Appeal to locate woman missing from Wallsend

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate an elderly woman missing from Wallsend.

Eileen Roberti, aged 72, was last seen walking along Cowper Street about 4.10pm this afternoon (Thursday 11 September 2025).

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified when she could not be located or contacted, and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Concerns are held for Eileen’s welfare as she is unfamiliar with the area.

Eileen is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with slim build and short brown hair.

She was last seen wearing black long pants, black shoes and a green and brown jumper.

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

Equipping the Royal Australian Navy with next generation autonomous undersea vehicles

The Albanese Government is investing $1.7 billion to acquire a new fleet of Australian­‑designed and built extra-large autonomous undersea vehicles – known as the Ghost Shark – for the Royal Australian Navy.                       

Defence has signed a contract with Anduril Australia for the delivery, maintenance and continued development of the Ghost Shark over the next five years. 

The cutting edge platform is designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike operations, stealthily and at long range. It will deliver a significant boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities – complementing Navy’s future surface combatant fleet and conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines. 

This announcement builds on the approximately $140 million the Australian Government has already invested in the development of the Ghost Shark platform, payloads and production facilities since entering into a collaborative contract with Anduril in 2022. 

Working alongside Defence personnel, Australia’s defence industry and workforce is crucial to delivering this capability. 

This five-year contract will support around 120 existing jobs and create more than 150 new highly-skilled, long-term jobs at Anduril Australia. 

There are now more than 40 Australian companies working as part of the Ghost Shark supply chain, which are expected to add a further 600 jobs as a result of this investment.

Delivery of uncrewed undersea and surface vessels will provide Australia’s Defence Force an asymmetric capability advantage – a key priority outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. 

Continued investment in this capability presents a unique opportunity for Australia to design, engineer, and manufacture sovereign uncrewed maritime warfare capabilities, with strong prospects for export opportunities. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles: 

“The Ghost Shark is a world-leading platform made right here in Australia. 

“The Albanese Government’s investments in the Ghost Shark are fast-charging the development of long‑range, undersea autonomous vehicles for our Navy while also backing Australian businesses. 

“Over the next five years and beyond the Ghost Shark will equip Navy with the intelligence, surveillance and strike capabilities it needs in an increasingly complex strategic environment.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is a critical capability that the Albanese Government is delivering at pace – with all three prototypes delivered on budget and ahead of schedule.

“Our investment backs in 120 existing workers and creates more than 150 new high-skilled, local jobs.

“This reflects the Albanese Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Australian innovation, backing Australian workers and building a defence future made in Australia.”

Protecting young Australians overseas

Today, the Albanese Government is launching a new online safety hub as part of our efforts to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.

The Partying Safely Hub, on the Smartraveller website, hosts resources to support parents and educators to have conversations about how to party safely while away from home, and what to do if something goes wrong. 

The Partying Safely Hub provides practical information for parents, universities and schools on key topics involving alcohol safety, methanol poisoning, drink spiking, drug safety and travel insurance.

Resources are available to download and include posters, factsheets and videos, developed with partners and subject matter experts including Red Frogs, CHOICE and Médecins sans Frontières.

Since March 2025, the Albanese Government has:

  • provided targeted advice and alerts on alcohol-related risks to travellers through text messages and messaging at Australia’s international airports;
  • partnered with industry, non-government organisations and youth media outlets to deliver messaging to young Australians through a range of channels;
  • worked closely with universities to promote messaging to students in the lead up to key travelling periods; and
  • dedicated communications on Smartraveller social media channels to raise methanol poisoning awareness.

Partying safely awareness activities will continue to increase ahead of schoolies in November.

The Partying Safely Hub is available at: Partying safely hub | Smartraveller

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles as a result of methanol poisoning in Laos are a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers young people face when travelling abroad.

“We want young Australians to explore the world with confidence, but above all we want them to have the knowledge and resources to come home safely.”

Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite:

“Travelling overseas is a rite of passage for many young Australians.

“This Hub is part of the Albanese Government’s work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.”

No limits, Israel flouts international law with assassination attempt on negotiators in Qatar

Overnight, Israel has attacked Qatar in an apparent attempt to kill hostage negotiators working to secure a negotiated end to the genocide in Gaza. 

