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 

Parliamentary Inquiry Calls For Mater To Be Made Public

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

A parliamentary inquiry into mould and pest issues at Newcastle's Calvary Mater hospital has called for the termination of the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP).

The report, which documents allegations of corruption, cover-ups, and maintenance failures, recommends ownership be transferred to NSW Health immediately.

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Haynes has backed the report's findings, calling on the state government to enact its recommendations.

"The next steps are obviously for the government to consider the recommendations from the upper house inquiry," he said. 

"We are firmly of the view that public hospitals should be in public hands and controlled by the government.

"[The recommendation] moves away from the conflicting interests between he private sector and the public sector."

Allegations submitted to the inquiry date back to 2007, mostly relating to the continuous presence of mould in the hospital's cancer ward.

It is alleged that the presence of mould caused or contributed to the deaths of several people across almost two decades.

A review conducted by the Mater itself indicated that at least 16 invasive fungal infections occurred between 2019 and 2024, with further cases recorded in the subsequent two years.

About 120 families have registered for a class-action lawsuit into the alleged mould-related deaths.

At the start of the year, media highlighted continuous issues with mould and maggots in the Mater's cancer and ICU wards, prompting the state government to intervene.

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

Health Minister Ryan Park announced this week the external cladding replacement at the hospital had been completed, though broader remediation works are still underway.

Mr Haynes said the failure of the Calvary Mater sends a clear message that public-private partnerships are no longer viable.

"A lot of work has been done to get to this point," he added. 

"I think the recommendations are good and so it's now a matter for the government to be able to consider those recommendations and hopefully apply them as soon as possible."

Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital. Picture supplied. 

Skill Shortages Puts Hunter Businesses At Risk

BY MARLEY RAE

New research conducted by Business NSW shows three in four businesses in the Hunter are struggling to find skilled workers.

This year's biennial State of Skills report, which was based on survey responses by more than 500 businesses across NSW and the Hunter, found over 75 per cent of respondents reported skills shortages, 

It's slightly higher than the state average of 73.6 per cent. 

While the regional figure is below the post-COVID high of 2022 (89.1 per cent), it is markedly higher than shortages reported in 2019 (54.3 per cent) and 2017 (33.3 per cent). 

The report also found half of the respondents expect the shortage to cost them customer and commercial opportunities, with some warning their businesses may not survive if conditions persist.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the figures highlighted a concerning trend as skill shortages become entrenched with the local work force.

"These findings are consistent with what businesses across the Hunter have been telling us for some time," he said.

"The Hunter is not unusual and we've got a bit of a task to address a number of factors to try and address it."

However, the report also reveals competition for talent in the regional workforce are keen in the face of skills shortages, with 37.2 per cent of Hunter respondents noting the loss of suitable applicants to other employers during recruitment as a major challenge.

The shortages have prompted calls from Business NSW for a $200 million investment in apprenticeships, a comprehensive overhaul of regional, employer led skills compacts and income concessions for pensioners.

Mr Hawes believes workforce training, planning and skill development are essential amongst the Hunter's economic structural change.

"It's particularly critical in the Hunter if we're to get to these points of transformation in servicing new energy economy and growth in advanced manufacturing," he said.

"If we can get this right an get people who want to work back in the workforce, it's going help the region achieve it's transformation and goals it's setting itself.

"But if we don't, we've got a situation where people who are filling some of these skilled jobs are being tapped on the shoulder and not coming through the application process." 

Picture: Pexels

Newcastle Inner City Bypass On Track For End Of Year Completion

 BY JOHN HEWITT

The much-awaited Newcastle Inner City bypass is a step closer with the completion of the section between Rankin Park and Jesmond, ahead of the project's planned opening later this year.

With all major bridges on the route now connected, crews are working on completing earthworks, road surfacing, safety barriers, noise walls and landscaping.

Once complete, the bypass is expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, improving road safety, easing congestion and providing a more reliable journey for motorists.

The bypass project, which is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, is expected to significantly reduce peak-period travel times and strengthen connections to key destinations, including John Hunter hospital, the University of Newcastle and key shopping centres.

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said it will make every-day travel simpler and faster for thousands of Newcastle motorists.

"I want to thank Newcastle motorists for their patience as we complete the bypass program, and we're confident it will be worth the wait,' she said. 

"The project will mean the bypassing of 11 sets of traffic lights, halving peak-period travel times and improving safety for Newcastle motorists.  

"With the completion of this latest stage we're looking forward to opening of the bypass later this year, weather permitting."

Picture: Transport for NSW

  

UPDATE! Manhunt Under Way In Newcastle For Man Mistakenly Released From Gaol

 BY IAN CROUCH

Escaped inmate Kyle Quayle is back in custody after being arrested at Hamilton North.

The 35-year-old was mistakenly released from Grafton Gaol on the same day he was sentenced in Newcastle Local Court to one year's gaol for stealing and assault-related offences.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested Quayle on Boreas Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday 16 April 2026).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant for being Unlawfully At Large and will face the Bail Division Court today (Friday 17 April 2026).

