Politics
Newcastle and Hunter Celebrate Peaceful New Year's Eve with Police Praise
Newcastle and Hunter residents welcomed 2026 with good behaviour, police report. No major incidents marred celebrations, in stark contrast to Sydney's arrests. Read the full report.
Lifestyle
Cairns man charged with drink driving twice in one night during police blitz
A Cairns man faces court after being charged with drink driving twice in a single night during Queensland Police's festive road safety operation. Read the full details of the shocking incident.
Sports
Geelong's Dowling Shield Squad Revealed: Young Guns Aim for Glory
Meet the rising stars of Geelong Cricket Club's Dowling Shield squad. Discover the young talent aiming for victory in the prestigious under-16 competition. Get the full team list and insights.
Business
Over 600 Hunter School Cleaners Secure Permanent Public Sector Roles
More than 600 school cleaners in the Hunter and Central Coast begin 2026 as permanent NSW public sector employees, marking the first shift to public hands in 30 years.
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.