Transition from coal-fired generation: Energy Minister announces new Net Zero Authority

The new government-led agency — the Net Zero Authority — will help reskill workers in mining and coal-fired generation and provide more funding for renewable energy.

A New South Wales plastic surgeon is accused of procuring and abusing eight underage girls, who were not his patients, in Sydney and Newcastle during 2021 and 2022.

The Newcastle council backs plans to create flora-covered bus stops, pollination walls, and more garden space to bring bees back to the rapidly transforming city.

A Hunter Valley woman has told an inquest her Jehovah's Witness mother was acting on what the church wanted her to do by refusing a blood transfusion that could have saved her life.

In return for being given $100,000 and "just unconditional love" during his childhood cancer treatment, Jacob Cooper has been returning the favour for other sick children.

Processing the grief of her partner's sudden death was hard for Haylee Penfold as she struggled to find people her age who understood what she was going through.

A new short film honours the "fierceness" and "fearlessness" of former ABC broadcaster, the late Jill Emberson, in her fight for more ovarian cancer research funding.

In a men's shed much like any other across the country, five people are on deck to help a vintage tractor roar to life. It's the first time it's been started in almost 100 years.

"Politicians just haven't regulated the industry and the hammer's come down and we're caught in the cross fire," says Hunter vape shop owner Ryan Kenning.

The duo are believed to be the oldest blacksmiths still behind the hammer.

Nationals leadership: Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell says he's ready to move forward after the party's recent change of leadership. National Party MPs voted Paul Toole out of the top job, replacing him with Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders (pictured).

Crazy surf: Large swells of more than four metres hit the Hunter over the weekend and into Monday. Beaches were closed, with life savers urging rock fishers, boaters and surfers to steer clear.

Budget released: The federal government has released its latest budget, with funding earmarked for Medicare bulk billing, hydrogen technology and a Newcastle to Sydney fast-rail planning taskforce. What else is in it for you? Find out here.

Tocal success: Nearly 25,000 people turned out to the 39th Tocal Field Days, with $45,000 of the proceeds going to local community groups. Organisers say the 40th instalment next year will be even bigger.

Horse festival: Equine industry stalwart Duncan Macintyre has been named the Scone Horse Festival's VIP for 2023. The awards were held at Scone's Arrowfield Stud as part of the festival, celebrating those who have spent their lives committed to the equestrian space.

Emma's new gig: Hunter screenwriter and disability advocate Emma Myers has been named one of the 18 members on Screen Australia's "Gender Matters Taskforce". The taskforce will provide independent advice to the agency to help the film industry achieve gender parity and boost diversity on-screen.

Cultural burns: Hunter farmers are being encouraged by Local Land Services to consider a cultural burn on their property over the cooler months, to prepare their land for an expected hot summer. A cultural burn is a fire practice used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, to help manage and control hazards on the land.

Defence focus: The Newcastle Knights have put defence improvements at the top of their list ahead of their clash with the Titans on Sunday. Forward Daniel Saifiti says the most recent 43 to 12 loss to the Eels shows there are some gaps to address.

Jets shock: Four players are set to depart the men's Newcastle Jets, including key midfielder Angus Thurgate. Executive chair Shane Mattiske says the club is disappointed to lose him, but understands he is hoping to pursue international opportunities. Also departing is winger Manabu Saito, forward Beka Mikeltadze and midfielder Mohamed Al-Taay.