The attack comes just hours after an aerial attack on the Sumud Flotilla and after Israel ordered 1 million Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City in the latest escalation of its ethnic cleansing operations in Gaza. 

Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“Israel’s attack on Qatar violates international law and targets hostage negotiators, proving they’re not serious about returning hostages or a negotiated resolution to the genocide they’re committing. 

“The US had invited the negotiators to Qatar for peace talks and the US military had advance notice of Israel’s attack. The US also arms Israel. The US is clearly complicit in this latest Israeli war crime. 

“This latest gross breach of international law proves Israel does not want a negotiated ceasefire and that the US will continue to enable their lawless violence. Global coordinated action is needed to force them both to the table. 

“Trump says he ‘feels very badly’ about Israel’s attack but keeps sending weapons and weapons parts to fuel the genocide. So does Australia under the Albanese Labor government. 

“Before the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister issue their latest statements they should know that, when they fail to act to stop a genocide, it’s not a defence to say they had ‘serious concerns.’ 

“Australia must join as much of the world as is willing to act and impose comprehensive sanctions on Israel, including an immediate and total two-way weapons embargo,” Senator Shoebridge said. 

Greens welcome VC Bell’s resignation, say more needs to be done to fix ANU governance

Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to reports that ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell has tendered her resignation. Senator Faruqi has for weeks been calling on VC Bell, as well as Chancellor Julie Bishop, to resign in light of the scandals, mass job cuts, toxic workplace culture and lack of accountability and loss of trust that has defined their tenures.

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education:

“Professor Bell’s resignation is the culmination of months of scandal, plummeting staff and student morale, and a governance system that is completely broken.

“Let’s not forget that Chancellor Bishop’s leadership has also been fraught, and she too must be held accountable for the crisis at ANU.

“The fact that almost every respondent to ANU’s staff-led governance project said the system is not fit for purpose speaks volumes. This is not just about one Vice-Chancellor. The entire model of top-down, corporate-style governance is failing.

“Across the sector, mass redundancies, threats to schools and courses, and widespread reports of psychosocial harm show a workplace and community in crisis. Staff should never have to choose between their wellbeing and their profession.

“Universities are public institutions and must serve the public good. That means transparency, accountability and genuine consultation with the people who make them what they are — the staff and students.

“VC Bell stepping down cannot be the end of the story. We need a halt to forced redundancies, real protection of staff wellbeing, a commitment to safeguard disciplines under threat and an end to opaque decision-making and networks of privilege.

“This moment is a chance to rebuild ANU into a democratic, accountable and thriving institution that has the trust and confidence of its community once again. It must not be wasted.”

City of Newcastle offering fresh start for more apprentices and trainees

Novocastrians looking for a new career path still have time to apply for one of 14 roles as part of City of Newcastle’s annual intake of apprentices and trainees.

Applications close on Sunday 13 September for a range of positions, with roles available across various sectors including environment, horticulture, civil construction, heavy vehicle mechanics, business services, and customer experience.

Funding from the first two rounds of the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program has already enabled nine people to begin their training at City of Newcastle in 2025, with the next 14 recruits set to start in January 2026.

This will bring the total number of apprentices, trainees, graduates and undergraduates currently employed with City of Newcastle to 65.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle has become one of the largest employers of apprentices and trainees in the Hunter, helping to ensure our region possesses the necessary skills for the future.

“Since 2021, we have recruited more than 90 early career roles across the organisation, delivering successful applicants with on-the-job training and mentoring from highly skilled professionals while they obtain nationally accredited qualifications,” Mr Bath said.

“This has provided pathways into employment across a range of sectors from greenkeeping, civil construction, carpentry and heavy vehicle mechanics to information technology, customer service, planning and digital marketing.

“These roles are always highly sought after, with nine recently advertised positions attracting more than 314 applications from people eager to begin their careers with City of Newcastle.

“We look forward to welcoming the next 14 new faces early next year as we continue to foster a diverse and multi-generational workforce that will collaboratively shape the city where we work, live, and play.”

A total of 92 apprentices, trainees, cadets, graduates and undergraduates have been employed by City of Newcastle since 2021.

Roles have been recruited into priority areas across the organisation, including 25 positions within civil construction.

This reflects the significant growth in City of Newcastle’s annual capital works program, which has increased in the same period from $90 million in 2021/22 to $159 million in 2025/26.

