Greta bus driver to fight 32-year sentence

Brett Andrew Button will argue in court his jail term for a crash that killed 10 people was "manifestly excessive" and the sentencing judge "erred" on two findings.

The troubled Dartbrook coal mine has plunged into receivership and administration just months after it reopened following years of disuse.

The federal government has committed more than $430 million to help bring large-scale hydrogen production to the New South Wales Hunter region.

Very little progress has been made on "once-in-a-generation" disability reforms since they were first announced in 2023, leaving many in the sector concerned some people could be left behind.

The high-level funding comes after communities in Kempsey and Taree called on the state and federal governments to provide more support in the wake of May's record floods.

The tragic story of the Lions' first-ever captain has a surprising link to the Maitland Rugby Club in New South Wales, which has preserved his legacy for 137 years.

Skipper Harry Wilson has scored in the dying seconds, as the Wallabies beat Fiji 21-18 in a thrilling encounter in Newcastle ahead of the British and Irish Lions series.

The proud South Sudanese-Novocastrian basketballer has been in Newcastle, visiting his old school with the hopes to inspire the next generation.

Over decades, Paddy Lightfoot has transformed his New Lambton Heights backyard into a garden of (almost) native plants – apart from a special camellia.

Hunter dodges worst of weather: Last week's east coast low brought strong winds and dangerous surf to the Hunter, but the region was spared the full brunt of the system. Homes at Wamberal on the Central Coast were evacuated because of erosion.

Image: 1233 ABC Newcastle's surf correspondent Dave Anderson snapped this photo of wild seas at Merewether.

NAIDOC Week celebrations: Celebrations are underway across the region to mark NAIDOC Week, with the 2025 theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy". Wiradjuri woman Deahnna Richardson is the first Indigenous person to be elected to Newcastle City Council, and she says the week is important to develop the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Gordana mural in Cardiff: The family of missing Newcastle schoolgirl Gordana Kotevski hope a new community-funded artwork will help keep her spirit alive and lead to answers about her alleged abduction. She was last seen being forced into a vehicle near Charlestown Square in November 1994, and despite multiple investigations she hasn't been found. The painting of the mural is underway in Cardiff.

Jeff McCloy farewelled: Former Newcastle mayor Jeff McCloy was farewelled at a funeral service at City Hall on Tuesday morning. More than 1,000 people attended the celebration of his life, and friends and family members shared stories and reflections on his work and achievements. Mr McCloy was diagnosed with motor neurone disease about 12 months ago and ended his life with voluntary assisted dying.

Aged care advocate retiring: Viv Allanson, who has been in charge of Maroba Aged Care in Waratah for 31 years, will retire next month. Ms Allanson was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her service to the sector in 2023 and says her passion for the job has been what has got her out of bed each morning.

Jerrys Plains roads update: Local residents had opportunity to hear what changes are being made to the road network in preparation for heavy renewable energy loads. The state's Roads Minister, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, held a community meeting at Jerrys Plains to discuss planned works. Nineteen intersections between Newcastle and Dubbo are being expanded as part of the Port-2-REZ project to help transport infrastructure like wind turbine parts from the Port of Newcastle to the Central West renewable energy zone.

Knights women lose out: The Newcastle Knights NRLW side lost its 2025 season opener, going down to the Bulldogs 26 to 12. The team now pivots to its round two match against the Cowboys later this week. Meanwhile, the men's side is preparing to host the Storm on Saturday.

Local Origin stars: Keep an eye out for three Hunter Valley residents in tonight's State of Origin decider. Maitland Pickers junior Max King and Woodberry Warriors junior Payne Haas are the starting props for the Blues, while Greta Branxton junior Hudson Young will play off the bench. Knights centre Bradman Best has trained with the Blues as part of the extended squad. Here is what you need to know before the decider.

Macaroni soup is a true pantry meal. It can be simply made with stock cubes, and any diced vegetables are suitable, though frozen mixed vegetables are the easiest.

When a young American dumped his belongings and disappeared into the Great Sandy Desert in 1999, it triggered an international media storm and one of the biggest searches Australia had ever seen. But there’s one problem. How do you search for someone who doesn’t want to be found? Catch the new season of Expanse.

ABC Newcastle acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.