Jarryd Hayne guilty of sexual assault after third trial

Roslyn Reay was found with multiple stab wounds in a Newcastle home in 2005. Nearly 20 years later, police are renewing their search for answers.

A jury finds former NRL star Jarryd Hayne guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in her bedroom more than four years ago, after a third trial over the allegations.

The 65-year-old was facing 28 charges, including eight counts of supplying a prohibited drug, eight counts of indecent assault, and 11 counts of sexual intercourse with a person aged between 10 and 16.

The NSW Nationals may have a change of leader as Paul Toole faces a likely challenge from former agriculture minister Dugald Saunders, after the party failed to make any ground at the recent state election.

Industry leaders are calling on all tiers of government and the private sector to do more to boost the employment participation rate for people living with disability.

Newcastle woman Cynthia has been denied hundreds of rentals partly because of her pet dog, but she would rather be homeless than surrender her furry friend.

In the 1980s, newspapers referred to AIDS as "the killer plague". The cruel words of the time would not stop Sister Annie Laurie from caring for the sick and dying.

"Shaving ya dome" for charity is a rite of passage at Merewether High, and for this year's cohort the event is particularly close to students' hearts.

Young apprentice vows to be a voice against sexual harassment in the trades.

It's a world first and it's come at the hands of a Newcastle research team. Scientists have identified a way to strengthen cellular response to leukaemia treatment therapies.

With two recent sinkholes that have opened up in Wallsend, Laurise Dickson learns more about why the suburb is potentially more prone to subsidence than other parts of the Hunter. You can also learn more here about why sinkholes regularly appear across the NSW Hunter.

Supercars wash-up: Hundreds of Novocastrians have voted for the Supercars event to be taken away from the area and want an audit into its benefits undertaken. The vote took place at a forum Monday night which discussed how last month's races had affected the area. The City of Newcastle says it's received more than 10,000 responses to its online feedback survey and is now moving to the next stage of consultation, which will include stakeholder workshops.

Teen off to World Cup: A Newcastle teenager Darby Nichols who started playing rugby union just two years ago is now representing Australia at the Deaf Rugby 7s World Cup. You can read about Darby Nichols's journey here.

Labor government ministry: The NSW Premier Chris Minns has unveiled his 22-person ministry.Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has been named the Minister for the Hunter and will also take on the Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education ministries. Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison will be the Regional Transport and Roads Minister, while Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has been given the Families and Communities, and Disability Inclusion portfolios. Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison will be the Minister for Women, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Minister for Seniors. Swansea MP Yasmin Catley will take on the Police and Counter-terrorism ministry.

Priest removed: Newcastle's Anglican Bishop Peter Stuart says he hopes the removal of a priest from the diocese sends a clear message about behaviour standards. Bishop Stuart last week removed Father Chris Bird from his roles in the parish of Adamstown after a professional standards board hearing found he a allegedly assaulted, bullied and intimidated parishioners. The board also found in 2018 Fr Bird failed to provide care, or report to police, allegations from a man in his 20s that he'd been sexually assaulted by the former Dean of Newcastle Bishop Graeme Lawrence.

Paralympic investigation: A Hunter swimming champion has weighed in on an ABC Four Corners investigation into the Paralympic classification system.The system is meant to level the playing field for competitors of different abilities, but there are growing calls for reform. Paralympians, including the Hunter's Maddison Elliott, say the classifications can easily be manipulated.

Mobile phone ban: Banning students from using mobile phones is all about engagement, not discipline, according to Kotara High School principal Mark Sneddon. Labor has announced mobile phones will be banned in NSW high school classrooms and lunchtimes from Term 4. Kotara High School implemented a no-phone policy at the beginning of the year and Mr Sneddon says it's had positive effects already.

Muswellbrook greyhounds: The Muswellbrook Shire Council says it has concerns over the location of a proposed greyhound rehoming facility which is slated for the outskirts of Denman. The $33 million proposal for Bylong Park at Martindale would house up to 400 dogs and is before the Hunter's planning panel for approval. Muswellbrook Mayor Steve Reynolds says the council supports the idea of the facility but there are some issues that need to be worked through.

Hunter quake: A magnitude 3.2 earthquake has been recorded at Gresford. Geoscience Australia says it occurred on Sunday at a depth of 2.9 kilometres. The quake was felt over a relatively large area, even towards the coast.

Fire season extended: The Upper Hunter Shire has had its official bushfire danger period extended till the end of April. It's one of 44 local government areas included in the extension. The Rural Fire Service says fire activity in March accounted for almost 50 per cent of the hectares burnt across the whole fire season.

Knights draw: Newcastle Knights hooker Jayden Brailey says the team's confidence is at a high after forcing its way to a draw against Manly at the weekend. The Knights and Sea Eagles couldn't be split in Mudgee, drawing 32-all after golden point extra time. Dom Young scored four tries, including one in the final few minutes, to prevent a loss for the Knights. Brailey says the Knights will take that fighting spirit into their game against the Warriors this Sunday.