Newcastle Council To Consider Banning Smart Glasses

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

Newcastle councillors are pushing a motion to ban smart glasses from council facilities, including pools and ocean baths. 

The increased popularity of the glasses with secret imbedded cameras has sky rocketed, with retail stores such as Kmart selling them at cheap prices. 

The spike has prompted many officials to harbour concerns around safety and privacy in public spaces, especially that of women and children. 

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said she understands the concerns of the community as a mother herself

"It just feels insurmountable to sort of address this on your own and to take responsible measures around what you can control as an individual to protect yourself, protect you kids, especially if you're quite vulnerable in the community," she said. 

The motion, being put forward by herself and councillors Declan Clausen, Peta Winney-Baartz, Paige Johnson and Elizabeth Adamczyk, will look to prohibit the use of wearable technology in council buildings and facilities. 

The notice of motion requests Council "work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle (CN) owned facilities, including Beresfield childcare centre, CN swimming centres, ocean baths and sporting facility change rooms". 

However, the motion does note some people do use the technology as a method of assistance, including those who are visually impaired. 

"There are people out there in the community who use smart glasses as assistive technology and for them it's life changing," said Cr Richardson. 

"But, as we know, historically with the use of technology, the onus has been on the individual to use it ethically and responsibly. 

"And, we know that doesn't always happen." 

Council will discuss the matter at Tuesday night's Ordinary Council Meeting. 

Pictures: Meta, City of Newcastle

BREAKING! Tenambit Home Destroyed In Fierce Overnight Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a home at Tenambit overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 15 triple zero calls to a medium-sized single level brick and tile house in Lavinia Close, with the first crew arriving just after 12.30am today (Friday 18 September 2026) to find the property engulfed in flames.

Five fire trucks and an aerial appliance responded to the blaze.

Around 20 firefighters fought the flames for almost 4 hours, unable to enter the property due to the intensity of the blaze.

The roof collapsed at the height of the fire, with the property reduced to a pile smouldering rubble.

All the occupants have been accounted for and an investigation will get under way to determine how the fire started.  

 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Jesmond Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

Police have advised Darren has been located.

They've thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing from Jesmond.

57-year-old Darren Daley was last seen in Michael Street at about 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2026) and there are concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia and a number of medical conditions.

He's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a beard.

Darren was last seen wearing a green/khaki jacket, purple jumper, black tracksuit pants, black sneakers and a Koori Knockout hat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing Man Darren Daley

Port Stephens Jet Ski Restrictions To Return This Summer

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A restriction on powered vessels along popular Port Stephens swim spots will be put in place this summer after a successful trial run.

From 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, three locations at Port Stephens put in restrictions preventing powered vessels, including jet skis, from operating within 30 metres of the shoreline. 

Dutchman's Beach, Fly Point and Shoal Bay were included in the trial, with clear signage installed at the sites and launch points. 

An evaluation report has since been released, showing more than 85 per cent of residents, visitors and powered vessel users were in support of the initiative. 

Throughout the trial, there were no cases of powered vessels observed speeding near the shoreline at the restricted areas. 

Stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered watercraft activity increased substantially in the powered vessel free zones as well. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the results of the trial speak for themselves. 

"The results from last season are overwhelmingly supportive and positive," she said. 

"What we saw was a reduction in conflicts and a much safer, calmer summer." 

NSW Maritime Executive Director Nicole Watts echoed the MP's statements. 

"Port Stephens is one of our state's most popular waterways and this trial is about keeping everyone safe while enjoying the water," said Ms Watts. 

"With zones in place at the same locations this summer, there are still extensive areas across Port Stephens where powered vessels can operate safely and responsibly." 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison in Port Stephens. Picture: Ian Crouch

Police Search For Alleged Sexual Touching Offender In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to track down a man accused of sexually touching a girl on a bus in the Hunter this week.

Three girls were travelling on a bus from Rotary Park at Kurri Kurri to Cessnock Road at Gillieston Heights on Wednesday September 9 just before 4.00pm when an unknown man allegedly touched one of the girls on the hip and thigh.

The girl wasn't injured.

The man's described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 40's or 50's with a medium to large build and short grey hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with a white logo on the front and white writing on the sleeve, grey tracksuit pants and white Nike joggers,

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Police want to speak to this man about an alleged sexual touching incident.

 

Newcastle Ocean Photographer Crowed Best Of The Best

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle-based photographer Matty Smith has won the global 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category with his beautiful snaps of marine wildlife. 

The winning pic is a black-and-white portrait of a nurse shark, flanked by remoras in perfect formation. 

