Cessnock Basketball says local competitions are under threat, if it can’t secure the contract for the local stadium.
Council argues it’s offered a discounted rate – but the association says it wouldn’t work financially.
but Saturday's election result contained some valuable insights into voting trends across the Hunter
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Greens continued to make inroads into Labor's margin in the seat of Newcastle
despite incurring adverse swings elsewhere in the country
With 81.7 per cent of the vote counted on Monday
Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe had secured 22.2 per cent of the vote
the Liberals' Assari McPhee 19.6 per cent and Labor's Sharon Claydon 45.1 per cent
Ms McCabe said the 2.2 per cent swing to the party further secured its place as the second major force in Newcastle politics
"I'm feeling really grateful to the community of Newcastle for giving their support to the Greens," Ms McCabe said
"There was such a strong national swing away from the Liberals towards the Labor Party
we were able to hold the growth that we achieved in the last federal election and still bring on a fairly significant proportion of first-time Greens voters."
Ms McCabe said the result reflected the fact that Newcastle had long-term values that aligned strongly with the Greens' values
"We always felt that Newcastle was a Labor-Greens town
and this is the first time we've been able to really see that come through in election results," she said
Despite promising signs during the election campaign
One Nation's candidate for the Seat of Hunter
Mr Bonds said he doubted he would put his hand up to run again
compared to Nationals candidate Sue Gilroy on 18.4 per cent and Labor incumbent Dan Repacholi on 44.2 per cent
Mr Bonds said the electoral boundary redistribution had worked against conservative candidates
"The demographics of the seat have changed in the boundary adjustment
Without a strong conservative leader who lays out a proper plan for the future that is alternative to Labor
I don't know that I would bother to run again," Mr Bonds said
"We need a conservative (candidate) because if it swings conservative
If that base is not there then we will suffer the same fate as the Liberal/Nationals"
Liberal candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff said he was shocked by the national swing to Labor
Mr Antcliff was regarded as a serious threat to Labor's Meryl Swanson
Picture by Peter Lorimer.But with 82.4 per cent of the vote counted on Monday
Ms Swanson had secured 37.3 per cent of the primary vote
at all," Mr Antcliff said on Saturday night
"There's no crystal ball that will tell the future of Mr Antcliff's political career
but he said he is open to future opportunities in politics
"I'm proud to be an Australian and I don't like the direction the country's going in."
One talking point from the 2025 election campaign was the participation of fringe groups either as candidates or as supporters
The most notable of these were Exclusive Brethren volunteers who inundated pre-poll booths in key seats
there was an unprecedented presence by Socialist Alliance candidates and volunteers
Speaking following his reelection in the seat of Shortland on Saturday night
Pat Conroy condemned the behaviour of Exclusive Brethren volunteers
"I saw people in Liberal blue t-shirts physically blocking the voters trying to vote
I saw people in blue t-shirts with a certain dress style who didn't know where Charlestown was
literally escort people in with negative corflutes on both sides of them to shield them from anyone else handing out
I saw intimidation that I never want to see in this country."
Blair WiseJournalistblair.wise@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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Pictures from GoFundMe.The Hunter Valley pilot who crashed his stunt plane at the Avalon Airshow in March has spoken publicly for the first time since he was seriously injured
Mr Collins had to undergo several surgeries
In a statement on a GoFundMe for his medical expenses
rehabilitation and support for his loved ones
Mr Collins said he was grateful for the outpouring of support and donations he received
"It's been truly humbling and has lifted me up during some of the toughest moments," he said
"Knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can say."
