Local teacher's plea goes viral

The report was compiled after the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that killed 10 people earlier this year. The NSW government has vowed to implement all five of its recommendations and will launch a seatbelt safety campaign immediately.

Police allege Rory Adams had eight guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition stashed in his home during the stand-off.

Support for Yes was strongest in the inner suburbs, while the majority of outer suburban, regional and rural voters said No. But analysts say the reasons why voters rejected the referendum question is more complex. Here are the referendum results by electorate, represented on a map.

The daughter of Stacey Klimovitch has told a court she heard a heavy knock and someone call her mum's name before she was shot at her Stockton home.

A Newcastle woman whose daughter spent a month in hospital after having life-saving surgery is urging people to be aware of the hidden danger a common cleaning tool can pose.

Within the next few years, 24-year-old Haylee will undergo a hysterectomy to solve her chronic pain. But first, she is giving pregnancy one last shot.

In a 56-second clip, student teacher and mental health advocate Meg Southcombe sums up why educators need more respect. Her words are resonating across the internet.

The idea of improving my wellbeing without significant effort seemed too good to be true, until I gave it a go.

While some who don’t identify with the politics of veganism have embraced the term "plant-based", others say it has become a near-meaningless buzzword.

Twenty little rufous bettongs, bred in captivity, are released into a feral-free zone but they will still have to fend for themselves.

How a group of refugee women are gaining confidence and skills in the construction field.

Get ready for 2024 with a brand new calendar or diary! We have prizes up for grabs from Gardening Australia, Organic Gardener and Muster Dogs.

To enter, tell us what your favourite plant is and why it brings you joy. Competition closes Monday, October 30.

Like the look of them? You can order your diaries and calendars here. What a great Christmas gift!

Sand rainbow: Stockton residents say the community is delighted to finally see sand replenishment works underway at Stockton Beach. A dredge began spraying sand onto the southern end of the heavily eroded beach at the weekend. As part of the first stage of work, 100,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged and relocated to a "surf zone" on the beach.

Another arrest over man allegedly set on fire: A second man has been charged in relation to allegedly setting another man on fire in Newcastle last month. Police were called to a fast-food restaurant on King Street on September 28 when a man with serious burns sought help. Police are investigating reports the 23-year-old was assaulted and set on fire. A 20-year-old man is currently before the courts in relation to the matter. A 30-year-old man was arrested at a property in Rosehill last Friday and has been charged with using an explosive with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Traffic headaches: Commuters between the Maitland and Newcastle areas are continuing to experience extensive traffic delays caused by lane and speed reductions on a bridge connecting the region's three major highways. The rail overpass bridge at Tarro was found to have "degradation issues" with its columns during a routine check last week. The Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says the repairs are being expedited and Maitland residents could consider working from home to dodge traffic. But Business Hunter chief executive Bob Hawes says while working from home will work for some, that doesn't make sense to a lot of workers who are affected.

Calls for drought help: A Nationals MP is concerned the New South Wales government isn't addressing how it'll support areas in drought, with conditions expected to worsen. The Department of Primary Industries has already declared more than 40 per cent of the state is either in drought or drought-affected. This includes parts of the Hunter, with Port Stephens in drought, while the majority of Newcastle is also in drought. Northern Tablelands MP and former Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall says the government needs to step in now.

New varroa information: The Department of Primary Industries says a range of support materials are available to help beekeepers as they learn to live with varroa mite. The DPI has published a fact sheet and video on its website detailing management options for NSW beekeepers. It's also organising face-to-face training sessions in coming months, including at the Tocal Field Days.

Cycleway funding support: The Merriwa Chamber of Commerce says it'll continue fundraising to cover a portion of the costs of the town's new cycleway. Last year, the Upper Hunter Shire Council told 25 residents living along the 4km path it needed $60,000 from them to go towards construction. The extra costs will be split up and added to their quarterly rates during the next five years. The chamber says more than $20,000 has been raised so far to cover the residents' bills.

Jets take derby battle: The first F3 women's derby in more than 10 years was a tense affair in Gosford on Saturday, with the Newcastle Jets beating the Central Coast Mariners 1-0. Melina Ayres scored with a header in the 81st minute to secure the win for Newcastle. Ten yellow cards were handed out during the match. Jets defender Alexandra Huynh and Mariners midfielder Faye Bryson were both red-carded and sent off.

Upton off to jumping debut: Newcastle Knights fullback Tamika Upton starred in her test debut, helping the Jillaroos defeat the Kiwi Ferns in the Pacific Rugby League Championships opener in Queensland on Saturday. Upton scored two tries and ran for more than 210 metres to claim player of the match in the 16-10 win. Knights prop Caitlan Johnston also scored a try for Australia.