Since 2021, 26 people have also gone on to secure ongoing employment with City of Newcastle following the completion of their training.

To view the 14 positions available head to the City of Newcastle website.

Update: New Lambton landslip

City of Newcastle acknowledges the ongoing impact to residents in the area affected by the New Lambton landslip, which occurred in May 2025. We recognise the hardship faced by both residents who have had to leave their homes and those who are living nearby.

We remain committed to working with the impacted residents and neighbours as recovery efforts continue. We understand how distressing the uncertainty is, and will continue to provide clear and timely updates, and maintain individual contact with impacted residents and near neighbours.

Site status

Following last night’s intense rainfall, further structural damage to several properties on Baker Street has been observed this morning. We acknowledge that this is upsetting news for impacted residents, and the residents of these specific properties have been briefed this morning on the current status and offered support services to help them process this news.

Communication with residents

Since the incident on 23 May 2025, residents have received regular updates through phone calls, text messages and emails, as well as via a dedicated incident web page on the City of Newcastle website. In the early emergency response phase, community meetings were convened by Police in the role of the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON).

Since transitioning to the recovery phase, City of Newcastle has appointed an experienced Recovery Coordinator and established the Local Recovery Committee. A community meeting was held on Wednesday night, where residents received detailed updates on emergency works, the geotechnical investigations, and input and updates from relevant agencies. Residents also had the opportunity to ask questions of all agencies and raise any concerns.  

Geotechnical investigations are ongoing, with findings subject to peer review by the NSW Government’s Public Works Authority and Transport for NSW. These studies will play an important part in guiding decisions about the site’s future. However, this work will take time, and it’s too early to determine recovery timeframes or outcomes at this stage. 

Representatives from Hunter Water and the NSW Red Cross also attended the meeting, providing information and offering support services to residents. Impacted residents were briefed on the role of the Local Recovery Committee and were invited to nominate themselves as community representatives on the Committee. 

The Committee’s approach for meetings and consultation follows the NSW Recovery Plan, under the NSW State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, and aligns with the NSW State Emergency Management Plan.

Clarity on responsibilities

City of Newcastle is responsible for public infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and stormwater systems.

Responsibility for privately owned land and property rests with individual landowners and their insurers. City of Newcastle does not fund works or repairs on private land, unless required to do so under specific laws or supported by state or federal disaster recovery programs.

Conversations with the NSW Government regarding this will commence once the geotechnical investigations are complete and the size and complexity of the situation is better understood. 

Safety

Site safety remains a concern for City of Newcastle, with unauthorised people breaching the security measures in place and accessing the site. 

Given the instability of the land and the likelihood of further movement, we cannot stress enough the importance for all residents and members of the community to remain outside the danger area unless their visit is authorised.

Authorised access to the site, such as for the removal of any remaining items or make-safe works to buildings, has been and will continue to be managed based on a task-specific basis including risk assessment on the proposed activity, duration of stay, and the status of the site and/or structures at that point in time. Given the unpredictability of the site, an assessment and clearance given on one day may not be applicable the next.

We continue to actively monitor the site closely and assess the ground conditions.

We appreciate that the uncertainty for residents about whether they can repair or rebuild and return home is distressing. We will continue to work on getting information to residents as quickly as possible to help them make decisions about their future. 

Visit our dedicated Landslip incident webpage for more information.

NSW winners announced at the 2025 Resilient Australia Awards

A bushfire initiative protecting culturally significant First Nations sites, a schools program helping children cope with floods and a cross-sector plan tackling heat hazards are among the NSW winners of the 2025 Resilient Australia Awards.

Every year, Australians face devastating impacts from disasters and emergencies. The NSW category of the Resilient Australia Awards is an opportunity to celebrate initiatives that are making communities safer, more connected and better prepared.

As the state convenor of the awards, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has brought together a judging panel made up of experts in disaster resilience.

Following today’s ceremony, at NSW Parliament, NSW winners will go on to represent the state at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year.

Full list of winners can be found below.

More information on the Resilient Australia Awards can be found at https://www.aidr.org.au/programs/resilient-australia-awards/

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“In the wake of recent disasters, we’ve seen Australians rise to the challenge as individuals, communities and organisations working together to rebuild, support one another and strengthen our resilience.