Mr Collins is a decorated and highly experienced aviator and skydiver
with thousands of flying hours and hundreds as an instructor
He was the aerobatic NSW and Australian Sportsman champion in 1997
Australian Intermediate champion in 1998 and Victorian Advanced champion in 1999
The pilot spent five weeks in a hospital in Melbourne and has now been transferred to Sydney
"Recovery is still ongoing and still uncertain in many ways
though I'm thankful for every step forward," he said
The pilot wrote that while his general injuries were healing well and he could move his legs
he had spinal damage and didn't yet have full feeling in his legs or waist
He said he felt lucky to be in the care of "amazing" medical teams in both cities
"This road I'm on is one many have travelled before - waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries," he said
He thanked the pyrotechnic team who acted quickly and bravely to extract him from the wreckage and the healthcare professionals who continued to care for him
He also thanked Paul Bennet and the Paul Bennet Airshows team for their support
and extended family - your strength gives me strength every day
thank-you for being by my side throughout this journey - you've been incredible," he said
The GoFundMe has raised more than $67,000 so far
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is leading an investigation into the incident and has collected recordings from the aircraft's black box
members of the public and a Garmin device and phone inside the plane
Paul Bennet Airshows has been contacted for comment
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald. Email me at jessica.belzycki@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Photo: Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOSA woman in her 60s has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEmergency services attended a property at Darra in Brisbane's southwest on April 3
following reports an infant was unconscious and not breathing
The baby boy was later declared dead at the scene
Police established Operation Whiskey Nocturne to investigate his death and on Monday detectives charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with manslaughter
She is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSRoss Lyon's sin bin one week
Rising Star Saint the next - it's been an eventful few days for AFL young gun Hugo Garcia
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe St Kilda second-year midfielder is the latest Rising Star nomination after he impressed on Friday night in his side's emphatic win over Fremantle
he was the unfortunate victim of a full-blown bake from his coach on the interchange bench as Brisbane were dominating the Saints
Lyon also raised eyebrows when he subbed Garcia out of the match early in the second term of the Lions loss
After Garcia capped his polished game against the Dockers on Friday night with a snapped goal in the last term
Lyon was seen smiling like a benevolent uncle
'I'm not going to be a victim'," Lyon said post-match
"I don't know - there are plenty of people who maybe choose to be victims
has played 17 senior games since the Saints recruited him with their third-round No.50 pick in the 2023 national draft
showing early signs that he might prove a bargain-basement draft selection
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueUPDATED 05/05/2025 5:00pm:After announcing pricing for the entry-level Pro variant on February 28
Volkswagen Australia has now confirmed pricing for the all-wheel drive ID.4 GTX flagship
Volkswagen launched the ID.4 overseas in December 2020
with first Australian deliveries initially due in late 2023
then March 2025 and now finally "around mid-2025"
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsIn that time
Australia's electric vehicle (EV) market has gone through a significant period of growth but has now slowed down
despite more affordable models being introduced to local buyers
The ID.4 will arrive priced from $59,990 before on-road costs
That sees it undercut the upcoming, updated Tesla Model Y Launch Series by about $3400
with Volkswagen's EV boasting a better driving range to the tune of about 80km
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsThe ID.4 Pro is also $1000 more affordable than the related Cupra Tavascan Endurance
which has identical outputs but a slightly shorter driving range and lower DC fast-charging rate
the Cupra is produced in China while the ID.4 comes from Germany
priced exactly $10,000 higher than the base Pro but bringing more power and AWD
There's just one variant available at launch
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsDimensions2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsWarranty and ServicingThe Volkswagen ID.4 is backed by a five-year
Service intervals and pricing are yet to be announced
The Volkswagen ID.4 has not yet been issued an Australian safety rating by ANCAP
however it achieved a five-star result in New Zealand and Europe after testing conducted in 2021 by Euro NCAP
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsStandard safety equipment includes:
The local Volkswagen ID.4 lineup will consist of two variants
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsThe ID.4 Pro features:
An Exterior Style package is available on the Pro for an extra $900
Volkswagen hasn't yet detailed the exterior paint colour choices for the ID.4 Pro
it's confirmed metallic paint will be a $1000 option while premium metallic finishes will cost $1300 on the GTX