Mr Smith received the accolade from the Australian National Maritime Museum, with his images to be on display from November 19. 

There were 10 Australian or Australian-based photographers nominated as finalists in the competition, with more than 15,000 images entered from around the world. 

Mr Smith said he knew the nurse shark photograph would be a winner. 

"The planets aligned at the end of a late afternoon dive in the Maldives," he recalled. 

"Upon ascending from the depths, I crossed paths with this beautiful tawny nurse shark bathed in ethereal evening light.

"I instantly knew it would make a great black and white shot." 

Picture: Matty Smith

In addition to his category winning image, Mr Smith also had a second picture which received highly commended in the Wildlife category. 

The image shows Southern elephant seal pups exploring shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands. 

Picture: Matty Smith 

Search Under Way For Teen Missing From Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

16-year-old Kobi Hughes was last seen at Thornton on Wednesday September 2nd.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build and short light brown hair.

Kobi is known to frequent the Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton and Erina areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

 

Lithium Ion Battery Suspected In Fierce Townhouse Fire At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police and fire investigators are looking into whether an e-bike left on charge was responsible for a devastating townhouse fire at Mayfield overnight.

Eight fire trucks and around 50 firefighters were called to the row of Department of Housing townhouses in Elizabeth Street just before 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 September to find one two level unit engulfed in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was inside the unit at the time and 10 occupants from the complex were safely evacuated without injury.

It took about an hour to bring the blaze under control, with crews remaining on scene until just after midnight to mop up and make the area safe.

Fire investigators will arrive on Thursday morning to confirm the cause of the fire.

While the blaze was confined to one unit, there are concerns about the structural integrity of the remaining townhouses.

 

Transportation Revolutionised with Opening of Long-Awaited M1 Extension

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will open on Friday 10 September, marking the completion of Hunter's largest road infrastructure project.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He said the project will revolutionise travel across the East Coast.

"When this road opens in less than 48 hours, we will have no traffic lights all the way from Melbourne right up to Coffs Harbour and later this year you'll be able to go to the Queensland border," he said.

Planning for the $2.24 billion dollar project began in 2004, with major construction finally beginning in 2023.

The project provided employment to over 2700 workers, over 70 per cent of whom hailed from the Hunter.

Works wrapped up recently, over a year ahead of the original schedule.

The 15 kilometre corridor will bypass existing local roads, removing around 25,000 vehicles from notoriously congested chokepoints around Hexham and saving nine minutes during peak traffic.

Infrastructure Minister Catharine King said the project will provide much-need relief for local motorists.

"This takes out five sets of traffic lights, and of course removes a really significant pinch point that has been the bane of the local community for some time," Minister King said.

Included are additional interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, alongside a 2.6 kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and surrounding floodplains.

Prime Minister Albanese said the project means a lot to him personally. 

"I'm named after my cousin who was four years old who died on the Pacific Highway just before I was born back in 1963," Mr Albanese said.

"The tragedies that have occurred on the Pacific Highway up and down is something that drove me to be very passionate about fixing the Highway."

Tim Crakanthorp, Catharine King, Kate Washington, Jenny Aitchison, Anthony Albanese, Meryl Swanson, and Sharon Claydon. Picture: Ian Crouch

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good news!

14-year-old Xavier Powrie has been found. Police have thanks the media and the public for their assistance. 

 EARLIER:

A search is under way for a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Xavier Powrie was last seen on Marshall Avenue on Tuesday September 1 and he hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a thin build, short curly hair in a rats tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

It's believed he may be wearing a black hoodie and track pants and is known to frequent the Metford and East Maitland areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Xavier Powrie

 

Police Release CCTV Footage Of Alleged Getaway Driver In Commonwealth Hotel Armed Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released CCTV footage of a man and a vehicle which they believe were involved in the violent armed robbery on the Commonwealth Hotel at Cooks Hill two years ago.

Last week, 37-year-old John Jarrett and 32-year-old Marley Tiopira were each gaoled for a maximum of 7 years after storming the pub in the early hours of February 28, 2024 armed with a machete and baseball bat respectively.

It's alleged a getaway driver assaulted a cleaner before all three men escaped with $125,000 in a white Mercedes A190 hatchback with damage on the rear left side passenger door.

The third man was wearing a hooded jumper, baseball cap, tracksuit pants and black shoes with a distinctive while mark or stain on the right shoe.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries

 

New One Nation Leaders Revealed in the Lead Up to NSW Election

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Former NSW Trade Commissioner Mike Newman is set to lead One Nation at the upcoming NSW state election.

His candidacy was confirmed by Pauline Hanson at a Singleton press conference on Friday, which also saw Stuart Bonds announced as the leader for the upper house ticket.

