Category: Newcastle News

One of the Hunter’s most popular community assets will remain open to the public during vital maintenance work that will improve the safety, longevity and functionality of the Fernleigh Track tunnel.

Originally part of the railway line that transported coal from mines in Lake Macquarie to the port of Newcastle from 1892 to 1991, the tunnel became the highlight of the much-loved cycling and pedestrian path when it opened in 2003.

As part of annual engineering inspections, City of Newcastle identified the need for maintenance to ensure the safety of users and extend the life of the 181-metre-long curved tunnel. 

The renewal work will begin later this week and is expected to be finished by the end of June, weather permitting.

Steel mesh will be installed in parts of the tunnel while damaged mortar will be repaired to maintain the stability of the bricks. Weep holes will also be installed in the tunnel to allow for improved drainage.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the needs of the community have been at the forefront of planning for this project.

“We know how popular the Fernleigh Track and tunnel are with local cyclists, runners and pedestrians,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The project will provide maintenance for the existing elements of the tunnel and help to reduce future renewal costs, however the biggest priority is to ensure the safety and longevity of the historic site for everyone to enjoy.

“The maintenance will take place between 6pm and 2am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruptions to daytime users. Additional lighting and temporary fencing will be added to the work area and clear signage will be in place at both tunnel entrances.

“In order to minimise the disturbance to users and residents, access to the tunnel will be maintained, but the usual two-lane pathway will be reduced to a single shared lane within the work zone.

“Pedestrian pathways will be clearly marked 60 metres from the tunnel entrances in both directions and traffic controllers will be on site to safely manage pedestrian and cyclist movements.

“While some noise may be noticeable during work hours because of the use of machinery and equipment, we will make every effort to minimise disturbance throughout the project.”

Other features of the works include the removal of existing graffiti and the application of a new anti-graffiti coating.

For more information on the planned upgrades please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Davidson Business Advisory has confirmed in a Public Briefing to Councillors and the community that its independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance has found no instances of fraud, corruption, breaches of legislation or maladministration.  

Rather, the review has found City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and high performing organisation, with numerous examples of best practice in the way that it operates and serves the community.  

Davidson outlined 20 recommendations arising from their review along with actions for improvement across the six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture. 

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting. 

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review, alongside around 260 internal City of Newcastle documents and numerous one-one-one interviews with staff, Councillors and community members. 

Davidson Business Advisory’s Colin Jensen, who served as the CEO of Brisbane City Council for more than a decade, said the report’s recommendations offer avenues for continued growth and excellence. 

“Davidson Business Advisory was engaged to provide an impartial evaluation of City of Newcastle’s current practices, aiming to enhance performance and maintain the highest standards of public service,” Mr Jensen said. 

“Every document and submission was considered by the reviewers, assessing them against City of Newcastle’s adopted policies, processes and procedures to identify where there was evidence of best practice or opportunities for better practice. 

“Overall, City of Newcastle was found to be a well-managed and high-performing organisation, with numerous examples of best practice highlighted in the repot. 

“The review includes 20 actionable recommendations designed to enhance City of Newcastle’s processes, ensure the organisation operates with the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and reinforce public trust in its ability to serve the community effectively.” 

City of Newcastle’s independent Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates highlighted the integrity of the process and praised City of Newcastle for its commitment to continuous improvement. 

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. Importantly, there were no issues related to fraud, corruption, legislative breaches, or maladministration.  

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.” 

The full report will be tabled to the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 May for endorsement by Councillors. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.

Full statement from ARIC Chair Stephen Coates

The City of Newcastle Audit Risk & Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review. 

The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

Importantly, there were no issues related to fraud, corruption, legislative breaches, or maladministration. 

Specifically, the Audit Risk & Improvement Committee oversaw the initial scoping of the review, as well as again confirming the scope after submissions had been received. We have been involved in the draft version of the report, but only to the extent of suggesting wording adjustments to better reflect the intent of the commentary. 

When it comes to governance and City of Newcastle operations, there’s a strong focus on professionalism and adherence to protocols in Council meetings. Even when tackling contentious issues like media communications or councillor conduct no misuse of authority has been found. 

Financially, City of Newcastle remains in a solid position, with a diverse revenue base, competitive rates, and a high level of community investment. Debt and reserve management are both well managed, and service delivery is operating efficiently. The NSW Audit Office has raised no concerns in its latest external audit. 

