Category: Newcastle News

A scientist passionate about the environment was one of 170 new citizens to pledge commitment at City of Newcastle’s first citizenship ceremony of 2025.

Originally from Germany, Laura Stapp has had to navigate multiple visas since moving to Australia in 2016, but a change in the law has allowed her to embrace her identity as both German and Australian.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge outside Newcastle City Hall with new citizen Laura Stapp, her husband Kyle Stapp and their son Oscar Stapp.
Laura says she’s looking forward to enjoying the opportunities and enjoying the sense of belonging her new status brings.

“It’s an end to a long journey, it’s just nice to get there finally and it’s a bit of peace of mind. I look forward to the fact that I’ll be able to vote, it’s important to me,” Mrs Stapp said.

“Newcastle has a lot to offer, the proximity to beautiful places for camping and the welcoming community make it a wonderful place to live.”

Following almost a decade in Australia, Laura is finally able to share the same nationality as the rest of her family.

Laura first came to Australia in 2015 to complete her PhD in marine science at Port Stephens where she met her now husband Kyle at the local fisheries.

The couple now live in Maryville with their two sons who have been dual citizens since birth.

Laura works as a scientist with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and is passionate about contributing to her community and embracing her new home, while staying connected to her German roots.

This connection is especially important to her as a parent, as she volunteers at the Little German School in Kotara, where she introduces her sons to German language and culture.

Presiding over his first citizenship ceremony, Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulated the new citizens and reflected on the city’s diversity.

“It’s fantastic to welcome such a diverse group of people to our city and celebrate every one of their unique journeys,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I was delighted to introduce Aunty Cheryl to our proceedings for the first time today, a proud Awabakal woman who warmly welcomed all new citizens on stage. We also had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Mary Amponsah, a valued member of our community and Ghanaian woman who became a citizen in September.”  

Newcastle is a multicultural hub, with 15 per cent of its population born overseas and more than 80 languages spoken throughout the community.

Our newest citizens hail from countries around the globe, ranging from Cambodia, Egypt, France, Latvia, Pakistan, Syria, and Uruguay.

The event also featured an acknowledgement to Country delivered by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group, as well as musical performances by The Grainery Church, who sang the national anthem and “I Am Australian.”

A man has been charged over an alleged pursuit at Lake Macquarie earlier today.

About 11am (Thursday 23 January 2025), police were attending a home on Shelly Street, Toronto, to speak with a man in relation to a traffic matter.

Prior to the arrival of all responding police units, the man left the home in a vehicle allegedly bearing stolen number plates. Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and when the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued to The Boulevarde, Toronto, where it was terminated due to the alleged manner of driving. A short time later, the driver allegedly collided with a vehicle on Victory Road and failed to stop and exchange details. Police initiated a second pursuit on Cary Street, Toronto, which continued to Edgeworth where police lost sight of the vehicle.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Windsor Street, Edgeworth, where police arrested a 46-year-old man. When the man was searched police seized a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences,

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (three counts)

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (two counts)

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous

• Drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent

• Not give particulars to other driver

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed

• Unlawfully possess number plates, and

• Possess prohibited drug.

He was also charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, in relation to an earlier incident.

He was refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court tomorrow (Friday 24 January 2025).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Newcastle.

Clinton Reginald Smith, also known as Clinton Waterman, aged 44, was last seen in Hamilton South yesterday (Thursday 23 January 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Clinton’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm to 180cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Hamilton South, Maitland, Carrington and Wingham areas.

Police believe Clinton is travelling in a 2002-model silver Nissan Van with NSW registration CRB 05Z and may be in the Morpeth or Tenambit area.

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

A $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility in Newcastle will further establish the city as a hub for innovation.

The Albanese Government has today announced the University of Newcastle is a successful recipient under its regional Precincts and Partnerships program to construct two industrial scale spaces for technology innovation.

The facility will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose-built innovation facility within its Next Gen Precinct.

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.

Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions, the facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

It will also provide students the experience of working on prototyping products for manufacture, and give small to medium sized enterprises the ability to collocate and test technology.

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: Regional Australia.

Prime Minister 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 source 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 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 Industries 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.”

A man has been charged after an alleged pursuit near Newcastle today.

Just before 2.30pm (Monday 20 January 2025), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting patrols of the Merewether area when they attempted to stop an Audi allegedly speeding.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was soon terminated, due to safety concerns.

A short time later, officers attached to Newcastle City Traffic and Highway Patrol located the vehicle on Wilton Street, Merewether, where it crashed into a brick wall.

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

During a search of the vehicle and the man, officers allegedly located and seized a knife, a firearm and machete.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with,

• police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
• hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
• acquire etc pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order,
• possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place,
• not keep firearm safely – pistol,
• not stop at stop line (intersection with no lights),
• possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
• use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order,
• custody of knife in public place, and
• carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 21 January 2025).

