Newcastle news, sport and weather | Newcastle Herald | Newcastle, NSW

A teenager in the floodwaters after the Hunter River burst its banks at Singleton on Saturday. Pictures Peter Lorimer

Flood peaks at Singleton, as Hunter River rises at Maitland

Damon Cronshaw

NSW is taking precautionary measures as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 emerges overseas.

Omicron 'may well already be' in NSW

Hannah Ryan

15 new cases in Hunter New England Health district

15 new cases in Hunter New England Health district

Xavier Mardling

Stacey Klimovitch was fatally shot in the chest after answering the front door of her Stockton home in June.

UPDATEDThird man arrested, bail refused for alleged mastermind of the killing of Stacey Klimovitch

Simon McCarthy

Port Stephens boat rescue leads to drug charges for woman

Port Stephens boat rescue leads to drug charges for woman

Xavier Mardling
2hrs ago

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes after completing a hot lap at the Newcastle 500 in 2017. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

ANALYSISThe race is on: Divisive issues spice up council election

Michael Parris

Adam O'Brien talks Pearce, Ponga, Joey and Knights' 2022 prospects

Adam O'Brien talks Pearce, Ponga, Joey and Knights' 2022 prospects

Barry Toohey
2m ago

Surging COVID rates have the Netherlands hospital system near its limits.

COMMENTNSW lifts COVID restrictions as case numbers rise globally

Editorial

Teenage talent Kirsty Fenton out to make most of Jets debut season

1hr ago

FOODBriar Valley revamps production styles and varieties

2hrs ago

Are modern choices making life too comfortable?

Military warcraft caught on camera at Port Stephens

A teenager in the floodwaters after the Hunter River burst its banks at Singleton on Saturday. Pictures Peter Lorimer

Flood peaks at Singleton, as Hunter River rises at Maitland

The Hunter River bursts it banks at Singleton, where waters are expected to peak - and potentially exceed major flood levels - into Sunday. Picture: Peter Lorimer

UPDATEDRain records fall as emergency services make daring rescues from floodwaters

PRESSING CLAIMS: Striker Jemma House is set for a second season with the Jets. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

She is a full-time bank teller and is targeting a Jets starting spot: Meet Jemma House

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Kahibah butcher Luke Outram outside his Glebe Street store. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Kahibah an attractive 'second move' suburb

UNIQUE: Queens Wharf in Newcastle, as depicted on a postcard. Postcards from the Past by Greg and Sylvia Ray is out now.

WHAT'S ONPostcards a snapshot of bygone era

DREAM MEETING: Spitfire pilot Sid Handsaker shakes the hand of General Sir Peter Cosgrove. Picture: Scott Bevan

Sid's surprise of the century for his big birthday

PM says new laws to end online bullying

26m ago

Drug charges follow NSW woman's sea rescue

44m ago

Teenage talent Kirsty Fenton out to make most of Jets debut season

1hr ago

ALP must back our integrity bill: minister

1hr ago

Aust presence helps ease Solomons unrest

1hr ago

Port Stephens boat rescue leads to drug charges for woman

2hrs ago

New laws will force social media platforms to expose people who make defamatory posts anonymously.

PM says new laws to end online bullying

26m ago

NSW water police say they found the drug ice and cannabis after rescuing a woman north of Newcastle.

Drug charges follow NSW woman's sea rescue

44m ago

The government doesn't want to introduce a bill then find out it won't pass, Anne Ruston says.

ALP must back our integrity bill: minister

1hr ago

Normality is returning to Honiara streets after days of rioting in the Solomon Islands capital.

Aust presence helps ease Solomons unrest

1hr ago

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the new cases and lockdown show "COVID is going nowhere".

More NT cases as remote region locks down

Tim Dornin
2hrs ago

An armed man who barricaded himself inside a shop after reportedly firing shots is now in custody.

