Past Actions - get inspired!
Astra Aerolab is the site being developed next to Newcastle Airport to house weapons companies complicit in genocide and other war crimes.
We held an Information session in April 2026 at Pachamama House with 30-40 people in attendance.
The information session covered:
- The role of the Newcastle and Port Stephens councils in this development.
- The companies involved, a short history of the harm they have already caused in the world and the ongoing risks they pose.
- A brief overview of the community oppostion to this development to date.
- Ideas how we can stop/disrupt this development.
The presentions from the night are below (in order of the session format above)
For more info contact us at demilitarisenewcastle@protonmail.com
2026 - April 11th
NO TRANSITION TO WEAPONS - CIVIC PARK, MULOOBINBA/NEWCASTLE
Over 300 Hunter residents gathered on Saturday to reject Labor’s plan
to transition the Hunter from coal to weapons.
The rally, co-hosted by Rising Tide and Demilitarise Newcastle, heard from a range of speakers includinng Senator David Shoebridge, Green’s Defence Spokesperson.
The protest targeted Newcastle MPs Sharon Claydon office and opposed planned development of weapons manufacturing in the region, particularly the Astra Aerolab, the weapons facility on Newcastle council land. With the ongoing genocide in Gaza, there was deep feeling regarding the transfer of F-35 war plane components to Israel from Williamtown.
Rally participants opposed the role of the Hunter Defence Taskforce in pushing
businesses to make components for weapons and instead called for investment in renewables, public services and infrastructure.
2025 - December 2nd - 9th
EARTHCARE NOT WARFARE: WEAPONS OUT OF MULOOBINBA NEWCASTLE
Week of Action: The Hunter is transitioning from COAL TO WEAPONS: Ignoring the need for renewable energy; accelerating climate catastrophe; and enmeshing local business in the murder machine and genocide supply chain
Join us to take action against the rapidly expanding murder industry in Newcastle. Clear your calendar and stay tuned for updates at @demilitarisenewcastle
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ARMED CONFLICT: WHAT ARE OUR OBLIGATIONS?
Hunter Defence Conference actions
For two years in a row there has been disruption at the Hunter Defence Conference, where the defence industry and associates gather to make deals and plans for military development in the area. Community response has grown over the last 2 years, this year a local blocked the entrance to the resort for 8 hours, calling for de-militarisation and a free Palestine!
FRIENDS OF THE FLOTILLA
Wednesday 18th March
Jayden Kitchener-Waters has joined the Friends of the Flotilla crew headed for Gaza.
Before he goes, they are holding a fundraising concert to raise funds for the Flotilla.He has teamed up with the crew at @moaandco_ to create this special event here on Awabakal Country. Tickets are available now from here
They’re completely free, however if you’d like to donate, please do!
CONVOY TO INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Follow us at Demilitarise Newcastle or send us an email for more details.
First Nations people have shown unwavering solidarity with Palestine, and are the first on the front lines to defend communities. (It was First Nations authors who were the first to withdraw from the Adelaide Writer's Festival when Dr Randa Abdel Fattah's invitation was revoked. Aboriginal comrades bore the first attacks and the brunt of police violence at the anti-Hertzog rally in Sydney recently).
As we fight against imperialism and militarism, we must centre the struggle against settler colonialism here on unceded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.