All eyes on Little Winx: The global racing industry is keenly waiting for the first surviving foal of champion racehorse Winx to be sold next month. Winx became a household name, notching 25 group one wins and a world-record 33 race winning streak. Her foal, a filly dubbed Little Winx (pictured with a handler), has gained global interest and is expected to break the all-time filly yearling record of $2.6 million.
Land council election: The deputy head of the University of Newcastle's Wollotuka Institute, Dr Ray Kelly, has been appointed as the new chair of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council. Dr Kelly, a Dhangatti and Gumbayngirr man, is an expert on reviving and preserving Indigenous languages.
Port compensation liability: The New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says the state government could be liable for up to $4.3 billion to be paid in compensation to the owners of Port Botany and Kembla if the Port of Newcastle begins trading more containers in the coming decades. A container cap on the PoN was established when Botany and Kembla were sold to a private company, but was cancelled more than 12 months ago, breaching sale contracts designed to protect the container businesses at Kembla and Botany.
Regional crime probe: An inquiry into the drivers of soaring regional crime rates in New South Wales has been announced by the Minns government. Police Minister and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says it will help get to the bottom of the root causes of the growing regional youth crime problem and will hear first-hand from rural and regional communities.
Koalas under pressure: A Port Stephens wildlife carer says diminishing vegetation is putting local koala populations at risk. Wildlife in Need of Care koala coordinator Simone Aurino says housing and road developments like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace are putting more strain on vulnerable koalas.
Rebels defend title: The Newcastle Rebels have defended their NSW Rugby League Country Championship title with a 20-4 win over the Monaro Colts on Sunday afternoon. The grand final of the representative series was played at Cessnock Sportsground and Butcher Boys fullback Cameron Anderson was named man of the match.
Keeper sees red: The Newcastle Jets have lodged an appeal to have goalkeeper Izzy Nino's two-game suspension reduced. Nino was given the ban for her role in an on-field spat with Melbourne Victory's Emily Gielnik at the weekend. Football Australia's match review panel found Nino had committed violent conduct on a player for shoving Gielnik. In a statement the Jets say it's hoping for leniency on the matter.
Knight suspended: Newcastle Knights men's prop Leo Thompson has been suspended for one game, after a dangerous contact in Sunday's 14-12 win over the Melbourne Storm. Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was flipped over mid air, after Thompson made contact with his legs during a ball-contest.
