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An iconic mural painted by an Italian-born, Australian artist has been removed from the walls of Newcastle Museum as part of a large-scale conservation project. 

The 1953 painting of post-European settlement in Newcastle features 10 figures, all modelled on artist Virgil Lo Schiavo himself, representing cedar getters, sheep graziers, coal miners, steelmakers and shipbuilders. 

The mural has been a prominent part of the Link Gallery since the Museum opened at its current Honeysuckle site in August 2011 and will now be carefully cleaned and examined as part of an effort to preserve and protect Newcastle’s history.

Conservators Zahni Blumenthal, Matteo Volonté, and Gianna Puzzo with Newcastle Museum Head of Exhibitions and Cultural Collections, David Hampton examining the Lo Schavio mural.City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archives, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said this important conservation work will mean future generations of Novocastrians can continue to enjoy the Museum’s incredible collection. 

“Newcastle Museum are proud to be custodians of a historically significant collection of more than 13,500 items, which tell the stories of our city and the people who have shaped it,” Ms Baird said. 

“This is the first time we’ve been able to bring conservation work in-house, which means our team can take a very deliberate and long-term look at how we care for Newcastle’s history without relying on grant funding. 

“This is one of nine items in our collection the Museum is working to conserve during the financial year. 

“We’ve already restored a 1970s-era State Dockyards fire engine, an 1820s-era Henry Dangar map of the Hunter Region, and a piece of fishbelly rail from The Hill, a unique piece of early railway technology from the 1820s that is in fact the oldest piece of Australian railway in any museum’s collection across the world. 

“Though our ongoing conservation work we can ensure these items are preserved and shared with our community and all those who visit the Museum for generations to come.” 

Conservator Gianna Puzzo using light to evaluate the Lo Schavio mural.

The Lo Schavio mural was originally commissioned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in 1953 and was displayed in their Newcastle branch. 

It then made its way to Wallsend Public School, before coming into the possession of the Wallsend BIA, who loaned it to Newcastle Museum for the opening back in 2011. The BIA recently formally donated the mural to the Museum to remain as part of its permanent collection. 

Conservation work will include an analysis of the state of the artwork, followed by a detailed and delicate clean, with additional work to be considered pending advice from expert conservators. 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Wheeler Place with City of Newcastle’s striking 11-metre tree taking pride of place today ahead of a busy festive season.

Community celebrations will officially kick off on Friday 27 November when Lord Mayor Gavin Morris joins Santa Claus for the lighting of the Christmas tree as part of a special evening that will feature live entertainment, a DJ spinning festive tunes and some bubble-blowing stilt-walking elves.

The event will be the first of four to be held in Wheeler Place on Friday evenings in the lead-up to Christmas, with each night including DIY Santa photos, festive performances by Newcastle’s own award-winning Hunter Women of Note Chorus, children’s craft activities, food vendors and the ever-popular pet ‘pawtraits’ with Santa.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the family-friendly atmosphere is designed to help the community celebrate in the city’s cultural heart.

“At a time when many families are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, it’s important we provide free, accessible Christmas experiences,” Cr Morris said.

“These events in Wheeler Place will be inclusive and welcoming for all members of the community, including their pets.”

Wheeler Place will play host to another City of Newcastle tradition next month when One Song Sing returns on 21 December to lead a special community rendition of Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy.” 

Presented by the Civic Theatre on “Gravy Day”, the hugely popular event has in the past seen more than 1,000 Novocastrians join together for a one-off public performance led by community music group The Sum of the Parts.

Registrations open for the fourth running of Newcastle’s pop-up Christmas chorus on 18 November.

The festive spirit will be on show in the civic precinct throughout the month of December with a variety of offerings for the whole family.

The Ten Tenors will present A Not So Silent Night on 12 December at the Civic Theatre, featuring a blend of beloved traditional carols and fresh contemporary favourites.

On 14 December, British comedian Adam Kay will hit the stage at City Hall for his show, Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas, a love letter to those who spend the most wonderful time of the year removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck.

Adding to the party atmosphere of the season, Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical will take centre stage from 17 to 20 December, bringing glitter, glamour and an unforgettable celebration of music, friendship and fun to Newcastle’s Christmas program.

As the countdown to the big day continues, Santa will make a flying visit to the Civic Theatre for two all-ages performances as part of The Greatest Christmas Show, a two-hour event featuring world-class dancers, aerialists, singers and an illusionist who brings the season to life in a spectacular way.

Despite his busy schedule, Saint Nick will also make appearances at Newcastle City Library and Wallsend Library on 8 and 11 December for a special holiday event complete with songs and stories.

Both libraries and Newcastle Museum are also hosting Christmas Craft workshops for children on 8, 10 and 11 December.

For more information head to Visit Newcastle, Newcastle Libraries and the Civic Theatre website.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 10 November 2026. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Rising Tide events on Council-owned land

Council voted to endorse a Lord Mayoral Minute that Council does not license or authorise, now and into the future, community-owned land for the purpose of Rising Tide’s events / protests (including, but not limited to, The People’s Blockade).

Ordinary business 

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 August to 31 October 2026

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 August to 31 October 2026 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Endorsement of the 2025/26 Annual Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2025/26 Annual Report and its submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government. Council also adopted City of Newcastle’s audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2026.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the September Quarterly Performance Report for Delivering Newcastle 2040 and adopted the revised budget.

Adoption of the Broadmeadow Section 7.12 Contributions Plan 2026

Council voted unanimously to approve the draft Broadmeadow Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan 2026, Amended Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan 2021-2036 and Amended Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan. The Broadmeadow Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan 2026 will be submitted to the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation and approval of the proposed levy rate by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

Adoption of the 2027 Council meeting cycle

Council voted for an amended motion to adopt the 2027 Council meeting schedule for City of Newcastle Council and Committee of Council meetings.

Beresfield Golf Course DA

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to approve a development application for the installation of four padel courts, a 16-bay golf driving range, protective netting, extension to operating hours and carpark relining at Beresfield Golf Course, subject to conditions.

Local Government Remuneration Tribunal – 2027 annual review submission

Council voted unanimously to endorse the submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

Tender report – Cottage Creek bridge replacement – design and construct

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the design and construction of the Cottage Creek bridge replacement in Newcastle West.

Notices of Motion 

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to support a request from the Newcastle Domestic Violence Committee for the installation of a memorial plaque with an engraved message under the memorial tree in Gregson Park, Hamilton. Council will also develop and publish a pledge and commitment to be signed by all Councillors and made available on Council’s website, indicating their support for Newcastle being a city free of violence, intimidation and abuse.

Late items – Notices of Motion

Determination of Hunter Indoor Sports Centre proposal by NSW Independent Planning Commission

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion calling on interested members of the community, whether opposed or in favour of the development proceeding at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, to engage with the Independent Planning Commission as it progresses towards a determination of the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre proposal by making a written submission and/or by speaking at the public meeting.

Stop infrastructure contribution challenges

Council supported an amended notice of motion that Council write to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces opposing the proposed deferral of developer contributions from Construction Certificate to Occupation Certificate stage, noting that this would risk delaying funding for essential infrastructure required to support housing growth, shift financial costs and risks from developers to councils and ratepayers and place further pressure on councils’ financial sustainability and ability to deliver infrastructure in a timely manner.

The Australian Conservation Foundation has taken to the stand of the Supreme Court of NSW today to support Rising Tide as NSW Police attempts to stop the Newcastle group’s Paddle for the Planet, which is scheduled for this Saturday.

Last night Newcastle Council declared it would no longer licence or authorise the use of council land for Rising Tide protests.

“Throughout history people have used public protest to change the world for the better,” said ACF spokesperson Jolene George.

“Protesting – on the streets and on the water of Australia’s biggest coal port – is one way democracies progress when powerful interests and governments are not listening to the people.

“The right to public protest is vitally important to a healthy democracy.

“Protest shines a light on double standards and hypocrisy.

“While Australia’s Energy Minister and Prime Minister are talking up Australia’s climate credentials at the UN climate conference in Türkiye, our country remains one of the biggest exporters of coal and gas – fuelling climate breakdown.

“It’s worth remembering the disruption caused by protests is pretty insignificant compared with the disruption climate damage is imposing on Australians’ lives through unseasonal bushfires, devastating droughts, more extreme storms and worsening flash floods, that harm predominantly the elderly and other vulnerable people in our society.

“There are many ways to make positive change. Change happens on the streets, on the harbour, in the courts, in polling booths, newsrooms, boardrooms and community halls. It happens in workplaces, gardens and in conversations with friends. Different people and groups have different roles in creating a better future.

“ACF will do everything it can within the law to stop climate damage and extinction.”

ACF’s relationship with Rising Tide goes back a long way. In 2010 ACF gave the Peter Rawlison Award, a prize for grassroots environmental action, to Rising Tide for ‘tirelessly and fearlessly drawing attention to the looming climate crisis.’

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital earns Hunter’s first Centre of Excellence accreditation for weight-loss surgery

Patients considering weight-loss surgery in the Hunter region have added reassurance about the quality and safety of care available locally. Lake Macquarie Private Hospital has achieved Centre of Excellence accreditation for metabolic and bariatric surgery, becoming the first hospital in the Hunter and only the third in Australia to hold this accreditation.

The accreditation, awarded by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), recognises hospitals that meet internationally recognised standards for weight-loss surgery, including the skills of their surgical teams and the care and support patients receive before, during and after surgery.

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt said the achievement recognised the expertise and support available to Hunter residents seeking weight-loss surgery.

“For patients considering weight-loss surgery, it’s important to know they’ll have an experienced team supporting them at every stage,” Ms Rewitt said.

“This accreditation gives patients added confidence in our program. It reflects the work our team puts into understanding each patient’s needs, helping them make informed decisions and supporting them well beyond their time in hospital.”

The hospital, which performed more than 100 weight-loss procedures in the past year, underwent a comprehensive review of its program to achieve accreditation. This included patient care before, during and after surgery, staff training, patient education, equipment, support services and reviewing how patients’ progress is monitored.

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital bariatric surgeon and visiting medical officer Dr Costa Karihaloo, who helped lead the program’s development and accreditation, said weight-loss surgery was one part of a broader approach to managing obesity.

“Weight-loss surgery is a significant decision, and patients need to understand what it involves, what it could mean for their health and the changes they’ll need to make afterwards,” Dr Karihaloo said.

“Our role is to help each patient decide whether surgery is right for them and give them the care, advice and ongoing support to make the most of their treatment.

“This accreditation recognises the strength of the team we’ve built at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and our commitment to helping patients achieve lasting improvements in their health, with care that extends well beyond the operating theatre.”

About Ramsay Health Care 

Ramsay Health Care is Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with a network of about 70 hospitals and day surgeries across Australia. Ramsay provides high-quality healthcare across a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, mental health and rehabilitation services, caring for millions of patients each year. 

Newcastle Airport has delivered a record year for the Hunter and regional NSW, with more than 1.3 million passengers travelling through the Airport as new domestic and international connections, major infrastructure investment and strong financial performance drove continued growth.

The Airport’s 2025–26 Annual Report shows that growth is translating into a stronger, more resilient airport, with continued investment in connectivity, infrastructure and the local community.

Key takeaways

• 1.3m+ passengers | New record | 10% growth 
• $56.0m revenue | 20.7% growth
• $9.7m net profit | 273% growth
• $83k invested in community sponsorships | 17% increase

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said FY26 has been an extraordinary year for the airport and the region. “We opened our new international terminal, added new routes, progressed our property development, set a new passenger record and delivered a strong financial result,” Mr Horton said.

“We’ve invested in the airport’s growth to give people across the Hunter more routes, more choice and better connections to where they want to go with support from Destination NSW for route incentives.

“We have a clear plan for sustainable growth and we’ve also put forward an accelerated growth plan to the State Government that could help deliver the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.

“A solid financial performance allows us to invest in growth while ensuring the airport remains financially sustainable over the long-term.”

Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the year’s achievements reflected a clear focus on strengthening the airport’s financial position while investing in the region’s future. “FY26 has been a significant year for Newcastle Airport,” Ms Martin-Williams said.

“We have delivered infrastructure for international connections, expanded our aviation network and strengthened and diversified our commercial portfolio.”

“These investments matter because of what they make possible, better connections for our communities, greater access to markets for business and more reasons for people to visit our region.” 

Linc said there was significant opportunity ahead as Newcastle Airport looked to build on the momentum of FY26. “The opportunity in front of us is huge and we will continue to unlock new opportunities for our region,” Mr Horton said.

“For us, that means continuing to grow Newcastle Airport and giving people across the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW more choice to travel where they want, when they want and at a reasonable price. We want to make travel easier and more convenient while staying true to who we are and the community we serve; connected, convenient and authentic.”

The full Newcastle Airport Annual Report is available at  newcastleairport.com.au.

#ENDS#

 FY26 at a glance

Record growth

• 1.3m+ passengers, a new record – 10% passenger growth 
• 152,000 additional airline seats
• 14,345 commercial flights

New connections

• Direct to Bali, Perth and Hobart
• Singapore via Denpasar

Strong financial performance

• $56.0m revenue – 20.7% growth
• $9.7m net profit – 273% growth
• $88.5m capital investment
• Revenue up more than 20% from FY25
• Net profit up from $2.6m in FY25

Passenger experience

• New international terminal.
• More natural light through arrivals and departures
• New food and beverage concepts & expanded retail offering.
• Continued focus on safe, reliable operations and quality passenger service.

Sustainability

• Australian first: first airport terminal to achieve 5-Star Green Star Buildings ‘As Built’ certification under the new rating tool.
• Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ Transition maintained for a second year demonstrating the Airport’s long-term commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future.
• Reduced waste to landfill through improved waste separation across the terminal.

Recognition

• Airport of the Year, 2026 Australian Aviation Awards, achieved in FY27
• Business of the Year, Business Hunter Awards
• Contribution to the Region, Business Hunter Awards
• Excellence in Sustainability, Business Hunter Awards
• Airport Excellence Award for Infrastructure, Australian Airports Association
• Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability, Australian Airports Association 

Regional story

• More choice and connectivity for the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW
• Supporting tourism, trade, investment and jobs.
• Commercial growth: Diversifying revenue while attracting investment, supporting jobs and creating long-term value for the region.

• Building a stronger, more diversified and resilient Airport
• Delivering the airport our region deserves.

A teenage boy has been hospitalised following a crash involving an e-bike crash at Lake Macquarie yesterday.

About 7pm (Tuesday 10 November 2026), police were called to the Five Islands Road Bridge, Teralba, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found an e-bike had crashed into a stationary car.

The rider of the e-bike – a 14-year-old boy – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

The driver of the car – a 48-year-old man – was uninjured and is assisting police with their inquiries.

The e-bike was seized for forensic examination, and police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

New South Wales Police will challenge Rising Tide in the Supreme Court today in an attempt to block the grassroots climate group from putting on a protest in Newcastle next week.

Dr Josh Pallas, Legal Director at Climate Defenders Australia, said:

Rising Tide has a long history of peaceful protests about the fossil fuel transition in the Hunter. We’re proud to support them in defending this application today.

This case is important for protest rights, as our client tries to have a short and safe protest on waters that carry Australian coal out of the country to be burnt offshore contributing to climate change and causing more intense extreme weather events.”

Rising Tide’s “Paddle for the Planet” event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026. It involves a paddle out into the Port of Newcastle – the largest coal port in the world – as well as family friendly events on shore at Horseshoe Beach. The protest calls for new jobs and funding for coal workers, and a safe and liveable climate for everyone. It’s separate from the group’s People’s Blockade flotilla which looks to actively disrupt the port.

On September 17 2026, Rising Tide filed a Form 1 Notice of intention to hold a public assembly, to notify police of the protest as required under NSW law. This allows police time to ensure sufficient resources are allocated to the event. However, instead of letting the process work and allowing the Form 1 protest to happen the NSW Commissioner of the Police has made an application to the Supreme Court to prohibit the public assembly.

While Chris Bowen is in Turkey playing a crucial role at COP31, and NSW parliament is debating a bill to overturn a High Court case about Mount Pleasant mine extension, the NSW Police Commissioner has initiated proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court to stop an entirely peaceful protest about the climate from going ahead. Surely there are better uses of taxpayer money than this?

Coal in the Hunter is a red hot issue right now. Instead of heaping coals on the fire, governments could be listening to the science and transitioning away from fossil fuels today. It’s no wonder people want to protest. And they should be allowed to.”

Rising Tide had followed up with police multiple times for a response to their Form 1, but it wasn’t until Thursday 5 November, a week before the event, that police filed the application to the Supreme Court opposing it, and a hearing was scheduled for Wednesday 11 November 2026.

We have prepared this case under extreme time pressure. The Commissioner sat on our client’s Form 1 Notice from 17 September until they commenced proceedings on 5 November. It’s hard to have a fair fight under these time constraints, but we are ready.

This is not how the government should be treating concerned citizens who want to peacefully protest about a political issue.”

Climate Defenders Australia have represented, and continues to represent, Rising Tide protesters in courts around the country.

We are optimistic that the court will side with our client and uphold protest rights,” Dr Pallas said.

Hunter Valley Police have charged a man after he left his driver’s licence at the scene of an alleged armed robbery at a bottle shop in the state’s Hunter region this afternoon.

Just before 1pm (Tuesday 10 November 2026), police were called to a bottle shop on Cessnock Road, Weston, after reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told an unknown man entered a store and allegedly threatened an employee – a 39-year-old woman – with knife while demanding money.

The man then left the store after allegedly stealing alcohol before leaving in a car.

The employee was not injured.

A crime scene was established, with officers locating and seizing a driver’s licence at the scene for forensic examination.

Following initial inquiries, Hunter Valley detectives arrested a 30-year-old man at a home on Aberdare Street, Kurri Kurri, about 1.30pm the same day.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.

Police will allege in court the man left his driver’s licence at the scene.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 11 November 2026).

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook and Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMS HEG) condemns Premier Chris Minns’ special law that puts the profits of a foreign-owned coal mining company ahead of the people of New South Wales and the ruling of Australia’s highest court. 
The NSW Government is expected to introduce legislation Tuesday or Wednesday, granting special permission for MACH Energy to increase its coal production at its Mount Pleasant mine by 32 per cent to 16.5 million tonnes per year until 2032, despite the fact that the Indonesian company’s expansion plans are tied up in the courts. 
Wendy Wales, President, DAMS HEG, a retired science teacher who lives next door to the Mount Pleasant mine, said : 
“The Minns Labor government has stepped in to help the Mount Pleasant coal expansion, invalidated in the NSW Court of Appeal and Australian High Court, by putting up new legislation and attempting to rush it through the parliament.
“What country is this? Where does the Premier Chris Minns think he is taking us? I doubt it is part of any Labor manifesto to cosy up to big business blatantly and use workers as a shield to write new laws which cover potential breaches.
“This company has made more than a billion dollars since 2022, if it has erroneously employed 400 workers, we think it can manage a generous recovery package for those wronged.”
Tony Lonergan, Treasurer, DAMS HEG, a retired science teacher and farmer whose family has worked land in the Upper Hunter for generations, said: 
“The NSW parliament has passed the Future Jobs and Investment Bill, intended to facilitate diversification of the economies of the state’s coal regions. The regulations still need to be developed and finalised, but this is an important step forward. However, at the same time the Minns government has overseen the approval of every mine expansion presented to it since it came to office. 
“In the case of Mt Pleasant, which has been before the courts since 2022, the Premier intends to legislate the approval of a six-year extension, to 2032, to mine not the original 10.5Mt/y, or the applied for 12.5Mt/y, but 16.5Mt/y. This is apparently to allow for the continued employment of 400 workers that the company took on to expand production after the NSW Court of Appeal invalidated the approval to mine 21Mt/y out to 2048 (a decision upheld in the High Court in Canberra). No details of this number of 400 have been given by the company or the government.
“The legal process needs to be respected and not overridden by new legislation. The transition to an economy of the future needs to be facilitated with more urgency, and the reality of the climate impacts of the coal industry on our children’s future taken seriously.”
Elaine Johnson, Director, Johnson Legal, the firm that represents DAMS HEG in the Court of Appeal and High Court, said: 
“The NSW Premier undermining a community group’s hard-fought win against a coal mining giant is plainly un-Australian. 
“Ordinary Australians are expected to abide by the law and follow the rules. Yet a foreign-owned coal company can apparently get the laws rewritten for a single project any time it likes.
“The matter is still before the courts. The original application to expand the mine is now back before the Land and Environment Court, as required by the High Court ruling. But in the meantime, the Government is trying to rush through extraordinary laws to undermine the court process at the request of the company. 
“This is a totally inappropriate use of the Parliamentary process and offends the separation of powers that underpins our constitutional democracy. The proper court process should be allowed to play out without political interference.”
DAMS HEG v MACH Energy will return to the Land and Environment Court for a hearing on December 8, after the community group’s success at the High Court. 

BACKGROUND
· The High Court dismissed MACH Energy’s appeal by a 3 to 2 majority on 7 October 2026. The 2022 approval for the Mount Pleasant expansion (to 21 million tonnes a year and 2048) remains invalid, and the matter returns to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
· The mine’s approvals are 10.5 million tonnes a year under the original consent (DA 92/97) and 12.5 million tonnes a year to 31 December 2032 under Modification 8, approved on 14 August 2026.
· The NSW Government announced on 19 October 2026 that it will introduce legislation in the next sitting fortnight to authorise 16.5 million tonnes a year until 2032, require MACH Energy to sign a Jobs Guarantee to keep its permanent workforce until 2032, and add guidance on Scope 3 emissions. It describes the Bill as a one-off for Mount Pleasant.
· The Government’s release refers to 400 jobs and also to 826 permanent workers and contractors at the mine. The Mining and Energy Union has said more than 700 jobs are affected.
· The Future Jobs and Investment Bill establishes a fund and a public authority to promote economic diversification in coal-dependent communities, and requires coal mine owners to provide transition support for workers when mines close. It passed the Legislative Council on Thursday 15 October with minor amendments and now returns to the Legislative Assembly.