There are fears the father of Muswellbrook's Janine Vaughan, who disappeared after getting into a car in Bathurst in 2001, may die before knowing what happened to her.

A judge has sentenced a prisoner for a death threat poem, saying the man's words were "calculated and menacing".

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and a local rabbi have condemned apparent anti-Semitic graffiti at a cemetery at South Maitland, near Newcastle, after vandalised headstones were discovered on Tuesday.

Justice Health's clinical director admits medical notes for Indigenous inmate Bill Haines were lacking, as an inquest into the 37-year-old's death continues.

On the campaign trail ahead of the NSW election, Anthony Albanese refuses to be drawn on the future of a gas licence after a decision to cancel it by Scott Morrison triggered legal action.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole refuses to reveal how much revenue the state will lose from the mining royalty rate freeze, but says he's "confident" the announcement will not affect the budget.

The government department responsible for distributing the funds says it was working through projects before guidelines were finalised.

Hunter Valley winemakers are expecting a small, but quality vintage from grapes that have defied flooding and hail.

"Unless we help recover their habitat, it will be a grim picture for seahorses in Port Stephens."

Kirralee Hughes has been by her husband's side every step of the way. From football to brain cancer and creating the Mark Hughes Foundation together, their story is a remarkable one. Join Craig Hamilton for this special one-on-one, as Kirralee Hughes tells her story for the first time.

Newcastle high school students can now begin planning their pathways to the Olympics earlier. Hunter Sports High School, along with seven other sports-dedicated schools across the state, has officially become an Olympic pathway school.

National battery strategy: The federal government will speak with energy storage company representatives this month before revealing what it will do to support the rollout of more big batteries around the country. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic began the consultation process in the Hunter last Friday, visiting Tomago's Energy Renaissance battery manufacturing factory. Local Federal MP Dan Repacholi says the national strategy will help the region transition from coal mining by creating jobs in renewable energy.

One Nation announces Hunter candidates: NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham says the party's policy for the Hunter region is all about jobs, especially in the coal industry. One Nation launched four Hunter candidates for the March 25 state election at the weekend. Mark Watson will run in the seat of Port Stephens, Quintin King in Cessnock, Neil Turner in Maitland and Pietro Di Girolamo in Wallsend.

Newcastle Port report: The Port of Newcastle says it has the confidence to diversify its trade offerings in the coming decade, after recording solid results in its latest trade report. Despite a 13 per cent drop in the volume of product moved through the port, the total trade value of product was more than $71 billion. Exports of commodities like wheat and other grains recorded some of the highest values.

Police officer to face court: A police officer's employment is under review after he was charged with domestic violence-related offences in the Upper Hunter. An investigation was launched this week after reports of an alleged domestic-related incident between a man and woman in Singleton. A 32-year-old probationary constable attached to the Northern Region was arrested and issued a court attendance notice for common assault.

Supercar questions: Supercars Australia says having a community manager in Newcastle is a more efficient way for residents and business owners to communicate about the event which is scheduled for March. Some residents have raised concerns that the Office of Sport isn't providing a point of contact for the event and has instead directed anyone with queries directly to Supercars. Supercars Newcastle community manager Chris Yates says he has instant access to answers for residents.

Wide loads cause chaos: The Muswellbrook Shire Council is urging heavy freight operators to follow the rules on moving oversized cargo through the town following damage to traffic lights by wide loads. Council says traffic lights were damaged on three separate occasions by different operators last week, once on Bell Street and twice on Rutherford Road. Council says repairs were carried out immediately and it has insurance to cover the costs, but says all operators must follow the rules.

Train testing in Newcastle: Transport for New South Wales says new intercity trains are undergoing preliminary testing on the Newcastle line, after sitting idle for months at Kangy Angy and Broadmeadow. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has signed off on a new enterprise agreement after a year-long dispute, partly related to a push for safety changes to the new $2 billion fleet.

Surfing sensations: Merewether's Jackson Baker has been knocked out of the Pipeline pro in Hawaii on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Baker was up against Aussie Callum Robson this morning (February 8) in the round of 32 and posted an overall two wave score of 6.10. Robson finished on 7.44 and will move to the round of 16. Fellow Novocastrian Ryan Callinan progressed to the round of 16.