Ravensworth homestead: The Singleton Shire Council has voted not to support the Ravensworth Homestead site in the Upper Hunter for state heritage listing. The estate lies directly in the path of Glencore's refused plan to extend its Glendell coal mine, which was rejected by the Independent Planning Commission last year. The NSW Heritage Council is considering listing the historic complex and sought advice from council. TAFE election promise: NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has promised $42.7 million for three "manufacturing centres of excellence" in the Hunter, Illawarra and Western Sydney, if elected. The TAFE hubs would cater for about 1,000 students a year. Mr Minns was visiting the Hunter this week ahead of the March 25 state election when he made the pledge. Waratah super battery: The NSW government has given the green light to the largest "committed" battery project in the southern hemisphere. Construction of the 850-megawatt battery will begin almost immediately at Munmorah on the Central Coast. The project is due to be finished by 2025. Muswellbrook kidnap sentence: A man has been sentenced to six years in jail over the kidnapping of a corrective services officer while in custody at Muswellbrook's St Heliers Correctional Centre last year. Inmate Andrew James Ransom held a female officer against her will for several minutes. He'll be eligible for parole in 2027. Fraud case: An Upper Hunter man has pleaded guilty to defrauding two people more than a million dollars. Cameron Gidley-Baird, 48, last week entered guilty pleas in Newcastle Local Court to four offences including intending to pervert the course of justice. He'll be sentenced in March. Indigenous women's safety: A Hunter women's refuge has told a Senate inquiry more funding is needed to bolster culturally appropriate support for First Nations women at risk of family violence. In its submission, Carrie's Place called for dedicated Aboriginal domestic family violence teams to ensure an Indigenous staff member is available when women and children seek help. Mine extension proposal: Glencore and Yancoal are seeking approval to extend mining at the Hunter Valley Operations site near Singleton. The state-significant development application includes increasing the life of HVO North from 2025 to the end of 2050 and HVO South from 2030 to the end of 2045. An additional 400 megatonnes of coal would be extracted as a result. Cup of Nations victory: The Matildas have retained the Cup of Nations trophy with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica in Newcastle. Katrina Gorry got the first-half breakthrough before goals to Alex Chidiac and Caitlin Foord assured them of a seventh consecutive victory. NRL kicks off: The Newcastle Knights' men's 2023 season officially begins this week. The team will cross the ditch to take on the Warriors in Wellington this Friday. Newly-signed player Adam Elliot is hoping to run out in the red and blue for the first time after missing both trial matches because of injury. |