Beaumont St CCTV Funding Missed Due To Council Delays

BY NICHOLAS KING

Months of delays and postponing have resulted in the City of Newcastle (CN) missing a vital opportunity to secure funding for the installation of nine CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street.

The NSW Government's Safer Cities grant program opened for applications on January 30 to provide funding to local councils for projects intended to improve public safety, including measures like CCTV in public spaces.

Despite community calls for the surveillance for more than a year, CN failed to endorse the project in time to submit an application.

A formal motion to support a trial for CCTV was tabled for the council's meeting in February, but the vote was repeatedly pushed back to April.

Applications for the grant closed on March 6.

CN submitted an application to the Active Regional Communities Grant program instead, which was not successful. 

Meanwhile, Central Coast Council received $2 million under the Safer Cities program for a similar CCTV rollout. 

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Jenny Barrie has criticised the state government's denial of their application, questioning why the Central Coast Council received the funding. 

However, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp shut down Cr Barrie's comments.

"It [CN's application] probably didn't fit the criteria as well as it would have for the Safer Cities grant," he said. 

"Council had to be dragged kicking and screaming to act on CCTV. 

"They said they would debate it at their first meeting of 2026, then it became the first quarter, then it became the second quarter.

“If we had a cooperative council, including Jenny Barrie, from day dot, we could have CCTV installed already.”

In response to Mr Crakanthorp's comments, CN councillor Callum Pull said the MP is misleading the public.

"When Tim Crakanthorp was a Councillor he not only opposed the installation of CCTV but he and his Labor colleagues made it the formal position of the Council to not support council-run CCTV," said Cr Pull.

"Not only did he close the door but locked it behind him. 

"It was not until 2026 that thanks to the efforts of Councillor Barrie the formal position of Council changed. 

"Council did in fact apply for the grant Mr Crakanthorp refers to and was once again knocked back. 

"The BIA and Council have been identifying strategies to tackle Crime in Beaumont Street through initiatives like the Hamilton Safety Audit, but his Government have been either unsupportive or failed to provide the resources needed to implement them.

"What residents can take away from this is that when Tim Crakanthorp says the NSW Government will fund something, what he really means is that we can send in an application to a grants’ program and we might or might not get it. 

"At no point over the past few months has Tim ever said that there is an asterisk beside the Government’s support for the installation of CCTV. 

"This is yet another lame attempt from Tim Crakanthorp to deflect blame."

Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Hamilton Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for two men over a brazen armed robbery at Hamilton.

Around 2.00am today (Tuesday 12 May 2026) it's alleged the pair entered a service station on Tudor Street, one of them armed with a screwdriver.

Police say the armed man threatened the attendant before the pair stole money and cigarettes and left the store.

The worker wasn't injured during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

They're asking anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the pair to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

  

Fire Forces Evacuation of Hamilton Restaurant

 BY IAN CROUCH

Six people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Chinese restaurant at Hamilton.

Newcastle Fire Command says seven trucks from Newcastle, Carrington, Lambton and Merewether were sent to the Beaumont Street restaurant just before 8.30pm on Wednesday 15 April, 2025 to reports of a fire in the kitchen.

Three crews with hoses took just over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze which was confined to the kitchen area.

No-one was injured.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

 

Local Push for Fare Gates at Hamilton Train Station

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Newcastle councillor Jenny Barrie will be pushing for fare gates to be installed at Hamilton Train Station. 

In a December council meeting, NSW Police identified a need for Opal gates to help combat rising anti-social behaviour near the station.

It's believed the violent behaviour has surged in the area, as a result of an Opal gates installation at Newcastle Interchange.

With gates now at the Interchange, fare evaders are now targeting Hamilton Train Station, as it's now the last ungated train station before the Newcastle CBD, according to Cr Barrie. 

Cr Barrie alongside fellow councillors Joel Pringle and Paige Johnson have co-signed a motion to be presented at tonight's council meeting asking for the immediate installation of the gates.

Councillors will vote on whether to advocate for the installation, as decisions on Opal gates lie with the State Government.

If the motion is successful, Council will write to the state's Transport and Shadow Transport Ministers, The Hon. John Graham and Natalie Ward MLC.

Cr Barrie said the community is eager to advocate further for more safety measures in the area.

"The Hamilton community and Safety Committee really want to do some more advocacy to the Transport Minister," she said.

"The police feel it's one part of a prevention strategy and of course a disruption mechanism to reduce un-lawful, anti-social behaviour."

She went further to state the gates would serve as a major first step in improving safety across the  Hamilton area. 

"We just want activity to become safer for everybody," she said.

"Everything we wanna do is [rooted in] putting events on and getting the community thriving again, [like] utilising the library space for more events.

"We feel that Opal gates is the starting point."

Picture supplied. 

Teen Boys Face Court Over Pursuit At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged two teenage boys after a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car at Hamilton overnight.

Around 10.00pm on Thursday 13 November 2025, a routine patrol spotted a white Isuzu MUX on Hassell Street.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from a home in Cameron Park the day before.

The officers began pursuing the SUV when it failed to stop for them.