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID.4
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Picture by Marina NeilAn aborted police pursuit
and a stolen vehicle were part of a three-day police operation across the Hunter
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAbout 10.40pm on Saturday
Port Stephens-Hunter police were patrolling Charles Street
when they tried to stop an SUV for a random drug test
police followed the car along Seaham Road before stopping because of safety concerns
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers saw the vehicle on Hinton Road
before it was later found abandoned on Phoenix Park Road
Police arrested a 28-year-old man nearby and seized what was alleged to be methylamphetamine and a knife
Officers also found the car was reported stolen from Adamstown on Thursday
The man was arrested as part of Operation Soteria with help from Northern Region
Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley police as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol
He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with not stopping for a police pursuit
He was refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday and will appear at Maitland Local Court on Monday
Eleven people were arrested during the operation
and 18 people and nine vehicles were searched
More than 140 roadside breath tests were conducted
with nine returning positive results for drugs
Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Millfield Street
south of Kurri Kurri on Friday May 2 on alleged domestic violence charges
He was wanted on an outstanding warrant and a breach of apprehended violence order (AVO)
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with contravening an AVO
prohibited drug and hinder or resist police officers in the execution of duty
He was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Friday
where he was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday
Photo: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSThe closure of a youth detention centre with an "ongoing abuse risk" has been further pushed back as part of broad justice reforms
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTasmania's Ashley Youth Detention Centre was in 2023 recommended to be shut as soon as possible in the final report of an inquiry into institutionalised child sexual abuse
the subject of horrific stories of mistreatment
which had previously pledged to shut the centre by the end of 2024
later said it would be closed in 2026 once replacement facilities had been established
Minister for Children Roger Jaensch says the centre can't close until a new one is up and running
that date was pushed back to early 2028 as part of the release of a master plan for the construction of a more therapeutic centre north of Hobart
"We cannot (close the centre) before we have a new functional detention facility," Minister for Children and Youth Roger Jaensch told reporters
"We believe … we can see the new facility built before the end of 2027 and then the closure of Ashley shortly thereafter."
Labor opposition MP Sarah Lovell said there was no clear plan for what would happen in the meantime
"The (inquiry) made it crystal clear: Ashley must close as soon as possible," she said
"Community safety is directly linked to effective
we are failing both the young people in the system and the communities they return to."
A master plan for a new facility has been released but it won't be built before the end of 2027
(Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)A parliament committee was last week told the government was investigating recent complaints from detainees about the use of isolation and restraints
Mr Jaensch acknowledged Ashley had not produced good outcomes for young people and hadn't reduced re-offending
the state government was providing diversionary programs for young people and the centre was safer than ever before
"We're not seeing an increase in reports of sexual abuse
although we leave the channels open for anyone with concerns to report them
there hasn't been a recent concern raised about recent sexual abuse matters at Ashley Youth Detention Centre."
The new centre will have 16 residential beds
plus two for new arrivals and two medical beds
Of 111 state servants suspended since late 2020 because of child sexual abuse allegations
41 remain subject to ongoing investigations by the government
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSA dog's simple sniff at a music festival could lead to a multimillion-dollar payout in a massive class action lawsuit targeting police strip searches
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThousands of people were strip searched at music festivals as officers allegedly given inadequate training and supervision routinely conducted the inspections over a six-year period
An "extraordinary" and unlawful strip search by police at a popular music festival and the conduct of authorities defending it is leading the class action in NSW
A woman underwent a humiliating and unlawful search that found nothing
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)Raya Meredith alleged she was subjected to assault
battery and false imprisonment by police at the Splendour in the Grass music festival in July 2018 after a drug detection dog sniffed in her direction
She was stopped and directed to a makeshift inspection area of open cubicles with tarpaulin screens near the entrance
