Police are appealing for public assistance after a woman was assaulted while jogging along the Fernleigh Track

23 April 2025

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to the popular shared path shortly after 8am on Wednesday, 23 April, following reports that a man had grabbed a woman from behind, causing both to fall. The woman screamed, prompting the man to flee the area on foot.

He was last seen heading south along the track and is described as having a slim build, approximately 170 centimetres tall, wearing black clothing including a long-sleeve shirt, pants, gloves, and a face covering.

The woman suffered minor grazing but did not require hospital treatment. Despite a quick police response and patrols in the area, the man has not yet been located.

An investigation into the incident is now underway, authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.

Information can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All reports are treated in strict confidence.

This incident is not isolated. The Fernleigh Track, a 15-kilometre shared pathway stretching from Adamstown to Belmont, has experienced multiple safety concerns over the years. In July 2024, a 22-year-old woman reported being inappropriately touched by a teenage boy on a dirt bike while jogging near Whitebridge. Despite reporting the incident, she expressed frustration over the lack of CCTV coverage and police follow-up.

In October 2024, two underage boys riding motorbikes allegedly spat on a woman and harassed other users on the track. Police investigations led to the seizure of motorbikes and riding gear, with the boys being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

These incidents have sparked community calls for increased surveillance, stricter enforcement against illegal motorbike use, and enhanced safety measures along the track.

The Fernleigh Track is not only a recreational asset but also a cultural landmark. The recent completion of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track extension has added a 3.5-kilometre stretch, connecting Belmont to Blacksmiths Beach. This extension features elevated boardwalks over Belmont Lagoon and sculptural installations that pay tribute to the Awabakal people.