Men's health check-in: Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles joined Hunter MP Dan Repacholi in a visit to the Toronto Men's Shed on Tuesday. They spoke with the Men's Shed about the importance of health checks, mental health, and communication for men. Mr Repacholi is the federal government's Special Envoy for Men's Health. Photo: Members of the Toronto Men's Shed, with Richard Marles and Dan Repacholi pictured in the background. Image credit: ABC News/Bridget Murphy Arrest over alleged threats: A man has been charged following an investigation into alleged threatening messages sent online to a Newcastle Knights player. Police were told flyer James Schiller had allegedly received threatening messages via social media on June 5. A 20-year-old has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence. He was granted conditional bail and will face court in July. Sports fields vandalised: Widespread vandalism targeting community facilities is causing angst for the Upper Hunter Shire Council. A driver was captured on CCTV early Friday morning forcing locked gates and causing extensive damage across several ovals and parks in Scone. It's believed the vehicle was stolen, and police are investigating. Newcastle to benefit in NSW budget: The former BHP Steelwork's Intertrade site in Mayfield is set to receive a major face lift to help fast-track the rollout of renewable energy projects. This month's state budget will set aside $115 million to build a Newcastle logistics precinct next to the Port of Newcastle. The precinct will house large wind turbines, battery parts and electrical transformers until they are ready to be shipped to one of five renewable energy zones across the state. Climate Change and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the new precinct could become a permanent fixture. Police station's $8.7m upgrade: The redevelopment of Singleton police station is set to increase the number of staff on site by 40 per cent. The $8.7 million upgrade was announced by Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley when they visited the site last week. The funding will go towards the restoration of the current heritage-listed station, as well as a new two-storey building. Superintendent Steve Laksa says the upgrade will improve police coordination across the Upper Hunter. Lake health improving: The health of southern Lake Macquarie is improving despite a long history of industrial activity, the Environment Protection Authority says. A three-year study involved the collection of water and sediment samples from across multiple sites around the southern side of the lake. The data shows metal concentrations dropping over time despite concerns about the impacts of ash dams from nearby power stations. More preschools for the Hunter: Twelve new preschools will be built across the Hunter, the New South Wales government says. The government-funded preschools will be built at already-established public schools and should be operational by 2027. Some of locations include Kurri Kurri, Booragul, Kearsley, Tenambit, Shortland and Maryland. Young a Knight again: Flying winger Dom Young has signed on with the Newcastle Knights until the end of 2027. He joins the Knights mid-season from the Sydney Roosters. Young scored a record 25 tries for the Knights in 2023 before leaving for the Roosters. Knights director of football Peter Parr says the club had been in talks with the Roosters for some time to bring Young back to Newcastle and says he could play for the Knights as soon as this weekend. Jet re-signs: The Newcastle Jets have re-signed defender Daniel Wilmering for another two seasons. Wilmering joined the club in 2023 and has made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal. |