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Newcastle Museum has unveiled a sneak peek of its next major exhibition and there’s one minor difference to the items on display – their size. 

From a scaled-down cityscape made for the movies, to a model train 160 times smaller than its life-sized inspiration, Model Newcastle provides a chance to discover the big stories told by little things. 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and City of Newcastle Head of Exhibitions & Cultural Collections David Hampton take a sneak peek at the installation of the Model Newcastle exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum on 27 September.

The exhibition, which opens on 27 September, delves into the intricate world of models and miniatures, featuring items from the Museum’s extensive collection alongside treasured creations on loan from the community. 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said Newcastle Museum plays an important role in telling stories of and for the people of Newcastle. 

“Models and miniatures are tiny worlds with big purposes that can explore the past, imagine the future and transport us anywhere in between,” Ms Baird said. 

“This exhibition has been a labour of love for all those involved, from the local and international designers, artists and makers whose craftsmanship is on display, to Newcastle Museum’s own Cultural Collection and Exhibitions team, who have worked tirelessly over many months to plan and produce a truly engaging exhibition. 

“From historical replicas to imaginative creations, all these little things have big Newcastle stories to tell as they spark joy and curiosity in audiences of all ages.” 

The exhibition includes collections of objects that reflect five distinct themes. 

Views of the City features models and miniatures with an architectural focus including one of Australia’s best model railways, Newcastle 1899, which depicts the Newcastle Railway Station precinct at the turn of the century. This theme also incorporates a model of the former Newcastle Workers’ Club, used during the coronial inquest into the 1989 earthquake.

Modelling the Imagination explores models made for entertainment, film making, and as an expression of creativity, such as a 3D-printed mechanical fish tank created by former Newcastle Herald cartoonist Peter Lewis, and the fantastical puppetry collection of one of Australia’s top marionette performers, Murray Raine.

Scale Engineering features replicas of engines and locomotives that have been scaled down in every detail, including how they work. Visitors will marvel at the expert creations of the Lake Macquarie Live Steamers Association, which is one of the longest running model societies in Australia having been active for more than 70 years.

On the Water taps into Newcastle’s marine history and features a variety of model ships, boats, ferries and tugboats including those created by the Newcastle Marine Modellers Association, which has been operating in the Hunter for more than 40 years.

It also includes a scale model of one of the world’s most famous sailing ships, the Cutty Sark, which visited Newcastle three times at the end of the 19^th century. The model was painstakingly built over 40 years by Peter Sharp, whose fascination with the history of Newcastle Harbour was sparked during his career with the Newcastle Water Police. 

Big Skills Miniaturised examines Newcastle’s legacy as a centre for manufacturing, drawing from the Museum’s extensive collection of apprentice pieces and demonstrator models. These were often used as part of the competency assessment of apprentices or by craftspeople as an opportunity to demonstrate or practice their skills.

There’s also plenty of hands-on, family-friendly fun at the exhibition, with a series of dollhouses inspired by civic landmarks and a miniature railway track to enjoy, as well as a chance to experience film making techniques using a post-apocalyptic model city created by Jack McGrath and the University of Newcastle.  

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said the Model Newcastle exhibition captures the stories of Newcastle’s past, present and future. 

“Models and miniatures have been used for generations to entertain, educate, investigate and explain,” Cr Kerridge said.

“While many spring simply from the joy and creativity of their makers, others have a more practical or serious purpose, such as the Sugar Babe doll that helped to teach children with diabetes how to inject insulin and was used at the John Hunter Hospital.

“This is a fascinating exhibition with multigenerational appeal, which is sure to educate, inspire and delight visitors of all ages.” 

Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things has been created by Newcastle Museum with support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 27 September and runs through until February 2026. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for concession, $5 for children aged five to 16 years, with children four and under free. Family tickets for two adults and two children can be purchased for $25. 

For more information and to book your tickets visit the Newcastle Museum website.

City of Newcastle has turned its focus underground as part of a new milestone in its landmark affordable housing project on Hunter Street.

A development application (DA) has been lodged to enable the investigation and remediation of any former mine workings located underneath the 4,125 sqm site known as Rail Bridge Row.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen, said this work is essential to stabilise the site in advance of future construction and follows a range of site investigations.

“Much of our city sits above former underground mines, a reminder of our city’s industrial past. By securing the ground beneath us, we’re working for the future of inclusive, affordable living on the Rail Bridge Row site,” Cr Clausen said.

“Early site assessments, as well as remediation work undertaken in recent years on nearby sites suggests there may be former mine workings from the Dudley Coal Seam present underneath the Rail Bridge Row site.

“This DA will allow us to gather more detail on the site and enable us to remediate any workings that are located, as part of a comprehensive mine grouting and verification plan, which has received approval from Subsidence Advisory New South Wales

“Subject to approval of the DA, remediation works are anticipated to begin in March 2026 targeting the Dudley Coal Seam, which is located approximately 25 metres below ground level.

“Comprehensive Aboriginal and European heritage assessments have also been conducted in recognition of the site’s cultural and historical significance, to ensure no heritage items would be impacted by future excavations or mine grouting work.”

The Rail Bridge Row site was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 and is earmarked for a multi-storey mixed-use development, that will provide affordable housing units alongside ground-floor retail.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Housing Affordability Working Party, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the project could pave the way for similar developments in the future at other City of Newcastle sites.

“This bold affordable housing project is another significant step forward in City of Newcastle’s work to ensure housing in every part of our city supports a flourishing and diverse community, with access to jobs and amenity and transport networks, for people of all incomes,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“With submissions for a Community Housing Provider to act as development partner currently under review, these foundational works send a clear signal to our community and potential future partners of this local government’s commitment to doing everything we can to foster a more accessible, inclusive and affordable housing system.”

The Rail Bridge Row site is located at 280 Hunter Street and stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Streets, opposite the Crown Street light rail stop.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/rail-bridge-row for more information.

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes.

The Government has zero tolerance for image-based abuse, which is disproportionately targeted at women and girls and is the latest frontier in gender-based abuse.

AI-generated sexually explicit deepfakes are increasing in prevalence and have become more realistic amid advances in technology.

The material can be used as part of sextortion schemes, including where perpetrators threaten to release further explicit content unless victims comply with demands.

The circulation of this material can be extremely distressing, humiliating, degrading or intimidating.

The reforms expand offences related to the production and distribution of intimate images without consent, including covering those created entirely using artificial intelligence.

The amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 make the production of a sexually explicit deepfake designed to be a genuine depiction of a real, identifiable person an offence punishable by up to three years’ jail.

Sharing or threatening to share such images, even if the person hasn’t created them, is also a crime punishable by up to three years’ jail.

In addition to these new offences, the Government has criminalised the non-consensual creation, recording and distribution of sexually explicit audio, whether real or designed to sound like a real, identifiable person.

The Crimes Amendment (Intimate Images and Audio Material) Bill 2025 passed the upper house late Thursday.

It is already a crime in NSW to record or distribute intimate images of a person without their consent or to threaten to do so. This includes distributing photos that have been digitally altered, but not images wholly created using AI.

Existing court takedown powers will apply to these expanded offences.

The NSW Government has zero tolerance for the non-consensual production and distribution of sexually explicit material – regardless of how it is created.

The Labor Government is giving law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to go after those involved in this abuse, while deterring those considering creating this material.

The changes do not affect existing child abuse material offences that already criminalise the production, possession and dissemination of explicit material of a child.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“There is no place for gender-based abuse in NSW, and that includes through the use of deepfakes.

“These are important changes to keep women safe from this insidious form of abuse.

“This legislation sends a clear message: those who seek to target women using this technology now face serious consequences.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“We are making sure our laws keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and ensures women are better protected from all forms of AI-generated sexual exploitation.

“Non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfakes are a form of abuse disproportionately targeted at women and young girls.

“This bill ensures people who seek to objectify, intimidate or degrade women using AI can be prosecuted.”

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The passing of this bill is another way the Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and girls.

“These new laws build on and modernise the existing framework by strengthening and expanding current offences to protect women from exploitation through explicit deepfake material.

“I thank the many stakeholders, including Full Stop Australia and Domestic Violence NSW, who provided crucial feedback in the development of this bill.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said:

“I’m pleased that we have seen the passage of legislation to criminalise AI-driven deepfakes. Sexually explicit deepfakes can be weaponised to cause immense harm in the real world.

“Women and girls are the main targets of deepfakes, and the impacts of their dissemination can be devastating.

“This legislation sends an important message that image-based abuse will not be tolerated, and it brings NSW in line with other jurisdictions that are striving to limit the impacts of this terrifying technology.”

Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said:

“We welcome the passage of this legislation, which strengthens legal protections for victim-survivors of image-based abuse.

“Technology-facilitated abuse is growing rapidly, with perpetrators continually finding new and dangerous ways to exploit emerging technologies.

“The legislation sends a strong message that this abuse is unacceptable, and perpetrators will be held accountable.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

Chris Minns has once again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an inquiry to get to the bottom of why patients continue to suffer at Blacktown and other western Sydney hospitals.
 
This week, more confronting stories were revealed about patient care in western Sydney hospitals. A mother was left in a filthy hospital room at Mount Druitt that hadn’t been cleaned. A man was left waiting 40 hours in the emergency department for a bed at Blacktown.
But this morning in the Legislative Council, Labor opposed the Opposition’s Notice of Motion to hold an Inquiry into Western Sydney health services.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said people in Western Sydney deserve better than a Premier who ignores their calls for improved healthcare.
 
“Whether it is patients waiting days in EDs, giving birth on couches, being forced to sleep on the floor, or waiting over 389 days for surgery at Westmead, people in Western Sydney deserve to know why Chris Minns won’t act.”
“Chris Minns must be afraid of the truth if he keeps refusing to support an inquiry into these hospitals,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Western Sydney Minister Robyn Preston said people in Western Sydney were sick of Labor’s excuses and spin.
 
“Every time there is an issue with Western Sydney hospitals the Premier promises to do better, but the problems keep happening and there are no solutions in sight,” Ms Preston said.
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane asked how many more stories of patients suffering does Chris Minns need to hear before he finally steps up and acts.
 
“Patients in Western Sydney know there is a problem because they are living it. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and an inquiry will help find answers and come up with solutions for the systemic issues Western Sydney hospitals are experiencing,” Ms Sloane said.

The Opposition, with support from the crossbench, successfully suspended standing orders in the Legislative Council today to secure the passage of the Workers Compensation Amendment (Firefighters’ Diseases) Bill 2025 through that House. The Bill will now proceed to the Legislative Assembly.
 
The Bill adds an additional nine cancers, including three cancers of the female reproductive system, to the list of presumptive firefighters’ diseases in Schedule 4 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987. This means firefighters who have served for the relevant qualifying period of five to fifteen years do not have to prove that they contracted the cancer as a result of their employment or volunteer service as a firefighter.
 
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said the Minns Labor Government made an election commitment to address this issue as a priority.
 
“Instead, it has delayed any action while pretending to be working on it, but the Opposition and the crossbench united to support our firefighters by passing this legislation as a priority,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Gurmesh Singh said Parliament must back in our firefighters ahead of the upcoming fire season.
 
“Firefighters need the presumptive cancer legislation to protect them against the added stress of having to prove their cancer is work related,” Mr Singh said.
 
“I urge all members of the Legislative Assembly to support the speedy passage of this legislation.”

The Australian Government is lowering the Russian Oil Price Cap and imposing targeted sanctions on a further 95 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ vessels.

The action to lower the Oil Price Cap, from USD60 a barrel to USD47.60, will drive down the market value of Russian crude oil and help starve the Russian war economy of oil revenue.

Australia has taken this action alongside our international partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Australia maintains its total ban on imports from Russia of oil and refined petroleum.

Australia will also impose targeted sanctions on a further 95 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ vessels. With these additional listings, the Albanese Government has now sanctioned more than 150 shadow fleet vessels since doing so for the first time in June 2025.

Shadow fleet vessels are used to circumvent international sanctions and support Russia’s war economy. They also pose serious environmental and maritime safety risks by operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, to enable the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods.

Australia has imposed over 1,600 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to take coordinated and decisive action to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its invasion, including through constraining its oil revenues.

Australia renews its calls on Russia to immediately end this war and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. We remain steadfast in our support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.