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

Call for public assistance to help locate a teenager missing from Newcastle

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teen missing from Newcastle.

Bailey Nelson, aged 13, was last seen in King Street, about 2.40am today (Monday 22 July 2024). 

Police and family hold serious concerns for Bailey’s welfare due to his age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with a thin build and short brown hair.

Bailey was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket with a white zipper, khaki long pants and black shoes. He was carrying a black satchel bag.

Bailey is known to frequent the Jesmond and Kotara areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Activist Sentenced To Gaol Over Newcastle Protest

 BY IAN CROUCH

A climate change activist has become the first to be sentenced to gaol for taking part in a protest in Newcastle.

21-year-old Laura Davy was arrested after attaching herself to a coal reclaimer at Port Waratah Coal Services on Sunday morning.

She was sentenced to 3 months gaol and fined $1100 for the illegal protest but was released on bail after lodging an appeal against the severity of the sentence.

Davy was released from custody but must return to Tasmania within 48 hours.

She's due back in court in September.

Laura Davy

Teen Terror Suspect Faces Newcastle Court

 BY IAN CROUCH

State Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp has issued a statement thanking the community for their support following the arrest of a 19-year-old man on a terrorism charge.

It's alleged Jordan Patten from Raymond Terrace attended the MP's office on Wednesday armed with knives and tactical equipment with the intention of killing him due to his position in the Labor Party.

Petten was not required to enter a plea to one count of other acts done in preparation or planning for a terrorist act and did not apply for bail.

The matter has been adjourned for 8 weeks for police to compile a brief of evidence.

If convicted, Patten faces life behind bars.

In a statement, Tim Crackanthorp said he and his staff were unharmed, praising the police for their prompt and effective response.

He also thanked Newcastle Museum staff for their bravery and exceptional management of the situation after Patten also walked into the facility after entering Mr Crackanthorp's office.

Newcastle Court heard accused terrorist Jordan Patten intended to kill Newcastle Mp, Tim Crackanthorp.