Category: Newcastle News

Families and businesses across the Hunter and Newcastle region need reliable, high speed internet at an affordable price, and the Albanese Government will deliver that as we build Australia’s future.

The Albanese Government will make an equity injection of up to $3 billion to expand full-fibre NBN upgrades, finishing the upgrades to copper, which is a key part of our economic plan.

This upgrade means up to an additional over 18,000 homes and businesses in Hunter, Newcastle and Shortland will get access to world class full-fibre upgrades.

This is in addition to the over 181,000 premises already able to access higher speed broadband this year under the Albanese Government’s fibre upgrade program.

All up, about 98 per cent of premises in Hunter, Newcastle and Shortland’s fixed line footprint will be able to get speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second once all upgrades are complete.
And the Albanese Government will deliver this upgrade while keeping the NBN in public hands.

In contrast, Peter Dutton wants to privatise the NBN, reducing service and making high speed internet more expensive for Australians.

This was the Coalition’s position in government, and Peter Dutton instructed his Party to vote against our legislation to keep the NBN Co in public ownership late last year.

The Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley called Labor’s plan to finish the NBN and keep it in public hands a “complete joke”.

This underscores why the election presents a clear choice between Labor building Australia’s future, or going backwards and paying more under an increasingly reckless Peter Dutton.

Local residents and business on copper can check upgrade eligibility at their address and register to get alerts at www.nbnco.com.au

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Fast and reliable broadband is essential infrastructure now, in 2025, and in the long term.

“That’s why we’re committed to working with NBN Co to finish the job of upgrading the network to give thousands more Australians access to world-class broadband speeds.

“This investment will see the final fibre to the node premises reap the benefits of faster broadband coming to 622,000 homes and businesses, including those right here in the Hunter and Newcastle region.

“On top of our previous $2.4 billion investment to support NBN Co’s upgrade program and our promise to keep the NBN in public hands, our vital additional up to $3 billion investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering a better NBN for Australians.”

Member for Shortland, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Keeping Australians connected at an affordable price is a key focus of our Government.

“This landmark investment is all about ensuring families and businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, including access to the highest quality broadband.

“I’m extremely pleased that an additional more than 3,300 households in my community are set to benefit.”

Member for Hunter, Mr Dan Repacholi MP:

“In the Hunter area, we know how important reliable, high speed internet is – not just for entertainment but for businesses, health care and education.

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s upgrading the NBN for an additional 10,000 households across the Hunter so that they have access to the NBN they deserve, with the speed and reliability that they need for study, work or recreation.”

Member for Newcastle, Ms Sharon Claydon MP:

“There are people in Newcastle, including in suburbs like Stockton, Adamstown, Merewether, and Rankin Park, who tell me they are still suffering as a result of the second rate NBN rolled out by the former Coalition Government.
“Faster more reliable full fibre broadband is essential economic infrastructure providing productivity benefits to Australian households and businesses.

“Access to high-speed broadband in 2025 is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. It underpins almost every aspect of our lives, and I am delighted that the Albanese Labor Government is making sure 4,500 additional households across Newcastle have access to the very best broadband.”

The Australian Government is building Australia’s future by delivering infrastructure that creates opportunities in regional communities and improves everyday lives of locals.

We are providing more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.

The project will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose built innovation facility.

It will accommodate up to 16 academic-industry partnerships for rapid technology co-development from research to market across the energy, resources and manufacturing sectors, and the net zero economy.

Works are set to leverage the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRACE) initiative by adopting circular economy and clean energy technologies.

This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to and working with local communities and addressing regional needs.

It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales.

The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is providing investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.
“This project will boost education, employment and training opportunities for Newcastle and the surrounding region.”

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

“The Future Industries Facility will build on Newcastles vital role as an industrial powerhouse and souce of skilled workers.

“Our investment will train the next generation in the latest practices in energy, resources and manufacturing, preparing them for a net-zero future.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting our city with this new facility set to bolster the University of Newcastle.

“Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training, and productivity, the Future Industry Facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

“This investment will secure a bright future for our region, strengthening partnerships between the university and local industry, and equipping graduates with the latest skills and practices, as we prepare for the net-zero economy.”

There are more jobs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie with new Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealing almost 20,000 extra positions have been created in the past two and a half years.

ABS Labour Force figures released this month have revealed that since the Albanese Labor Government came to office in 2022, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has grown by 19,000 new jobs, bringing local employment to 222,400.

These figures include extra jobs for local women, with 4,900 positions created for women in the region since 2022.

Across Australia, an extra 444,400 jobs were created in 2024 alone – the second largest rise in a calendar year on record. Of those, 67 percent were full time positions.

This strong job creation has occurred at the same time as we make substantial progress in bringing down inflation.

Our workplace laws – all of which were opposed by Peter Dutton and the Coalition – are delivering:

• Higher pay and stronger job security for workers;
• Real wage growth after a decade of deliberate wage suppression under the Coalition, with the average Australian worker now earning an extra $150 a week compared to 2 years ago;
• Real wages growth for four consecutive quarters, a complete turnaround from when we came to Government when annual real wages were falling;
• Increases to minimum and award wages, meaning that the 2.6 million lowest paid workers are better off;
• The lowest gender pay gap level in history;
• Same Job Same Pay laws delivering significant pay rises to labour hire workers;
• New rights for truck drivers to stay safe on our roads;
• New rights for gig economy workers like rideshare and food delivery workers, including unfair dismissal;
• More rights for casual workers;
• The right to say ‘no’ to unpaid overtime, through our Right to Disconnect;
• The criminalisation of intentional wage theft.

Federal Member for Shortland, Minister Pat Conroy:

“Labor promised to create more jobs and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered for our community.

“Under the Albanese Labor Government, inflation has more than halved, we’ve overseen the creation of 1.1 million jobs – the most jobs created on record in a Parliamentary term, and real wages are growing again.

“I know people in our community are doing it tough and there’s more work to do, but thanks to Labor’s responsible economic management, almost 20,000 new jobs have been created in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This surge in new jobs is great for Newcastle and our region, with almost 20,000 new jobs created, we have more Novocastrians working, which is good for workers families, business and industry.

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its promise to create more opportunities for Australians. Today’s job figures are a testament to our strong economic plan, which is putting people first and strengthening our workforce.

“By investing in training and skills, infrastructure, and innovation, Labor is Building Australia’s Future, with good, secure and well-paid jobs at its heart.

A man will face a Sydney court today after police allegedly located a package of illicit drugs in the man’s pants during a traffic stop in Wallsend this morning.

About 2am (Sunday 9 February 2025), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District stopped a utility on Lowrey Lane, Wallsend, after it was seen swerving on the road.

During the stop, police allegedly located and seized more than 250 grams of methylamphetamine in a package concealed in the pants of the front passenger.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $400,000.

The passenger, a 34-year-old man, attempted to flee from the scene; however, he was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.

The man was charged with supply prohibited drug more than commercial quantity.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today.

The AFP has charged a Hunter Valley man for his role in the alleged attempted importation of 21kg of methamphetamine from Spain last month.  

The man, 37, allegedly had links to an organised crime group and appeared in Singleton Local Court today (7 February, 2025) charged with attempting to import commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs. He was remanded in custody to reappear before court on 9 April, 2025. 

AFP officers started an investigation on 15 January, 2025, after a referral from the Australian Border Force (ABF), where officers observed an anomaly within a consignment which arrived via sea cargo. 

The cargo, described as being portable power stations, was examined by ABF officers with assistance from the ABF Detector Dog Unit, where they located approximately 21kg of methamphetamine concealed within several individually-wrapped packages. 

The AFP seized the methamphetamine, which has an estimated street value of about $19 million and could have been sold as about 210,000 individual street deals. 

