

Community News
Discover what's happening in your local community this May...


Northstars make it a perfect weekend with back-to-back wins
The Escadia Newcastle Northstars have kicked off the season in style, claiming a thrilling home victory on Saturday before backing it up with a win on the road on Sunday.


Sun, surf and southerlies combine for unpredictable beach season
Beautiful one day, blown out the next – such was the topsy turvy world of the 2025-2026 Lake Macquarie beach season.


Balanced budget supports strong future for Newcastle
City of Newcastle is planning to deliver 274 projects and forecasting a fifth consecutive surplus as it releases its draft Budget for the upcoming financial year.


Unemployment climbs as more join the job market
The Hunter’s unemployment rate climbed from 4.2 to 4.8 per cent in March, as a wave of new jobseekers flooded the market in the face of rising cost-of-living pressures.


Glenrock rocks top 10 list
The secret is well and truly out – one of the Hunter Region’s best spots for bushwalking and mountain biking has made it to the top 10 list of the most popular national parks and reserves in NSW.


Major Thornton thoroughfare set for $14 million upgrade
One of Maitland’s busiest roads is set for a major upgrade, with over $14 million worth of improvements getting underway next month along Haussman Drive, Thornton.


Newcastle Has a New Lord Mayor — and the City Has Spoken
Newcastle welcomed a new Lord Mayor on Saturday, 18 April 2026, as independent candidate Gavin Morris swept to a landslide victory in the City of Newcastle's lord mayoral by-election.


The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal in Newcastle announces Guest Speaker for Launch Event
On Wednesday 29th April 2026, the Salvation Army in the Hunter is launching this year’s appeal, urging the local community to get involved in raising vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our region.


Revitalisation of Shepherds Hill Cottage enters final stage
A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle’s most stunning views.


Tickets on sale for Sydney Writers’ Festival streamed live and local from Maitland
Maitland libraries are offering front-row seats to the Sydney Writers’ Festival, streaming world-class authors live from Sydney straight to local libraries from Thursday 21 May with a final special event at Maitland Town Hall on Saturday 23 May.


Northstars conquer preseason with back-to-back wins over the Rhinos
The Escadia Newcastle Northstars kicked off their pre-season in style, defeating the Central Coast Rhinos across back-to-back trial games on the weekend - winning 5 to 4 on Saturday night and 7 to 2 on Sunday.


Plans shared for Gateshead medical precinct
Plans to create a next-generation health precinct for the Hunter region in Gateshead are set to progress following tonight’s Lake Macquarie City Council meeting.


Big John awarded big honour for charity efforts
Almost 50 years of raising money, toys and awareness for families in need has earned Big John Young Newcastle’s greatest acknowledgement after being named a Freeman of the City today.


Community united on need to protect Southern Beaches
More than 2,200 people have had their say on how City of Newcastle should respond to threats to the coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether, demonstrating strong community interest in the future of the Southern Beaches.































































