He will be contesting Clayton Barr's seat of Cessnock, which has traditionally been a safe seat for Labor.

Mr Newman said he is living in the region, but refused to comment whether he is located in Cessnock or the Lower Hunter specifically. 

He's running on a pro-business and free trade platform, citing his credentials as a trade bureaucrat and investment banker.

"When I was the NSW Senior Trade Commissioner, the one message that I gave to all of our ministers and bureaucrats was NSW is the least friendly place to do business," he said.

"I had one Korean customer say to me 'NSW lacks the hunger spirit'".

His proposed policies to make NSW more competitive include cutting payroll tax, ending net-zero initiatives, and reducing the number of bureaucrats in the state.

Pauline Hanson said she has full faith in Mr Newman to to lead her party to success

"Mike is passionate about this next election, he's got a lot to offer and a lot to say," she said.

"His policies will actually put both the Labor Party and the Coalition on notice that the people of NSW have had enough of the direction they've been taken in".

Maitland Labor MP Jenny Aitchison has already come out swinging against One Nation's new prospects, criticising Stuart Bond's statements regarding train manufacturing in the Hunter.

"One Nation talks a big game about Australian jobs, but when we bring those jobs home their answer is to suggest we send that work back overseas," she said

Mr Bonds slammed the state government's train manufacturing plan in a social media post, suggesting that trains could be procured at a lower price from Korean manufacturers.

The New South Wales state election is scheduled for March 13, 2027.

Barnaby Joyce, Pauline Hanson, Mike Newman, and Stuart Bonds. Picture: Ian Crouch

Community Not Thrilled Over Updated Ocean Baths Plans

 BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Community groups are still concerned over proposed updates to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, as Council reveals updated plans. 

After significant community backlash on Council's proposed design of the historic structure, an updated design of the Bath's Stage 2 redevelopment has been released. 

The new plans will now include a kiosk, accessible ramps and a more open layout.

The changing rooms will be relocated closer to the accessible parking spaces with an additional access ramp.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said he's pleased to see such strong feedback from the community.

"The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a much-loved part of our city, so it's only natural that people have passionate views about their future," he said.

"They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity."

However, community group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) are still calling for alterations to the newly released plans.

The pavilion's roof has been a major point of contention between council and the group, who have actively pushed for open-air change rooms. 

In response, Council has altered the design to feature a simplified glass roof and glazed finish which will "float" above the building as an attempt to maximise natural light.

FONOB President Peter Wickham said the new roof is a good start but still covers the entire building.

"It doesn't give that really direct feel of sunlight and views of the sky and that wonderful sense of being outdoors that you get in the current change rooms," he said.

"Hearing the sounds of the people outside and hearing the ocean pounding, that's a unique experience of Newcastle Ocean Baths."

He also said the notion is echoed by the community but has been ignored.

"3,000 people on a petition that we presented to Council around 12 months ago certainly expressed that feeling," he said.

"It's an integral part of the cultural practice of Newcastle Ocean Baths."

Another issue with the new design is the continued inclusion of a commercial cafe.

Following significant community concerns around the commercial premises, the cafe will see a reduction in size and be included in the design alongside a kiosk.

Peter Wickham said although the kiosk is welcomed, the cafe infringes on public property.

"We don't know whether it's gonna be an 80-seat cafe or a 90-seat cafe, it's unclear at this stage," he said.

"For example, on the upper promenade there's still a strip reserved for the cafe patrons.

"We believe that in a heritage listed public place, that's unacceptable to take that away from the public. 

"We question why a state-owned listed public swimming facility really needs that level of commercialisation at all."

He added the cafe hasn't proven to be successful in actuality.

"We haven't seen the evidence that the business case that it's viable," he said.

"We don't believe that public space should be surrendered unnecessarily to support a commercial operation."

 A public submission period will begin in late August, which Mr Wickham said they'll use to advocate against the new design.

"Once that period starts, we'll certainly be encouraging people to put in a submission for that Revised DA," he said.

"If you go anything by what happened last night [August 18] at the actual council chambers, my headcount of people in the chamber last night was at least 40. 

"I know that a number of people were turned away at the doors because of lack of space. 

"So people are still very interested."

Council said they're hoping once the DA is approved, to award a construction tender in mid-2028.

Updated render of Newcastle Ocean Baths facade. Picture: City of Newcastle

Nelson Bay Road To Receive Massive $275 Million Overhaul

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

The state government has revealed a $275 million upgrade plan for Nelson Bay Road, aiming to make the route safer and more efficient.

