Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a girl missing from Raymond Terrace.

Ahleighaa Waters, aged 13, was last seen in Raymond Terrace on the evening of Tuesday 11 February 2025.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into Ahleighaa’s whereabouts.

Concerns are held for her welfare due to her age.

Ahleighaa is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 135cm tall, of slim build with blonde hair.

She is known to frequent the Tenambit and Raymond Terrace areas.

Anyone who has information on Ahleighaa’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and contact Raymond Terrace Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The NSW Government is being urged to take ownership of a holistic strategy that will buffer Stockton’s coastline from erosion, following a meeting of the Stockton Community Liaison Group this week. 

City of Newcastle has been working with the NSW Government and the community to deliver mass sand nourishment as part of the 2020 Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP), which outlines actions to manage, maintain, and preserve the coast between the northern breakwater of the Hunter River and Meredith Street, Stockton. 

An extended CMP, which broadens the geographical area from the northern end of Stockton Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary, will be considered at this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting before being placed on public exhibition for community comment. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director Planning & Environment Michelle Bisson said the extended CMP will establish a pathway for the delivery, funding and maintenance of mass sand nourishment, while simultaneously planning and delivering urgent protection works for critical public assets in the short-term. 

“We’ve welcomed the partnership and ongoing support of the NSW Government to deliver amenity sand nourishment via $4.7 million in grant funding from the Federal Government and another $1.5 million from City of Newcastle,” Ms Bisson said. 

“But it is crucial we continue to plan for the long-term future of this coastal community, which has already seen the devastating impacts of erosion.  

“The Extended Stockton CMP will set a long-term strategy to offset the impacts of the NSW Government-owned Newcastle Harbour infrastructure, including the entrance breakwaters and artificially deepened navigational channel.  

“We’re seeking a commitment from the NSW Government to deliver on their $21 million election commitment from 2021 and take the lead on a number of sand nourishment related actions that will ensure a holistic management approach and the seamless delivery and maintenance of mass sand nourishment. 

“Delivering the CMP is a complex process, and each action outlined in the plan needs to be championed and funded to be eligible for certification as per the Coastal Management Act 2016.” 

A new Stockton Special Advisory Panel, to be chaired by State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, was announced by the NSW Government in November 2024. 

Stockton Community Liaison Group Chair Barbara Whitcher said that while the initial sand amenity has been beneficial, it is crucial the long-term strategy is committed to by the NSW Government. 

“The work undertaken by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government to date has been fantastic in helping to restore sand amenity to Stockton Beach,” Ms Whitcher said. 

“But it is clear that there is still so much more to be done to solve Stockton’s coastal erosion issues.  

“The 2023 election commitment of $21 million, secured by the Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, was greatly welcomed by the Stockton community. After the initial mass sand nourishment, it is essential that there is a long-term strategy for keeping sand on Stockton beach. This is a State Government responsibility. 

“We trust that the new Stockton Special Advisory Panel will support taking ownership of key actions under the Extended CMP.” 

The draft Extended Stockton CMP steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP.  

To ensure certification of a CMP, all actions contained within the program must be allocated to an appropriate agency with funding.  

Sign up to City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say newsletter to stay in touch with opportunities to provide feedback: https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

City of Newcastle has introduced a new generation to the benefits of waste minimisation and recycling during a tour designed specifically for children.

More than eighty-five attendees took part in two free visits to Summerhill Waste Management Centre today, allowing children to have a close-up look at the daily operations of a landfill and resource recovery facility.

Kids get an up close look at a garbage truck with Executive Director of Waste Services David Witherdin and Lucinda the Bin at Summerhill Waste Management Centre. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said these tours are part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to a sustainable future, which is a 20-year vision focused on reducing unnecessary waste and increasing recycling rates.

“Engaging the community is a priority in the sustainable waste strategy framework and we are delivering this through a range of programs which include community tours of Summerhill,” Mr Bath said.

“City of Newcastle currently diverts around 40 per cent of household waste through recycling efforts and a key part of our success lies within our framework of community education which empowers residents to understand the importance of recycling and reusing.”

The tour of Summerhill was guided by the waste services team and covered various areas of the facility, including the Resource Recovery Centre, Green Waste, Landfill and Solar Farm. 

As part of the tours, children also participated in an education session that covered interesting waste facts such as the growing issue of how to properly dispose of batteries found in children’s toys, as well as problem waste such as takeaway coffee cups. 

The education session gave children a chance to participate in a rubbish sorting game and build their own bin, before stepping inside a real garbage truck to meet the driver.

Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the tour is designed to engage and inspire children to be passionate about responsible waste disposal and equip them to make impactful changes.

“We know children are powerful advocates for change and teaching them about proper waste sorting and recycling empowers them to make better choices, which can also positively influence their families,” Mr Witherdin said.