AFP investigators facilitated a controlled delivery of the consignment yesterday (6 February, 2025) to its intended address in Bulga, in the NSW Hunter Valley, where it will be alleged the 37-year-old took possession of the consignment.  

A search warrant was executed at a property linked to the man, where police located further illicit substances and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also located electronic devices, including five mobile phones allegedly belonging to the man. 

The man was charged with one count attempt to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5(1), by virtue of 11.1(1), of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.  

Following the man’s arrest, further search warrants were executed at Hunterview where police located a suspected explosive device.  

With the assistance of the NSW Police Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit, the device was identified as a commercial-grade grenade and seized by police.  

Police also seized a small quantity of border-controlled drug as well as further drug paraphernalia at the Hunterview property.  

AFP Detective acting Inspector Aaron Burgess said serious organised crime in any form was a national security threat. 

“The illegal and harmful drugs that organised crime syndicates import into Australia make our communities less safe,” Det-a/Insp Burgess said. 

“The use of illegal substances causes immeasurable harm to users and their families. Territorial drug disputes spill into suburbs and put innocent people at risk, while drug-affected drivers are a menace on the roads – all in the name of profit for organised crime syndicates. 

“That is why the AFP works closely with law enforcement and intelligence partners locally and internationally to disrupt these groups seeking to harm Australians and profit at the expense of our communities. 

“I would like to thank the dedicated men and women – the sworn and unsworn members – who have again helped protect Australians from the scourge of illicit drugs.” 

ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said the use of ABF’s detector dog capability further enhanced the officer’s knowledge and ability to identify the complex concealments. 

“The officers’ suspicions were already heightened due to noted anomalies on the consignment’s x-ray image, however the subsequent positive detection from the ABF’s detector dogs gave additional confirmation that further analysis and testing was required,” Supt Leighton said. 

“This demonstrates the suite of detection capabilities that our officers can employ to detect and stop kilograms of harmful substances from flooding onto our streets. 

“The ABF will continue to work with our state, national and international law enforcement partners to disrupt these criminal syndicates in their tracks.” 

Enquiries into the syndicate remain ongoing.  

Newcastle community members have shown fantastic support for Return an Earn this summer, collectively helping the State hit a record-breaking year and reach a milestone of 13 billion drink containers recycled through the network since the scheme began.

On 23 December 2024 NSW achieved the biggest single day ever with 10.3 million containers returned. Last year alone, 2.125 billion containers were recycled, resulting in our biggest year yet. 

More than $1.3 billion in container refunds have gone back in people’s pockets, helping with cost-of-living expenses, saving for a special goal or supporting amazing causes.

By local government area, here’s how the numbers look:

LGA	Containers returned Christmas/NY (21 December 2024 – 30 January 2025)	Containers returned since scheme commencement
Newcastle	6.4 million	317.4 million
Maitland	3.9 million	145.7million
Lake Macquarie	8.97 million	441.3 million
Total	19.4 million	904.4 million

To provide even greater access for the local community, a new Return and Earn machine has opened at the University of Newcastle, in the carpark near Edwards Hall on University Drive, Callaghan. It is open daily from 8.00am to 8.00pm.

Recyclers using the machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed for cash at Woolworths, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.    

Over $72 million has also been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environmental conservation. 

Anyone visiting a Return and Earn machine or depot can consider supporting one of over 300 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app or our current statewide donation partner Foodbank NSW & ACT. 

The food relief charity provides much needed food assistance to individuals and families in need, and just five containers donated can fund one meal for someone facing hardship.

For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“The Newcastle region including Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie are enthusiastic users of Return and Earn and have collectively returned 904.4 million drink containers through local return points since the scheme began in December 2017. 

“We’re excited to see how Newcastle continues to contribute to Return and Earn’s success, and we thank everyone for their ongoing participation.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Maitland community are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 145.7 million containers through local return points since the scheme first launched in NSW six years ago, and 3.9 million in the last month alone.

