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

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

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

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

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

Barry Toohey

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

COMMENTNSW lifts COVID restrictions as case numbers rise globally

Editorial
2hrs ago

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
30m ago

QUESTIONS: Neil Slater at Scratchley's restaurant on the harbour.

Slater challenges report on Supercars benefits

Michael Parris
1hr ago

Back In Time: The Kent in Hamilton in 1986. The hotel is among the places featured in the Hamilton Heritage Walk. Picture: Percy Sternbeck (care of Living Histories Cultural Collections)

Walking the streets of Hamilton history

Damon Cronshaw
2hrs ago

Find and book your holiday online with Explore

2hrs ago

Driving it home: Clare Wheeler set for Newcastle return with Matildas

Hunt for Stockton sand reveals a detailed map of Newcastle shipwrecks

OPINIONBishop Bill, the poisoned chalice, and the future

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

Light rail services suspended after mechanical issue

Light rail services suspended after mechanical issue

Where will you go? All you need is a computer or mobile phone to explore and book your next holiday. Picture: Shutterstock

Find and book your holiday online with Explore

2hrs ago

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

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

Former NSW Police Minister Troy Grant has released a statement after his father, Ken Grant, was found guilty of causing a fatal hit-and-run crash near Maitland in 2019.

Former Police Minister Troy Grant speaks after father found guilty of causing fatal hit-and-run

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

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

30m ago

Inmate charged over Sydney jail murder

33m ago

NSW records 235 new virus cases

1hr ago

Upper Hunter a NSW flood concern

1hr ago

Victoria records 1252 COVID cases, five deaths

1hr ago

Slater challenges report on Supercars benefits

1hr ago

A 63-year-old man was found on the floor of his prison cell at Sydney's Silverwater jail this week.

Inmate charged over Sydney jail murder

33m ago

NSW residents will each get an extra $50 in vouchers to spend on dining and entertainment.

NSW records 235 new virus cases

1hr ago

Sydney's Warragamba Dam is expected to spill while the flood crisis continues across NSW.

Upper Hunter a NSW flood concern

1hr ago

Victoria has recorded 1252 COVID-19 cases and five deaths, bringing the virus toll to 1318.

Victoria records 1252 COVID cases, five deaths

1hr ago

Photo: File

NSW records 235 COVID cases as worries grow over new 'variant of concern'

Fleur Connick
1hr ago

There are about a dozen offshore Australian wind farm proposals on the drawing board.

Ocean wind farms on horizon for Australia

Tracey Ferrier
2hrs ago

Australia Post is investing in new facilities to help handle a huge spike in online shopping.

Australia Post delivers new NSW facility

2hrs ago

Research reveals Australians' happiness at its lowest since 2014 with the environment a major worry.

Climate worries glass half empty Aussies

Liz Hobday
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

Michael Manuel

Trainer Michael Manuel eyeing rich victory in Phoenix with Chevy Royale

2hrs ago

Clare Wheeler, pictured playing for the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in the 2019-20 W-League, returns to her home town with the Matildas next week. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Driving it home: Clare Wheeler set for Newcastle return with Matildas

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

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to have to beat European champions Italy to get to the World Cup finals.

Italy bar Ronaldo's path to World Cup spot

ECB chief Tom Harrison says cricket has been hit by an earthquake after Azeem Rafiq's testimony.

English cricket unveils anti-racism plans

Jamie Gardner

Nineteen golfers have withdrawn from the Joburg Open amid concerns over the new COVID variant.

COVID variant shuts down S African sport

Mark Gleeson

BIG NIGHT: Jack Callaghan returns a winner to parents Simone and Mark with Royal Gamble at Menangle. Picture: Racing at Club Menangle Trackside

Callaghans combining for special Inter Dominion debut with Royal Gamble

Craig Kerry

WORKING HARD: Olivier Boumal at Newcastle Jets training. Picture: Simone De Peak

Olivier Boumal says Jets still building to their best

Craig Kerry

Photo: File

NSW records 235 COVID cases as worries grow over new 'variant of concern'

1hr ago

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

DIGESTSometimes a drizzle turns into a storm

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

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

Photo: File

NSW COVID cases remain above 200 as state outlines easing restrictions

Kim Chappell
Michael Parris

OPPOSED: Sonia Hornery is against changing the COVID provisions.

Government tries to remove COVID workers comp law

Michael Parris

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison. Picture: Keegan Carroll

DIGESTRegressive or progressive? Depends who you ask

Kayla Osborne

New school rules for COVID-19 cases in classrooms from Monday

New school rules for COVID-19 cases in classrooms from Monday

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

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

30m ago

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

Hunt for Stockton sand reveals a detailed map of Newcastle shipwrecks

REVIVED: Tim Freedman's love of touring inspired him to write The Whitlams' first new album in 15 years.

The Whitlams uncover their creative aphrodisiac

US BOUND: Randy Feltface and Big Dog Comedy's Andrew Milos.

Comedy Festival to diversify the gags in 2022

Josh Leeson

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

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

Scott Bevan

REIMAGINED: Get Back offers a fascinating insight into the world's greatest ever band attempting to keep the magic alive.

Get Back repaves The Beatles' Long and Winding Road

Josh Leeson

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
2hrs ago

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 Today's Paper

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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

Decluttering before you pack is an important step in a smooth house move. Picture: Shutterstock.

Packing hacks that make moving house a little easier

Edel Beattie, The Happy Organiser

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

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

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

Max McKinney

Paddy Coughlan behind the bar at Five Islands Hotel, the pub he bought for $20 million as CEO of an investment group earlier this year. Picture: Robert Peet

'Still undervalued': Why the regional pub boom might just be getting started

Jack Needham

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

REVIVED: Tim Freedman's love of touring inspired him to write The Whitlams' first new album in 15 years.

The Whitlams uncover their creative aphrodisiac

BEST VIDS: Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie takes aim at anti-vaxxers in parliament (left), NSW's oldest smokestacks demolished (top right) and what happens when you meet a cheetah (bottom right).

WATCHVideos of the week: An unlikely icon, meeting cheetahs, mesmerising demolitions

CLEAR: Sweetheart the koala ready to go home after recovering from serious eye disease. Photo: Supplied

WATCHSee the moment a Koala is set free after lifesaving rescue

SCENE: The AFP arrested a man during a raid at Umina Beach on Thursday.

Umina Beach man arrested after allegedly trying to 'procure' children online

SES on watch in Lower Hunter as rainfall moves downstream

UPDATEDSES on watch in Lower Hunter as rainfall moves downstream

Sage Swinton

Compost worms are incredibly beneficial to the soil. Picture: Shutterstock.

WATCHTake a tour of a worm farm at work

Hannah Moloney

The Blakes decide to buy Andy a skydiving trip and Andy jumps out of a plane to finish off the star-studded advertisement. Picture: Tourism Australia.

WATCHHamish and Andy star in ad inspiring Aussies to travel domestically this Christmas

Shivé Prema

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 reveals a detailed map of Newcastle shipwrecks

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 reveals a detailed map of Newcastle shipwrecks

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

Nicki Guttler (centre) at the Cowra Show in the intermediate final in 2019. It was an all women final, which is believed to be a first.

Women make their move in the shearing sheds

Hannah Powe
2hrs ago

Scientists say the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations.

South Africa detects new COVID-19 variant

Alexander Winning

Future Farmers Network director Samantha Noon.

Agriculture, the career of opportunity

The Mark Hughes Foundation charity Poll Dorset ram which sold for the sale top of $4400 with vendors Lyn and Scott (kneeling) Madden, and Janelle and James Tinham, Yarra. Photo: Kellie Arnell

Glenwood Park top ram proceeds to Mark Hughes Foundation

Hannah Powe

The top rams with Nutrien stud stock agents Tim Woodham and Rick Power, Nutrien Bombala livestock manager Sam Platts and Anneleigh stud principal Iain Ford. Photo: supplied

Anneleigh rams to $4200 top and $3111 average

Hannah Powe