With preliminary works expected to begin next year, the first stage will build a four-lane road in the 2.8 kilometre stretch between Bobs Farm and Salt Ash.

It will support travel to Port Stephens via Richardson Road, which is expected to grow following the completion of the M1 to Raymond Terrace expansion.

The second stage then focuses on duplicating eight kilometres of road from Fern Bay to Williamtown, improving accessibility to Newcastle Airport and the surrounding areas.

Finally, the third stage will deliver additional safety measures across the improved sections of road.

It replaces the former Coalition Government's contentious Bobs Farm-to-Williamtown bypass proposal, which was declared to be unworkable by a Transport NSW review due to engineering and agricultural concerns. 

Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the three-staged plan is a major step forward. 

"What we're giving the community now is a realistic, achievable plan to ensure that this road can be duplicated in a way that provides the safety upgrades that we need, but also improves connectivity, reduces congestion and looks at the sensitive agricultural and other lands around this area," she said.

Nelson Bay Road has a notorious reputation for crashes, with Transport for NSW statistics recording 115 incidents between 2020 and 2024.

Two fatalities have been recorded on the road this year, however the corridor between Anna Bay and Salamander Bay where both crashes occurred is not within the project's scope.

The timeline for the project remains uncertain, with the new plan yet to be submitted for federal government review.

Jenny Aitchison said it aims to right the wrongs of the prior Liberal-Nationals Government, and deliver improvements which serve the community.

"We had a lost decade in Newcastle and the Hunter, where plans were put on ice for over 10 years, not progressed, because they wouldn't engage with local representatives who were democratically elected by their communities," she said.

Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison discussing plans with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp. Picture: Ian Crouch

State Government Set to Tackle Calvary Mater Mould

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Critical infrastructure failures at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital are set to be addressed under a new State Government plan.

NSW Health has announced a taskforce to manage critical asset remediation at the hospital, addressing building condition, maintenance, and critical safety failures.

The Mater has faced constant controversy after accusations of mould in the cancer ward surfaced, alleging fungal infections had caused several fatalities over a 20-year period.

A lengthy parliamentary inquest uncovered evidence of corruption and cover-ups, recommending an immediate termination of the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP).

NSW Health announced $12.5 million for emergency remediation work earlier this year, replacing external cladding to prevent water leaks into the hospital.

Current works are expected to be complete by mid-2027.

Health Minister Ryan Park claims the inaction of NovaCare, the hospital's parent company, forced the state government to intervene.

"Earlier this year, we formed the view that we could no longer wait for NovaCare to act, and we stepped in to rectify the cladding and undertake cleaning -- some of which has already been completed," he said.

"We also undertook a building condition report to help identify more long-term structural issues which will help guide further rectification moving forward."

The report examined 1172 assets throughout the facility, finding 305 had defects and required intervention.

Included was an audit into the Mater's dysfunctional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, which is believed to be a key cause of continuous mould and maggot infestations.

The health taskforce is set to conduct additional remediation work based on the report's findings, with a major focus on mitigating mould and moisture risks.

Discussions regarding future of Calvary Mater and the PPP are still ongoing.

Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah. Picture: University of Newcastle. 

$2.5b Tomago Investment Saves Thousands of Jobs

 BY OLI GOELDNER

More than 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs have been secured, with a deal finally struck over the continuation of Tomago Aluminium smelter. 

In a visit to the site on Thursday, the Prime Minister spoke to hundreds of workers and local union members, confirming the federal and state government had agreed to invest $2.5 billion into the smelter over the next decade. 

Owning company Rio Tinto announced in October 2025, the smelter would likely have to close as it was unable to secure a competitive electricity contact. 

Now, the funding will continue operations beyond the facility's scheduled closure on 31 December 2028. 

As part of the deal, Tomago Aluminium agreed to invest at least $1.1 billion into the facility, including $100 million to drive further decarbonisation activities at the smelter and undertake an innovative demand-response to support the NSW grid. 

The state government's contribution is capped at $1.225 billion over 10 years from 2029. 

The smelter is the country's largest single electricity user, taking up more than 10 per cent of the NSW grid alone.

Anthony Albanese said the joint investment will underpin nearly three gigawatts of new renewable generation and firming capacity. 

"This site isn't just important for Newcastle and the Hunter, it's a critical asset for the country and our manufacturing future," he said. 

"To the workers here, what you do strengthens our country and strengthens our resilience. 

"Aluminium is an essential product and will be even more into the future."

NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the Prime Minister's statements. 

"The Hunter has powered NSW and helped build this country for generations," said Premier Minns. 

"This agreement is about making sure it remains an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse for generations to come." 

