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Council suspension looms over $89 million blowout

The NSW Government has given Central Coast Council seven days to show cause as to why it should not be placed into administration. The Government has advanced $6.2 million to pay the council's 2,000 staff and to meet overdue payments to suppliers.

Royal Commission files revealed after 'painful' delays

After years of redactions and delays while relevant criminal cases were concluded, the Commonwealth Attorney-General has released reports from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The long-awaited findings include a case study focusing on allegations against Marist Brothers in Newcastle and Lower Hunter areas, some from 46 years ago.

Paralympics Barbie remembered 20 years on

Becky the Paralympic Barbie was not just a gift 20 years ago during Sydney's Games — she was also a toy designed to break stereotypes around disability. ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship winner, Pokolbin's Emma Myers, who has cerebral palsy, told ABC News why it was significant to have a toy that looked like her.

Accused murderer faces court in Muswellbrook

A woman has faced court charged with murder over the death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen in September 2018. Mr Pullen was a helicopter pilot who had arrived in the region to assist with firefighting efforts. Police allege Nicole Mason and a male associate struck Mr Pullen in the head "with an object" after allegedly hitting him with a car.

Coal regions advised to look to renewables for jobs

Demand for Australian thermal coal has peaked, according to the International Energy Agency. The Paris-based agency, set up in the 1970s to help prevent another energy crisis, says renewables will deliver 80 per cent of the world's energy needs in the next few years.
 

An unusual approach to managing dingoes

Could the wavy, inflatable figures you often see in car yards play a role in the non-lethal management of dingoes? A recent study led by CQUniversity has been looking into how using these inflatables might help.
 

Festival delivers hundreds of gigs to regional NSW

Aussie musicians are hitting the road to bring their music to venues big and small as part of the Great Southern Nights festival. Steve Doessel from Flow Bar in Old Bar NSW told Kia Handley how he's getting ready for a month of gigs.

How to catch prawns in Lake Macquarie

The water in Lake Macquarie is warming up, which means the prawns are on the run. Fisherman Jason Nunn knows the lake like the back of his hand and he can tell you all you need to know.

What else is making news?

Alarming predictions for homelessness spike: A new report commissioned by the social services sector is warning Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will have a jobless rate of over 12 per cent by mid-2021, and that homelessness will rise by 40 per cent. The sector says the disturbing predictions are proof the State Government needs to do more to invest in social housing to create jobs and ensure families in regions like the Hunter have a place to live. 

ACCC takes crane operator to court: The competition watchdog has begun action in the Federal Court against a Queensland crane operator over allegations of cartel conduct in Brisbane and Newcastle. It's alleging the company, NQCranes, signed an agreement with a competitor in the overhead crane market containing a cartel provision to share the market by not targeting each other's customers.

Police chief on coast shootings: The Northern Region police commander says guns in the community are always a concern after the second shooting in a week on the Central Coast. A 30-year-old man was rushed to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital on Wednesday after shots were fired following a police pursuit at The Entrance. Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell says two firearms were seized as part of the operation.

Lord Mayor welcomes luxury car dealership: Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has attended a ground breaking ceremony for Newcastle's first ever Porsche centre, which will open at Lambton next year. The multi-million dollar development will take nine months to complete, and Cr Nelmes says it will provide a huge economic boost to the city.

HSC exams underway: On Tuesday, 5,701 students across Newcastle and the Hunter began their HSC exams, amid strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure social distancing and good hygiene. Kurri Kurri High School principal Tracey Breese says her school, like many others, has already encouraged students to apply for university early to ease the exam pressure over the coming weeks. 

Jets appoint W-league coach: The Newcastle Jets have announced Ash Wilson (pictured above) as head coach of the club's W-league for the coming season. Wilson took charge of the team midway through last season and says she's honoured to be the first female head coach for the Jets.

How's the weekend weather looking?

We're heading into a rainy weekend with possible showers and a thunderstorm on Saturday. Friday will have a top temperature of 28 before dropping back into the low 20s until Wednesday.

Farewell to a legend: Col Kerr

ABC News presenter Joe O'Brien surprised our Newcastle-based camera operator Colin Kerr with an invitation to come out from behind the camera today. Joe got Col on-air for an impromptu farewell interview as our esteemed 'cammo' retires from the ABC on Friday after 35 years of service. 

The pair reminisced briefly about travelling together to cover bushfires, before Joe paid tribute to the amiable and unflappable legend of the newsroom.

"You've been a real backbone of the camera department, here at the ABC in Sydney in particular, over a very long time," Joe said. "Thanks so much for all the work you've done over the years. 

Col thanked Joe, saying, "It's been a pleasure working with you all."

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