Category: Newcastle News

Investigations are underway after a man drowned in a water hole near Dungog today.

About 3.45pm (Sunday 16 March 2025), officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were called to a swimming hole at Ladies Well at Upper Allyn – about 48km north west of Dungog – following reports of concern for the welfare of a swimmer.

Police arrived and, following an operation with assistance from, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Police Divers and Police Rescue, a man’s body was retrieved from the water.

He is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be aged in his 20’s.

A crime scene has been established and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are underway.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A teenage boy will face court today charged over an alleged stolen vehicle and pursuit on the Central Coast.

About 4am today (Sunday 16 March 2025), police were patrolling at Long Jetty when they attempted to stop a white Nissan Pathfinder for the purposes of a roadside breath test.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated which continued through the suburbs of The Entrance, Toukley, Budgewoi, Lake Munmorah, Pelican, Swansea and Belmont.

Road spikes were successfully deployed on the Pacific Highway, Pelican and five teenagers were arrested at the scene.

They were taken to Belmont Police Station where a 14-year-old boy was charged with:

Take and drive conveyance w/o consent of owner
Custody of knife in public place – first offence
Enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner
Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
He was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court today, Sunday 16 March 2025

The other four occupants of the vehicle, two girls aged 15, one girl aged 12 and one girl aged 14 were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

A man has been charged after police located an alleged unauthorised firearm following a police pursuit in Newcastle this morning.

About 12.50am today (Friday 14 March 2025) officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were on-duty at Brunker Road, Adamstown, when they observed a moped with a pillion passenger allegedly driving in a dangerous manner.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle and when it did not stop a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through the suburbs of Adamstown, Hamilton South and Merewether.

The pursuit was terminated on Henry Street, Merewether, where the vehicle stopped and the two riders ran from the scene.

The alleged rider – a 21-year-old – was arrested a short time later following a foot pursuit. The passenger could not be located.

Police allegedly located an unauthorised firearm in the 21-year-old man’s possession.

He was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, possess unauthorised firearm, police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, possess bright light distress signal etc in public place, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen and unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 14 March 2025).

Three people have been charged following a pursuit in Newcastle this morning.

About 2.50am today (Friday 14 March 2025) officers attached to Newcastle City Police District observed an allegedly stolen SUV travelling on Glebe Road, Hamilton South.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, and when it did not stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle was pursued through several suburbs of Newcastle and the pursuit was terminated when the SUV collided with a vehicle on the Pacific Highway, Hexham.

The SUV then came to a stop on the side of the roadway, where the alleged driver – a 33-year-old man – ran from the vehicle.

The man was arrested following a short foot pursuit.

Two other occupants of the SUV – a 53-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman – were also arrested.

The woman was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. She is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Saturday 1 May 2025.

The 53-year-old man was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

The 33-year-old man was charged with an outstanding warrant, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, custody of knife public place, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, use class A vehicle displaying misleading etc number plate, dishonestly obtain property by deception, larceny and enter dwelling with intent (steal).

The men were refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 14 March 2025).

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

Rhonda Anderson, aged 61, was last seen leaving a home on Hawthorne Street, Beresfield about 1:30pm on Monday 3 March 2025.

When she could not be contacted or located, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police have concerns for her welfare due to a medical condition.

Rhonda is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm-160am tall, of medium build, with grey hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing black tights, red flower pattern short sleeve shirt, wearing two straw hats

City of Newcastle will begin work next week to ensure the safety and longevity of one of its most popular coastal precincts. 

The effect of time and tides have taken a toll on the infrastructure that protects sections of the Bathers Way between Dixon Park and South Newcastle beaches. 

City of Newcastle will undertake two projects along the coastal stretch, which will stabilise a section of cliff face north of the Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club and help maintain the condition of the concrete seawall south of our recent upgrade at South Newcastle Beach. 

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the projects would provide an immediate fix while longer-term solutions are assessed as part of the development of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP). 

“We live in a challenging coastal environment where significant weather events, combined with long-term sea level rise, constantly take a toll on both the natural and built infrastructure,” Ms Bisson said. 

“In the immediate term, this important work will improve resilience to coastal erosion and enhance safety on Bathers Way for beach users in this much-loved location. 

“We are also looking to the future to develop a holistic strategy for this hugely important stretch of our coastline. 

