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Tim Tszyu, Michael Zerafa confirm July 7 fight in Newcastle

Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu will fight Michael Zerafa in Newcastle on July 7, putting an end to months of back and forth outside the ring. Tszyu's last fight was in Newcastle, where he defeated Irish veteran Dennis Hogan to remain perfect at 18-0 with 14 knockouts. Tszyu has rejected claims he was scared of Zerafa, citing injuries that prevented an earlier fight.

Jarryd Hayne jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been sentenced to five years and nine months in jail for sexually assaulting a woman on the night of the 2018 grand final. District Court Judge Helen Syme said she found that Hayne was fully aware that the victim was not consenting and went ahead anyway. Hayne must serve a minimum of three years and eight months in jail.

Rental crisis rising as families struggle to stay off the streets

With a waitlist of up to 10 years or more for social housing across the Hunter Valley, thousands of families are being forced into motels. Motel nomads Tisha Atmore, Kieffer Williams, and their baby Brooklyn invited the ABC to join them as they were on the move to yet another motel.

Newcastle Airport runway upgrade funding announced

Newcastle Airport is a big winner in the federal budget, with the Government announcing $66 million to upgrade the runway to international standards. It will allow the airport to cater for larger international aircraft, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s.

These aircraft carry more than 250 passengers and significant freight loads, and can undertake long-haul flights into North Asia, the Middle East and the US.

Malcolm Turnbull snubs Nationals, endorses independent candidate

Former prime minister Malcom Turnbull, who owns a grazing property in the Upper Hunter electorate, is urging voters to back independent candidate Kirsty O'Connell and abandon the National party that has held the seat since 1932, in the upcoming state by-election. He has accused the Nationals of cosying up to mining companies to the detriment of locals.

Mr Turnbull was dumped from the NSW Government's clean energy board last month after he called for a moratorium on new coal mines, but denies his support for O'Connell is about revenge.

Candidates focus on 'coal-free corner' of the Upper Hunter

Merriwa, a coal-free corner of the NSW Upper Hunter electorate, which has so far eluded the attention of most candidates in this month's by-election, hosted the first candidates' forum. A massive powerline project slated for the town was the main focus for voters. In a reflection of Merriwa's agricultural roots, candidates were asked for their position on the controversial weedkiller Round-Up.

Healthcare inquiry accused of lack of transparency

A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into access to health services is under fire for limiting public access to regional hearings. The Upper House committee is examining the challenges people face in seeking medical care in remote, rural and regional areas. It is holding 10 hearings in regional communities to hear directly from some of the 700 individuals, councils and organisations who lodged submissions.

Vintage Australian cinema equipment comes to life in country shed

Inside the walls of a huge country shed, vintage cinema projectors, harking back to the silent era, whir into life under David McGowan's careful watch. Mr McGowan recently acquired a huge collection of vintage cinema equipment, collected over many years. The collection is so big, it's already taken six semi-trailer loads to move it to Mr McGowan's hometown on the NSW Mid North Coast. 

Kristin Scott, from professional dancer to teacher

Have you ever admired a talented, passionate woman and wondered how she made it? Our Fierce and Female series goes behind the scenes to ask those questions and this week it features Kristin Scott and her life as a professional dancer, turned teacher.

Kristin explains the challenging life choices she's had to make along the way, and how it ultimately led her to Newcastle where she's launched her business, Barre Effect.

Local academic thinks Tokyo Olympics shouldn't go ahead. Here’s why

COVID-19 cases in Japan continue to surge and many of the country's citizens don't think the Tokyo Olympics should go ahead, but there is no sign of them being cancelled. Some medical experts are calling for the games to be suspended, with the country in the midst of a fourth wave of infections.

Failure or growth? Lessons learnt from 'grey divorce'

There's grey nomads and now the term 'grey divorce' is on the rise as couples who have been together for decades make the decision to split. So is that failure? Relationship coach Tara Whitewood talks this through with Kia Handley.

What else made news this week?

University budget hopes: The University of Newcastle's Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinksy says the federal budget outlined a pilot program starting next year to bring back a “modest number” of international students. The Vice Chancellor says the university is hoping the return comes as soon as possible due to the reliance on international students to balance the books.

Child abuse ring: Andrew John Walker was sentenced to four years in jail last Thursday, with a 2.5-year non-parole period, after being arrested in a nationwide sting last year. It came after Australian Federal Police officers found hundreds of images on USB sticks, a portable drive and SD cards. During sentencing Newcastle Local Court Magistrate Robert Stone said Walker's actions were callous, and they were not victimless crimes. Walker was one of more than 40 men charged, and 16 children were removed from harm.

Fatal crash: Police are looking for dashcam footage as they investigate a fatal crash in the Hunter. Police say just before 11am on Thursday a car left The Bucketts Way and crashed, trapping a woman in the vehicle. The woman, aged in her 30s, died at the scene, while an 11-year-old girl was able to free herself and was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

Cyclist accident: A cyclist is recovering in hospital after crashing into a ute at Rutherford. The 36-year-old man was riding east on Arthur Street at about 2.30pm on Friday when he and a ute travelling south on Weblands Street collided. He suffered head injuries and was flown to hospital in a serious condition. The 39-year-old male driver was taken to Maitland hospital for mandatory testing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact crime stoppers.

Spitter to be fined: Police have confirmed that a supporter of jailed rapist Jarryd Hayne will be handed a fine for spitting outside a Newcastle courthouse following Hayne's sentencing. There were reports that a supporter of Hayne's spat at the victim as she left court. Police say they have spoken to a 38-year-old man who will be issued with an infringement notice for offensive conduct.

In the A-league: Newcastle Jets new recruit Jordan O'Doherty says it was a no-brainer for him to come to the club so he can get more minutes on the field. The young midfielder from the Western Sydney Wanderers was traded in an early release deal for Steven Ugarkovic. The 23-year-old debuted for the Jets on Saturday and says he's keen to get more games under his belt. 

Upgrade for Dungog: Deputy Premier John Barilaro has announced $25 million to upgrade roads in the Dungog region. The announcement was made alongside the Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter by-election David Layzell.

Mining update: Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee concedes it is difficult to predict the future of the Hunter coal industry because of increasingly ambitious international climate change commitments. Mr Galilee addressed the Singleton Business Chamber to provide an update on the state of the Hunter coal industry. He says he's confident new coal markets will emerge in South-East Asia, but international climate policy is unpredictable.

The best photos from around the country

Could this shot be any more Newy?! A great photo by local photographer @nordy5, who said, "I feel so lucky to be in the right place and right time to capture this as it was only there for a few minutes". The photo was taken from King Edward Park and shared via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram. 

You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. And your photo may be included in an online gallery of the best photos from around the country each week!

How's the weekend weather looking?

The sun is peeking out from behind the clouds this weekend with a top of 20 degrees. Why not enjoy it with the family? And thanks to @Chelseap98 for this week's weather photo.

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