Discover Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's jam-packed school holiday program. From Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to the Model Newcastle Regatta, find fun for all ages. Plan your family adventure now!
A senior judge reveals a surge in children being sent to detention in Queensland, blaming a critical lack of consequential thinking. Explore the crisis inside our courts.
Police in Katherine, NT, have arrested three primary school-aged boys over a series of burglaries and property damage. Investigations continue for four other suspects.
From Jesse Southwell's shock NRLW exit to a life-saving stadium drama, discover the Newcastle Herald's top 10 most-read sport stories that captivated the Hunter in 2025.
Newcastle's iconic Boxing Day races made a triumphant return, with over 5000 attendees defying cooler weather. The event, boosted by headliner Hot Dub Time Machine, saw a surge in pre-sales and a vibrant party atmosphere.
Newcastle is getting its own pop-culture convention, Newy-Con, at the 2025 Newcastle Show. Meet the local cosplay king behind the passion project. Free entry with show ticket.
Plans for the Newcastle Ocean Baths cafe reveal potential alcohol sales and a rooftop terrace. The council's management plan outlines hours and capacity as community debate continues.
A Newcastle Herald reader argues that community sport, when focused on wellbeing and inclusion, is vital for youth resilience and mental health. Read the full debate.
St John's Care in Canberra hosted a vital Christmas lunch for 350 people, highlighting the growing need as homelessness increases. The charity, relying solely on donations, supports 70 families monthly.
Former NBL player Emmanuel 'Manny' Malou returns to his roots in Melbourne's west, offering free weekly basketball training to teens. His foundation provides hope and a positive path amid rising youth crime statistics. Discover how sport is creating chang
AJ, 18, went from a traumatic childhood to performing for a massive crowd with the Unbroken Carollers, a group formed by charity Musicians Making a Difference to support at-risk youth.
The Illawarra Mercury unveils its exclusive list of 56 standout young athletes set to dominate courts, fields, pools, and slopes in 2025. Discover the region's future champions.
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.
Local favourites Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox will open Sunnyboy Park at Foreshore Park in January, offering family-friendly food and coffee. The new kiosk and accessible amenities mark a key milestone in the park's revitalisation.
Newcastle's nationally significant maritime heritage collection is homeless as its lease expires in March 2026. Councillors clash over accountability and solutions for the 8,500-item cache.
Local operators Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox will launch Sunnyboys Park at Newcastle's Foreshore Park in late January, offering family-friendly fare. The opening marks a key milestone in the park's revitalisation.
Jewish community leaders call for urgent enforcement of laws and faster anti-hate measures following the Bondi Beach attack that killed 15. They demand 'fewer words, more action'.
A beloved South Australian craft brewery is closing its doors after 15 years, citing rising costs and market pressures. Read the full story of its journey and final farewell.
Over 240 vulnerable and homeless people in Newcastle enjoyed a festive Christmas lunch hosted by Soul Hub at NEX, supported by 60 volunteers and local partners. Read about the community spirit.
Newcastle's 8500-item maritime heritage collection is at risk with no storage solution secured just months before its council-funded lease expires in March 2026. Read the latest.
As Australia's social media ban for teens looms, experts warn it severs crucial support networks. Youth Action CEO Lauren Stracey argues for investment in physical youth hubs to combat the loneliness crisis.
Victorian teens aged 14+ now face adult courts and life sentences for serious violent crimes under new 'Adult Time' laws. Premier Allan says jail is more likely.
A new intensive support program on a Mareeba farm is working to address the root causes of youth crime in Far North Queensland. Learn how this initiative is offering a fresh start.
Newcastle Herald readers weigh in on NRL's stance on R360 defectors, renewed climate policy battles, and the impact of recent port blockades. Dive into the local debate.
Newcastle Council approves changes to an eight-storey Hall Street development, swapping one-bedroom units for three-bedroom apartments in response to market demand. Read the full details.
Liberal councillors call for a ban on Rising Tide using public land after a weekend of protests in Newcastle Harbour led to over 140 arrests and significant economic disruption. Read the full story.
Parkway Drive's ambitious Park Waves festival, set to rock Australia in 2025, has been cancelled. Rising costs crush a headbanger's dream lineup. Full refunds issued.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch brings the urgent climate crisis of the Torres Strait to Parliament, demanding emissions cuts to save island communities from rising seas.
Two Rising Tide activists face court over a two-hour shipping disruption at Newcastle coal port. The legal case hinges on whether the delay was a major or minor disruption.
NSW Police Minister defends officers after Rising Tide's coal port blockade. 141 arrests made as minister calls protesters 'reckless'. Full details on the clash.