As Newcastle reviews its public toilets, locals highlight the lack of soap and inadequate facilities for the ageing and disabled. Read why these basic amenities are a public health necessity.
A man was rescued from the water near Towradgi Beach after a recreational boat crew spotted him. Marine Rescue NSW urges all boaters to maintain a proper lookout and ensure their vessels are seaworthy.
A 16-year-old from Fassifern has landed a colossal 55cm bream on Christmas Day, believed to be one of the biggest ever caught in Lake Macquarie. Read the full story of this remarkable catch.
A quick-thinking neighbour in Bellambi crawled through thick smoke to rescue an 11-month-old baby from a burning house. The infant was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
A $1 million Lotto prize from a ticket bought at Cameron Park Newsagency is still unclaimed. Meanwhile, a Wyong man wins nearly $1 million. Check your tickets now!
A small fire at The Shed Cafe in Watagan Park Central, Cooranbong, led to a temporary evacuation and closure on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services responded quickly, with no injuries reported.
Speers Point couple Tim Binns and Frances Beaumont forced to retire their yacht Titoki from the Sydney to Hobart due to multiple defects and a battery fire. Read their story and see how other local boats are faring.
Lake Macquarie City Council awards Daracon Group the contract to expand the Awaba Waste Management Facility, adding over a decade of capacity for 220,000 residents. Construction starts 2026.
A vital Queensland Government air rescue helicopter has been grounded due to staff shortages, raising serious concerns for emergency response capabilities in the region.
Six people were rescued in separate incidents across Victoria's waterways on Christmas Day, including paddleboarders blown 10km out to sea. Authorities urge water safety as summer risks rise.
A woman and a teen endured a frightening 18km paddleboard drift from Portarlington to Werribee on Christmas Day. Read about their dramatic rescue and essential water safety tips.
Delta Electricity faces a $1 million fine after a court found it guilty of causing a 2022 fish kill at Mannering Park. The ruling follows a major EPA prosecution.
Four workmates were rescued by a ferry skipper after their boat capsized off Hillarys on Monday evening. Read the dramatic details of their 45-minute ordeal.
A quick-thinking parent and corrections officer tackled a pitch invader who knocked down an umpire during a junior cricket match in Port Macquarie. Read the full story of the dramatic incident.
Newcastle Herald readers share views on Bondi tragedy heroes, inclusive toilets, climate action, and local parking woes. Read diverse community opinions.
Professional storyteller Jo Henwood captivates audiences at West Wallsend Cemetery, unearthing 130 years of local history. Plus, a national treasure status for Newcastle's maritime collection.
For the first time, endangered Little Terns have nested on Blacksmiths beach near Newcastle. Conservationists hail the milestone and urge beachgoers to protect the fragile site.
A new coastal walkway masterplan is being developed to connect Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, promising a boost for recreation and tourism. Discover the proposed route and timeline.
Lake Macquarie's historic Awaba House, gutted by fire in 2019, is set to reopen in mid-2026 as a premier dining destination under The Catering Group, promising local food and community focus.
A 32-year-old Swansea man faces court over allegedly displaying a prohibited Nazi symbol on a boat in a public place. Police seized two vessels during their investigation.
Police are investigating after a 43-year-old man was found dead near Wyee Farms Road at Lake Macquarie. A postmortem will determine the cause of death.
A 42-year-old cyclist has died after a hit-and-run crash at Nords Wharf. Police are appealing for dashcam footage and searching for a black Toyota FJ Cruiser. Contact Crime Stoppers with any information.
Lake Macquarie Council reports a brazen theft of 23 heavy sandstone blocks from The Esplanade. The $10,000 loss prompts a police investigation and a call for public dashcam footage.
A yacht skipper was rescued by Marine Rescue NSW after suffering an eye injury and losing steering off the coast near Port Stephens. The seven-hour overnight mission brought them safely to shore.
John Hanscombe draws parallels between Pacific cargo cults and failed Australian projects, questioning the promised economic 'cargo' of Tasmania's new stadium. Will history repeat? Share your view.
A 14-year-old basketballer is taking his proposal for a new social court to Lake Macquarie City Council, backed by a 573-signature petition. Will the council approve the plan for Jack Stewart Netball Courts?
Lake Macquarie City Council is set to formally begin its search for a new CEO while also deciding on two significant housing developments that exceed current planning controls. Read the latest.
A decade-long strategy for maintaining Swansea Channel through dredging is now open for public consultation. Locals are urged to provide feedback to shape the future of this vital waterway.
A 40+ hectare bushfire at Redhead has intensified with a southerly change, threatening suburbs. Roads are closed, but no property lost. Read the latest updates.
A dangerous bushfire near Redhead has burned over 40 hectares, threatening suburbs and a nursing home overnight. Residents in Dudley, Whitebridge, and Gateshead are urged to monitor conditions as the fire continues to burn. Read the latest updates.