Attorney General and Minister for Justice Greg Smith SC and Member for Newcastle Tim Owen have officially launched a State Government partnership with Newcastle NOW to restore Nobbys historic cottages. Under the partnership, offenders on court-ordered Community Service Orders and Intensive Corrections Orders will be working at Nobbys Headland, under strict supervision, to complete their offenders program. Novocastrians donating services and/or products to enable the restoration include Catalyst Project Consulting, Webber Architects, Denary Quantity Surveying, DeWitt Consulting, Northrop Consulting Engineers, EJE Architecture, JBA Planning, Bernard Hockings Master Builder, Dulux, Kennards, Mullane Plumbing & Electrical, the NSW Master Builders Association, and Hunter Community Corrections.

Newcastle NOW Chairperson, Edward Duc, said the organisation had been working hard to facilitate a community outcome for the iconic site. "We assisted the clean-up of one of the cottages, and facilitated the first public access to the grounds in 150 years. Since we first opened the grounds to the public three years ago, over 93,000 people have made the journey up the steep hill to enjoy the breathtaking views," Mr Duc said. The work includes restoration of three cottages including cleaning, repairs, repainting of interiors and exteriors, sanding and polishing floors, and refurbishing kitchens, and bathroom. There will be no alteration to the structure or appearance of the three cottages," Mr Duc said. "It is intended that we'll initially extend opening times to Saturdays and Sundays following the restoration, and work towards opening every day," he said. The work is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2014.