Police call out unsafe behaviour as operation continues - Newcastle
Sunday, 30 November 2025 01:43:14 PM
Police are calling out the unsafe behaviour of event attendees as a high-visibility police operation continues in Newcastle Harbour.
About 10.10am today (Sunday 30 November 2025), police attempted to stop a boat after it allegedly entered an exclusion zone.
When the boat allegedly failed to stop as directed, police pursued the boat on a jet ski east along Newcastle Harbour.
The boat allegedly collided with a police jet ski a short time later, and a woman – the sole-occupant of the boat – was arrested. No injuries were reported.
As of 11am today (Sunday 30 November 2025), a total of 32 people believed to be associated with the event have been arrested and charged with alleged marine-related offences.
About 11.20am, police were called to Foreshore Park following reports of an assault allegedly involving attendees of the event.
At the scene, police were told that several people had allegedly been involved in the incident where a man sustained lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head.
The 46-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and has been taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.
A 17-year-old boy believed to have intervened in the incident was also treated for minor lacerations.
An 18-year-old man was arrested in a campsite area nearby and is assisting police.
As inquiries into the incident continue, police urge anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police have witnessed several unsafe practices on the water over the course of the event and continue to request that people who attend the event refrain from entering the harbour on kayaks or other vessels with the intention to obstruct users of the port.
Under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. The NSW Police Force adopts a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.
We encourage all attendees to follow the directions of police and refrain from engaging in other forms of civil disobedience.
Unlawful activity may result in substantial penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, Transport for NSW declared that an Exclusion Zone be established on the navigable waters of Newcastle Harbour between 7am on Friday 28 November 2025 and 7am tomorrow (Monday 1 December 2025). For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/using-waterways-boating-and-transport-information/restrictions-and-closures-on-nsw-waterways/marine-notices/current-notices/nh2599-newcastle-harbour
The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.
Anyone with information about the assault incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.