| Knights' new NRLW captain: Newcastle Knights second rower Yasmin Clydsdale says it's the honour of her career to be chosen as the club's NRLW captain. The 31-year-old has been appointed to the captaincy after former skipper Hannah Southwell departed the club at the start of the year. Clydsdale, a New South Wales and Australian representative, told the ABC she's thankful for the support of the squad and the club community.
Image credit: ABC News/Bridget Murphy
Hunter budget boost: The New South Wales government has committed $35 million for upgrades to the Thornton Rail Bridge in its latest budget. The funding will result in both lanes of the bridge on Thornton Road being duplicated. The government also committed $21.5 million for the sand renourishment project at Stockton Beach. The budget didn't include any funding for plans to redevelop the Broadmeadow sport and entertainment precinct.
Flood victims missing out: Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says while he's relieved to see a change in eligibility for those seeking flood relief, many people are still missing out. The state government's extended the criteria for those seeking personal hardship assistance to another 53 suburbs, including East Seaham, Raymond Terrace and Woodville. But Mr Layzell says areas like Alison near Dungog haven't been included, and many flood-affected residents still need help.
Business confidence down: Just 19 per cent of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie businesses have taken on new staff last quarter, new data shows. According to a new survey from Business New South Wales the figure was lower for Hunter Valley businesses, data showing 11 per cent hired new staff. The confidence dip is being linked to economic uncertainty in global markets and cost-of-living pressures.
Youth centre for Wallsend? A new youth centre could be established in the Newcastle local government area and Wallsend is a strong option for its location, according to a council spokesperson. Newcastle City Council Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull says council is discussing the proposal. Wallsend residents have reported an increase in anti-social behaviour and violence at and near the Wallsend Library. Council has employed a security guard at the site for the past 12 months and councillors have been discussing what should be done as a next step.
Newcastle woman remembered: Audrey Nash, who dedicated her life to fighting for justice for victims of clerical abuse, has died aged 99. Ms Nash's 13-year-old son Andrew took his own life in 1974 and is believed to be Australia's youngest clerical abuse victim to die by suicide. Ms Nash spent decades fighting for justice for her son, and in 2016 they became faces of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. She was lauded around the world for her campaign to end clerical abuse.
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