A man will face court today over an alleged assault and hit and run crash in the Lake Macquarie region on Friday.

About 1.20am Friday (17 January 2025), emergency services were called to Harrison Street, Cardiff, following reports a man had been located injured.

On arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District located a 36-year-old man injured on the roadway.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains.

Initial inquiries suggested the man was struck by a vehicle, which failed to stop.

Police established a crime scene and commenced enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the assistance of specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, police located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident on Devon Street, Wallsend. It was seized for forensic examination.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested at the location and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with attempt murder, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, proceed through red traffic light (not toll booth), drive motor vehicle while licence suspended and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 January 2025).

Police will allege in court the younger man assaulted the older man before striking him with a vehicle and leaving the scene.

It’s a new year in more ways than one for City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural festival, New Annual.

The festival is kicking off 2025 with a new search for local talent and a new director taking the creative reins, as work begins to put together the program for the 10-day event.

Newcastle-based or affiliated artists are being invited to apply for up to $40,000 in funding to present their work during New Annual, which will be held from 26 September to 5 October.

Local artists working across interdisciplinary art forms, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multimedia have until Friday 21 February to submit an expression of interest (EOI).

New Annual Festival Director Tory LoudonNewly appointed Festival Director Tory Loudon said Made New provided a fantastic opportunity to elevate the work of Newcastle’s thriving creative community.

“One of the most important things any arts and culture festival can do is celebrate and in some cases introduce emerging and established local artists within the communities where they live and work,” Ms Loudon said.

“Not only does it showcase the ability, creativity and diversity of local talent right here in Newcastle, it helps to foster audience development by generating a sense of ownership amongst the local community.

“Supporting local talent has been one of the real strengths of New Annual since it was established by City of Newcastle in 2021 and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Ms Loudon joins New Annual on the back of an impressive 20-year career in the arts, media, and creative industries, including senior roles at leading institutions including Sydney Opera House, Vivid Sydney, Carriageworks, Creative Australia, The Guardian, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Dance Theatre, and most recently as the Head of Public Programs and Engagement at the Sydney Theatre Company. 

Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said she was looking forward to working with Ms Loudon on City of Newcastle’s flagship cultural event.

“Outgoing Festival Director Adrian Burnett has grown New Annual’s program and position on the national festival circuit, and we thank him for his passion and dedication,” Ms Jones said.

“However, we’re thrilled to be welcoming Ms Loudon to City of Newcastle. She has an exceptional track record of leading and creating distinct and engaging arts, entertainment, education, and community engagement programs.

“I am excited about what she and the rest of the team have in store for us when New Annual returns to the city in September and also look forward to seeing the performances and experiences produced under the next round of Made New funding, which will form part of the wider programming of local performers.”

To keep up-to-date with the latest festival news or find out more about the “Made New” EOI process, visit www.newannual.com

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 14 January 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Notices of Motion

Shark Management Program in Newcastle

Council supported a notice of motion to respond to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2024 Preferences Survey to indicate its support for shark mitigation technology measures such as drones, SMART Drumlines and tagged shark listening stations. An amendment was supported that opted to leave the question about shark nets blank with the addition of a Part B. Another amendment was supported that reiterates the DPI is best placed to manage the Shark Meshing Program in a coordinated manner across NSW and emphasises the importance of broad community consultation, a robust state-wide public education campaign, and continued funding and leadership from DPI for shark detection technologies.

Management and replacement of commemorative plaques in the City of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to explore the cost and replacement of a range of commemorative plaques that have been stolen from prominent locations in Newcastle since October 2024.

Heritage listing of Newcastle Ocean Baths

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that formally reaffirms Council’s support for the proposed listing of the Newcastle Ocean Baths to the Heritage Council of NSW via a submission, noting Council’s record of investment in enhancing the Baths while safeguarding their enduring heritage values.

Pressurised washing of footpaths in Main Street business precinct areas

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to improve the amenity of heavily populated main streets through high pressure cleaning of footpaths, noting the Business Improvement Associations of Hamilton, Newcastle, Wallsend and Mayfield have identified that footpaths on their main streets would benefit from a water pressure washing at least once every four years.

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

Kaytana Smallwood, aged 29, was last seen at a hospital on Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, about 4pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

When she could not 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 her welfare.

Kaytana is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-170cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, black cap and carrying a black bumbag.

Kaytana is known to frequent the Hamilton South and New Lambton areas.

Anyone knowing of Kaytana’s whereabouts is asked to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Jesse Milne, aged 28, was last seen leaving a medical facility on Edith Street, Waratah, about 12pm last Sunday (12 January 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted again, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jessie’s welfare.

Jesse is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall, of large build, with short to medium-length black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, navy shorts, and black shoes.

Jesse is known to frequent the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas.