Appeal to locate man missing from East Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region.

Stephen Hanks, aged 57, was last seen in East Maitland, about 8am on Monday 21 September 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Stephen’s welfare, as his disappearance is out of character.

Stephen is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of slim build, with brown hair.

He is known to frequent the East Maitland, Maitalnd and Stroud areas.

Stephen may also be driving a grey 2019 Isuzu MU-X with NSW registration plates HANK5.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NSW Government to provide funding for Beaumont Street CCTV trial

The Minns Labor Government will fully fund a CCTV trial on Beaumont Street in Hamilton, helping make one of Newcastle’s busiest precincts safer for local residents and business owners.

The Government will provide $230,000 in funding to City of Newcastle Council to enable the installation of CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street as part of a three-year trial.

The trial will address concerns from police following incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Those concerns have been felt particularly strongly following the tragic death of 22-year-old James Callahan, who was killed on Beaumont Street in November 2024.

City of Newcastle will lead the trial including installation of the cameras which are intended to deter crime, enhance public safety and provide reassurance to the local community.

They will also be an important tool to assist police in responding to incidents and in investigations, as well as informing targeted strategies to prevent crime in the area.

All NSW grants are awarded in accordance with eligibility criteria and program guidelines.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

There is nothing more important than community safety.

If there are tools we can provide to police to help keep our streets safe, we will absolutely do it.

Tim Crakanthorp has been pushing hard for this on behalf of his community, and we’ve listened to him, local residents, businesses and police.

Beaumont Street is an important part of Newcastle. Local businesses have had enough of anti-social behaviour on their doorstep and residents deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhood.

We can’t promise cameras will stop every crime, but we can give police every reasonable tool we can to keep people safe and hold offenders to account.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

This week in Parliament I’ve been knocking on doors, telling everyone how badly we need CCTV on Beaumont Street, including the Premier.

I am pleased to have secured this commitment for the Hamilton community.

This isn’t a nice to have, it’s a must have. We know how important this is for public safety and for the community.

I want to thank the Premier for not only hearing my calls but going above and beyond to fully fund this project.”

Full steam ahead on Hunter train manufacturing

Work to rebuild train manufacturing in the Hunter is underway, with the expression of interest now open for manufacturing firms to design and build the next fleet of NSW suburban passenger trains.
This kickstarts the Minns Labor Government’s $12 billion program to build a state-owned train manufacturing facility, which will shore up a 30-year pipeline of domestic train manufacturing in the Hunter, supporting hundreds of local jobs and rebuilding a capability that was sent offshore by the former government.
The program comes as the future of local train manufacturing again emerges as a clear policy difference in NSW. One Nation’s NSW leader Mike Newman has attacked the Government’s $12 billion investment and proposed an alternative model involving overseas technology partners and foreign state financing.
The Minns Labor Government’s plan is clear. Build trains here, rebuild the local workforce and supply chain, and create the certainty industry needs to invest in NSW for decades to come.
The new generation of trains will be the most advanced fleet ever built in NSW, featuring next-generation control system, advanced communication systems, remote diagnostics and fleet monitoring, enhanced interiors and accessibility, real-time journey updates, connection information and travel guidance.
Passengers can expect to see the first new locally built suburban trains, which will replace the famous Tangaras, operating in the early 2030s followed by the replacement of the Millennium and OSCAR fleets into the 2040s, and the Waratah fleet in the 2050s.
All manufacturers, local or international, will be required to support local manufacturing and jobs in accordance with the Minns Labor Government’s 50 per cent local content for rolling stock contracts.
The Hunter has a history of train manufacturing that dates back before federation. That history ended when the former Liberal government ordered all three of their fleets entirely from overseas.
The government is progressing assessments of the potential locations for the new state-owned train production facility, including a former coal mine at Teralba and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot near where the original Tangara fleet was manufactured. A final decision is expected before years end.
The Future Fleet Program is expected to support up to 780 workers in construction and approximately 550 ongoing jobs in the facility and supply chains.
Transport for NSW has actively engaged with the rail industry leading up to the EOI release, including at events this year in Sydney and Newcastle, to help businesses prepare for upcoming opportunities to reinvigorate local rail manufacturing.
The Government is already building capacity in the train manufacturing workforce in the Hunter with work on the Tangara Life Extension Program underway at the Cardiff rail facility, as well as in Sydney. This employs 100 new qualified workers and 20 apprentices.
The EOI is open until 10 November and is available here.: https://buy.nsw.gov.au/
Premier Chris Minns said:
“For a more than a century highly skilled workers built trains in the Hunter.
“There is a long and proud history of manufacturing trains here, and we’re ensuring that the next generation of Tangaras, Millenium, OSCAR and Waratah trains will be built right here in NSW.
“This EOI is the next step in bringing back hundreds of skilled jobs, boosting our domestic manufacturing capability and keeping billions of dollars in the pockets of workers and businesses right here in NSW.”
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“This is the beginning of 30 years of train building in the Hunter, and the decades of skilled jobs that will come with it.
“The Liberals said we were no good at building trains in NSW. History proves they were wrong, and so will the future.
“Labor is the only party that will bring these jobs back to the Hunter. The Liberals offshored them in the first place and One Nation’s knocking the plan to bring them back.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of bringing local manufacturing back to where it belongs, today releasing an Expression of Interest, where we ask manufacturers to show us what they can do.
“We’ve built high-quality trains in the Hunter for decades. We have the workers, we have the skills and we have the industrial capability which is why we’re creating a pipeline of work and securing our standing as a manufacturing powerhouse once again.
“The Liberals said we were no good at building trains and sent the jobs overseas. We’re bringing jobs back to the Hunter and proving them wrong.”
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“We’ve committed $12 billion to bring train manufacturing back to the Hunter and this is the next big step in making that a reality.
“The Hunter has a proud history of building trains, which is why we are incredibly pleased to be returning it to where it rightly belongs.
“This is not a one-off investment. This is the next chapter of a long-term pipeline of train building in NSW, and giving the next generation of Hunter workers the same opportunity those before them had.”
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:
“Our Minns Labor Government is re-building domestic manufacturing in NSW and bringing train manufacturing back to the Hunter is a crucial part of our plan.” 
“This is an important step in rebuilding our sovereign manufacturing capability. The capability will support local jobs and businesses, and deliver long-term economic benefits for NSW. 
“We are committed to leveraging our precious procurement dollars to support local content, local workers, and their communities.”
Transport Deputy Secretary Raquel Rubalcaba said:
“This Expression of Interest is a major milestone in delivering the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuild a sustainable rail manufacturing industry in New South Wales.”
“We are creating a decades-long pipeline of work that will support skilled jobs, strengthen local supply chains and provide certainty for industry to invest in capability and growth.”
“The strong engagement we have seen from industry demonstrates there is real appetite to be part of this transformational program, and we look forward to progressing the next stage of procurement.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:
“The first of these new suburban trains are expected to enter service in the early to mid 2030s, providing passengers with a modern fleet that is more reliable, accessible and comfortable.
“Having these trains designed, built and maintained in New South Wales will deliver long-term benefits for passengers and the network. It means we can draw on local expertise, respond more quickly to issues and ensure maintenance and parts support are readily available throughout the life of the fleet.”
“Building trains closer to where they operate creates a stronger connection between manufacturers, maintainers and operators, helping us continuously improve performance and reliability.”
“This program is an investment not only in the trains themselves, but in the capability needed to keep Sydney’s rail network running reliably for decades to come.”

Greens: Albanese Government must put Australia First and Reject Trump’s Extraordinary Interference

Responding to Donald Trump’s interference in Australia’s domestic legislation, Greens spokesperson for Communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Donald Trump is not our President and Big Tech are not our masters. Australians will not cop being bullied by Mr Trump and his tech bro mates.

“The intervention of the Trump administration into a domestic political debate in Australia is an extraordinary act of foreign interference and the Albanese Government needs to immediately reject it.

“Australians get to decide the laws of our country and how we protect our citizens from harm. For a foreign government to try and tell us what laws we can pass in our sovereign nation is an incredible overreach.

“Mr Trump might be used to trashing reason and convention in his own country, but we will not stand for the US trying to muscle in on Australian domestic policy.

“The Australian parliament can not be lectured on political censorship by a man who is locking journalists out when they do their job of holding him to account.

“The digital duty of care is not about censorship. It is about dealing with the harm created by addictive and dangerous technologies that have led to immense harm both in children and people of all ages.

“Freedom of choice is a cornerstone of democracy and a robust digital duty of care law will give all Australians the freedom to choose how they engage online.”

Aged care Senate inquiry hears Labor is denying rights to older people

Yesterday’s hearing of the Senate inquiry into Labor’s aged care ‘Support at Home’ program has heard more disturbing testimony of how the government is failing older people, denying them their right to care.

Support at Home is premised on the ideal of ‘rights based care.’ But, as pointed out in multiple submissions, the way care is rationed calls these ‘rights’ into question.

“Rights that exist in legislation but not in practice are not rights at all.” – Saviour Buhagair, Uniting NSW.ACT

Alternate to the government’s approach would be a ‘right to care.’ Rather than just guaranteeing rights once care has commenced, have a proactive right to receive essential aged care.

Labor continues to forge ahead with steep copayments, and the inquiry heard sharp criticism of the means testing for copayments from Professor David Cullen, former Chief Economist of the NDIA.

“The Support at Home means test is just economically illiterate.” – Professor David Cullen

Older people on the same income are paying significantly more or less depending on how much support they’re getting, which forces those with the highest needs into residential care. Professor Cullen calls this method of means testing a ‘stupid idea.’

The inquiry also heard more shocking evidence about the total inadequacy of support for older people with Motor Neurone Disease. The highest level of funding secures just two hours per day of care. Labor announced reforms to prioritise the delivery of care for those with MND, but hasn’t acted on the funding itself.

“Getting faster access to inadequate funding doesn’t solve the problem.” – Clare Sullivan, MND Australia

Worse, Labor’s broken aged care assessment tool is routinely underassessing those with MND. The highest level care, level 8, is still inadequate, but the assessment tool is often assigning recipients level 4 packages. This is approximately ten times less funding than they would receive on the NDIS. 

“The Integrated Assessment Tool is not working for people with MND. Our analysis shows no correlation between the packages that are allocated and their disease progression, their circumstance, their care needs. It just doesn’t marry up the assessments that people are getting to what we know they would need. And there’s no relativity in even the spread amongst them. It doesn’t make any sense and it doesn’t reflect what people need.” – Clare Sullivan, MND Australia

The Senate passed a Greens motion last month calling on the Integrated Assessment Tool to be abolished.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens Older People Spokesperson:

“The evidence proving that Labor’s aged care reforms are harming older Australians continues to pile up.

“Support at Home is rights-based in name only, and it’s past time Labor guaranteed a genuine right to care and an end to rationing.

“Copayments are denying care to the most vulnerable, and forcing them into the residential system or hospital.

“The Integrated Assessment Tool is broken and beyond fixing – the government needs to listen to the Senate and scrap it.

“Labor and the Minister are clearly out of their depth on aged care, and their ignorance and recklessness are hurting older people.”

Greens Call for Data Centre Moratorium Until Strong Framework Finalised

The ACT Greens will tomorrow move a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres until the ACT Government finalises a comprehensive framework that protects Canberra’s environment, resources, and communities.

“Around the world, we’re seeing data centres demand more power, more water, and more land, while local communities are left carrying the impacts,” said Laura Nuttall MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Air and Water.

“But Canberrans expect better, and as data centres become more prevalent, we have an opportunity to put the rules in place now to ensure they serve Canberra’s interests, so the community isn’t forced to pick up the tab later.

“If the Labor Government is dead set on approving more data centres, there are real-world, global examples of communities already making better use of waste heat for public benefit.

“In Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, Canada and France, data centre waste heat is being explored or already used to heat homes, buildings, pools and district heating networks. Waste heat reuse is a proven technology – it shouldn’t be dismissed as fanciful or unrealistic.

“Frankly, it’s really disheartening to see the word of the Chief Minister, one of the most politically powerful men in the territory, taken over that of the young woman MLA who’s actually done her research, listened to experts, and is the one who actually brought this motion to the table.

“Canberrans deserve a genuine debate about what we’re proposing, rather than the Labor Chief Minister’s bad faith AI-generated jabs presented as Greens gospel.

“The Chief Minister is shadow-boxing with a proposal nobody made. The only thing we’ve said is: if Big Tech companies profit from ACT land, water, and energy, Canberrans should share in the benefits.

“Government has already committed to creating a Data Centre Framework, but they also need to ensure clear and genuine community consultation, and most importantly, with Traditional Custodians.

“My motion calls on the Government to enact a temporary pause on all new data centres until this framework is in place and there are clear requirements established to protect households and the environment.

“This will ensure the government can include provisions in the framework to ensure that new data centres do not drive up water or energy costs for Canberrans, are fully powered by additional renewable electricity, and demonstrate clear benefits to the community,” said Miss Nuttall.

Australia launches bid for United Nations Security Council seat

At a time of global uncertainty and major challenges, Australia is an untiring advocate for peace and security. We understand that this is best achieved through international cooperation, which is why we are launching our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, to serve a two-year term from 2029 to 2030.

Australia is seeking a seat because a safer world is one governed by rules, not by power and force alone. Our priority is to work across continents and regions to prevent conflict, advance ocean and climate security, and promote peaceful, resilient and inclusive digital futures.

The UN Security Council is the world’s principal body for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we know too well, conflicts overseas can affect Australia’s security, economy and way of life.

A seat on the Security Council would give Australia a stronger voice in the decisions that affect Australians and our region.

As a member of the Security Council, Australia will amplify the views of small and mid-sized states and ensure decisions are informed by a wide range of positions.

Australia’s campaign will be guided by a simple approach: listening with respect, partnering as equals and protecting what matters most.

As a founding member of the UN and the first President of the Security Council, Australia has been a consistent voice advocating for global peace and security for more than 80 years.

If elected, Australia will support bold, practical reform to ensure the UN can continue to fulfil its important mission well into the future.

The UN General Assembly will elect 2029-2030 Security Council members in June 2028. Australia last served on the Council in 2013-2014.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The hopes of Australians are the hopes of people everywhere – to live in peace and to build a better future. That is the voice that Australia will bring to the security council.

“Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations – because we have always understood how important it is for small and mid-sized nations to have their voices heard on the challenges facing our world.

“Our vision is simple: We listen with respect, we partner as equals and we protect what matters most.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“A safer world is one governed by rules, not power and force alone. Australia’s vision is a world where all countries have the freedom to decide their own future.

“As an active and ambitious middle power, we have a practical contribution to make to international peace and security.

“Australia’s focus on the UN Security Council will be conflict prevention, the protection of civilians and defending the rules that protect us all.”

Ordinary Council Meeting 22 September 2026

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 September 2026. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business 

Financial Assistance Grant proposed methodology consultation

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to endorse City of Newcastle’s submission to the Local Government Grants Commission on proposed changes to the Financial Assistance Grant methodology and write to our local MPs asking them to make clear their position on the proposed methodology and the capacity of ratepayers to pay more to maintain current services.

Local Government Performance Ratios

Council voted unanimously to endorse a proposed submission into the NSW Office of Local Government’s review into Local Government Performance Ratios.

City of Newcastle development assessment performance 

Council noted City of Newcastle’s development assessment performance, including the determination of 1,018 development applications in 2025/26, ranking sixth in NSW by volume, with an average assessment time of 65 days.

Landslide Planning Proposal – Amendment Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012

Council voted unanimously to endorse the commencement of the planning proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to introduce a landslide risk assessment clause for land affected by the New Lambton landslide, including a Geotechnical Planning clause and Landslide Risk Map.

Endorsement of the public exhibition for Hexham and Woodberry swamp catchments flood study and adoption of the updated Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek flood study

Council voted unanimously to endorse the public exhibition of the draft Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments Flood Study 2026 for a minimum period of 28 days.

Endorsement of public exhibition for the draft Planning Agreement for 1 McIntosh Drive Mayfield West 

Council voted unanimously to endorse placing the draft Planning Agreement associated with the Steel River East battery energy storage system at 1 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2026 Local Government NSW Conference and nomination of delegates

Council voted unanimously to endorse the amended motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2026 Annual Conference and nominate Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, Cr Clausen, Cr Winney-Baartz, Cr Johnson, Cr Brooker, Cr Barrie and Cr Isherwood as voting delegates.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2026.

Offsite storage services

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for a 10-year contract for offsite storage services for City of Newcastle’s cultural collection, valued at more than $145 million and comprising 7,000 works of art.

Notices of Motion 

Recognising Meredith Laing 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge the passing of Meredith Laing, whose work made a significant contribution to and leaves a lasting impact on biodiversity and the environment in Newcastle and the Hunter.

Congratulating the Newcastle Knights on an historic NRL season 2026 and wishing them success in the Preliminary Final

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle formally congratulates the Newcastle Knights on their remarkable turnaround and success during the 2026 NRL season, reaching the Preliminary Finals.

Responding to new technology and privacy risks 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to request the CEO work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle owned facilities to establish a technology-neutral framework within their conditions of entry addressing the use of wearable surveillance and recording technology.

New wave of lifeguards helping to turn the tide at Newcastle beaches

The number of female lifeguards on patrol at Newcastle’s beaches and Ocean Baths will reach an all-time high this summer thanks to City of Newcastle’s innovative trainee program.

Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker will become the latest recruits to transition from a traineeship to the professional ranks when the new summer beach patrol season kicks off on Saturday.

Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachLifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachThe pair successfully completed last season’s six-week trainee program, where they worked alongside experienced mentors during the busy summer holidays.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the initiative is helping to make a positive change.

“Women now account for around 40% of our lifeguards, with more and more girls applying to be part of the trainee program every year,” Ms Duffy said.

“We know some Councils are struggling to fill lifeguard roles because it’s a seasonal job that requires a unique set of skills. 

“Our program helps us maintain a dedicated team of professional lifeguards who have comprehensive knowledge of our beaches and our procedures.

“The innovative trainee initiative launched in 2021 and so far every participant has come back to City of Newcastle to work as a professional lifeguard in some capacity.

“Applications for this summer’s trainee program close on 6 October, with four high school students being offered the chance to gain hands-on experience.”

The trainee program is delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving and was the first program of its kind in NSW.

Currently completing their Higher School Certificates, Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker already have impressive resumes.

Sutherland took out the Under 17 female ironperson title at the NSW Championships in March, while Bowker was part of the team that won the Under 19 ski relay title.

Both lifeguards say they’re excited about the prospect of launching their careers at the beach.

“I wanted to apply for the casual lifeguard role because the trainee program allowed me to create so many valuable friendships,” Ms Sutherland said.

“I developed so many new skills and had amazing learning experiences that I hope to keep building on this season.”

“I decided to apply for the casual position because I really enjoyed my traineeship and working with such a friendly team,” Ms Bowker said.

“I gained valuable insights into the role across morning and afternoon shifts, developing my understanding of beach operations and confidence in handling different situations.”

Lifeguard patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at three beaches and Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Ms Duffy said recent tragic incidents in Newcastle and on the Mid North Coast were a reminder to always follow key water safety rules.

“When you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, you should never swim alone, always swim between the red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards for advice about conditions and if you’re in trouble, put your hand up and yell for help,” Ms Duffy said.

Swimmers will also be welcomed back to City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield on Saturday, following the reopening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in August,

City of Newcastle is expecting another busy season at the pools, which attracted more than 537,000 visits during the 2025/26 season, highlighting their importance as destinations for family-friendly recreation and reinforcing their role in supporting community wellbeing and social connection.

The winter break provided an important period for essential maintenance activity with City of Newcastle completing a range of works across the network including safety upgrades, painting of non-slip surfaces and plumbing repairs.

There was a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield, while Stockton’s bench seating was replaced.

Security improvements were carried out at Wallsend, while the 50-metre pool was emptied to enable floor tile repairs and the replacement of expansion joints.

A detailed inspection of the pool shell was also carried out, while pipe fittings were replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.

Minns Government’s far western flight subsidies to continue

The Minns Labor Government is backing communities in far Western NSW by extending the Western Air Services Subsidy for another year to keep affordable, reliable air services flying to Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar.

The subsidy, which was due to expire in November this year, will now continue through to November 2027, ensuring people living in some of NSW’s most remote communities can stay connected to essential services, jobs and larger regional centres.

The Minns Labor Government is also looking beyond the immediate extension, working with Far North West regional councils to develop longer-term arrangements for air services beyond November 2027.

Covering an area of more than 111,000 square kilometres, the Western Air Services Subsidy makes it easier for Western NSW residents to access health care, education, emergency services and business opportunities, while staying connected with family and friends.

Under the agreement, FlyPelican operates six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, while Air Link operates eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.

A survey conducted by the Far North West Joint Organisation found 94 per cent of residents and stakeholders consider the flights critical, with health care and medical travel the most common reason for using the service at 35 per cent.

The survey also found the flights are saving passengers on average up to seven hours for a one-way trip compared with road travel.

Residents, businesses, visitors, doctors, specialists, nurses, social workers, trades and other essential workers use the flights to travel to and from these communities.

The subsidy is funded through the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust, which invests in projects that improve transport, liveability, economic opportunity and services across regional NSW.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Reliable air services are helping keep Western NSW communities connected to the people, services and opportunities that matter most.

“For people in Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar, these flights make it easier to access health care, education, jobs, business opportunities and stay connected with family and friends.

“Extending this subsidy gives communities greater certainty and confidence, while supporting the strong regional connections that help Western NSW thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to continue supporting these vital services and investing in the future of communities across Western NSW.”