Like what we do in this newsletter? Why not invite your friends to sign up and join us?

Federal Government will spend $600 million on Kurri Kurri gas plant 

The Federal Government has confirmed it will spend up to $600 million building a new gas-fired power station in Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison first flagged building the Hunter Valley plant last year, saying power prices could rise by 30 per cent in NSW if energy companies couldn't fill the 1000-megawatt gap left by the closure of the Liddell power station in 2023. 

Kurri gas plant could be running on diesel for months

However, plans for the taxpayer-funded gas-fired power plant have been labelled a "shambles" after it was revealed the plant may have to run on diesel for its first six months. The Kurri Kurri power station is proposed as a 'peaking' power generator, aimed at providing dispatchable capacity when the needs of electricity consumers are highest.

The Cessnock boy who 'does everything he has to do with a smile' despite genetic condition

"Our world just fell apart". Imagine watching your child develop and having a growing feeling of concern as they failed to reach certain milestones. That is exactly what Melissa McClellan experienced when she noticed her then-two-year-old son Hamish preferred to sleep in his pram instead of playing with the other kids. The appearance of several new birthmarks provided the diagnostic key to his neurofibromatosis.

Newcastle cafe stabbing accused in court charged with attempted murder

A man accused of stabbing his co-worker at a Newcastle cafe has appeared in court, while the victim remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Adrian Stratton, 24, who had been working at the Onyx Espresso Bar in Mayfield as a casual dishwasher for just six weeks, allegedly attacked the cafe's 27-year-old female chef with a fire extinguisher then a 30cm knife. 

Stockton Beach sand dunes off limits to 4WDs following large swells

Bad news for those who enjoy driving their 4WDs through the local sand dunes. Conditions have been deemed so dangerous that warning signs have been erected to stop four-wheel-drives from accessing the beach between the Gan Gan entrance at Anna Bay and the Lavis Lane entrance at Williamtown.

Regional NSW healthcare inquiry to broadcast hearings after accessibility complaints

An inquiry into remote and rural healthcare in New South Wales has bowed to pressure by agreeing to broadcast two upcoming regional hearings. Access will no longer be limited to the public and media present. The other hearings will be held in Gunnedah, Taree, Lismore, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Walgett and Broken Hill.

All frocked up for the race that stops a region

The ABC Newcastle and Upper Hunter team were at the 'race that stops a region' — the Scone Cup — on Friday. Mike Pritchard started strong with a Breakfast broadcast, and then Paul Turton and the Drive team bookended the day with the Drive program, trackside. A huge crowd turned out on a perfect autumn day to enjoy the biggest event on the Upper Hunter social calendar. The ABC crew really enjoyed getting frocked up, but a few are still waiting for the horse they backed to make it over the finish line...

Location scouted for mass vaccination hub in Newcastle region

Health officials have been scouting the Newcastle region for vacant premises to set up a similar operation to the Homebush vaccination centre in Sydney. Health Minister Brad Hazzard says they're looking for a space that's around 2,000 square metres, with plenty of available parking. At least 2,000 people could receive a COVID jab every day in the Hunter if the right venue is found for a second mass vaccination hub. 

Should the dine and discover vouchers' expiry date be extended?

If you haven't used the Dine and Discover vouchers, you need to be quick. A June expiry may be fine for dining, but what about the 'discover' side of things? Is it fair on businesses whose major source of income mostly comes in winter? Dominic May, the operator of a local whale watching business, is in that boat, and spoke to ABC Newcastle's Paul Turton.

Concerns mouse plague will create perfect fox breeding season

We know foxes are seasonal breeders and that the availability of mice right now means conditions are ripe for an increase in their numbers, but how will this impact our day-to-day lives? We spoke to Professor Matt Hayward, an ecologist from the University of Newcastle, to find out.

What else made news this week?

Grain milestone: The mouse plague hasn't managed to derail what's set to be one of the best grain export years in the Port of Newcastle. Graincorp is celebrating its millionth tonne of grain to be exported through Newcastle this week. It has mostly been wheat and sorghum exported from the Liverpool Plains to Moree in state's north. Graincorp's northern supply chain manager Josh Connell says the mouse plague has just added an extra layer to the quality control process. 

Newcastle in mourning: One of Newcastle's most treasured citizens, Vera Deacon, has died overnight at the age of 94. Ms Deacon, from Stockton, was a historian, philanthropist and writer and in 2019, the City of Newcastle named her Freeman of the City in recognition of her contribution to local heritage conservation. On social media Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes wrote that Ms Deacon had left a wonderful legacy. She was a truly remarkable woman.

Student discussions: A series of student consultation sessions will start from today at the University of Newcastle to encourage discussion about the organisation's restructure. The vice-chancellor will answer questions at the forums and explain the impact of the changes that will see the university's five faculties moved into three colleges. Students Association president Luka Harrison has welcomed the consultation, saying students are worried about the impact on their studies. 

Knights’ changes: Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien has only made one change to his starting side for tomorrow night's clash with the Cowboys. Winger Brayden Musgrove replaces the injured Hymel Hunt. Veteran playmaker Blake Green has been named on the extended bench and his inclusion could see a reshuffle of the backline. Fullback Kalyn Ponga remains sidelined for a second week with injury. 

Dairy farmers: Hunter Dairy Development Group chairman Scott Wheatley says foreign investment or backing from super funds could pave the way for young farmers to enter the ageing sector. A state inquiry into the sustainability of the dairy industry recommends extra support to entice young farmers to the sector, or risk future milk supply issues. Mr Wheatley says the issue cannot be under-estimated, with millions of dollars in start-up costs preventing younger farmers from entering the sector. 

Stairway to Heaven: A concept plan that's been dubbed the Stairway to Heaven that would open up a corridor between the Newcastle Harbour and the Christ Church Cathedral has gone on public exhibition. The council says it's in the early stages of assessing the viability of the 93-metre stairway and it wants to determine the level of community support. People can comment on the project until June 4, via the Have Your Say page on the City of Newcastle website.

Hunter hydrogen: A consortium of major players in the energy sector has unveiled plans to develop a large-scale hydrogen production, transportation and export project in the Hunter Valley. Energy Estate is leading the Hunter Hydrogen Network project, which will include input from energy giant AGL and several major renewable energy developers. Vincent Dwyer from Energy Estate says they'll be designing infrastructure such as pipelines and production hubs to unlock the hydrogen economy.

Motorbike fatality: Emergency services were called to the Great North Road at Laguna just after noon on Saturday. Police were told a man riding a motorcycle in a northerly direction collided with a ute in the southbound lane. The 49-year-old man was treated at the scene, but was pronounced dead a short time later. The occupants of the ute, a man and woman, were not injured in the crash.

The best photos from around the country

How great is the photo of one of Newcastle’s famous ocean baths? It was captured by @ground_pilots_, who took the photo and shared it via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram.

The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. 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. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC! 

How's the weekend weather looking?

Rain is heading our way this weekend with showers predicted amid a top of 21 degrees. Why not stay in bed and enjoy it?

How are we doing?
To produce the best newsletter we can, we need to hear from you. Are you enjoying this newsletter? Are we offering you stories you want to read? How can we improve? 🤔 Send us your feedback

And in other news... 

Missed the local news on-air? Listen to the latest bulletin.

Tune in to ABC Newcastle? Stream us live now.

Got something to say?  Send us an email.