Tomago bushfire threatens homes and businesses

Lauren Parker is a Paralympic gold medallist after dominating the field in the women's PTWC para-triathlon, three years after missing out on gold by just 1 second.

Para swimmer Jack Ireland said he was lost for words after winning his maiden Paralympic medal on day three in Paris.

The NSW Rural Fire Service worked against the clock to contain an out-of-control grass fire as strong wind gusts fanned blazes across the greater Sydney area.

Women who haven't been nightclubbing for decades are back on the dancefloor joining sell-out crowds at events across the country.

A 22-year-old woman charged over her involvement in blocking coal trains in the Hunter Valley is "relieved" after successfully appealing against her jail sentence.

The chief of NSW Police Karen Webb says officers needs to be removed from attending mental health incidents where there are no immediate risks to the safety of people.

Tszyu, who is managed by Newcastle's Glen Jennings, earns a chance to claim the super-welterweight belt after locking in an October fight with unbeaten Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev.

With the cost of fresh fruit and veggies still high, there's a place for frozen and canned produce. And they might have just as much, if not more nutrients than you think.

The Zara's House co-founder has called her home 'Gaia', and that's what Sister Di has nurtured in her garden.

New research has busted a common myth about three common poodle crossbreeds — cockapoos, labradoodles and cavapoos — and whether they're healthier than pedigrees.

Backburning underway: Days after an emergency-level bushfire affected our region, water provider Hunter Water has started the first of several planned back-burns on its sites. The first burn started in bushland around Grahamstown Dam on Wednesday. The controlled burn, undertaken by accredited fire contractors, was the first of several Hunter Water says it will conduct through September at its sites, including at Grahamstown and at its depot site at Tomago. It says it will notify the public before burns start.

Caption: Firefighters working to establish containment lines at the Tomago bushfire on Monday. The blaze is now under control. Image: ABC Newcastle/Keely Johnson

Bus task force report: The NSW Bus Safety Taskforce says calls for strengthening bus safety measures in the wake of last year's Hunter Valley bus crash at Greta fall outside its terms of reference. The task force was commissioned last year to improve safety standards across the state and expanded its terms of reference in the wake of the Greta crash. On Monday it released its final report, recommending increasing the frequency of buses, strengthening driver training, and making it easier to track driver performance data. The Stop Bus Tragedies group made a submission calling for Transport for NSW to strengthen bus safety measures to improve road safety for buses, but the task force says they are matters for the Commonwealth. Significant safety reforms have been made across New South Wales and Australia in the wake of the Hunter Valley bus crash.

Scone CBD revitalisation: Kelly Street in Scone is a step closer to having its big revamp officially unveiled, with the CBD revitalisation project hitting another milestone. Southbound traffic has returned to the main street following the completion of works that diverted traffic away from the area. The next phase of the CBD's big face lift began earlier this week, focusing on the stretch from St Aubins to Susan streets.

Local whooping cough warning: Whooping cough cases are rising in the Hunter New England. High numbers of infections being recorded, especially among primary school-aged children. While influenza, RSV and COVID infections are all decreasing locally, whooping cough has been steadily increasing for months. Public health physician with Hunter New England Health Dr Tony Merritt says it's important to prevent transmission as it can be dangerous in infants.The highly contagious respiratory tract infection can cause serious illness and sometimes death.

Menopause clinic opens: A new menopause clinic which aims to support women who experience severe symptoms has opened in the Hunter region. The hub, at the Wallsend Health Campus, was launched by the Hunter New England Local Health District this week. It’s one of four specialist menopause hubs in New South Wales.

Finals season arrives: It's all heating up for many local sporting competitions as finals fever takes over. The Newcastle Netball Association grand final day will take place on Saturday, with Norths and Wests facing off in the top tier. The Upper Hunter Group 21 rugby league grand final will also be on Saturday, with the Scone Thoroughbreds and Greta Branxton Colts vying for the title. The NEWRL semi-finals series will kick off at the weekend, with the grand final on Sunday, September 29.

Knights' must-win battle: The Newcastle Knights NRL side must win this Sunday's home game against the Dolphins to scrape into the finals series. The Knights are currently at ninth, and would take the Dolphins' eighth spot if they walk away with a win. If they lose, their season is over. The double-header home game is set to be a sellout.

Last home clash: The Knights' NRLW side will play after the men on Sunday, taking on the Brisbane Broncos. It could be the last game for the Knights women at home this season unless they can secure a home semi-final in coming weeks. They currently sit third on the NRLW ladder.

Jets goalie re-signs: The Newcastle Jets have announced the re-signing of young gun goalkeeper Tiahna Robertson for the coming A-League women's season. Robertson was an emergency signing last season, brought into the squad as injury cover just before finals. Jets coach Ryan Campbell says he's looking forward to developing her career further at the Jets.

Let's be honest, cooking during the week can be a slog. If you're looking for inspiration and ease, here are three weeknight dinners you can look forward to all day.

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