An overseas student has been convicted for her role in a massive illegal tobacco operation in Perth, where authorities seized over 1.2 million dollars worth of illicit cigarettes. Read the full story.
WA Police intensify Operation Moorhead, seizing illegal e-scooters and charging teenagers for reckless behaviour in Perth's northern suburbs. Read the latest.
The Hunter Region faces a severe heatwave with soaring temperatures and extreme fire danger. Stay informed with live updates on weather, safety alerts, and local news from Newcastle Herald.
A visionary plan to repurpose disused Upper Hunter mining pits into interconnected lakes gains momentum, promising water security, tourism, and jobs. Read about the innovative solution.
As a severe heatwave looms, we revisit the Hunter's 1939 furnace that killed scores, halted work, and left a tragic mark on local records. Discover the history to understand the present.
The Cook Government defends the timeline for tougher vape and tobacco laws as police raid a Bunbury store and investigate a suspicious fire. Critics demand faster action.
A 14-year-old boy faces court over an alleged arson attack on a Perth store, linked to a crime syndicate's illicit tobacco turf war. Police strongly oppose bail.
NSW Health inspectors have seized illicit goods worth millions in a six-month operation, closing multiple stores. Experts warn of rising crime linked to the black market.
WA Opposition slams government delay on vape shop closure laws after Bunbury arson attack damages local businesses. Community rallies with fundraiser as organised crime fears grow.
The Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hunter region, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain expected. This comes ahead of the first major heatwave of 2026, with temperatures forecast to soar above 30°C in Newcastle and
Lake Macquarie police fined over 40 out-of-town visitors and made two arrests during a holiday crackdown on illegal fishing and anti-social behaviour on Swansea Bridge.
A jack-up barge has positioned itself off Nine Mile Beach, signalling the start of complex offshore works for the Belmont Desalination Plant. The project will secure the Lower Hunter's water future.
Hunter SES crews faced their busiest year ever, responding to over 5000 incidents and 10,000 volunteer hours in 2025's severe storms and floods. Read about their heroic efforts.
A look at the Hunter region's clean energy transition in 2026: battery storage surges, coal lingers, and offshore wind faces delays. Discover the key projects shaping NSW's power future.
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.
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.
State projections reveal the Hunter Region is set to grow by over 184,500 people in two decades, nearing a million residents. Local leaders warn housing and infrastructure must keep pace.
A man in his 60s was flown to John Hunter Hospital with chest and back injuries after a glider crash near Ravensworth. Emergency services, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, responded to the incident.
A rollercoaster year for Hunter sport gets its own awards. From the Knights' wooden spoon to the Jets' Cup win and Kalyn Ponga's bizarre endorsement, we recap the highs, lows and wacky moments of 2025.
As the Hunter Region looks towards 2050, three critical issues—coal mining's legacy, unchecked urban sprawl, and lagging education—will define its future success. Explore the cumulative impacts.
A NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer was hospitalised after a stick lodged near his eye while fighting the Hollydeen blaze. He has since been released after surgery.
Six Hunter region stores have been forced to close for 90 days after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes. NSW Health's new powers lead to statewide blitz, seizing millions in contraband.
WA Police are investigating if a ram-raid at Kabul Cafe in Perth is connected to the escalating tobacco wars. The incident involved a stolen ute and a stolen car. Read the latest.
A 17-year-old boy has been remanded in custody following a suspected arson attack on a Baldivis convenience store, believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade. Read the latest court details.
Upper Hunter farmers celebrate as the critical Coulsons Creek Road reopens just before Christmas, ending a costly five-year detour. The $60 million project fixes a botched council upgrade.
Construction on the $600m Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone begins early 2026, creating nearly 600 jobs and connecting 1.8GW of clean power. Read about the region's energy future.
Construction on the $4 billion Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone will begin early 2026, creating nearly 600 jobs and connecting 1.8GW of clean power. Read more about this major NSW project.
Newcastle's vibrant theatre community celebrated a record-breaking 47th CONDA Awards, with Opera Hunter's 'Sweeney Todd' and local talents taking top honours. Discover all the winners.
A jack-up barge has positioned itself off Nine Mile Beach, signalling the start of complex offshore works for the Belmont Desalination Plant. The project will secure the Lower Hunter's water future.
A new report warns NSW faces a critical gas shortage, threatening Hunter industries and jobs. Urgent investment in alternatives like biomethane is needed to secure the state's economic future.