – for a fairer, healthier, zero-emissions Australia.

CIFAL is the acronym for Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders and is a United Nations (UN) program led through The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) aimed at harnessing the power of organisations (such as educational institutions and government agencies) to share knowledge and promote best practices that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

A man has been charged with firearms and property breaking offences following an investigation in the state’s Hunter region.

In April 2025, detectives from the Rural Crime Prevention Team – Hunter Valley Police District under Strike Force Lucindale, was formed to investigate a series or break, enter and steal offences into rural properties in the Mount Royal and Rouchel areas between 20 February 2025 and 1 April 2025.

Among the items stolen were motor vehicles, farm utilities, motorbikes, firearms and ammunition.

Following inquiries, about 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 April 2025), detectives executed two search warrants at properties at Carrowbrook and Davis Creek.

Among the items seized by police from both properties were eight unregistered firearms, including a bolt action rifle, a .22 calibre long rifle, a Boita rifle, a double barrel shotgun, a pump action shot gun, a 303 bolt action rifle, two antique guns and associated ammunition.

Also located were two Polaris all-terrain vehicles, a Honda XRF motorcycle, a Yamaha peewee 50 motorbike, a red quad bike, a Nissan Patrol 4WD, a Nissan Patrol utility; swords, a box trailer and loading ramps, a surfboard, trail cameras and numerous other items.

Police arrested a 23-yar-old man at the scene.

He was taken to Singleton Police Station where he was charged with 18 offences;

– steal motor vehicle (three counts),

– break, enter and steal (four counts),

– stealing,

– steal trailer,

– steal firearm or imitation firearm,

– possess unregistered firearm (three counts),

– possess more than three unregistered firearms,

– possess ammunition without a permit,

– not keep firearm safely,

– possess prohibited drug,

– supply prohibited drug and goods in custody.

He was refused bail to appear before Singleton Local Court today (Friday 11 April 2025), where bail was formally refused. He will re-appear before the same Court on Thursday 1 May 2025.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is planning a hazard reduction burn in Werakata National Park and adjacent lands tomorrow on Friday 11 April, weather permitting.

The burn will reduce fuel loads of around 50 hectares and is expected to take two to three days, including mop-up and patrol operations.

NPWS will lead the burn in partnership with NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

The low-intensity burn aims to reduce fuel loads in the national park and surrounding areas to help protect neighbouring residential areas from potential bushfires.

It will take place in Werakata National Park and on land next to Albury Street and Forbes Street, Abermain, and smoke may impact properties in the local area.

Walking tracks and trails in the area will remain closed until mop-up crews deem them safe. NPWS asks all visitors to obey directions and signage for the safety of themselves and fire fighters. 

Hazard reduction burns are essential to reduce bushfire fuel loads to help protect parks, neighbours and communities from future bushfires.

Smoke may be visible in the nature reserve and nearby communities depending on wind direction. People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory issues are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors.

All burns across NSW will continue to be coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure the impact on the community is assessed at a regional level. Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me website and app, and on NPWS Alertswebsite. 

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or Asthma Australia. For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.

This Friday, April 11, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) teams will hit the water at Port Stephens to practice the critical and complex task of disentangling whales, ahead of the start of the annual humpback migration season. 

The on-water training exercise is designed to improve skills and processes needed to safely free whales that become entangled in ropes, nets and other marine debris. Beyond technical training, the exercise also helps staff to develop skills in remaining calm, focused and staying safe when dealing with a panicked, powerful 30-tonne animal.

Each year, around 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast, with a few dozen becoming entangled in fishing gear or marine debris. These entanglements can have devastating impacts on whale health and survival and responding swiftly and safely is critical.

The annual NPWS training refreshes skills for experienced responders while preparing new team members. Friday’s session will involve teams from the Hunter Central Coast and Greater Sydney regions, and is part of a broader program supported through the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.

Last year, 11 humpback whales were successfully freed from entanglements off the NSW coast. As most tangled whales keep swimming, sometimes at speeds above 5 knots (about 9kph), being able to relocate the whale quickly is critical. If it is safe to do so, we encourage the community to get photos and detail the exact GPS location.

Funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy has supported NPWS in training whale disentanglement teams stationed along the coastline. The training is conducted in close collaboration with Marine Rescue NSW, who provide skilled volunteers and vessels to ensure operations are carried out safely and effectively.

NPWS also works in partnership with ORRCA, Sea World Foundation, Gamay Rangers, the fishing industry, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), OceanWatch Australia and the Professional Fishermen’s Association (PFA) to reduce entanglement risks and build response capacity.

If you see a distressed or entangled whale, contact the NPWS on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on 02 9415 3333 immediately.

Quotes attributable to NPWS Team Leader Conservation, Doug Beckers

Whale-watching is an increasingly popular activity right along NSW’s Coast, and it’s humbling to know that a few loops of rope can bring down one of these huge, majestic animals.

If you do happen to spot an entangled whale, please report it to NPWS or ORRCA straight away – every minute counts.

National Parks now has the capacity to deploy whale disentanglement teams right along the Coast – but only when conditions permit. We need the right weather, not too much swell, and enough daylight hours to safely find the animal and complete operations.

Humpback whales are awesome creatures which can weigh between 30 and 40 tonne, so for your own safety and theirs, you need to keep your distance. All water craft must keep 100m from a whale, or 300m if a calf is present.

A man has been charged after an alleged armed robbery in the state’s north.

About 3pm on Friday 28 March 2025, police were called to a licensed premises on Ntaba Road, Jewells, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man forced his entry into the premises with a broken glass bottle before he stole an amount of cash and left the scene.

There were no injuries reported due to the incident.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced.

Following inquiries, about 10am today (Thursday 10 April 2025), detectives attended a home on Doongara Close, Jewells, and arrested a 31-year-old man.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Thursday 10 April 2025) where he was formally refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 11 April 2025).

People living with eating disorders across NSW can now access specialist residential care with the opening of the new $13.5 million Residential Eating Disorders Centre in Charlestown.

The two-storey, 12-bed centre in Charlestown is the first publicly funded service of its kind in NSW.

Suitable for people aged 16 and older with a diagnosed eating disorder, the centre provides evidence-based interventions in a nurturing, home-like environment.

The centre is designed to bridge the gap between community-based care and hospital admission, offering personalised support for people living with eating disorders and those who care for them.

Residents may stay at the centre for up to three months, depending on their progress. They will receive individualised support from a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and social workers.

A range of support and daily wellness activities will help residents increase their independence and continue their recovery journey at home, including psychotherapy, grocery shopping, cooking classes, and gentle movement sessions.

The funding is part of a $63 million Albanese Labor Government commitment to deliver eating disorder care centres nationally.

The centre will complement other eating disorder services across NSW, including local health district day programs and community-based therapies.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, contact the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HOPE) or visit Butterfly.

Assistant Minister McBride:

“An estimated 1.1 million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder.

“The Labor Government is investing $63 million to open eating disorder centres across the country, including in Charlestown.

“We want people who have an eating disorder to access the care and support they need to recover and live a healthy life.”

Minister Conroy, Member for Shortland:

“Most of us will know someone who has experienced an eating disorder at some point in their lives – a friend, colleague or family member.

“I welcome this additional, specialised support people living with eating disorders in Charlestown and the Hunter region.”

“This is another example of the Federal Labor Government investing in quality healthcare services in Lake Macquarie after delivering the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and restoring funding to the GP Access After Hours Service.”

Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle:

“Opening this new centre is a significant step forward in providing much needed support and care to people struggling with eating disorders.

“This facility will not only provide expert treatment but also foster a compassionate and understanding environment where people can begin their journey to recovery.

“I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is working to address these issues with the seriousness and empathy they deserve, and this centre is a vital part of that commitment.”

Local employers came together at a forum hosted by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) on Tuesday night to discuss the five generations working side-by-side in the workplace and strategies to bridge the generation gap. With apprentice completion rates still hovering at just 54%, it’s critical for businesses to engage and retain their young talent.

Former Newcastle Knights NRL player and current Assistant Coach Blake Green shared insights from his time spent coaching young athletes, emphasising that trust and communication go together in any team environment. “When I first started receiving feedback, you just copped it in front of everyone; it didn’t matter how you felt about it. That can’t happen in our environment today because you lose trust, the relationship breaks down.”

“It’s important to deliver feedback firmly, but the most important thing for us is showing genuine care and developing relationships. Once we show that, then we’re able to deliver feedback more effectively.”

Coaching psychology expert Susie Burrell, who led the panel, said, “Research highlights that apprentices and trainees are most likely to leave their jobs due to problems with their experience in the workplace, specifically around communication. Employers who fail to recognise generational differences or adapt their communication style risk losing valuable talent.”

Some of the strategies discussed included implementing regular career check-ins, highlighting pathways for the employee to keep them motivated, setting employees up for success with clear guidelines and expectations and mentorship through peer buddy systems.

ASA NSW North Manager, Jeff Cooke, said, “Larger employers with strong HR resources and experience in mentoring apprentices and trainees often achieve the highest completion rates. But not every business has that level of in-house expertise. That’s why these events and our programs are designed to support employers of all sizes, providing practical, low-cost strategies to help them build positive relationships with the next generation of workers.”

“Workplaces are changing, and while Gen-Z often get labelled with certain stereotypes, the reality is they can bring a lot of value to a business — especially when it comes to fresh ideas, technology and innovation,” Ms Burrell said. “It’s really just about employers learning how to genuinely connect with them to unlock their true potential.”

More information about ASA’s programs is available at apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or by calling 1300 363 831.