“This includes the ongoing development of our Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program, where we are working with coastal experts to better understand the impacts over the short and long term, and what that means for the future use of these beaches and assets located along the coast.” 

Work will begin on Monday to address the effects of coastal erosion on a 60-metre section of cliff line north of the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club.  

A temporary rock bag structure will be constructed at the base of the cliff to stabilise the area until longer term actions are defined as part of the Southern Beaches CMP. 

The lower car park at Dixon Park Beach and the section of Bathers Way within the work zone will be closed with diversions in place during the project, which is expected to take around four weeks to complete. 

Separately on Monday, essential maintenance will also begin on the 147-metre-long seawall located between King Edward Park and the recently completed upgrade of Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach.   

This will include the application of a protective coating to extend the life of the seawall, which provides coastal protection for the Bathers Way and other infrastructure along the South Newcastle foreshore. 

The project is expected to take up to two months. Bathers Way will be closed to pedestrian and cyclist traffic between King Edward Park and the upgraded section of Bathers Way at South Newcastle on weekdays, however it will be reopened on weekends. 

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said works were planned to minimise disruption to the community as much as possible. 

“We know how important Bathers Way is to our community, providing opportunities for recreation and access to our spectacular coastline,” Mr Thomson said. 

“This work is essential for the long-term use and enjoyment of this coastal stretch. It has been scheduled outside of the busy summer period to minimise the impact to our community as much as possible during the temporary closures of Bathers Way.   

“We thank the community for their patience while we complete this important work.”

Young Novocastrians have another chance to design and deliver local solutions to climate change with applications opening tomorrow for $150,000 in funding through City of Newcastle’s Youth Climate Action grants program.

Newcastle was one of only three Australian cities selected to receive $75,000 late last year from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.

City of Newcastle selected 12 projects to share in the grants, which led to initiatives such as a youth climate action summit, upcycling and recycling programs, and multi-media climate action projects.

Blue Minds co-creators Cooper Chapman and Kal Glanzing join City of Newcastle’s Dr Heather Stevens and a group of students from a variety of local high schools at Dixon Park Beach for the Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership summit.The initiative proved so popular, City of Newcastle exhausted its initial allocation and was able to successfully apply to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the second round of funding.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said it’s vital we empower the next generation to have a meaningful role in achieving our net zero emissions objectives in the Newcastle Environment Strategy.

“We’re thrilled to support even more young people in designing and delivering local climate action projects that will bring Newcastle closer to reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2040,” Ms Kikken said.

“This expanded round of funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies allows us to not only amplify the voices of young people but also provide them with resources to ensure their priorities are front and centre in our city’s climate strategy.”

City of Newcastle’s Climate Change and Sustainability Manager Dr Heather Stevens said microgrants of between $1,500 and $7,500 will be available for 15 to 24-year-olds or organisations that represent them.

“If you have an idea about how to tackle the climate crisis, now is the chance to apply and make it happen,” Dr Stevens said.

“The last round funded a diverse range of projects, from upcycling programs to youth leadership training, so it’s great to build on that momentum with this new round of grants.”

Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership was one of the recipients of the initial round of funding, using the allocation to organise a free leadership summit for high school students at Dixon Park Surf Club today.

Program co-creator Kal Glanzing, one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions, and creator of the documentary Rising Up, said the grant helped continue Blue Minds’ mission of tackling eco-anxiety and creating a wave of change amongst young people. 

“Australian youth are going to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and they want to understand how they can rewrite the future for the better,” Mr Glanzing said.

“We are grateful that with support from City of Newcastle we can empower students in Newcastle and provide them with practical tools to address their climate change concerns.

“It’s exciting to think that the students who attended the Blue Minds leadership summit today, will have an opportunity to apply for a grant that can help bring their ideas to life.” 

Applications for the new round of Youth Climate Action Fund grants open on 12 March and close on 13 April 2025.

Information webinars will be held on 19 March and 2 April 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit:

https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships/grants/youth-climate-action-grants

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. 

The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health.

Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works with mayors in cities around the world.

In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies invested $3.4 billion around the world.

Newcastle’s cultural credentials will take centre stage as part of a 10-year strategy that will guide City of Newcastle’s commitment to the local arts, culture and creative industries.

Expressions of interest are now being invited to support the research and development of City of Newcastle’s new Cultural Plan.

Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Jenny Barrie and Cr Deahnna Richardson support the upcoming development of a 10-year Cultural Plan.