“Our drivers witness the enthusiasm of our younger residents first-hand during kerbside bin collections as kids eagerly wait for the truck to pass their house, and during these tours when they line up patiently to have a chance to have a sneak peek inside the vehicles.

“By building on this natural curiosity, the tour provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn more about how their behaviours can influence positive environmental outcomes.”

Both tours were booked to capacity and follow the success of the first-ever kids tour in September last year which was initiated after families showed a strong interest during City of Newcastle’s regular community tours of Summerhill.

For more information on tours, workshops and sustainable initiatives throughout the year visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living

Incident activity

• Ongoing – Until further notice

Details

From Wednesday 12 February, expect delays on Sydney Trains, Intercity, and NSW TrainLink services due to new industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.

The Australian and New South Wales governments are investing $15 million to progress planning work that will help cut congestion, reduce travel times and improve road safety at a major Hunter traffic bottleneck. 

Currently, motorists face major travel time delays when navigating the junction of the M1 Pacific Motorway, John Renshaw Drive, Weakleys Drive and New England Highway at Beresfield.

These delays are driven by high traffic volumes, multiple traffic signals and a lack of road capacity.

The John Renshaw Drive project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, with the Australian Government providing $12 million and the NSW Government providing $3 million.

The NSW Government will investigate upgrades to John Renshaw Drive including improvement options for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive; lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive; and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway. 

Once designed and delivered, the upgrades will reduce travel times for motorists and make movement of freight more efficient along a key part of the regional freight network which connects to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.

Further traffic and economic modelling is being conducted to confirm what the proposed upgrades will include and the final design. 

Timelines for construction will be dependent on further funding and planning approvals.

More information about the project is available here: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/jrdup

Images can be found here

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods.

“It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support the development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“John Renshaw Drive is a key connector between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wallsend and the Upper Hunter.

“Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.

“This incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

“The Australian and NSW governments are proud to be getting the ball rolling on upgrading John Renshaw Drive & Weakleys Drive which will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for many motorists.

“We are planning for a more reliable, less congested road network in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW. This is essential for local residents in and across Maitland, Thornton and Beresfield.  We need better infrastructure and to build greater capacity in the network where it links to the M1 Pacific Motorway”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“This area of the Hunter is growing rapidly which is why we need to ensure our infrastructure is up to shape.

“I’m looking forward to seeing solutions which will ensure the best possible road network for our regional travellers while also minimising traffic delays for our local commuters.”

A woman has died following a crash in state’s Hunter region last week.

Around 3.30pm on Friday 7 February 2025, emergency services were called to a two-car crash on James Street, Windale.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a Hyundai i30 and a Ford Fiesta had crashed, trapping the driver of the Hyundai– an 82-year-old woman.

She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

The driver of the Ford – a 29-year-old woman was not injured.

On Sunday 9 February 2025, police were notified that the woman had died.

Investigations into the crash are continuing.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

City of Newcastle has introduced a new generation to the benefits of waste minimisation and recycling during a tour designed specifically for children.

More than eighty-five attendees took part in two free visits to Summerhill Waste Management Centre today, allowing children to have a close-up look at the daily operations of a landfill and resource recovery facility.

Kids get an up close look at a garbage truck with Executive Director of Waste Services David Witherdin and Lucinda the Bin at Summerhill Waste Management Centre. 

CEO Jeremy Bath said these tours are part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to a sustainable future, which is a 20-year vision focused on reducing unnecessary waste and increasing recycling rates.

“Engaging the community is a priority in the sustainable waste strategy framework and we are delivering this through a range of programs which include community tours of Summerhill,” Mr Bath said.

“City of Newcastle currently diverts around 40 per cent of household waste through recycling efforts and a key part of our success lies within our framework of community education which empowers residents to understand the importance of recycling and reusing.”

The tour of Summerhill was guided by the waste services team and covered various areas of the facility, including the Resource Recovery Centre, Green Waste, Landfill and Solar Farm. 

As part of the tours, children also participated in an education session that covered interesting waste facts such as the growing issue of how to properly dispose of batteries found in children’s toys, as well as problem waste such as takeaway coffee cups. 

The education session gave children a chance to participate in a rubbish sorting game and build their own bin, before stepping inside a real garbage truck to meet the driver.

Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the tour is designed to engage and inspire children to be passionate about responsible waste disposal and equip them to make impactful changes.

“We know children are powerful advocates for change and teaching them about proper waste sorting and recycling empowers them to make better choices, which can also positively influence their families,” Mr Witherdin said.

“Our drivers witness the enthusiasm of our younger residents first-hand during kerbside bin collections as kids eagerly wait for the truck to pass their house, and during these tours when they line up patiently to have a chance to have a sneak peek inside the vehicles.

“By building on this natural curiosity, the tour provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn more about how their behaviours can influence positive environmental outcomes.”

