Category: Newcastle News

Novocastrians are being given their first view of Newcastle Art Gallery’s significantly expanded footprint as the scaffolding starts to come down around the once-in-a-generation project.

New frontages along Darby, Queen and Laman streets have been exposed as the exterior nears completion, revealing walls of glass along the ground floor and a modern architectural design sympathetic to the original building’s iconic Brutalist style.

New facades along Laman and Darby streets have been revealed as the scaffolding starts to come down around the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

The windows along Darby Street will soon also offer a view of the Gallery’s latest commission, designed by Newcastle-based artist Maggie Hensel-Brown, which will be installed next month.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it was exciting to be able to give locals a taste of what is to come at the reimagined Gallery.

“Throughout the construction period, we’ve been able to share glimpses of the work happening inside the gallery, but the removal of the scaffolding allows our community to better appreciate the significance of the building’s physical expansion,” Ms Morton said.

“By extending the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we’re able to more than double the size of the Gallery, which will provide greater access to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions.

“To celebrate the new spaces, we’re commissioning and acquiring several new works of art for specific sites within the expanded Gallery.

“This includes working with local artist Maggie Hensel-Brown, whose intricate needle lace work, Process, progress, repeat will be photographically reproduced and installed during June across the windows in the Gallery’s Learning Studio, which fronts onto Darby Street.

“It’s fantastic to see all elements of the construction progress, ahead of the commissioning of the gallery spaces and our planned reopening in September.”

The removal of the scaffolding and hoarding is also making way for work to refresh the public spaces surrounding the Art Gallery.

This will include renewing the footpaths, seating and lighting, completing new landscaping and undertaking important stormwater and drainage upgrades.

Visit City of Newcastle’s project page to stay up-to-date with the latest progress.

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.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 April 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Brian Suters AM

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted with great sadness the passing of leading architect and Freeman of the City, Brian Suters AM, and acknowledged his significant body of work and contribution to our city’s look, feel and cultural landscape.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council Policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Asset Management Policy, Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, amended Compliance and Enforcement Policy and amended Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft 2025/26 Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously adopted an amended motion to publicly exhibit the draft 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, draft 2025/2026 Fees and Charges and draft 2025-2035 Long-Term Financial Plan for 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council.

1/21 Railway Street, Wickham – exhibition of draft planning agreement

Council voted unanimously to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 1/21 Railway Street Wickham on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Council will receive a report following the conclusion of the public exhibition.

Endorsement of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the proposed reclassification of 22 public land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land, or road segment to Community Land, and the categorisation of these land parcels as Natural Area, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Lease for Newcastle Maritime Museum Society collection

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to extend storage support to the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society’s privately owned collection under the Public and Members grandstands at the Newcastle Showground for a further and final 12 months until 20 March 2026 to facilitate transition to an ongoing sustainable NMMS collection storage outcome.

Newcastle Airport briefing to Councillors

Council noted a report summarising the Newcastle Airport briefing provided to Council on 18 March 2025, which included an update and overview of the financial performance, strategic growth trajectory and governance arrangements of Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Support for sporting field upgrades in the western corridor

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting that City of Newcastle’s 2020 Strategic Sports Plan identified the need for improved sporting facilities in the western suburbs in Newcastle to accommodate the existing and future population. The motion noted the election commitment by the Federal Member for Newcastle to fund $3 million towards much-needed field drainage and irrigation upgrades and accessibility upgrades to the car park at Upper Reserve in Wallsend. Council will investigate funding opportunities for the remaining amenities and lighting upgrades required at Upper Reserve, consistent with the Strategic Sports Plan and other strategic priorities.

Public buses in Newcastle 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to acknowledge and understand the state of service provision on buses in the Newcastle Local Government Area and request greater advocacy from NSW Members of Parliament for positive action in improving public transport servicing in the region.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Indi Warby, aged 14, was last seen at Windale about 5pm on Saturday 26 April 2025.

When she was unable to located, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified at 8pm on Monday 28 April 2025 and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Indi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160-165cm tall, of thin build and with blonde hair and a nose piercing.

She is known to frequent the Windale and Charlestown areas.

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

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

Beau Keys, aged 29, was last seen in the Jesmond area about 11.30am today (Sunday 27 April 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to him acting out of character.

Beau is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, fair complexion, with brown hair and brown-coloured eyes.

Beau is known to frequent the Tea Gardens, Bulahdelah and Jesmond areas.

A man has been charged after the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025) and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation commenced involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

About 11.20am today (Friday 25 April 2025), a 22-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police station, where he was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025).

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

A man has been arrested as an investigation continues the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

About 11.20am today (Friday 25 April 2025), a 22-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police station, where inquiries continue.

Global phenomenon SIX the Musical has attracted a host of new visitors to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre with almost 23,000 tickets already snapped up midway through the show’s purple reign.

More than 37% of tickets have been purchased by first time visitors, with theatregoers from every state in Australia travelling to Newcastle to witness the six wives of Henry VIII step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the 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.

SIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreCivic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said ticket sales have spiked since the show opened on 10 April.

“Word of mouth is spreading and our audiences are making sure their family and friends don’t miss the opportunity to see this Tony Award-winning production,” Ms Wallace said.

“SIX the Musical offers something for people of all ages, and each performance has seen incredible audience energy and participation.

“With only 10 days left in the season, SIX the Musical shares the highest attendance positions at the Civic with other musicals Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show proving once again there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions at the Civic Theatre.”

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said Newcastle has proved to be a fitting location for the finale of this tour of Australia and New Zealand.

“More than 3.5 million people enjoy SIX the Musical across the world every year and the Civic Theatre crowds have been just as enthusiastic as any of them,” Ms Withers said.

“We first saw the show in London’s West End in 2018 and knew instantly the celebration of 21st century girl power would resonate with Australian audiences.

“The positive feedback from fans in Newcastle and word of mouth has created a real buzz around town so thankfully there’s still time for people to come and enjoy this funny, informative, inspirational, and all-round fabulous night in the theatre.”

Tickets are available for the remaining shows with SIX on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle until the curtain comes down on 4 May.

The performance at 3pm on Saturday 26 April is Auslan interpreted.

Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young girl missing from the states Hunter Valley region.

Penelope Lowa, aged 11, was last seen in East Maitland, about 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

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

Police and family hold concerns for Penelope’s welfare due to her young age.

Penelope is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build and dark brown shoulder length hair.

It is not known what she was is wearing.

Penelope is known to frequent the East Maitland, Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.

overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

The victim has yet to be formally identified but was believed to be aged 18.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

A Lake Macquarie man has been charged over the alleged attempted murder of a man following an investigation by police.

Police will allege that about 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 22 April 2025), a 35-year-old man allegedly attempted to suffocate a 71-year-old man known to him at a home at Macquarie Hills.

The 71-year-old man left the location and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were later notified of the incident and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested at a home on Taranaki Place, Macquarie Hills, shortly after 5am today (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with attempt to strangle/suffocate with intent to murder (DV).

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 24 April 2025).