Politics
Newcastle Ocean Baths alcohol licence row: Council accused of 'kicking beer can down road'
Newcastle Council faces backlash over a proposed licensed venue at the heritage-listed Ocean Baths. Critics accuse officials of hiding plans for alcohol sales and late-night trading from the public.
Lifestyle
Perth's First Baby of 2026 Arrives: A New Year's Gift 'Better Than Fireworks'
Meet baby Ivy, Perth's first newborn of 2026, delivered at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Her parents describe her as a special gift, making their New Year's celebration unforgettable.
Sports
Mighty Mare Mahdi Girl's Fourth Straight Win & La Trice Stakes Thriller
Mahdi Girl scorches to her fourth consecutive victory at Ascot, while Luvnwar claims the Group 3 La Trice Stakes in a dramatic finish. Full race details and results here.
Business
Trade Tensions with China: A Rocky Start for 2026 Beef Exports
Australian beef exporters face a challenging 2026 as China slashes import quotas, threatening a $1.6 billion trade. Industry calls for urgent government action to secure market access.
Environment
Entertainment
Education
Police seize guns and drugs in Nollamara house raid
WA Police have seized firearms, ammunition, and drugs from a Nollamara property as part of a targeted operation to combat crime in Perth's northern suburbs. Read the full details.
Major drug and cash haul seized in Cessnock police raid
A 32-year-old man faces multiple charges after police seized $20,000 cash, methylamphetamine, heroin, GHB and stun guns during a firearms prohibition search in Cessnock. Read the full details.
Newcastle's 2025: A Year of Headlines and Heartbreak
From a fatal beach shooting to devastating floods and a major health initiative, revisit the stories that defined the Hunter region in 2025. Read the full year in review.
New forensic ID method uses proteins in single hair strands
ECU and ChemCentre scientists develop proteomic genotyping, a new forensic tool for human identification from hair when DNA is degraded or missing. Could revolutionise cold case investigations.
Hamlyn Heights homes demolished for new $12.4m childcare
A new $12.4 million childcare centre is set to replace several homes in Hamlyn Heights, Geelong. The 124-place facility promises to ease local childcare shortages. Read more about the development plans.