Armed siege in NSW ends with man arrested

2hrs ago

Labor has pledged to build 30,000 social and affordable homes across the country over five years.

Rents are going through the roof: Labor

Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent
2hrs ago

South Australia has reimposed restrictions on international and some domestic travellers.

SA tightens travel over virus concerns

Tim Dornin
2hrs ago

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes after completing a hot lap at the Newcastle 500 in 2017. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

ANALYSISThe race is on: Divisive issues spice up council election

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE: Thirdi's planned development, and the leaked Transport for NSW map of possible routes to run trams onto Tudor Street.

SUBSCRIBERPlanned $110m towers won't prevent light rail extension: developer

Light rail services suspended after mechanical issue

Light rail services suspended after mechanical issue

CROSSING CONCERN: Bill and Maggie Kent are reluctant to drive over the bridge, which is in a "dreadful" condition. Picture: Scott Bevan

Martinsville residents cross about bridge

COULD BE ON THE WAY OUT: A diesel garbage truck collecting domestic garbage in Newcastle in 2011. The council hopes to transition its fleet to electric trucks. A business case is expected to be presented to councillors in May.

Councils eye electric, hydrogen future for waste trucks

Max McKinney

VOTE HERE: Posters at Belmont pre-poll. Picture: Simone De Peak

COVID-19 election booth rules cause divide

Sage Swinton

LEGAL ADVICE: Boarding house operator Aaron Buman says allegations he could be classed as a property developer are the product of Liberal infighting.

Liberal candidate rejects 'developer' tag

Michael Parris

FIRED UP: Newcastle Independents councillor Kath Elliott during her rant directed at Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz about Labor's funding of sports facilities at the council's ordinary meeting on Tuesday night. Picture: City of Newcastle meeting webcast

Councillor walks from final meeting after rant across chamber

Max McKinney

Doubts: Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has done nothing to extinguish the flames of uncertainly surrounding his playing future despite saying he is full committed to winning a premiership at the club. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers.

TOOHEY'S NEWS: Ponga's silence only clouds his commitment

Doubts: Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has done nothing to extinguish the flames of uncertainly surrounding his playing future despite saying he is full committed to winning a premiership at the club. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers.

TOOHEY'S NEWS: Ponga's silence only clouds his commitment

NEW VENTURE: Home-grown Newcastle Knights NRLW recruit Bobbi Law. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Bobbi Law among host of home-grown talent in Knights NRLW side

NEW VENTURE: Home-grown Newcastle Knights NRLW recruit Bobbi Law. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Bobbi Law among host of home-grown talent in Knights NRLW side

Casey Bromilow has been appointed head coach of the Knights NRLW side. Picture: Newcastle Knights Media

Casey Bromilow appointed Newcastle Knights NRLW head coach

Casey Bromilow has been appointed head coach of the Knights NRLW side. Picture: Newcastle Knights Media

Casey Bromilow appointed Newcastle Knights NRLW head coach

KEEN TO DEVELOP: Teenage talent Kirsty Fenton has been given her first A-League Women's contract and has her sights set on game time with the Jets in a debut campaign. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Teenage talent Kirsty Fenton out to make most of Jets debut season

1hr ago

Bright Energy trialling at Newcastle last week. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Tough draws for Hunter pacers in round two of Inter Dominion

PRESSING CLAIMS: Striker Jemma House is set for a second season with the Jets. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

She is a full-time bank teller and is targeting a Jets starting spot: Meet Jemma House

David Lewis-trained Our Mechanic fixing for win in Les Darcy Cup at Maitland

David Lewis-trained Our Mechanic fixing for win in Les Darcy Cup at Maitland

A new variant of COVID-19 has begun to impact sport in Africa.

COVID-19 causes havoc across sports world

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring in their Bundesliga win at Wolfsburg.