Electrical Trades Union NSW/ACT organiser Brad McDougall said the announcement comes as an enormous relief to workers. 

"Thousands of families rely on Tomago," he said. 

"This announcement finally gives them confidence that there's a future for them in the Hunter.

"The local community has been campaigning tirelessly for the smelter to be protected, and today that hard work has finally paid off." 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with (L-R) NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, Cessnock MP Clayton Barr and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington. Picture: Ian Crouch

Hunter Councils to Receive Urgent Financial Relief

BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Hunter councils are set to benefit from a proposed federal government plan to provide financial assistance for local governments.

Labor's National Conference voted to support a Local Government Federation Compact, which would include an increase in grants, flexible road funding, and support for council workforce programs.

Upper Hunter Mayor Maurice Collison has welcomed the plan, which comes after years of campaigning from regional councils.

"It was a great relief," he said.

"All the councils, and especially the councils from the bush, have been fighting for this for a long, long time, and it will make a big difference."

Federal funding for councils has steadily decreased since the 1990s, with Commonwealth taxation revenue for grants being halved across successive governments.

The financial strain is particularly felt in large rural councils, which have massive infrastructure bills and relatively fewer ratepayers.

"We've got a big shire of 8,000 something square kilometres, with 2,000 kilometres of roads," said Cr Collison. 

"So roads, every time we do a community strategic plan or community feedback, it's all to do with roads."

The Labor Conference also proposed renewable energy projects should make payments to hosting councils and communities.

Upper Hunter Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan said renewable projects are disproportionally built in rural areas, bringing heavy traffic and increased strain on local services.

Despite the promised relief, Cr Collison argues regional councils need further assistance to stay afloat.

"We've been offered the Christmas present, but we haven't got the paper off it yet," he added. 

"So, let's just wait till it comes. 

"We've been crying out for more support.

"The bush councils just can't keep going on hitting the ratepayer." 

Upper Hunter Shire Council Building. Picture: Upper Hunter Shire Council

Police Launch Appeal To Find Teenage Girl Missing From Camberwell

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing in the Upper Hunter.

15-year-old Eelaylah Roberts was last seen on Glennie Street at Camberwell on the evening of Friday August 7 and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build and long brown hair and is believed to frequent the Rutherford and Singleton areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Eelaylah Roberts

 

BREAKING! Yachtsman Escapes After Vessel Explodes Off Vales Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

A yachtsman has managed to jump clear of his vessel after it exploded in flames last night in southern Lake Macquarie.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews were called to Vales Point just before 9.00pm to find a 30 foot yacht on fire about 350 metres from shore.

The yacht's owner, who was the only person on board, managed to swim to shore and wasn't injured.

An RFS boat, Marine Rescue, Water Police and PolAir were all sent to the scene.

Despite the efforts of firefighters, the vessel burnt to waterline and sank.

RFS crews at the scene were told as many as 5 explosions occurred when the vessel went up in flames.

A salvage operation is expected to get under way this morning. 

The cause of the blaze is yet to be confirmed. 

 

An RFS boat was called in to fight the fire

 

Footage Released of Newcastle Light Rail Near Misses

BY OLI GOELDNER 

Newcastle Transport is urging residents to pay attention when around trams, following another year of near misses. 

CCTV footage released today shows a number of alarming close calls from pedestrians and vehicles near the Newcastle light rail over the past 12 months. 

Local tram driver Victoria Tonks said it can be very stressful, especially at peak times when the platform is crowded or when people are rushing to cross the road in front of a moving tram.

“Just a moment of distraction could have serious consequences," said Ms Tonks. 

"It’s terrifying when someone runs in front of you or jumps down onto the tracks." 

Keolis Hunter General Manager Arsene Durand-Raucher said the footage is a stark reminder of the risks people take around trams. 

The calls come alongside Rail Safety Week, being held until Sunday 17 August. 

“Every near miss leaves a lasting impact – not just for the person involved, but also for our tram drivers, staff and customers,” Mr Durand-Raucher said.

“We’ve been operating the light rail for more than seven years, and yet we continue to see some incredibly dangerous behaviour by both motorists and pedestrians.

“We continually see people jumping onto the tracks or running in front of moving trams, putting themselves and others at serious risk. 

"Emergency braking can result in falls for onboard passengers which can have life altering consequences.

Mr Durand-Raucher advised commuters should wait behind the white line on the platform, always cross at designated crossings and avoid rushing for closing doors. 

Footage of the incidents can be found on the 2NURFM Facebook page. 

A near miss from an attempted stunt at the Civic light rail stop. Picture: Newcastle Transport