Newcastle

Newcastle forms the administrative center of the Lower Hunter, covering parts of Maitland, Cessnock, and Port Stephens Council with a total population exceeding 500,000 residents. The territory stretches from the coast to the hinterland and connects urban districts with rural townships.

John Shortland sighted the coal deposits in 1797, which led to the founding of the Coal River settlement in 1804. The region quickly evolved from a convict outpost to an industrial center of the colony.

The city remains shaped by descendants of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, whose traces appear in place names and public acknowledgments. Many residents still identify the area with coal mining, even though the economy has long since shifted.

The city council manages public facilities, waste collection, and parking across the different districts. Planning applications can be submitted directly to the municipal office.

The electoral division has existed since 1901 and has had only six representatives so far, the lowest number among all original constituencies. This long tenure reflects the political stability of the region.

Location: City of Newcastle

Inception: 1804

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Part of: Newcastle - Maitland

Shares border with: Wickham, Cooks Hill, Newcastle East, Newcastle West, The Hill

GPS coordinates: -32.91667,151.75000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:48