Eraring power station secret documents scrutinised

Trove of confidential documents shed light on claims by energy giant that throwing a lifeline to an ageing coal plant could be "low cost" for taxpayers.

The NSW Upper Hunter is one of Australia's worst regions for childcare accessibility, forcing families such as the Bakers to travel several hours daily to drop off their children in order to work.

Greg Marzhew and Bradman Best travelled different roads to Newcastle, but a shared gift for leaving carnage in their wake has resulted in one of rugby league's deadliest attacking duos.

A 42-year-old Port Stephens man is facing seven charges, after allegedly stabbing a NSW police officer who is being treated for facial injuries.

A teenage volunteer firefighter has been charged with deliberately lighting several fires in the Hunter Valley and then returning to help put them out.

Jurors have been told not be to be tempted to be television detectives when deliberating the fate of a man police allege gave a toddler a fatal dose of an antidepressant.

With bees responsible for pollinating much of the food we find at the supermarket and green grocer, authorities remain committed to trying to eradicate the recently introduced varroa mite before it gains too much of a foothold.

The Hunter's Alicia Edge was the person giving the Matildas an edge at the World Cup. Here’s how and why.

Geoff Edman says on average one boat a week comes to grief in the channel and delays to the work have cost the club at least a million dollars a year. He tells ABC's Scott Bevan the club is looking forward to resurrecting the lake's reputation.

Next year the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres State Islander people will be taught more comprehensibly in schools. Morisset High school is already elevating the understanding of Indigenous culture though language classes.

Twenty-one miners lost their lives in the Bellbird Colliery disaster, in an event that was felt in the small coal mining community for generations. A century on, stories of grief and bravery are on display at the Cessnock City Library.

Collectible coins: Muswellbrook's Blue Heeler statue is one of Australia's 10 "big things" being celebrated on collectible coins from the Royal Australian Mint. The commemorative $1 coins also include Coffs Harbour's The Big Banana and Mole Creek's Big Tasmanian Devil.

Photo supplied: Monuments Australia. Russel Byers/Royal Australian Mint

Seatbelt petition: An online petition calling for seatbelts to be mandated on buses across the country has received almost 10,000 signatures. The petition was created in the wake of the Hunter Valley bus crash at Greta in which 10 people died earlier this year. The petition is calling on the federal government to urgently review the mandatory installation and enforcement of wearing seat belts in any vehicle on roads in Australia. It will now be presented to the House of Representatives.

Urgent medical clinic finalised: All Ways Healthcare has been selected to run the new federally-funded urgent care clinic in Cessnock, which is expected to open at the end of the month. The community will be able to book bulk-billed appointments to treat issues like minor fractures and burns, respiratory illnesses and urinary tract infections. It's hoped the clinic will ease pressures on the local emergency department.

Supercars future still unknown: The New South Wales Tourism Minister John Graham says a decision on whether or not Destination New South Wales funding support will be provided to the Supercars Newcastle 500 event is still being discussed. A 2024 event is yet to be announced, with Supercars wanting to continue the race in the city for five more years.

Concern over mask rule changes: A nurse at the John Hunter Hospital is concerned that changes to mask rules in hospitals may exacerbate staff shortages. Masks are now only required in hospitals and health facilities when treating patients with respiratory illnesses. It follows three years of a mask mandate during the COVID pandemic. NSW Nurses and Midwives Association spokesperson Rachel Hughes says although there is some relief not having to wear a mask, concerns around staff becoming sick and needing to take leave is on people's minds.

DV laws needed now: The founder of a Hunter domestic violence support service says a new website educating people about coercive control doesn't go far enough. The NSW government launched a website last week as a way to help people understand what coercive control is and the consequences of new laws coming into effect next year. Ann-Maria Martin is a victim-survivor who launched Survivor's R Us at Cardiff and says the website is informative, but education is also needed in schools and the new laws are needed now. To learn more about coercive control, watch this video.

Maitland claims back-to-back premierships: The Maitland Pickers smashed South Newcastle in the Newcastle Rugby League grand final last weekend 42-10. It's the second consecutive year Maitland has lifted the trophy. The Pickers are preparing for the New South Wales Presidents Cup series.

Another sellout for men's Knights: Newcastle will face a packed Hunter Stadium for Sunday's elimination final against the Canberra Raiders. The stadium holds 28,500 people. More than 21,000 tickets were sold on Monday when tickets went on sale to club members, with the remaining tickets selling fast when ticket sales opened to the general public on Tuesday. It will be the third sold-out game for the Knights at home this season.

Knights on top: Hunter stadium will also host the top of the table clash in the NRLW on Saturday when the Knights take on the Sydney Roosters. Both teams have only lost one game this season. The Roosters hold top spot on the ladder, but only because they have a better for and against differential. There are just two games left in the regular home and away season and this game is likely to play a key role in which team finishes minor premiers. Former Knights captain Millie Boyle will come up against her former teammates for the first time in Roosters colours at Hunter stadium.