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'Utter devastation' as Stockton beach washes away

Heavy seas have once again stripped tonnes of sand from Newcastle's Stockton Beach, which was declared a natural disaster this week.

Several beach-side cabins at Stockton caravan park have been left teetering on the edge of the eroded foreshore and a crane has been busily working all week to lift them out of danger.  

Wombat waterhole helping animals in drought

Is there anything wombats can't do? They've been in the news lately for appearing to save other animals from bushfires, and now they're getting busy providing water in drought-stricken areas.

In case you missed it, late last week we did a story about wombats on a Hunter Valley farm that are being hailed as heroes for burrowing down to an underground soak and supplying water to native fauna hit hard by drought.

The wombat waterhole is being used by kangaroos, wallabies, birds, goannas, possums, echidnas and even emus.

Glamour photographer on trial for assaulting models

A trial began in Newcastle District Court this week for photographer Allan Todd Cameron, who is accused of assaulting 10 models. 

In his opening address, the prosecutor told the court that Mr Cameron would flatter the models and urge them towards nudity. Mr Cameron has pleaded not guilty to all 26 charges.

Lawrence makes plea for remaining Bali Nine

Newcastle drug mule Renae Lawrence, who returned home in 2018 after serving 13 years in an Indonesian prison, has this week made a plea to help the remaining Bali Nine prisoners.

Her plea came as Indonesian President Joko Wododo began a three-day visit to Australia.

Trailblazing Newcastle cardiologist dies

There's been an overwhelming show of love and support for the family and colleagues of Hunter cardiologist Dr Angela Worthington. 

Dr Worthington, who was suffering with motor neurone disease, died this week, leaving behind an incredible legacy for women to follow her footsteps into specialised medicine.

Residents advised to boil water

Singleton Council has issued an alert for residents in the Glade and Gowrie on the northern side of Singleton, plus Maison Dieu and Hambeldon Hill, to boil their water before drinking it or using it in food preparation.

Recent heavy rainfall has caused issues with water treatment, making drinking water in those suburbs unsafe

Students take on fast-food challenge

It's that time of year when we're all trying to watch our waistlines ... but what if you could get a fast-food fix that was healthy and easy to make at home?

Students from the University of Newcastle took on that challenge as part of National Smart Eating Week, and we went along to see how they fared.

'No messing around' new Jets coach says

Currently on the bottom of the A-league ladder and still reeling after the sacking of coach Ernie Merrick, the Newcastle Jets are hoping for a fresh start.

New coach Carl Robinson held his first training session with the squad this week ahead of their clash against the Wanderers on Saturday night. 

It's a big week for...

• Dangerous surf! Heavy seas battered the coast last weekend, and there's more bad weather forecast tomorrow as Cyclone Uesi moves our way.
• Earthquake or sonic boom? We still don't know exactly what caused windows to rattle, glassware to shatter and loud rumbling noises across the Hunter on Wednesday.
• A ship arrest. The cargo ship, YM Eternity, was arrested in Sydney over an outstanding debt incurred by her sister ship YM Efficiency, which lost 80 containers off the Port Stephens coast in 2018. 

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