City of Newcastle celebrates year of growth, investment and community achievements

Major cultural milestones, significant infrastructure upgrades and continued progress on transformational city projects have defined a highly successful 2025 for City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath praised staff and community members for their collaboration and commitment to delivering outcomes that make Newcastle a more connected, vibrant and future-focused city.

“2025 has been an exceptional year for Newcastle, with projects and achievements that will deliver generational benefits,” Mr Bath said.

“From significant progress on the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 work, the naming of a community housing partner for our landmark Rail Bridge Row affordable housing project and upgrades across our playgrounds, pools and community facilities, these outcomes highlight the dedication and expertise of our people.

“We’ve also seen remarkable cultural and community moments including the first look at the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery, hosting premier sporting events including the Matildas and international rugby fixtures, supporting world-class productions such as SIX the Musical and delivering award-winning library services that topped the state for circulation and home lending services.

“This progress is powered by the contributions of Novocastrians, whether through community consultation, advisory groups or their valued feedback on major projects such as the Queens Wharf precinct improvements and the extended Stockton Coastal Management Program.

“These highlights represent just a fraction of what we’ve delivered in 2025 and reflect a shared commitment across our organisation and community to shaping a thriving, future-ready Newcastle.”

This momentum will continue into the coming year, with major initiatives including the western corridor road upgrades, the completion of the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace and the development of our draft Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program set to deliver lasting benefits for residents and visitors.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe recognised the significant progress made over the past year and the meaningful benefits it has brought to the Newcastle community.

“With the festive season upon us, it’s a wonderful chance to reflect on the incredible work achieved throughout the year and enjoy a well-deserved break with family and friends,” Cr McCabe said.

“This year’s outcomes are a credit to the hard work and commitment of City of Newcastle staff and I look forward to seeing continued efforts to deliver for the people of Newcastle in the year ahead.”

Over the holiday period some City of Newcastle services and facilities will run on an updated schedule.

The City Administration Centre will close to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025, reopening on Monday 5 January 2026.

Kerbside waste collections will pause on Christmas Day, with all services scheduled for Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December to occur one day later than usual. All regular bin services will resume from Monday 29 December, including services on New Year’s Day.

The Summerhill Waste Management Centre will close on Christmas Day but will operate as normal on all other days. Please refer to City of Newcastle’s online guide for tips on what festive items can be recycled safely.

All City of Newcastle libraries will close at 12pm on Tuesday 23 December. Regular hours will at Newcastle City Library and Wallsend Library will resume from Saturday 3 January and all other Newcastle Libraries locations will resume from Monday 5 January. 

Return chutes will be closed during the holiday period, except at Lambton Library.

Members can continue to access Lambton Library’s Open+ service, which offers self-service entry for people aged 16 and older (or under 16 with a supervising adult) anytime between 7am and 9pm daily through the holiday period.

Newcastle Museum will close on 24, 25 and 26 December, as well as 1 January, but will otherwise welcome visitors from 10am to 5pm every day across the school holidays.

City of Newcastle’s lifeguards will remain on duty across Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton beaches during regular patrol hours 7am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5.30pm on Sundays. Swimmers are reminded to stay between the flags, follow safety signage and speak with lifeguards if unsure about conditions.

Lifeguard patrols will also continue at Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths between 9am and 5.30pm daily, with weekly cleaning closures occurring on Wednesdays at Newcastle and Tuesdays at Merewether.

For urgent matters, please call 02 49742000 for 24-hour assistance. For all other requests and issues please complete an online request form.

Further details on City of Newcastle’s holiday operating hours and services are available at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.