Both tours were booked to capacity and follow the success of the first-ever kids tour in September last year which was initiated after families showed a strong interest during City of Newcastle’s regular community tours of Summerhill.

For more information on tours, workshops and sustainable initiatives throughout the year visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living

A Worimi man who completed a 4,500km journey from Western Australia to Newcastle raising funds to improve Indigenous literacy has been selected as Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2025. 

Twenty-three-year-old Bailey Myers received the award at City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year ceremony today for his solo walk in March 2024, which spanned almost six months and raised nearly $16,000 in donations.

Image caption: From L-R Khuslen Batmandakh, Dr. Helen English, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Evelyn Collins and Bailey Myers accept their award at City of Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised Bailey’s endurance and strength, saying his efforts have demonstrated true leadership for all communities. 

“Mr Myers embodies the values of the Citizen of the Year title. His inspirational walk should be a reminder to us all of the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can have in creating positive change,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“His journey is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of supporting Indigenous voices and education.”

Inspired by his parents who are both teachers, Bailey said supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation was an easy choice as providing academic support to First Nations communities, particularly in remote areas is crucial. 

“Literacy is fundamental, and I want to do my part to support Indigenous stories and education. I want to inspire young people, especially those who have faced disadvantage, they’ve seen the worst life can throw at them which means they can also do the most,” Mr Myers said. 

“I’m proud to be a Worimi man, and this journey was about more than just the walk, it was about connecting to Country, honouring my ancestors, and giving back to my community. It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.” 

Donations were made online through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website, with additional contributions from generous individuals Bailey met along his journey. 

Making his way across the country, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, decorated with the handprints of students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah. 

Beginning his journey in Perth, he navigated highways, dirt roads, and the vast Nullarbor Plain, camping on roadsides along the way before completing the trek in his hometown of Newcastle. 

City of Newcastle also recognised other outstanding community members as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards. 

Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy and community engagement.   

After learning her neighbourhood of Jesmond had one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, the high school student established the book nook at her local shopping centre, providing access to free books for local families. 

Khuslen continues to launch initiatives through the Leos Club at Merewether High School, including the ‘Love from Leos’ program to connect isolated aged care residents with young people and championing Bus Driver Recognition Day by organising care packs for drivers. 

Citizen of the Year award winners with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Councillors, and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crankanthorp.
The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Evelyn Collins, a clinical nurse deeply committed to the welfare of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In her own time, Evelyn will regularly travel from Newcastle to Sydney to accompany patients through surgery.  

She has played a key role in establishing and continues to coordinate essential services for the Hunter region including the Hunter Deep Brain Stimulation service and DBS support group.

The Community Group of the Year was awarded to The Unforgettables Dementia Choir, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Co-founder Dr Helen English says music has great power to trigger memory and foster social connection. 

The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music. 

In addition to their weekly gatherings, the group also host an afternoon tea during the week, offering another opportunity to connect and support one another in a relaxed setting. 

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.

City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.

A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.

Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.

The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.

The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.

“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.

“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.

“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”

Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.

The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. 

The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.

Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.

A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.

“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.

“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.

“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”

The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions. 

Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths

City of Newcastle has begun work on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot.

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue during peak periods on a typical weekday.

Traffic lights are being installed by City of Newcastle to improve safety at the intersection, which has a history of car accidents and frequent near misses.

Pedestrians and cyclists navigating the intersection will also benefit from the new traffic lights, which will enable safer access to local schools, businesses, public transport and the Fernleigh Track.

The project is part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the project would address longstanding safety issues for the community.
“This area experiences a large volume of traffic and has an unfortunate history of crashes, which has long been of concern to the local community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“We are pleased to have worked with the Australian Government to secure funding for this important project through their Black Spot Program, which help fund safety measures to help prevent future accidents.
“We have also worked with the NSW Government through Transport for NSW to secure the approvals needed for this project and ensure the lights will be integrated with the nearby rail level crossing as part of an upgrade being undertaken by Sydney Trains.

“The project would have further benefits for the local community should the NSW Government also progress plans for its Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which would remove heavy freight trains from residential rail lines in Newcastle and help address the historic traffic issues being experienced in this precinct of Adamstown as a result.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the start of construction and the benefits the project will provide.

“I am so pleased to see this project get underway, with the backing of the Albanese Labor Government, to deliver safer roads and safer journeys in Newcastle.

“This intersection has seen a number of accidents and near misses over the years.

“These upgrades will help reduce vehicle crashes and improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists by providing an improved connection between the train station, schools, and bus stops.”

The project will include a realignment of the intersection to accommodate the traffic lights and the construction of a new median on Glebe Road.A new shared path, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane will be installed, addressing the challenge of crossing Glebe Road by providing cyclists with a safer crossing option using the traffic lights.

The project is expected to be completed by mid this year, with much of the work to be completed at night to minimise the impact on road users.

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements.