Arrest over alleged DV incident: An Upper Hunter man has been charged over an alleged domestic-related arson attack. Police allege a man threw a molotov cocktail in the direction of a Muswellbrook house in November last year. Officers attending the scene allegedly found shattered windows with flames shooting out. A 20-year-old man was arrested on Friday and charged with damaging property by fire, threaten to destroy or damage other person's property and contravening an apprehended violence order. He was refused bail in the Newcastle Local Court.
Stockton erosion: New South Wales Public Works has been appointed to help project manage potential solutions for beach erosion at Stockton. The agency will be taking over what was essentially the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation's role in the project. It will be looking to source 300,000 cubic metres of sand from the harbour to help restore the beach in the short term. Once completed, it will examine long-term solutions for the beach which needs about 2.4 million cubic metres of sand to be fully restored.
Liberal party candidate: The Liberal Party has pre-selected Mayfield local Thomas Triebsees to run in the seat of Newcastle in the March state election. Mr Triebsees moved to Australia from Germany 15 years ago, and most recently worked for Service New South Wales.
Australia Day honours: University professors and community volunteers were among 18 Hunter people honoured for their service to the community. Newcastle's Rhonda Scruton has received an Medal of the Order of Australia for her decades of service to Hunter surf lifesaving and says she's humbled to receive the honour for doing something she loves. Valentine's Professor Clare Collins has received an Officer of Order of Australia gong for her distinguished service to nutritional health and dietetics research.
Ngarrama event: Thousands of people attended the Ngarrama event in Newcastle on the eve of January 26 to celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture. The public event aims to engage the community in reconciliation through truth telling and historical acceptance. It was held in King Edward Park and was hosted by the University of Newcastle, Awabakal and the Newcastle City Council.
Eraring power station closure prep: With the Eraring power station in Lake Macquarie slated for closure in two years, power giant Origin energy says its focus has turned to site rehabilitation. The closure, part of a coal exit strategy, is seven years ahead of schedule. Origin Energy has outlined its transition plans in a submission to a federal inquiry into energy. It says it's consulting with workers monthly and is liaising with local council and the Eraring Residents Association about repurposing the site. It says rehabilitation is also a focus, particularly in relation to its massive coal ash dam.
Liddel art project: With the demise of Liddell power plant just months away, an unlikely project has surfaced to accompany its closure. The Muswellbrook coal fired power plant is due to shut down in April, but before then six artists will be invited to create work inspired by the plant before, during and after closure. It's a collaboration between AGL and Arts Upper Hunter.
Newcastle Jets’ best win yet: Newcastle Jets coach Arthur Papas says the team is overjoyed after beating Brisbane Roar 4-0 at Hunter Stadium on Friday night. Jaushua Sotirio, Trent Buhagiar, Beka Mikeltadze and Archie Goodwin all got on the scoresheet in the second half. The result lifts the Jets to ninth spot on the ladder.
All blacks win: The Newcastle All Blacks have taken out another title following their Koori Knockout win last year. The club defeated Queensland’s Erub United to win the COVID-delayed Murri vs Koori Interstate Challenge. All Blacks coach Paul Douglas told ABC Newcastle's Kia Handley the team overcame the humidity to win 18-8.