The pursuit continued through Hamilton before coming to a stop in a Hassell Street car park where four occupants got out and ran off.

Police arrested two boys aged 14 and 15 a short time later and seized the vehicle for forensic testing.

The boys were taken to Newcastle Police Station where the older boy was charged with engage in police pursuit and breach of bail.

The younger boy was charged with being carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner, and breach of bail.

Both have been refused bail to face a children's court today (Friday 14 November 2025).

  

 

 

Two Riders Critically Injured In Separate Crashes In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man and woman remain in Intensive Care in the John Hunter Hospital following separate crashes overnight involving an E-Bike and a motorcycle in Newcastle.

Police say just after 10.00pm on Wednesday 22 October, a 26-year-old woman was riding an E-Bike on Cowper Street North at Carrington when she collided with a parked caravan near Bourke Street.

Then just before 12.30am on Thursday 23 October, a 27-year-old man crashed his motorbike into a roundabout on Denison Street at Hamilton.

Police say despite both riders wearing helmets, each suffered significant head injuries and were taken to the John Hunter in a critical condition.

Investigators are looking into whether speed and/or alcohol were factors in the crashes.

 

Pair Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery Of Newcastle Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police allege a wig-wearing armed robber had help from an employee of a Hamilton hotel before making off with tens of thousands of dollars.

Just after 3.30am on Friday September 12, police allege a man wearing a Tina Turner wig entered the Sydney Junction Hotel on Beaumont Street armed with a firearm before leaving on an e-bike ridden by another person.

Police executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Waratah West last Wednesday and allegedly found $30,020 in cash.

They also searched a home in James Street Hamilton, finding an e-scooter and helmet.

Inquiries led to the arrest of 46-year-old Christopher James Barsley.

He faced court on Friday September 26 charged with special aggravated break and enter, commit serious indictable offence, and acquiring a firearm while subject to a prohibition order. 

Barsley has been remanded in custody. 

Police also arrested 44-year-old Evie Grace on Friday.

She faced court on Saturday charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence. Police allege Grace, an employee of the hotel, was working at the time of the hold-up and assisted in the incident.

Grace was granted strict conditional bail 

Both have had their cases adjourned until November.  

 

A CCTV image of the alleged wig-wearing armed robber

Man To Face Court Accused Of Spraying Nazi Symbol On Hamilton Chemist Wall

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Monday 13 January, 2025) accused of painting a Nazi symbol on an outside wall of a chemist shop in Hamilton.

It's alleged the 47-year-old approached the pharmacy on Beaumont Street at about 7.30am on Sunday and sprayed the symbol on the side wall of the premises.

Following inquiries Police arrested the man nearby at about 10.00am.

He's been charged with intentionally marking a premises without consent and knowingly display by public act a Nazi symbol without excuse.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Court today.

Fifth Person Charged Over Fatal Stabbing At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A fifth person has been charged over the alleged murder of James Callaghan on a Hamilton Street late last year.

Police allege the 22-year-old was stabbed multiple times after an initial argument outside a kebab shop on Beaumont Street on November 17 over rubbish being thrown on the street.

Four people have since been arrested and charged with murder.

News Limited reports 28-year-old Teelah Cooper walked into Newcastle Police Station at about 9.30am yesterday (Monday 6 January, 2025) and was later charged with accessory after the fact to murder and concealing a serious indictable offence.

It's alleged she assisted a 33-year-old man to avoid apprehension until he was arrested by Queensland Police on November 24.

Cooper was granted bail on strict conditions but remained in custody after prosecutors applied for a stay while an appeal in heard in the Supreme Court. 

Alleged murder victim James Callaghan

UPDATE! Police Arrest Two People As Investigations Continue Into Fatal Stabbing At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Two people have been charged over the alleged fatal stabbing of a man at Hamilton at the weekend.

Emergency services had been called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday  and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. 

He died in hospital at short time later.

Following inquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested at Waratah Police Station about 11am yesterday (Monday 18 November 2024).

The man, from North Lambton, has now been charged with murder and has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court later today.

About 5:10pm yesterday, a 33-year-old woman was arrested at a bus stop at Bankstown.

She was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with murder and has been refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

EARLIER:

Confronting video has surfaced on social media capturing the moments leading up to Sunday's fatal stabbing at Hamilton.

A group of people are seen having a physical altercation in the middle of Beaumont Street at about 2.40am, and others can be heard yelling.

It's understood the mobile phone video has been provided to police as part of their investigation.

A 22-year-old man suffered critical stab wounds and later died in hospital.

Investigators have again appealed for anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.

A screenshot from confronting video circulating on social media

Major Repairs Begin On Broken Sewer Main At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

The westbound lanes of Donald Street at Hamilton will be closed between Lawson and Beaumont Street for up to 10 days from 7.00am today (Wednesday 13 November, 2024) as major repairs get under way on a broken sewer line.

Hunter Water says a section of sewer main has collapsed under the road, with essential repairs involving the deep excavation of a 25 metre long pit to reach the damaged section

Crews will work around the clock for about 10 days, weather permitting, to remove and replace the sewer main.