“Not only can locals make Return and Earn a part of their recycling routine and keep eligible drink bottles, cans and cartons out of landfill, but in this cost-of-living crisis these extra funds come in very handy for many including local charities.”

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Novocastrians are enthusiastic users of Return and Earn and are very environmentally conscious. Since the scheme began, our community has returned an incredible 317.4 million drink containers through local return points.

“I’m excited to see Newcastle continue to contribute to Return and Earn’s success and thank everyone for their ongoing participation.”

A second man has been charged following an extensive investigation into an alleged arson at Lake Macquarie late last year.

About 3.50am on Wednesday 27 November 2024, emergency services were called to a building on Main Road, Speers Point, following reports of a fire.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a council building well alight.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to extinguish the blaze; however, the building was significantly damaged.

Initial assessment of damages caused by the fire is in excess of $12 million dollars.

Police established a crime scene and inquiries into the fire commenced under Strike Force Komiatum.

Following extensive inquiries and public appeals for information, detectives attended a unit at East Maitland about 10am on Thursday 16 January 2025, where they executed a search warrant.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized a dark grey utility, a firearm, a small bag containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and other items of interest.

A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with destroy etc property in company use fire etc, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and possess prohibited drug.

He remains before the Courts.

Following further inquiries, about 4.30pm today (Thursday 6 February 2025), detectives arrested a 43-year-old man at Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with destroy property in company – use fire.

The man was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 7 February 2025).

Inquiries under Strike Force Komiatum continue.

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.

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

Carley Haenga, aged 41, was last seen at a shopping centre in Pearson Street, Charlestown between 1pm-2pm today, Thursday 6 February 2025.

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

Police and family hold concerns for Carley’s welfare.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, of large build, with long black hair and brown eyes.

Carley is known to frequent the Merewether, Charlestown and Hamilton South areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

As Ausgrid consults communities about upgrades to critical network infrastructure to support the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, local groups are urging the Federal Government to deliver a Local Energy Hub to the region.

The Hunter Jobs Alliance is concerned locals didn’t know Ausgrid’s community drop-in sessions in Singleton and Muswellbrook last week were taking place, and encouraged people to attend online webinars this Thursday 6 February. 

Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page said the region needed a Local Energy Hub to help bridge the information disconnect between governments, industry and the communities being asked to host renewable energy infrastructure like wind and solar farms, batteries and new transmission lines.

“The upgrades being proposed by Ausgrid will see them using existing transmission easements and corridors,” said Justin Page.

“This a fantastic thing and a first for a renewable energy zone in Australia – but we’re concerned locals will never hear about it because they don’t know that consultation sessions are taking place,” he said.

Mr Page said Ausgrid’s consultation process in the Hunter Central Coast region is a good example of why the Hunter needs a Hub. 

“The Ausgrid upgrades are key to getting access to cheap renewable energy, creating local jobs and local economic benefits, but the conversation about why it is needed, where it will go and how it will be rolled out is still not happening adequately,” he said.

RE-Alliance, alongside partners Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables, has been calling on the Federal Government to address the information gap on Australia’s shift to renewables with Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy regions.

RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said: “The shift to renewables is well underway, but regional communities are telling us they need much more information to understand how to get the most out of the change.”

“These hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program in renewable energy regions, staffed by independent local experts to help build trust and provide accurate information about what’s happening,” Mr Bray said.

The Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP have both publicly backed the need for a Local Energy Hub in the Hunter.

Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page added: “Hubs are a no-brainer for the Hunter, the question we’ve got for the Federal Government is why don’t we have one yet?”

More information on the Local Energy Hubs model can be found at: localenergyhubs.org.au.

To register for the Ausgrid online forums taking place at 12:30pm and 7:30pm on Thursday 6 Feb email HCCREZ@ausgrid.com.au or visit yoursay.ausgrid.com.au/hccrez.