“The Resilient Australia Awards are a chance to celebrate these efforts and ensure they don’t go unnoticed.

“Whether it’s a local council, a school, a research team or a community group, every contribution matters, helping to create more resilient communities for the future.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“These awards bring a spotlight to the remarkable resilience and innovation we see across NSW every day.

“It’s an honour to award and celebrate the individuals and groups whose efforts have helped us recover, adapt and thrive in the face of natural disasters.

“Their stories remind us that resilience is not just about bouncing back – it’s about being innovative and responsive to local needs and communities.”

The winners are:

Resilient Australia Community Award

Winner: Recovery Connect – Social Futures.

A Lismore-based support service delivering a pioneering model of disaster recovery to help people recover from natural disasters by building resilience through empowerment.

Highly commended:

Care2Prepare: inclusive household and community risk reduction – Carers NSW

Better Together – Community Connections – Community Connects South Shoalhaven and Business Milton Ulladulla.

Resilient Australia Business Award

Winner: Flood Defence Fund – Insurance Council of Australia.

A policy initiative that calls for the development of a $30.15 billion Flood Defence Fund to protect communities on the frontline of floods, while moderating insurance premiums and reducing future recovery costs.

Resilient Australia Government Award

Winner: Australian first Aboriginal Cultural Incident Management Exercise – NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Crown Lands and NSW Rural Fire Service.

A hands-on exercise connecting First Nations rangers and emergency responders for real-time bushfire planning and response, ensuring cultural sites in southeast NSW are protected during emergencies.

Resilient Australia Local Government Award

Winner: Heat Taskforce: Heat Smart City Plan – Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Sydney’s first multi-sector plan for heat hazard developed by a collaboration of leaders across health, planning, infrastructure, emergency management, community and corporate sectors.

Resilient Australia School Award

Winner: Our River – Richmond Agricultural Centre: Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education.

A school program delivered in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment to teach flood awareness through science, history and creative wellbeing activities and help students positively reconnect with the river and learn mental health coping mechanisms.

Resilient Australia Mental Health and Wellbeing Award

Winner: Resilient Kids: Empowered Young People Can Weather Life’s Biggest Storms – Social Futures.

A program launched in response to the devastating 2022 floods in Northern NSW, focusing on youth-centred mental health and wellbeing program.

Highly commended: The Resilient Kids Program: disaster risk reduction for the next generation – Health North Coast.

Resilient Australia Photography Award

Winner: Social Futures, Strong Mind in the Early Years Program – Catherine Piltz.

The photography category is decided by public vote via social media. This year’s winning image captures resilience through a moment of safety, trust and connection in early childhood disaster recovery.

World-leading Suicide Prevention Bill passes NSW Parliament

The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 has passed New South Wales Parliament. This legislation was committed to prior to the 2023 election and is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better support for communities across the state.

The passing of this legislation coincides with R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day  yesterday. These important days serve as reminders of the importance of conversations and checking in on others.

This is the first time in NSW history that suicide prevention has been written into law. NSW now joins a handful of countries around the world in adopting a world-leading legislative model that makes every arm of government accountable for preventing suicide.

In 2024, 951 people in NSW were lost to suicide making it the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.

The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 is one of the most significant reforms ever undertaken in mental health, placing suicide prevention at the centre of government decision making and embedding accountability across agencies.

The bills includes:

  • A Statewide strategy: A mandatory suicide prevention plan led by the NSW Mental Health Commission and shaped by lived experience.
  • Agency action plans: Every government department, including NSW Police, will be required to develop their own suicide prevention plan with rollout from 2027.
  • Advisory councils: Two new advisory bodies, the NSW Suicide Prevention Council and the NSW Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Council, bringing together lived-experience voices, Aboriginal leaders, experts and government.
  • Monitoring system: The NSW Suicide Monitoring System enshrined in law, ensuring transparent and ongoing reporting of suspected and confirmed suicides to inform policy and funding.

The New South Wales Government understands there is much more work to be done, but this is a key step in building a better New South Wales and preventing suicide and its widespread impact on our community.

RUOK? Day resources can be found here.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“This is historic. For the first time, NSW has suicide prevention written into law, making every part of government accountable for saving lives. It is a world-leading approach and one of the most significant reforms in our history.”

