A man celebrating New Year's Eve on a Newcastle beach has been airlifted to hospital with serious facial injuries after being struck by a rogue firework.
Emergency Response at Stockton Beach
Emergency services were called to Stockton Beach just after 9:30pm on December 31, 2025, following reports of the incident. Paramedics initially had concerns about accessing the patient on the sand, but witnesses assisted the man, who is in his 40s, to walk off the beach to waiting crews.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to the scene. The man was flown to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital for specialist treatment. Police confirmed he was in a stable condition despite the serious nature of his wounds.
Police Report Card for Newcastle Revellers
Despite this alarming incident, police have given crowds across the Hunter region a generally positive report card for their behaviour during the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Lake Macquarie Inspector Anita Kruse stated that crowds were well-behaved and there were no significant issues at licensed premises. Across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter, and Port Stephens local area commands, no major incidents were reported overnight.
Police did receive some reports of noise complaints and illegal fireworks, which remain a persistent safety concern during the holiday period.
Contrast with Sydney's Celebrations
The situation was notably more disruptive in Sydney, where police made more than 38 arrests. In the CBD and foreshore areas alone, over nine people were arrested for offences including assault, affray, assaulting police, and offensive conduct.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said that while most people celebrated safely, police were kept busy by a minority. He specifically highlighted injuries caused by illegal fireworks as a significant issue.
"The top priority of our operation was the safety of the community," Assistant Commissioner McKenna said. "Thousands of officers were out in force to ensure people enjoyed their nights and got home without incident."
The statewide policing operation for New Year's Eve was one of the largest of the year. It involved general duties officers supported by specialist units including highway patrol, the public order and riot squad, water police, dog units, and PolAir.