A spokesperson for the correctional centre said staff released the inmate according to court information available to them.

A spokesperson for The Department of Communities and Justice says they are looking into how this occurred and will put in place measures to minimise the risk of this happening again. 

EARLIER: 

Newcastle Police are asking for our help to find a man who's been mistakenly released from gaol.

35-year-old Kyle Quayle was serving a sentence for stealing and assault related offences when he was erroneously released from a correctional centre on Tuesday.

Police believe he's in Newcastle area.

Quayle is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes and is unshaven.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest for being Unlawfully At Large.

Wanted man Kyle Quayle

 

Man Goes Missing From John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing in the Newcastle area.

37-year-old Timothy Trippier was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital last Saturday (21 February, 2026) and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Timothy's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175 to 185cm tall with a medium build and light brown hair and is believed to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Missing man Timothy Trippier

 

Search Under Way For Missing Man In Newcastle

 BY IAN  CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man missing in the Newcastle area. 

30-year-old Sunny Jenkins was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital at about 1.00pm on Sunday 23 November 2025 and there are concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Sunny's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall with a solid build, brown hair and  hazel-coloured eyes.

He's known to frequent the Swansea, Belmont and Garden Suburb areas.

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

Missing man Sunny Jenkins

 

NEWCASTLE BUSES – Drivers Vote for More Industrial Action

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie bus drivers with the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) have voted to take further industrial action, but the operator is yet to be formally notified.

Action may include service cancellations. Earlier action this year left school children and commuters stranded with little notice. It’s expected at least for the next few days, services will continue as normal.

The union says they will advise the company and the Fair Work Commission with ample notice if a stoppage takes place.

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Grech says opal readers have already been switched off.

“This was an extension of the first Protected Action Ballot, and this gives us further movement on that.

“We probably foresee a stoppage, or withdrawal of work in the coming weeks,” he said.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Seven Arrested In Three Day Blitz By Hunter Police

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested seven people during a three day blitz targeting youth crime in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Around 3.00am on Friday May 30, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy at a fast food outlet in Cardiff.

It's alleged he was involved in the theft of three vehicles during separate break and enters at Kilaben Bay and Kotara South last week - he's been refused bail to face court next month - 5 other teens are already before the courts. 

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy from Islington was arrested for alleged breach of bail and property offences.

Also,  two boys aged 15 and 16 and a 17-year-old girl were arrested at Cardiff Railway Station on Saturday night.

The girl was charged with breach of bail and the boys were charged with break and enter and car stealing offences.

The arrests come as part of Strike Force Soteria Operation Surge.

Police say Operation Surge will be continually rolled out through various deployments.

 

Dozens Of Residents Evacuated After Fire Breaks Out In Newcastle Apartment Block

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of residents have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Newcastle city apartment block overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says five fire trucks responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Sky Apartments on Hunter Street just before 6.30pm on Wednesday.

They arrived to find a fire had started in a unit on the 8th floor.

The automatic sprinkler system activated, dousing most of the fire before crews arrived.

Around 50 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

No-one was in the unit when the fire broke out.

It's believed a faulty electrical appliance is to blame.

The fire was contained to the one unit, which sustained heat, smoke and water damage.

Crews remained at the scene until 9.00pm and all residents were allowed to return to their units.

They also rescued a person who became trapped in a lift. 

 

More People Found Sleeping Rough In Newcastle And Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

There's been a significant increase in the number of people sleeping rough in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Minister for Homelessness, Rose Jackson has released the 2025 Street Count which shows 49 people were found to be sleeping rough in Newcastle in 2024, up from 6 on the previous year's count, while in Lake Macquarie, 40 people were found sleeping in cars or public places - up from 31 in 2023.

Across the Hunter and Central Coast, 188 people were found sleeping on the streets, up from 100 on the previous count.

Homelessness NSW Chief Executive Dominique Rowe has told Nine Radio it reflects a state-wide trend. 

" It really shows the need for funding of homelessness services and building more houses. We've seen an increase of 8% in people sleeping rough in NSW," she said.

 

Homelessness NSW CEO Dom Rowe

 

Big Map Exhibitions To Explore How Hunter Would Cope in Natural Disaster

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents are being invited to see how their homes would cope in a natural disaster.

Disaster Relief Australia is set to host two big map events at Newcastle Wests and Kahibah this weekend.

As the climate changes the risk of disaster is set to steadily increase in the areas-

Lake Macquarie Council’s Derek Poulton says the giant map will help residents understand how to manage different scenarios.

“We get storms, lots of fallen trees, fires. This is an opportunity to create a few scenarios and exercises putting us through [multiple situations] and consider what things we would need to look at,” he said.

Image Credit: Disaster Relief Australia

 

Concerns Raised For Missing Man and Woman in Newcastle

 IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to locate two people who've been reported missing by their families in Newcastle.

30-year-old Katrina Johnson last made contact with her family on Thursday March 6 and could be in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney.

