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ABC broadcaster Jill Emberson dies

The ABC has lost a close friend with the death of broadcaster and ovarian cancer advocate Jill Emberson. Jill died after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Jill used her voice to advocate for thousands of women who have also been diagnosed with the deadly disease, founding the Pink Meets Teal campaign to push for funding fairness for ovarian cancer. Her husband this week spoke about his incredible love for his late wife and how "everything was still very raw".

A public memorial service will be held in Newcastle on January 23, celebrating Jill's life and her extraordinary achievements.

Merry Christmas from the ABC Newcastle team

This is the last The Newcastle Weekly newsletter for this year. We'll be back in your inbox on January 9.

Thank you for your loyal readership over the past year. We hope you have a happy and relaxing festive period, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year. 

Victim tells court she'll be 'forever scarred and never cured'

A 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a man in Newcastle has confronted her rapist, telling him she'll be "forever scarred and never cured".

Brett Hill, 49, was sentenced this week and will spend more than 20 years in jail after pleading guilty earlier this year.

His victim, who was 11 at the time of the attack, delivered an impact statement in court, saying she feels damaged, like she has an "invisible scar" across her face.

Former mayor Joy Cummings immortalised in bronze

Australia's first female lord mayor Joy Cummings has been described as a visionary and a trailblazer.

She was the Lord Mayor of Newcastle from 1974 until 1984 and has now been immortalised in a bronze statue that stands in the city centre. A special ceremony was held to unveil the artwork.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says Ms Cummings demonstrated great vision for Newcastle, was determined in her representation of her community, and showed courage and a bold commitment on environmental issues.

"I think it's perfect this statue sits in the heart of the city and overlooks its continuing change and revitalisation, particularly looking back over to the Civic Theatre, which she helped save for live performances," she said.

Man wrongly prosecuted over burglar's death can pursue legal costs

Benjamin Batterham was found not guilty last month of the murder and manslaughter of Richard Slater, who broke into his Newcastle home in 2016.

After a struggle on the street outside, Mr Slater, who had methamphetamine in his system, suffered three heart attacks and died in hospital. Mr Batterham always claimed he put him in a choke hold to stop him getting away and never intended for him to die.

A court has now ruled Mr Batterham was wrongly prosecuted and can pursue an estimated $1 million in legal costs. 

Ignoring vital signs can be deadly, coroner warns

The mum of a Hunter boy who died after his gangrenous appendix burst says she hopes his case will be a catalyst for change. Luca Raso, 13, died after twice being misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis.

A coroner has delivered findings into the teenager's death, saying it serves as a reminder to clinicians that ignoring vital signs can be deadly.

Concern for species' future after mass baby bat deaths

The ongoing drought and bushfires are having a devastating impact on local flying fox populations.

Baby bats are being left for dead in their thousands in an 'abandonment event' because there's not enough food for mothers to feed their offspring.

The situation is critical in the Hunter where rescuers found 500 dead bats in one roost in Raymond Terrace.

It's a big week for....

• The University of Newcastle, with more than 1,000 students graduating this week. Read the inspiring story of Jessica Coleman who suffered serious burns in an accident, but still managed to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree.
• Muswellbrook, with the earth moving as four earthquakes shook the town in less than 24 hours.
• North Rothbury, which celebrated the 90th anniversary of what's been described as the bloodiest industrial event in Australia's history - the North Rothbury riots.

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