It will build on the achievements of the existing strategy, endorsed in 2016, and deliver a clear action plan for the next 10 years.

Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said Newcastle is an innovative and creative community.

“City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and investing in arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity,” Cr Barrie said.

“This has included the work of our Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee and the endorsement of our Cultural Precinct Plan to enhance cultural connectivity and encourage larger audiences across diverse venues.

“I look forward to the development of this new strategy, and our ongoing work with the local creative community to amplify existing and emerging opportunities across the cultural landscape.”

Councillors Deahnna Richardson and Sinead Francis-Coan, who also sit on the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, supported the upcoming development of the plan.

“This will build our long-term support for all those involved in this sector, from the established and emerging practitioners showcased through the Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and our libraries, to the millions of dollars in grant funding given to local artists, writers and performers through City of Newcastle’s grant programs. I look forward to fostering deeper connections with these communities as part of this plan,” Cr Richardson said.

“Newcastle is known for its vibrant cultural life and an amazing depth of talent within its performing and visual arts sector. Our previous cultural strategy enhanced this recognition through the establishment of our flagship New Annual arts festival and the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery and I can’t wait to see this commitment continue for the next decade. With our new plan, I would also like to see increasing surety for local creatives, creative spaces and local nightlife,” Cr Francis-Coan said. 

The development of the Cultural Plan responds to a notice of motion endorsed by the previous elected council in July 2024.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the strategy will articulate the role of local government as a partner, advocate, enabler, and investor in developing a local cultural and creative ecosystem.

“The Cultural Plan will investigate the city’s cultural infrastructure, consider the retention or increase of affordable creative workspaces and the use of City of Newcastle owned and managed facilities and services,” Ms Jones said.

“It will also determine focus areas for investment in programs and service delivery by City of Newcastle and include support for creative workers and their creative workspaces as a strategic priority.

“City of Newcastle is committed to a creative Newcastle and as our city grows we are seeking to ensure that the creative industries and community are properly supported.”

Plans for the development of the 10-year Cultural Plan were discussed as part of the first meeting of the new Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee last week.

Expressions of interest are open until 1 April via Tenderlink, with the plan expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

City of Newcastle will reshape its Strategic Sports Plan to meet the needs of an expanding population and enable more women and girls to train and compete.

Adopted by the elected Council in December 2020, the 10-year plan was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area.

City of Newcastle has already delivered or commenced 78 of the plan’s 93 recommendations, with more than $20 million invested into new and upgraded infrastructure over the past three years, but the rapid growth of women’s sport and a predicted population boom as part of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy have brought forward the need to update the plan.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy join participants from local sporting clubs at the 2025 Sports SummitCity of Newcastle announced the review in front of more than 100 participants at last night’s fourth annual Sports Summit, which is designed to foster stronger relationships with local sporting groups.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was committed to continuing collaboration with clubs and associations as part of the updated Strategic Sports Plan.

“We’re proud to work closely with our local clubs and governing bodies on the need for facility upgrades, ensuring players at every level of their chosen sport and the community have continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities,” Ms Duffy said.

“In recent years this collaboration has led to the development of more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities.

“That includes upgrades at Myers Park and Lugar Park, as well as major grandstand redevelopment projects at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval worth almost $6 million.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the need for facilities that support universal access is greater than ever.

“We know that a governing body such as Northern NSW Football has set a goal of having 30,000 female participants by 2026 and they’ll all need somewhere to train and play,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The Strategic Sports Plan covers 12 other field-based sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis, and touch football/Oztag.

“If you take into consideration the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, we’re likely to see a population increase of 40,000 residents in that area alone, so we need to ensure we’re getting maximum use out of the 152 fields City of Newcastle manages.

“Reviewing the plan will help us secure State and Federal government funding for new and upgraded sporting facility bathrooms, change rooms and lighting, while we also continue to upgrade everything from field layout to drainage and irrigation.”

City of Newcastle will call for expressions of interest for an independent consultant to update the Strategic Sports Plan in the next financial year.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the Hunter Region.

Austin Glynn, aged 13, was last seen about 9am on Saturday 1 March, 2025, at Rutherford.

When he could not be located he was reported missing to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and inquiries commenced into his whereabouts.

He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, 160cm tall, with a solid build and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a red hat, grey shirt and black track pants.

Police and family hold concerns for Austin’s welfare due to his age and having several medical conditions.