Haaland back on target, Bayern win again

Derek Wilson

TOP DOG: Sam and Kristy Sultana with Flying Ricciardo, who has been named Greyhound of the Year for 2020. Picture: GRNSW

OPINIONFlying Ricciardo crowned Greyhound of the Year for 2020

Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Tony Mestrov

TOUGH TO TAKE: Jackson Baker after his heat on Saturday. Picture: WSL

Jackson Baker misses chance to cement tour spot

Craig Kerry

15 new cases in Hunter New England Health district

15 new cases in Hunter New England Health district

Countries around the world have reacted to new coronavirus variant Omicron, with some shutting borders to southern Africa. Picture: Shutterstock

DIGESTBorders close as WHO declares another COVID variant of concern

NSW Health are working closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to rapidly understand the implications of the new COVID-19 variant of concern, Omicron.

WATCHNSW records 235 COVID cases as fears grow over new 'variant of concern'

Hunter River at Dunolly March 2021

SES warning possible major flooding for Singleton

Scott Morrison claims Gladys Berejiklian was brought down by a "kangaroo court". Picture: Getty Images

DIGESTSometimes a drizzle turns into a storm

Kayla Osborne

Hospitality staff will not have to wear masks from the middle of December if they are fully vaccinated.

Bar workers celebrate end to mask wearing

Michael Parris

In the US COVID patients are waiting hours to get admitted to hospital.

Just one ICU COVID-19 case in the Hunter as region adds five cases

Matt Carr

Photo: File

NSW COVID cases remain above 200 as state outlines easing restrictions

Kim Chappell
Michael Parris

Formally excited: "I am just grateful that it's still on," St Philips Christian College Newcastle Rory Garland said, trying on a suit at Rundle Tailoring, of his school's December 1 formal. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

'I am so glad the formal is still on': what COVID exemption means

Briar Valley revamps production styles and varieties

FOODBriar Valley revamps production styles and varieties

2hrs ago

Rare record: Army landing craft unloading during an exercise at Little Beach, Port Stephens, in late 1972. Picture: Author's collection

Training days: Remembering Port Stephens' military past

UNIQUE: Queens Wharf in Newcastle, as depicted on a postcard. Postcards from the Past by Greg and Sylvia Ray is out now.

WHAT'S ONPostcards a snapshot of bygone era

FAIR GAME: The Big Mango at Bowen in Queensland. Picture: Alex Cimbal - Shutterstock

On the road through Australia's crappiest towns

Michael Byrne

A Hit and Miss Christmas: Written by Emma Wood, directed by Pearl Nunn. Newcastle Theatre Company, Lambton. November 20, 8pm. Picture: Joerg Lehmann

Review: A Hit and Miss Christmas

Michael Byrne

AUTHENTIC: Si-Young Lee has launched a Korean BBQ meal kit delivery service called Miss Korea. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Miss Korea delivers the BBQ grill taste for home

Jade Lazarevic

INTUITIVE: Artist Michelle Gearin has launched an exhibition, Matriarch, at The Creator Incubator. Picture: Simone De Peak

THINGS TO DOArtist lifts the creative veil for the first time in 10 years

Melinda McMillan

Cook up a storm

OPINIONCook up a storm

Cook up a storm

OPINIONCook up a storm

Click 'n' forget

OPINIONClick 'n' forget

Click 'n' forget

OPINIONClick 'n' forget

Rude awakening in the air for leaf-blower enthusiasts

OPINIONRude awakening in the air for leaf-blower enthusiasts

Rude awakening in the air for leaf-blower enthusiasts

OPINIONRude awakening in the air for leaf-blower enthusiasts

Surging COVID rates have the Netherlands hospital system near its limits.

COMMENTNSW lifts COVID restrictions as case numbers rise globally

Editorial

The petition supporting GP Access After Hours now has more than 11,000 names.