City of Newcastle has also adopted best practice compliance and enforcement policies. This final report indicates conflict of interest processes are generally well-managed, and disclosures are made appropriately. There were no major or systemic compliance failures identified. 

Major projects are handled by a well-structured Project Management Office, which uses strong asset management and procurement policies. A “lessons learned” protocol helps improve future project delivery. 

There are strong examples of community engagement strategies in place. City of Newcastle offers consultation opportunities and maintains transparency through public reports and other available planning documents. Proactive releases under GIPA and other detailed reporting further demonstrate City of Newcastle’s commitment to transparency. 

Finally, the staff and executive culture is described as positive, professional, and high performing. 

While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.

TOMORROW, Saturday, 10th May at 12pm, the aunt of 18-year-old murder victim, Emerald Wardle, will be co-hosting the Community Rally Against Violence in Newcastle, to honour her niece and all women and children who fall victims of heinous crimes.

“So far this year, 24 women in Australia have been murdered, and by the time we rally, that number could sadly be higher. This is a heartbreaking reality we can no longer ignore,” said Ms Smith.

“On Saturday we’ll be walking and calling for critical change to the justice system that failed Emerald, our family and many other victims of violent, heinous crimes against women and children,” she said.

Ms Smith who played a critical role in initiating amendments to the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 and the Mental Health Act 2007 that strengthened oversight and governance in forensic mental health matters, was in the gallery to witness the bill being presented by The Hon. Rose Jackson.

“While we’re deeply grateful for the recent changes to legislation that the Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP advocated for and the Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. Rose Jackson implemented, more needs to be done to protect the community when forensic patients are released, as the changes don’t go far enough,” Ms Smith said.

“With the support of Advocacy Australia, we and other victims of family members who have been brutally killed will continue to fight to protect the community from these killers even if the NSW Government, the Opposition and the Greens object to these important changes that will save lives,” said Ms Smith.

After Emerald’s young life was brutally taken by her boyfriend in 2020, Ms Smith says Emerald and her family were failed by a system that treated her cherished niece as just another statistic.

In April 2024, in the Court of Criminal Appeal, Emerald’s killer successfully overturned his murder conviction and a maximum 20-year sentence to be ‘act proven but not criminally responsible’, with oversight of the killer transferred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

The Mental Health Review Tribunal with its unprecedented, autonomous powers, makes decisions about the treatment and supervision of forensic patients and conducts reviews that can grant known killers leave from a facility that Ms Smith says not only fails to meet community expectations but poses serious risks to the wider community especially women and children.

“Emerald lost her young life at the hands of her boyfriend, a person she trusted, and then to learn that her killer was granted day release by the Tribunal and was using dating apps, was devastating,” she said.

“This rally is extremely important to me as not once in the last four years has Emerald, our family or the community be considered in the decisions that have been made around this case.

“When will victims of crime and their families be considered when these decisions are being made,” Ms Smith said.

“This needs to change. The victims must be given appropriate consideration in these matters and the safety of the community must be the priority not just needs of the perpetrator,” she said.

“There will never be an end to our overwhelming grief knowing that Emerald’s killer, a forensic patient, can be released without the same checks and balances as convicted murderers when granted parole, including ankle bracelet monitoring for known killers and other violent forensic patients, like Emerald’s killer, as proposed by Mr Philip Donato MP” Ms Smith said.

“The system with oversight of forensic patients’ needs a complete overhaul, and on Saturday when I join many who hope to prevent the same tragic acts of violence against women and children, I’ll be calling on the NSW Government to step up and hear our voices crying out for support.

“While I’m incredibly grateful to all those who supported the amendments to the legislation, there is still so much more that needs to be done and we’ll continue to fight for continued change to legislation and hold to account the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, the courts, the Mental Health Review Tribunal and NSW victim services for the decisions made that impact all victims of heinous crimes and the wider community.

“When we walk on Saturday as part of the Community Rally Against Violence, we’ll be saying NO MORE to the violence so many Australian women and calling on the NSW Government to hear our pleas to end the violence and implement vital changes to achieve this,” Ms Smith said.

“We need our parliamentarians to put politics aside and stand with us – the people, the victims, and the families left behind. It’s time for courage, not complacency. Enough is enough. It should not take a personal experience for our leaders to recognise the urgency. The time to fix this fractured system is now.” said Ms Smith.