“Every life lost to suicide is one too many. This legislation delivers a united, evidence-based response that puts lived experience and Aboriginal voices at the centre of prevention.”

“By passing this Bill we are honouring our election commitment and driving a cultural shift across government. No longer can suicide prevention be left to the health system alone. It is now everyone’s responsibility.”

“Today marks R U OK? Day I urge people to check in with their loved ones. A simple conversation can be life changing. It might be the connection someone needs to feel seen, supported and safe.”

Mental Health Commissioner of New South Wales Jennifer Black:

“The Commission welcomes the passage of this landmark legislation, which strengthens NSW’s whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention.

“The new functions for the Commission – leading statewide plans and supporting new advisory councils – underline that suicide prevention is a key priority for government, and highlight the importance of coordinated action across government and the community to save lives.

“The Commission is committed to delivering on these additional responsibilities with focus, diligence and collaboration.”

CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia Nieves Murray:

“This is a huge step forward for New South Wales and sets the standard for suicide prevention nationally.  For the first time, suicide prevention is embedded in law in this state, making it clear that saving lives is a responsibility shared across every part of government.

“This legislation enshrines the whole-of-government approach we have long called for. Suicide prevention is not just a health issue — it is shaped by housing, education, employment, justice, and many other factors. By making every agency accountable, the NSW Government is showing real leadership and driving the kind of systemic change that will make a lasting difference.

“We commend Minister Jackson and the NSW Government for this landmark reform and urge other states and territories to follow their lead. This is exactly the type of action we need to reduce distress, save lives and build a safer future for our communities”

mental health advocate and media personality Renee Gartner

“I can’t go back and change my younger self. But by not choosing silence, I’ve created a future full of possibilities, and now, through this Bill, we’re building a system that makes that future possible for others too.”

“This legislation takes us from awareness to action suicide prevention is now everyone’s responsibility”

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero. If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffed by trained mental health professionals.

We encourage NSW residents affected by suicide to call StandBy: Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247 at any time for support – irrespective of how much time has passed since the tragedy occurred. This state-wide service provides a range of practical and emotional support to anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide. For more information, visit:

https://standbysupport.com.au/find-support/nswpss.

For further information on NSW Health’s suicide prevention programs visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/towardszerosuicides/Pages/default.aspx

Simon Chan AM to chair Multicultural NSW Advisory Board

The Minns Labor Government is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Chan AM as the new chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

Mr Chan has been a valued member of the Advisory Board since 2018 and is one of its longest serving members. His breadth of experience spans the arts, cultural, business and community sectors.

Announcing the appointment at the board’s most recent meeting, Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper cited Mr Chan’s vast experience, community work, wise counsel and bipartisanship as some of the factors behind the move, among others.

In addition to his role on the Advisory Board, Mr Chan serves as president of the Chinese Australian Forum, director on the board of Sydney Festival and chair of the VisAsia Committee at the Art Gallery of NSW.

He is also a member of the Federal Government’s Australian Multicultural Council, director of the Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation and member of the NSW Government Geographical Names Board.

Mr Chan is also the founder and director of Art Atrium, a contemporary art gallery in Sydney that focuses on cross-cultural collaboration and expression as a reflection of our multicultural society.

Mr Chan has officially taken the reins from previous chair Nick Kaldas APM.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Simon has been an outstanding contributor to the Advisory Board for many years, and his experience, advocacy and community work made him an obvious candidate to take on this important role.

“A multiculturalism champion, Simon has done incredible work supporting and uplifting NSW’s diverse communities, with a track record of success.

“He leads with inclusivity and brings a depth of experience across diverse sectors. I look forward to working alongside Simon as he continues to serve our vibrant multicultural society.”

Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chair Simon Chan AM said:

“I am honoured to be appointed chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister for Multiculturalism and our Advisory Board members to maintain social cohesion in the current challenging community environment.

“I want to see everyone in our multicultural society feel a strong sense of belonging as Australians.”

Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said:

“Simon’s longstanding commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and united multicultural community in NSW will serve us well as he takes on this important role.

“Simon has been a dedicated and passionate member of our Advisory Board.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge, lived experience and leadership to the role, and I look forward to working closely with him to continue advancing social cohesion and harmony across our state.”