Video: Hunter pilot crashes at Avalon airshow

Tyrone Thompson, 25, was due to stand trial next week over the domestic violence murder of Mackenzie Anderson, who was found in her home with stab wounds in 2022.

A crash on Friday left pilot, Glenn Collins, from Paul Bennet Airshows, with critical injuries.

Emergency crews are hopeful a man swept away by floodwaters on the NSW mid-north coast may still be alive.

NSW man Andrew Dumbrell, 34, has been missing since January 14 and his mother and sister are demanding answers.

The 39-year-old was arrested in January after authorities intercepted parcels that allegedly contained 99kg of methamphetamine, which police said equalled "990,000 street-level deals".

Former Aboriginal education officer Jayden Hudson Thorpe has pleaded guilty to sexting a schoolgirl, and not guilty to kidnapping two others and plying them with drugs.

Expectant mothers on the NSW Central Coast now have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle to birth in a private hospital after the region's only private maternity ward shut down.

Karen Perks said her daughter was repeatedly misdiagnosed after she began suffering seizures. It took months of personal persistence before doctors found the real cause.

The NSW government is set to remove shark nets at beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong a month early this year amid growing concerns from marine advocates and experts.

For Jim Gauld, the beauty of a garden lies in not just what you see, but what you can eat. He's created a massive edible garden on his property near Singleton.

Celebration of cultures: The Newcastle Knights this week celebrated the different cultures at the NRL club as part of Multicultural Round. Some players took part in an Indigenous ceremony, while others performed the haka and other cultural dances. A smoking ceremony was held and players and staff enjoyed food from the different cultures.

Photo: Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best took part in an Aboriginal dance as part of the NRL club's celebration of Multicultural Round. Image credit: ABC News/Bridget Murphy

Coal exports up: The operator of Newcastle's largest coal terminal, Port Waratah Coal Services, has recorded an increase in the amount of coal it's moved through the Port of Newcastle. The port's 2024 annual report shows 100.8 million tonnes of coal was exported, a 5 million tonne increase in output compared to 2023. This was loaded onto more than 1,100 vessels at the Carrington and Kooragang terminals. Japan continues to be the largest export destination with 49 per cent of the total volume, while China's share of output increased to 30 per cent. Output is predicted to stay above 100 million tonnes per year over the next five years, as Port Waratah says international demand for Hunter Valley coal remains strong.

MP says wrong location for proposed solar farm: Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has voiced his opposition to a proposed solar farm near Singleton as his Labor colleagues begin an election campaign focused on renewables. The Singleton Solar Standoff group is fighting a proposed 220-hectare solar farm at Mitchells Flat, saying renewable projects are being prioritised over farming. Mr Repacholi met with the group and visited the site late last year. He says while he supports a transition to renewable energy, there are more appropriate locations for solar projects.

Cameras installed after tree attacks: The poisoning of trees in Nelson Bay has prompted the Port Stephens Council to install CCTV. Eight trees were poisoned or damaged in Nelson Bay in recent weeks and another two were cut with a handsaw on the Shoal Bay foreshore. Cameras have been installed on the Bridle Path at Nelson Bay and are being considered for Shoal Bay. Council has planted 55 trees to replace the 10 vandalised.

People urged to report dirt bike activity: Dirt bike riders are wreaking havoc in parts of the Hunter Valley but police say they can only act if incidents are reported. The Kearsley Crushers' home ground was ripped up by motorbikes at the weekend, the second time in a month and just a week before the rugby league season kicks off. It's prompted calls for the Cessnock City Council to install fencing around the ground. Hunter Valley police district commander Steve Laksa says residents shouldn't hesitate to report dirt bike crimes.

Park upgrade plan to improve safety: There are plans to upgradeHamilton Station Park in a bid to address anti-social behaviour in the region, the Newcastle City Council says. Residents and business owners have long been calling for support to address escalating drug use, crime and aggression in and around Beaumont Street. In addition to an increase in police patrols, the council has applied for a state government grant to upgrade the park. It says the project would include installing security and ambient lighting, removing the perimeter fence to improve sight lines and upgrading utilities and landscaping.

English import heads home: The Newcastle Knights have granted English recruit Will Pryce an immediate release from his contract. In a statement, Knights management says they have agreed to a release request on compassionate grounds to allow Pryce to return home to England for personal and professional reasons. Pryce made his debut for the club last year and was signed on with the Knights until at least the end of this season. He has secured a multi-year contract with Super League club Hull FC.

Easy to prep and freeze, edamame wontons make for an exciting weeknight meal. Serve with a quick chilli oil sauce.

Do you want to bring music to the streets of your town? To celebrate the launch of the new ABC series The Piano, the ABC has partnered with Piano Plus to donate up to 20 pre-loved pianos to towns across Australia. If you know the perfect spot for a Pop-Up Piano, and wish to bring the gift of music to your neighbourhood, nominations are open now.