Ms Smith and other advocates will meet at Newcastle Museum and march to Foreshore Park to stand together for the 24 women who’ve already lost their lives during the 19 weeks of 2025 – to demand real action from the NSW Government.

“We will be walking for my niece Emerald Wardle who was a beautiful and kind young woman, and all victims of heinous violent crimes so we hope the community will join us and bring their loved ones, their signs and their voices to help us create noise that cannot be ignored to bring about essential change,” Ms Smith said.

Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia said, “Only by standing together to say NO MORE violence against women and children, can we as a society ensure a safer future for everyone.

Swimmers are being invited to dive into discussions around a proposal to trial reduced entry fees at City of Newcastle’s five inland pools next season.

Community members are being asked if they support a trial of single entry admission fees being set at $2 per person in 2025/26, and whether the reduced entry would encourage them to visit more often.

Community members are being asked to share their views on the proposed trial introduction of a $2 entry fee to City of Newcastle owned pools, including Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The consultation follows resolutions at the February and April ordinary council meetings, with the feedback to be considered alongside an upcoming report on the projected financial cost of the proposed $2 fee, and its impacts on the draft 2025/26 Budget.

Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the amendment at the April Ordinary Council meeting to facilitate the consultation, encouraged the community to have their say on the trial.

“Council is exploring a $2 pool entry trial to make our local pools more affordable and accessible for everyone in our community,” Cr Clausen said. 

“We know cost-of-living pressures are real, and we want to hear whether this initiative would make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

“I encourage all residents to have their say during the consultation. Your feedback will help shape the final decision and how we deliver this $2 pool entry trial.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it was important to gather as much data as possible to help inform Councillors in their deliberations over the proposed trial.

“It is valuable to understand the community’s views on the trial proposed by the elected Council, and whether it will affect the way they interact with and use our pools,” Ms Duffy said.

“It is also important to consider the financial implications of the trial of reduced single entry admission fees, as income from pool entry fees are retained by the operator Bluefit to support the day-to-day running of the facilities. 

“Any difference between the regular single entry fee and the proposed reduced fee of $2 would need to be met by City of Newcastle and included in the 2025/26 draft Budget, which is currently on public exhibition.

“In addition to the subsidised pool fee trial, City of Newcastle is also planning significant investment during the next 12 months to maintain and improve our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community.”

Projects included in the 2025/26 draft Budget include preparing detailed reports to replace the roof of the grandstand and installing accessible platforms at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre. 

A $1 million investment has also been set aside to progress the design of a year-round indoor pool as promised by the previous elected Council and included in City of Newcastle’s Inland Pools Strategy 2043. 

Around $1 million will also be spent over the next 12 months on infrastructure upgrades across the five swimming pools, including a platform to improve pool accessibility at Mayfield. A busy program of maintenance activities will be delivered during the winter closure including safety upgrades, re-painting to enhance durability and visual appeal, and maintenance of pool tiles and promenades.

Stockton Swimming Centre will receive a makeover with the playground equipment, barbecues and picnic tables to be upgraded, along with new shade structures to be installed, while lighting upgrades will be delivered at Beresfield and Mayfield.

Beresfield Swimming Centre will also benefit from the upgrade of its solar heating system, supported by a $220,000 grant received from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program in August last year during the pool season. 

A heating upgrade is also on the cards for Lambton, with the installation of a new heat pump during the winter period once the pool closes for the season on Sunday 25 May. Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools have already closed for the winter break. 

Community members can provide feedback on the proposed $2 entry fee trial by visiting City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page by 5pm on 29 May.

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

Hollie Campbell, aged 12, was last seen on De Lisle Street, Metford, about 6.15am yesterday (Monday 5 May 2025).

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Hollie’s welfare.

Hollie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build with long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black jumper and a black Nike backpack.

Hollie is known to frequent the Metford, Beresfield, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.

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

Aubree Wray, aged 13, was last seen on Oasis Close, Soldiers Point, approximately 11km north of Anna Bay, about 9am on Saturday 3 May 2025.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Aubree’s welfare.

Aubree is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build with long black hair.

She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

Aubree is known to frequent the Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay and Lemon Tree Passage areas.

The Charlestown electorate is set to benefit from a funding boost to support our community’s most vulnerable thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s new Homelessness Innovation Fund.