COMMENTHunter community will not let governments off hook for GP Access After Hours

Editorial

AN ERA ENDS: Bill Wright, the eighth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, and a scene from his service yesterday. Main picture: Peter Stoop

COMMENTBishop Bill Wright's decade at the head of the diocese

Editorial

BIG JOB: The state government will spend $20 million on cleaning up Rutherford's Truegain site. Picture: Simone De Peak

HAVE YOUR SAY$20M Truegain bill, but focus is on protests

Matt Carr

'BE A GODDAMN BLOODY ADULT': Jacqui Lambie didn't hold back on One Nation's bill intended to end coronavirus vaccine mandates. Picture: AAP

HAVE YOUR SAYVaccine blast was an overdue dose of truth

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send a letter to the editor

Send a letter to the editor

Newsdesk

Marki the wombat was treated for mange in captivity. This is very rare. Picture: Supplied.

LISTENWombats are rotting to death, meet the people trying to save them

Marki the wombat was treated for mange in captivity. This is very rare. Picture: Supplied.

LISTENWombats are rotting to death, meet the people trying to save them

K'gari was named for the Butchulla spirit who helped create the land and sea and then never wanted to leave. Photo: Shutterstock

LISTENRestoring Aboriginal place names to acknowledge identity and history

K'gari was named for the Butchulla spirit who helped create the land and sea and then never wanted to leave. Photo: Shutterstock

LISTENRestoring Aboriginal place names to acknowledge identity and history

Listen to The Newcastle Herald Today

LISTENListen to The Newcastle Herald Today

Listen to The Newcastle Herald Today

LISTENListen to The Newcastle Herald Today

CITY MOVE: Harcourts Horsham agent Tim Coller has sold St John's Church three times, this time most of the demand came from Melbourne, and ended up with a city owner.

City buyers ditch plans to stay close to the office

CITY MOVE: Harcourts Horsham agent Tim Coller has sold St John's Church three times, this time most of the demand came from Melbourne, and ended up with a city owner.

City buyers ditch plans to stay close to the office

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

No end in sight in race to the regions

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

Infrastructure and services racing to keep up across regional Australia

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Get the digital version of the Latest Paper

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Kahibah butcher Luke Outram outside his Glebe Street store. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Kahibah an attractive 'second move' suburb

Hamish Geale

FAMILY FRIENDLY: The house is on a corner block at Swansea Heads. Picture: Brooke Art Studio

Coastal palette is a Swansea Heads crowd-pleaser

Alex Morris

When it comes to selling property, the more boxes you can tick to match the wish list of buyers, the better placed you will be to sell at a good price.

What makes a property a winner come auction time?

Reality Reno with Mitch and Mark

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Kahibah butcher Luke Outram outside his Glebe Street store. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Kahibah an attractive 'second move' suburb

Coastal living is now a distant dream for many renters. Picture: Shutterstock

Property wrap: Regional renters suffer, lake listing garners international interest

Jack Needham

Mick Smith at his partially-built Privium home at Raymond Terrace. Picture: Marina Neil

INVESTIGATIONCosts mount for Hunter home owners hit by Privium collapse

Gabriel Fowler

Senator Jacqui Lambie said that preventing unvaccinated people from working in certain professions or entering certain workplaces was not "discrimination", but was the "consequence" of making a choice.

WATCHLambie launches on One Nation over vaccination stance

Michael Caine is a tour de force in Best Sellers. Picture: Rialto

REVIEWPoking fun of publishing industry

FAMILY FRIENDLY: The house is on a corner block at Swansea Heads. Picture: Brooke Art Studio

Coastal palette is a Swansea Heads crowd-pleaser

Tasmanian Independent senator Jacqui Lambie. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

SUBSCRIBERLambie set to hold cards in election showdown

The Hunter River bursts it banks at Singleton, where waters are expected to peak - and potentially exceed major flood levels - into Sunday. Picture: Peter Lorimer

UPDATEDRain records fall as emergency services make daring rescues from floodwaters

Simon McCarthy

Stacey Klimovitch was fatally shot in the chest after answering the front door of her Stockton home in June.

UPDATEDThird man arrested, bail refused for alleged mastermind of the killing of Stacey Klimovitch

Simon McCarthy

NSW Health are working closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to rapidly understand the implications of the new COVID-19 variant of concern, Omicron.

WATCHNSW records 235 COVID cases as fears grow over new 'variant of concern'

Fleur Connick

Genesis Owusu is the first hip hop artist to win Album of the Year at the ARIA Awards. Picture: Supplied

'The weirdo can't be stopped': Genesis Owusu 'validated' by historic ARIA win

Amy Martin

Under attack: As cyber crime incidences rise, more businesses are taking out insurance to protect from losses.

Cyber crime a growing business threat

A place to call home

A place to call home

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Fire affected Wondalga residents come together to swap stories and rekindle their community connections at a "Fire Shed Friday" event.

Local communities come together after bushfires

Become your own 'virtual power plant' and trade energy with the grid

Become your own 'virtual power plant' and trade energy with the grid

VIEW INSURANCE - CHANGE YOUR VIEW: Every policy helps the Kindness Factory educate our children on the impact of kindness.

With a view to keep you covered

A river round trip to Adelaide

A river round trip to Adelaide

Emma Brown

LOCAL HEROES: A brave fire fighter battles a blaze in Belmont during the horrific 2019/20 Black Summer fire season. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service.

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner warns: Don't be complacent this summer

Is your own apathy contributing to your hair loss?

Is your own apathy contributing to your hair loss?

LAST VOYAGE: Port Jackson sharks at the tugboat Irresistible that was scuttled in August 1931.

Hunt for Stockton sand uncovers maritime mysteries

Donna Page

Pure joy: Anna, 5, and Akashya, 8, excited for the roving characters. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers.

PHOTOSDrive-thru gifts a "bright point" in difficult year

Ethan Hamilton

CRAZY FEET: The Hamilton Public School students leading a fundraiser for refugees: Beatrix McDonald, Estella Murray, Perrie Middleton and Sarsha Stefanovski. Picture Max Mason-Hubers

Reaching out to refugees in colour as nation's doors re-open

Gabriel Fowler

LAST VOYAGE: Port Jackson sharks at the tugboat Irresistible that was scuttled in August 1931.

Hunt for Stockton sand uncovers maritime mysteries

Bishop Bill Wright farewelled by his church | VIDEO

Bishop Bill Wright farewelled by his church | VIDEO

Ian Kirkwood

WE'RE BACK: The whole family turned out for Recovery Run around Newcastle Foreshore on November 14. Picture: H Events

Recovery Run signals community events are back in action

Renee Valentine

CHEEKY CHICKS: The February girls. Photos: Sandra Ramsay

Never too old to be calendar girls

Therese Murray

CHALLENGE: Australia needs many more aged care workers. Picture Shutterstock

Critical shortage of aged care workers threatens care standards

Eileen Wood

Model Barbara Bingham.

The true beauty of older models

Therese Murray

Future Farmers Network director Samantha Noon.

Agriculture, the career of opportunity

Samantha Noon

NSW agriculture has grown by a whopping $5.2 billion in just 12 months to become a $20.9 billion industry.

Ag: Where else would you be?

Edwina Watson

Kristen Hegarty, with her son Jim, 2, and Merino ewes with first-cross lambs run at Belvedere, Cassilis.

Cassilis grazier an AWEX classing finalist

Edwina Watson

Future Farmers Network director Samantha Noon.

Agriculture, the career of opportunity

The Old Goulburn Brewery coated in snow. Photo: File

Oldest surviving brewery in Australia sells for over $3 million

Hannah Neale

The last meeting at the Wallabadah Jockey Club was on New Year's Day 2019 after the club opted to no longer host thoroughbred meetings. Photo: Gareth Gardner

North West country racing institution runs its final race

Billy Jupp