The Windale Junior Rugby League club has officially opened its new $335,000 clubhouse, rebuilt after a devastating fire in March 2025. The modern facility supports the club's growing female player base and community spirit.
A South Australian tourist park's decision to rebrand as an adults-only 'peaceful sanctuary' has ignited fierce online discussion. Discover why owners made the switch and the growing trend for child-free travel.
The Queensland Government faces accusations of greenwashing and hiding the environmental impact of a new $3.6bn Olympic stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. Critics warn of catastrophic heritage loss. Read the full story.
Lake Macquarie and Central Coast councils issue warnings over red algae blooms, which can cause skin irritation. Swimmers and pet owners urged to avoid affected waters as a severe heatwave grips the Hunter region.
NSW Police have charged two men with 72 offences each after a series of scams targeting elderly women in shopping centre car parks across the state. Authorities are seeking two other men.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
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.
A 23-year-old man suffered a serious shoulder injury after jumping into a popular Illawarra swimming hole. Emergency services conducted a complex bush rescue on January 7.
Emergency crews freed a trapped driver after a single-vehicle crash on the M1 near Lake Macquarie. One lane remains closed, causing moderate traffic delays. Stay updated.
Two Lake Macquarie PCYC basketballers, Jared Hickson and Jarvis Watson, are set for a life-changing trip to the USA as part of a groundbreaking all-Indigenous squad. Read their inspiring story.
Discover why water isn't tasteless. From artesian bores to lab purity, science explains how minerals, memory, and genes shape what we taste. Read more.
Peter Papadatos remains in John Hunter Hospital with severe injuries after a suspected hit-and-run on an e-scooter at Caves Beach. Police are investigating and urge witnesses to come forward.
A Lake Macquarie op shop raising funds for domestic violence victims was targeted in a 'pointless' break-in, with a thief smashing a $1000 door to steal valueless items. Police are investigating.
A severe storm cut short racing at the Australian Skiff Championships on Lake Macquarie, causing broken masts. Over 100 crews are competing this week. Read more.
A major NSW waterways safety operation found more than 20% of jet ski offences occurred at Lake Macquarie. Police urge riders to slow down and follow safety rules.
An 18-year-old Canberra student is spearheading a community campaign to save the iconic Big Splash water park from demolition and redevelopment into a hotel. Read her story.
The historic Royal Crown Hotel in Dudley has been closed since May 2025 due to severe termite damage. Owner Michael Deer has lodged a DA for a three-stage restoration, aiming to reopen the beloved local in 2026. Read the full story.
Confronting 2025 data reveals Lake Macquarie had the state's second-worst road toll. Speed was the leading killer as NSW lost 355 lives. Read the full analysis and official pleas for safer driving.
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.
The Newcastle Herald's Hunter Photography Prize is back for 2026. Amateur photographers in the Hunter Region are invited to submit their best shots for a chance to win major camera gear vouchers. Enter by January 20.
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.
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.
Goodlife Church Toronto has lodged a DA to relocate to Grattoir Place, aiming to accommodate its expanding community with Sunday services for up to 100 people.
A key bridge on the Fernleigh Track near Whitebridge has been closed after vandals set it alight, marking the latest in a spate of destructive acts across Lake Macquarie. A detour is in place.
Campers return to Gold Coast's Broadwater Tourist Park after a dangerous crane collapse and power line hazards. The emergency declaration has been revoked.
Lake Macquarie City Council navigated a pivotal 2025, marked by a CEO departure, a united front on housing, and emerging political shifts. Read our full review of the year's key events.
NSW Police launch one of their largest annual operations to ensure safety at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens New Year's Eve events. Plan your travel and stay safe.
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 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 $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!