Pacific Link Housing Limited has received $505,902 in funding to provide supported transitional accommodation to women over 55 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women over 45 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness under the ‘Mount Hutton Meanwhile Use’ program. 

Announced at the 2024/25 NSW Budget, the Homelessness Innovation Fund is providingmore than $16.6 million in funding for partner organisations with innovative solutions and a strong track record of supporting people facing homelessness.

In less than a year, the game-changing program has already provided funding for 42 innovative projects, adding 504 additional beds for rough sleepers in New South Wales.

Of the more than 40 successful projects so far, eight are either Aboriginal-led or providing targeted support for Aboriginal people, ten are designed to support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and six are specifically for women at risk of homelessness.

These latest investments are timely with the 2025 Street Count data revealing an 8 per cent uptick in rough sleepers across New South Wales. 

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a core part of the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the state’s largest ever investment in public housing and homelessness services.

More than $80 million remains available over the next three years, and we encourage accredited housing providers and homelessness services to apply.

For more information about the Fund, go to: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/housing/homelessness-innovation-fund.html

Hon Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown:

“This “meanwhile use” project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver innovative and practical solutions to improve homelessness support for our community’s most vulnerable.

“With increases in the number of people sleeping rough across our state, we’re making sure community housing providers are getting more support to drive innovation and reform, ensuring more people have a safe roof over their heads at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing and Homelessness:

“I am so proud of what we’ve achieved in just the past 10 months with the game-changing Homelessness Innovation Fund which was created in direct response to the calls from the sector as well as people with lived experience of homelessness.

“Many of the projects which have received funding so far have already transformed outcomes for vulnerable people in our communities and there are so many more benefits to come as we continue roll out this program.”

A Public Briefing Committee will be held on Thursday on the final report for the independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance. 

The review was completed by Davidson Business Advisory following a unanimous resolution of Councillors of a Notice of Motion by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Callum Pull at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

The review, conducted by Davidson Business Advisory, focused on providing assurance regarding the City of Newcastle’s performance, compliance, and transparency. It assessed City of Newcastle’s operations across six key themes: 

1. General Governance: Evaluation of the adequacy of governance processes.
2. Financial Governance: Assessment of financial governance structures and controls.
3. Compliance: Review of adherence to key legislative requirements.
4. Engagement: Examination of community engagement processes.
5. Major Projects: Evaluation of governance and oversight of major projects.
6. Organisational Culture: Assessment of tools and reports related to workplace culture.

City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk & Improvement Committee Chair and voting members were consulted at each phase and accepted the final report. It will be tabled to the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 May for consideration by Councillors. 

Davidson Business Advisory have worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews. 

The Public Briefing Committee will be held in the Council Chambers on Thursday 8 May from 6pm. Community members can also watch the livestream of the meeting online via the City of Newcastle website.

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

Robert Baker, aged 41, was last seen at Muswellbrook about 2.30pm on Saturday 19 April 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Robert as his disappearance is out of character.

Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165-170cm tall, thin build, shaved head, fair complexion, brown-coloured eyes and tattoos on his forearms.

Inquiries by police reveal he may have been seen recently in the Hamilton and Newcastle areas.

Robert is known to frequent the areas of Muswellbrook, Scone and Newcastle.

Anyone who may have seen Robert or who have information into his whereabouts are urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man and woman are in police custody for firearm offences allegedly committed on the state’s Lower Hunter region.

Late yesterday evening (Sunday 4 May 2025), officers from Port Stephens Police District were notified by a member of the public of a video on social media allegedly depicting a man driving a vehicle and shooting a firearm out the window out of the vehicle on two separate occasions in the Lower Hunter region.

The incidents are believed to have occurred within the past 24 hours.

Officers immediately commenced an investigation into the matter.

About 2.35am it will be alleged officers were conducting covert surveillance of a white Mazda CX5 in Burley Street, Tenambit, when the man fired a single gunshot into the air from the parked vehicle.

With the assistance of PolAir the vehicle was followed to a home on Coal Point Road, Coal Point.

Local police – supported by officers from the Tactical Operations Unit – activated a permitter of the address.

At 5.15am the man – aged 27 – walked out of the home where he was arrested without incident.

A short time later police entered the premises and arrested a 22-year-old woman in connection with the matter.

Both have been taken to Toronto Police Station.

Inquiries are continuing.

There are no reports of any person being injured or any property being damaged