Justin Millington convicted over sexual assaults

A rape victim survivor has told her perpetrator that she still suffers flashbacks and is "terrified" of being alone around men.

The bride and groom whose wedding ended in tragedy when a bus carrying guests tipped in the NSW Hunter say they are trying to process the disaster.

The NSW Civil and Administration Tribunal hands down its final decision over eight allegations against former Newcastle councillor Allan Robinson.

The NSW government orders its Bus Industry Taskforce to review concerns around seat belt use, driver training and fatigue and safety management.

Ray Walkden and Ray Jones were first on scene at two of the country's deadliest road crashes in 1989. They say emergency and healthcare workers will need support after Sunday's crash.

A rugby league player from the NSW Hunter Valley has died after a tackle during a game at Port Stephens on the weekend.

Kylee Enwright is back in her home community after falling and hitting her head 10 hours into a Thailand holiday with her husband.

A large-scale search operation resumed at first light Thursday morning for Lake Macquarie man Ashley McKellar, who is missing off the Newcastle coast.

Lauren Jackson was granted an exemption to take medicinal cannabis when she made a fairytale comeback to basketball. But its use — both within and outside sport — remains stigmatised while Australia's laws are difficult to understand and navigate.

Newcastle is about to lose one of its most important venues. What comes next for the city's live music scene?

The success of men's and women's teams at the recent Deaf Rugby 7s World Cup in Argentina was an "incredible experience" and players want more "acknowledgement and support" from Rugby Australia to help others get involved.

Historic pub damaged: The quick action of firefighters has helped save an almost 150-year-old hotel in Newcastle. A fire broke out in the kitchen at the Burwood Inn in Merewether on Tuesday morning. Nine crews helped contain the fire to the kitchen and restaurant area of the hotel which was built in 1876. NSW Fire and Rescue says the efforts of firefighters prevented major structural damage and spared the accommodation and front bar facilities from being affected by fire.

Focus on seatbelt rules: The New South Wales Transport Minister says she'll await the results of investigations into the Greta bus crash as family connected to the crash demand safety reforms. A spokesperson for Minister Jo Haylen says it was a tragic event and any changes will be guided by the findings of the ongoing investigations.

Rate increase: The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has approved a special rate variation for Port Stephens Council. The increase will result in rates in the local government area rising 9.5 per cent per year over the next three years. It equates to an average residential increase of $359 each year.

Protester charged: An anti-coal protester has faced court following an alleged unauthorised protest at the Port of Newcastle on Monday. The 22-year-old woman was arrested after suspending herself above a rail bridge for more than three hours. She was charged with obstructing a train and entering enclosed lands.

Wages blitz: The International Transport Workers' Federation says it's recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages during a crackdown on ships docking at the Port of Newcastle. The federation is midway through a week-long blitz, where it's scrutinising vessels coming into the port to make sure owners are meeting international regulations.

Car thefts up: New statistics show car thefts in regional New South Wales has skyrocketed over the past five years, including in the Hunter region. The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report has revealed a 13 per cent increase in car thefts during that time in Newcastle.

Truck rolls: SafeWork NSW is investigating a workplace accident where a man suffered spinal injuries when the truck he was driving rolled at New Lambton. Emergency services were called to a worksite at the intersection of Lookout Road and McCaffery Drive about 10pm on Thursday.

Moves to boost marine life: Lake Macquarie jetty owners are being encouraged to do their bit to help restore fish populations in the waterway. Fishing conservation group OzFish Unlimited is behind the Pimp My Jetty project which was recently trialled in Western Australia and on the Gold Coast. It involves attaching natural fibre and matting beneath the water to encourage shellfish growth.

Jets coach quits: The Newcastle Jets are hunting for a new head coach after Arthur Papas resigned following two seasons with the club. Club executive chair Shane Mattiske says there's already strong interest from potential new coaches. Papas is pursuing coaching opportunities in Asia.

Southwell to guide Blues: The NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder is confident her teenage halfback can control the team in the must-win final game of the women's State of Origin. Newcastle's Jesse Southwell played 5-8 in the loss to Queensland in game one and will shift to halfback for Thursday night's match.

Knights go down: The Newcastle Knights men's suffered another close loss, going down to the Sydney Roosters at home 18-16 on Saturday afternoon. The Knights will head to Penrith this weekend to take on the reigning premiers Penrith on Saturday night.