Sentencing for a man who pleaded guilty to smuggling in Brazilian divers to retrieve a cocaine stash in Newcastle will be pushed back as a judge orders a contested facts hearing.

This weekend a convoy travelled from Narrabri, via the Upper Hunter to a rally in Newcastle, opposing Santos' $3.6 billion gas developments in the Pilliga in northern New South Wales.

In the long term, Hunter Valley Operations is proposing to extract a further 400 million tonnes of coal by 2050.

The fatal shooting of an Indigenous man at a property in Newcastle last year was "fast and totally unexpected," an inquest has heard. The Deputy State Coroner will deliver her findings at a later date.

After almost four years, a Supreme Court judge has ended a legal fight over the remains of the First Nations woman, whose family argued she had wanted to be cremated, not buried.

Australia is facing one of the hottest summers on record according to the Bureau of Meteorology's weather modelling which tips well above average temperatures across the country.

Civic Park holds a fountain of memories for Dr Ross Kerridge. The recently elected lord mayor of Newcastle recalls seeing the iconic fountain’s official opening – and learning a few tips on how to address a crowd – in the 1960s.

While The Police have not played live for many years, Andy Summers still tours and records – and all the while takes photos, which have been featured in more than 60 exhibitions. 

It's been one year since a statewide ban on mobile phones began in NSW public high schools. So, how are students in the Hunter going?

Giving visitors a better understanding of Aboriginal culture is becoming big business in New South Wales, with more than $3 billion spent on cultural tourism in the state last financial year.

Blood donors celebrated: The Newcastle Drive team broadcast live from the Newcastle Lifeblood Donor Centre last week as part of International Plasma Awareness Week. Producer Cecilia Connell donated blood live on air and presenter Paul Culliver spoke with staff and other donors at the centre in Broadmeadow. 
 

Pictured: Lifeblood staff member Donna, with ABC Newcastle producer Cecilia Connell and ABC Newcastle presenter Paul Culliver. Image: ABC Newcastle/Christine Sheridan
 

Concerning Hunter-Newcastle DV stats: A local domestic violence worker says new local crime statistics need to be investigated to better understand the reasons for the high rate of DV offending in the region. The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures show rates of domestic violence assault are 50 per cent higher in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle regions than the state average. The last quarter's figures also show the number of apprehended violence orders in place in Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens are more than 50 per cent higher than the state average. Jenny's Place chief executive Dawn Walker says increasing socio-economic pressures are one possible reason for the worsening statistics. People needing confidential information, counselling or support around domestic family and sexual violence issues can visit the 1800RESPECT website or phone 1800 737 732.
 

Asbestos dumping investigated: The apparent dumping of asbestos at a Lake Macquarie Park is being investigated by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority. The pile of material at Parbury Park at Swansea was reported to the EPA on September 25, testing later confirming the material contained bonded asbestos. The material, which has now been removed, was covered and fenced off for two weeks. The Lake Macquarie City  Council says because the tests confirmed the asbestos is bonded residents shouldn't be concerned about any impacts on air quality or their health.
 

Police take industrial action: The Cessnock police station is the first in the Hunter to confirm it will take a stand against chronic understaffing, with the potential for more local stations to follow. During the next couple of weeks police will take industrial action, including not undertaking prisoner transfers and not attending some mental health call-outs. The NSW Police Association's Northern Region says it's seeing record low staff levels as more police leave the force because of burnout.
 

Hospital short stay unit times extended: Maitland Hospital's emergency department short stay unit is now operating seven days a week. The unit provides a short periods of treatment and observation to help patients avoid unnecessary hospital stays and previously operated four days a week. The expansion is part of the state government's $70 million ED relief package to improve patient flow and reduce ED wait times.
 

New multi-purpose vehicle for Rutherford: Rutherford will be among the first regional ambulance stations in the state to receive a new purpose-built four-wheel drive, designed to improve paramedics' ability to navigate natural disasters and difficult terrain. Other regional locations to be among the first receive the hazardous area rescue ambulances include Tamworth in the New England and Wagga Wagga in the Riverina. The vehicles can drive through floodwater up to 1.2 metres deep and can operate in fire grounds.
 

Upton named Knights' best again: Tamika Upton has been named Newcastle Knights female player of the year for the second consecutive year. The fullback was given the top honour at the club's awards ceremony last week. Hooker Olivia Higgins received the club's Gladiator of the Year award presented by the Once a Knight Old Boys. Forward Laishon Albert-Jones won the players' player award.
 

New Jets captain: Kosta Grozos is set to become the youngest full-time captain in the Newcastle Jets' history. Coach Rob Stanton confirmed the 24-year-old midfielder will lead the side in the 2024-25 A-League season, which begins this weekend. Grozos steps up after the departure of former skippers Brandon O'Neill and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos at the end of last season. Goalkeeper Ryan Scott will be his deputy.

Made with frozen filo pastry, these cheat's spinach triangles make a delicious snack or appetiser.