Traffic diversions will be in place for light vehicles via Lawson and Cleary Streets, and Beaumont and Samdon Streets. 

Man Fronting Court Over Pedestrian Crash At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today (Friday 27 September, 2024) accused of dangerous driving resulting in serious injury to a pedestrian at Hamilton.

Police were called to the intersection of Hudson and Beaumont Street at about 11.35am on Thursday.

It's alleged a 73-year-old man suffered serious head injuries after being struck by a car - he was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

The driver, a 66-year-old man, has been charged with dangerous and negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm and has had his licence suspended.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today. 

BREAKING! Hamilton Townhouse Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a townhouse at Hamilton overnight.

More than 30 firefighters were called to Hudson Street just after 2.15am on Friday to find one of three townhouses well alight and flames through the roof.

Neighbours worked frantically to help the occupants to safety and Newcastle Fire Command says all residents have been accounted for.

A neighbouring townhouse also sustained some fire damage as crews worked to stop the flames from spreading.

It's taken them more than two hours to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and police and fire investigators will examine the scene later on Friday morning.

 

 

Man To Face Court Over Alleged Pursuit Through Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court over an alleged pursuit through Newcastle overnight.

Police say they spotted a red Ford Focus on Donald Street at Hamilton just after midnight and attempted to stop the driver after checks revealed the vehicle's registration was expired.

A pursuit was initiated when the driver failed to stop.

A short time later, the car crashed into a street sign on Northcott Drive and the driver was arrested.

The 29-year-old has been charged with being an unlicensed driver, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously and using an unregistered vehicle on the road.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 16 February, 2024).

 

BREAKING! Police Operation Closes Beaumont Street Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A police operation has forced the closure of Beaumont Street Hamilton overnight.

Police were called to reports of an armed robbery at a local store just before 6.00pm on Thursday.

First responding officers quickly closed the street and cordoned off the area.

A member of the public told police they noticed a man carrying a knife in the store, but he didn't make any threats or demands before leaving.

Officers canvassed the area and arrested a 34-year-old man in a nearby street.

He's due to face Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 25 August, 2023) charged with having custody of a knife in a public place and having an outstanding warrant. 

Elderly Cyclist and Car Collide in Hamilton

BY OLIVIA DILLON

An elderly cyclist and a car have collided near a busy intersection in Hamilton.

Emergency crews were called to the corner of Tudor Street and Steel Street near Gregson Park at about lunch time today, following reports a man in his 70s had come off his bike.

It's believed pedestrians blocked traffic at the intersection and provided the man with first aid before police and paramedics arrived. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

NSW Transport Unveils Newcastle's First Zero Emissions Bus

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON

                                                                                    Picture credit: Australian Manufacturing 

Transport for NSW has launched Newcastle's first zero emission bus at Hamilton Bus Depot. 

The bus is a part of the state government's plan to transition away from diesel-powered vehicles and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

NSW Transport North Region Director Anna Zycki, alongside Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Emmanuel Genlot, unveiled the area's first ZEB before it officially entered passenger service from Customs House on Bond Street. 

"There's a lot of public transport buses in the Hunter area, and the New South Wales government is committed to permanently transitioning away from diesel buses to zero emission technology. This extends that outside of the Sydney region, and into the Hunter," Director Zycki said.

She also said the shift is set to benefit passengers across the region. 

"It's an exciting thing for the Hunter to have. For customers, it's a quieter ride, a smoother ride, and the community will have less noise and better air quality over time." 

Pursuit Leads To Arrest Of Man At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front Newcastle court today (Friday 10 February, 2023) accused of leading police on a chase in an allegedly stolen car .

At about 5.30pm on Thursday police received reports of a stolen Mini van from Walker Street at Warners Bay.

Around 9.30pm the vehicle was spotted at the intersection of Donald and Beaumont Streets at Hamilton and a pursuit was initiated when the driver refused to stop.

However the car got stuck on the tracks at the Hamilton Railway Crossing and the driver ran off.

Officers arrested the 37-year-old after a short foot pursuit.

He's been refused bail on a raft of charges including never being licensed, take and drive conveyance, police pursuit and stealing.

Woman critical after being stabbed in the neck in Hamilton South fight

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed in the neck during an altercation at Hamilton South on Sunday night.

It's understood police were told two men and two women became involved in a fight around 11pm, resulting in a 35-year-old woman being stabbed in the neck and a 46-year-old man receiving a laceration to his hand.

All four are known to each other.

The pair drove themselves to the Mater Hospital, where the woman was transported to the John Hunter in a critical condition.

A 36-year-old woman sustained serious head injurie, while a 38-year-old man had a broken arm, and both were also taken to the John Hunter in a stable condition.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

BREAKING! Police Searching Hamilton After Armed Street Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are searching Hamilton after a man was held up at knife-point in the street.

Police say the man in his 40's was confronted by a male offender near the corner of Mary Street and Maitland Road just before 3.30am on Wednesday.

The man produced a knife and ordered the victim to hand over his bag containing a laptop.

He complied and the offender fled.

Police say the offender's described as being of Caucasian appearance and was wearing dark clothing.