Newsletter - 18 December 2025

Dear Member

I'd like to take this opportunity before we break for end of term to thank you for your support in 2025 and to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

I hope you are able to attend some of the upcoming events in 2026, details of which are listed below.

Regards

James Bartley, President

REMINDER
IAN CHEETHAM'S RETIREMENT / SWEARING OUT

Friday 19 December at 9 am
Newcastle Local Court, 343 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Morning Tea will follow
All welcome—registration is not necessary

SAVE THE DATES

2026 Opening of Law Term morning ceremonies
Monday 2 February 2026

2026 Opening of Law Term Cocktail Party
Thursday 5 February 2026

COURT DOG PROGRAM IN NEWCASTLE

The Local Court Dog Committee has provided some information on the Court Dog Program. Click here to view details.

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SURVEY – MINING ACT 1992 LANDHOLDER COSTS

The Department is seeking input from legal practitioners who assist NSW landholders or who act as private mediators or arbitrators. This survey is for data collection only and is intended to support evidence-based decision-making by the NSW Government.

Deadline
The survey will be open from 16 December 2025 to 30 January 2026.

Key Details

Survey Link: Survey - Land Access Arrangements for prospecting operations (Mining Act 1992) – Fill in form

Purpose: To understand the legal costs and time involved to assist landholders to respond to land access requests for prospecting operations under the Mining Act 1992.

Who should respond:
• Legal practitioners assisting NSW landholders with access arrangements.
• Legal practitioners acting as private mediators or arbitrators in NSW land access matters.

Duration: About 10 minutes to complete.

Confidentiality: Responses are anonymous and will be reported in aggregate form only.

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Quinn nswresources.policy@dpird.nsw.gov.au