She's described as being Caucasian with a thin build and pink and blue hair - she also has several tattoos over her body.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Logan Wilson was last seen at New Lambton on Monday this week and his disappearance is out of character.

Logan is described as being Caucasian, about 175cm tall with a medium build and brown hair.

 

Katrina Johnson

 

 

Logan Wilson

 

EPA Investigates Mass Bird Deaths in Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH AND PETER HYSLOP 

The Environment Protection Authority is investigating the deaths of hundreds of birds in Newcastle.

Testing is under way to determine the cause of the deaths of large numbers of corellas, which wildlife experts believe could be a mass poisoning.

Hunter Wildlife Rescue says the birds were found yesterday from Newcastle, Carrington and Hamilton areas, and fears many more could die in days to come.

There are concerns they may have been deliberately targeted.

Anyone who finds a sick or deceased bird is urged to contact authorities to retrieve it.

Supplied: Hunter Wildlife Rescue

Major Search To Resume For Missing Fisherman Off Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search and rescue operation will resume this morning for a man feared dead in a freak accident involving tangled netting off the coast of Newcastle.

It's understood he was involved in a fishing competition and disappeared after falling overboard about 55 kms off the coast

Search and rescue teams mobilised the Port Stephens Marine Rescue Base at about 2.00pm on Sunday before mounting a multi-agency search including the Toll and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue helicopters.

 

Man Facing Court Accused Of Attempted Robbery In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 25-year-old man is behind bars awaiting a court appearance accused of an attempted robbery in Newcastle.

Police were called to Perkins Street on Friday where it's alleged a man was standing next to his car when he was approached by an unknown man armed with a syringe.

He got into the car and tried to start it.

The owner of the vehicle, who still had the keys, locked the man inside and called police.

It's alleged the same man tried to enter a vehicle of a woman a short time earlier.

He was arrested after a brief struggle.

Police say he was in possession of methamphetamine along with ID and bank cards believed to be stolen.

Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns announce TAFE Centre of Excellence in Newcastle

By HOLLY FISHLOCK

More than $60 million will be invested by the state and federal government's over the next five years for the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.

The Centre will be established at the TAFE NSW campus at Tighes Hill, and will look to boost the workforce needed to support the renewable energy industry in the Hunter and across the state.

Once up and running the centre will have a training capacity of approximately 450 students annually.

It will provide education and apprenticeships in renewable energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, and related manufacturing fields for the region's workforce.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there needs to be a plan for the future.

"It's important we invest in new industries, and that we invest in the capacity of workers to be able to fill jobs in those industries."

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns says it's important young people have the skills needed to participate in the renewable energy industry.

"We all see an exciting opportunity for the next generation, right here in Newcastle."

The launch of the facility comes after an advanced manufacturing centre of excellence was announced for Western Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the Centre of Excellence

$500,000 Dollar Reward For Information Into The Death Of A Waratah Woman

BY JORDAN REGNIS 

A $500,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s responsible for the suspicious death of Cecilia Devine.

Cecilia Devine, who was also known as Kristen Pearson, was 41 when she was reported missing from Waratah on Wednesday 5 September 2018, after family and friends were unable to locate or contact her.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District immediately commenced inquiries to locate Cecilia; however, their searches were unsuccessful.

On Monday 18 March 2019, staff at a water treatment facility in Katoomba located human remains in the nearby Upper Cascade Creek Dam. 

In April 2019, police were advised the remains were that of Cecilia Devine.

Commander of Blue Mountains Police Area Command, Superintendent John Nelson, said he hoped this reward announcement would encourage anyone to come forward who may have seen Cecilia.

“Prior to her disappearance, Cecilia travelled from Newcastle to Katoomba yet we still don’t have firm evidence of how she got here, why she made the journey, or how she died,” Supt Nelson said.

“We are urging anyone who saw Cecilia at the time she was reported missing, or who has any information about her whereabouts at the time, to contact police. This information could very well be the missing puzzle piece for this investigation.

“Today’s coronial findings have handed the investigation back to police and we are committed to find the answers the NSW community and Cecilia’s family deserve,” he said.

                                                                        

                                                                    Cecilia Devine

Calls To Help Find a Girl Missing From The Newcastle Area

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Newcastle area.

Mercedes Sievers, aged 12, was last seen in the Kotara area, about 8pm yesterday (Sunday 15 September 2024).

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Mercedes is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of medium build, with dark long hair and green eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black jumper, grey shorts and Nike shoes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Cameron Park, Toronto, Glendale, and Charlestown areas.

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

                                                                 Mercedes Sievers

Fears Growing For Man Missing From Newcastle For More Than A Month

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of man who's been missing from the Newcastle area for more than five weeks.

27-year-old Ricky Wilson was last seen at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah on the morning of Monday August 5.

When he couldn't be located, police from Batemans Bay were notified and commenced inquiries.

Ricky is also known to frequent the Jesmond and Newcastle CBD areas.

Police and his family are very concerned as he suffers from a medical condition.

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

Missing Man Ricky Wilson