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The death of Mackenzie Anderson in Mayfield has left the community shocked and grieving. A man has been charged with the 21-year-old's murder, aggravated entering a dwelling with intent, and breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.

The New South Wales coroner has confirmed that COVID-19 was responsible for the death of a two-month-old baby at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital in December.

The Warbirds Over Scone event at the weekend thrilled big crowds. Aerobatics and stunts showcased the vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and Kittyhawks, for enthusiasts from all over the country. 

The former Silverchair frontman has been charged with high-range drink driving after a head-on crash north of Newcastle. He's since checked himself into a rehabilitation centre.

One horse cost almost $2 million, the other cost $10,000. What's the difference between them, and how could they end up on the same track in less than a year?

The federal budget contained very few surprises for our region. An announcement earlier this week revealed spending on "faster rail infrastructure" to speed up the Sydney to Newcastle line. So, how else might the budget affect you?

It'll cost the state government about $500,000 to re-run council elections in Singleton, Kempsey and one ward in Shellharbour after the iVote electronic voting failure.

This blue and green Barrington's Tree Frog was spotted in the Hunter region. The mysterious colouring of the amphibian has puzzled scientists for 230 years.

Anne Von Bertouch's exhibitions were more like soirees, as she generously shared her knowledge and supported emerging artists. Her legacy lives on today, and is remembered and appreciated by historians at the University of Newcastle.

Have you been the victim of a break and enter recently? The Muswellbrook Community Facebook page has been flooded with locals sharing photos and videos of alleged thieves taking things from their homes.

Surfest returns: After a break in 2021 for the pandemic, Surfest has returned to Merewether. Both the men's and women's pro events carry $50,000 prize money and form part of the qualifying series for the World Surf League. Forecast surf conditions could cause issues for organisers, who have had discussions about moving the competition to Newcastle Harbour if required.

Image: Oceanna Rogers surfs in the first day of the women's Pro event at Merewether (World Surf League: Tom Bennett).

Student safety: Around one in five University of Newcastle students surveyed as part of a national safety report say they've been sexually harassed in a university setting. That is higher than the national average. The university says all students have the right to feel safe, adding it's committed to strengthening student safety and support initiatives.

Barnett suspended: The NRL judiciary has suspended men's Newcastle Knights back rower Mitch Barnett for six matches, over a dangerous contact charge. Barnett will not be available to play again until round 10

Stockton taskforce meets: The taskforce aiming to find a solution for erosion at Stockton Beach has taken the next steps towards a sand replenishment program. In an online meeting, Deputy Premier Paul Toole asked to be brought up to speed on the plans after taking over the job from John Barilaro in October.

Hawks Nest development concerns: A petition has been tabled in state parliament calling for the rezoning of land at Hawks Nest, to stop a controversial beach-front apartment development. The land at Bennetts Beach is earmarked for a 124-unit development in five buildings up to four storeys high. The petition calls for the land to be rezoned for public recreation.
 

A million dollar view! This moody image of Merewether Beach was submitted by Kylie Nolan and shared via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram. You can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. 

It's a bit bleak mid-week, with showers forecast right through to the weekend. Just be aware there could be more river rises in areas like Bulga, where minor flooding is expected on Thursday. Dangerous surf will affect our coastline on Wednesday and Thursday, along with strong winds. Temperatures won't get much higher than the low 20s as we head into the second month of autumn.

This gorgeous photo of a sunset taken from Mary's Bay, Soldiers Point, comes from Carol Swadling. Thanks Carol! 

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ABC Newcastle acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.