A chaotic and unauthorised gathering at Dangar Park in Mayfield on Sunday has left residents shaken and angry, prompting local MP Tim Crakanthorp to speak out after being flooded with calls and messages from concerned community members.
Crakanthorp confirmed the event was not permitted and described the behaviour on display as absolutely atrocious.
Families with young children were among those caught up in the disorder, with park users and nearby residents reportedly feeling threatened by the actions of those involved.
“The actions and behaviours on display were absolutely atrocious and threatening to other park users and local residents, including young children,” Crakanthorp said in a statement shared on social media.
Police were present during the event and are continuing their investigation. The MP is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000.
Residents Call for Stronger Action as Frustration Boils Over
The incident has stirred strong reactions from the local community, with many questioning why more arrests were not made on the day.
Raymond Lamp, a resident, voiced his frustration online, saying police being seen standing by and watching sent the wrong message to those involved.
He argued that on-the-spot arrests would have delivered a stronger deterrent than press conference condemnations the following day.
Some residents also pointed the finger at event organisers, arguing they should face financial penalties.
Leonie Hawtin acknowledged the difficulty police faced in managing the crowd without escalating the situation further, noting that the promise of free giveaways likely drew a much larger crowd than anticipated and that the event could have been far better organised.
Event organisers should be fined, I commend the police for not making this worse and turning it into a riot – Kylie is right, other people not involved made things worse. You give a away free stuff people are going to go- could have been way better organised than this
Leone Hawtin
The Dangar Park incident has not emerged in isolation. Locals say it reflects a much broader problem playing out across Newcastle’s streets, shared pathways, and public spaces.
Illegal Bikes and Dangerous Riding Becoming a Regular Sight Across Newcastle
Resident Alan Byrne described ongoing issues along the shared cycleway through Maryville, where illegal bikes have become a regular and dangerous presence.
He reported seeing riders travelling at extreme speeds, becoming airborne along footpaths, ignoring the 10-kilometre-per-hour limit, and riding recklessly through busy pedestrian areas near cafes, the marina, and the fish cooperative.
Byrne identified some of the riders as students from a Newcastle high school and called on police to attend the school, confiscate illegal e-bikes, and hold parents accountable for purchasing the machines.
Steve Hall echoed those concerns, saying he personally witnessed four or five teenagers on unregistered dirt bikes riding through Honeysuckle.
Not surprising at all. I saw 4-5 teenagers on unregistered dirt bikes riding down honeysuckle yesterday. I’ve seen 3 up on one going up park ave at kotara with no helmets and balaclavas on videoing it.
Steve Hall
He also described seeing three riders on a single bike near Kotara, wearing balaclavas and no helmets while filming themselves. Hall questioned when authorities would step in to protect everyday motorists and pedestrians before a serious tragedy occurs.
Adding to community anxiety, resident Deb Cullen warned that Stockton may be the next location targeted for a similar gathering, a claim that has only deepened calls for a more proactive policing response across the region.
God help Stockton, that’s where the next one is.
Deb Cullen
With investigations ongoing and community anger rising, pressure is mounting on both police and local government to take firmer and faster action before the situation escalates further.
