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NSW · Hunter · Local council, made simple

City of Newcastle

The regional capital of the Hunter and the second-largest city in NSW — around 176,900 people across the harbour city, beaches and suburbs from Mayfield and Wallsend to Merewether and Stockton. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, beaches, libraries, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.

City profile
Population: ~176,900 (2024)
Mayor & councillors
Lord Mayor: Gavin Morris (Independent)
Elections & voting
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Crime & safety
Higher than NSW across the board — read the context
The City of Newcastle council area (official LGA boundary). Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Everyday essentials

The things people actually need from the council — fast.

Bins & recycling

When's my bin day?

Your collection days and what goes in each bin.

Check bin day →Report a problem

Something needs fixing?

Potholes, dumped rubbish, broken lights — how to report it to City of Newcastle.

How to report →

Get to know your council

The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.

Rates & fees

This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.

2025–26 rate peg: 5.1%

Open →Budget & finances

How financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.

Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks

Open →Crime & safety

Newcastle's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.

Higher than NSW across the board — read the context

Open →Mayor & councillors

Who represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.

Lord Mayor: Gavin Morris (Independent)

Open →Elections & voting

When the next council election is, and how voting works.

Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028

Open →Contact & services

How to reach the council and report a problem.

Customer service: (02) 4974 2000

Open →City profile

The basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.

Population: ~176,900 (2024)

Open →
What the council is working onRecent deliveries, what's underway and what's planned next — each with a source.Priorities →

What's happening

10 updates

Auto-collected from City of Newcastle's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).

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