A male police officer allegedly walked in to the area where Ms Meredith was being searched
as a female officer interrogated and inspected her
which was allegedly conducted with inadequate privacy
and was threatened with ejection from the festival
barrister Kylie Nomchong SC told the Supreme Court on Monday
which did not comply with legislated safeguards
"This is an extraordinary story … but it is not an isolated one," Ms Nomchong said
NSW is accused of deploying large numbers of officers to festivals to do strip searches en masse
(Samantha Lock/AAP PHOTOS)The state allegedly deployed large numbers of officers to music festivals with the intention of routinely doing strip searches en masse between 2016 and 2022
The directions given were "woefully inadequate" and senior echelons of the force failed to ensure officers were properly trained and supervised
expose her genitals and remove a tampon during the search - "akin to things that would happen during a sexual assault," Ms Nomchong told the court
The state's conduct in defending the claim had also increased the harm to the lead plaintiff and aggravated damages would be sought
the state persisted with hurtful allegations and unjustifiable
The state conceded in March she was unlawfully strip-searched but has not accepted fault in relation to more than 3000 others part of the class-action
NSW Police acknowledged failures highlighted in a watchdog's audit of strip searches in 2023
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)The state's barrister Julian Sexton SC told the court there may be limitations on damages and the amount that could be paid
A sum of $50,000 sought for exemplary damages could exceed $150 million if applied across the class action participants
for what are alleged to be systemic failures rather than individual instances
NSW Police blamed a change in priorities during COVID-19 public health orders and restrictions when acknowledging failures highlighted in a watchdog's audit of strip searches in 2023
They included a finding more than half of the officers who carried out strip searches in preceding years had not completed specialist training
initially scheduled to be heard over four weeks
has been adjourned until May 13 with further written submissions due in the coming days
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSLABOR POLICIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SECOND ALBANESE TERM
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue* HECS debts will be cut by 20 per cent for those with student loans
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged this as the first piece of legislation that will be introduced when parliament resumes
* Bulk-billing will be expanded to 90 per cent by 2030 with an extra $8.5 billion to be spent on a boost to Medicare
* A further 50 Medicare urgent care clinics will be build across the country
* Tax cuts of up to $268 will be rolled out from July 2026
with a further cut of $536 in July 2027 and every financial year after that
Australians can expect tax cuts under the second-term Labor government
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)* Taxpayers will receive an instant $1000 deduction when they complete their tax return
* A scheme allowing a five per cent deposit to first-home buyers will be expanded to all people looking to buy their first property
* Labor has promised to build 100,000 homes solely for the purchase of first-home buyers
* Non-compete clauses will be banned for workers changing jobs if they earn less than $175,000 a year
* Households will get a 30 per cent discount to install electric batteries from July 2025
* The Albanese government has promised to set up a national environment protection agency
after plans were stalled in his first parliament
* Work will be done to bring the port of Darwin back to Australian ownership
* A critical minerals strategic reserve will be set up to stockpile mining materials to trade on global markets
Photo: AP PHOTOUS President Donald Trump's tariffs are increasingly clogging up the wheels of a world economy that for decades were greased by predictable and relatively free trade
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBig-name multinationals right down to niche e-commerce players last week cut sales targets
warned of job cuts and reviewed their business plans
while major economies revised down growth prospects amid bleak data read-outs
While financial markets are betting the US and China will pull back from an all-out trade war and that Trump will cut deals to avert higher tariffs on others
the sheer uncertainty of where this ends has become a major drag factor in itself
"US tariff policy is a serious negative shock for the world in the near term," said Isabelle Mateos y Lago
group chief economist at French bank BNP Paribas
The uncertainty created by US tariffs has become a major drag on financial markets
(AP PHOTO)"The US tariffs end-game may be further away and at a higher level than previously thought," she said of blanket US tariffs currently set at a baseline of 10 per cent alongside higher
sector-specific charges on products such as steel
Beijing said on Friday it was evaluating an offer from Washington to hold talks over 145 per cent US tariffs
to which it has responded with 125 per cent levies
Trump's administration has also suggested it is close to deals with nations including India
South Korea and Japan to avert more tariffs in weeks to come
companies such as Swedish appliances maker Electrolux slashed its outlook while Volvo Cars
computer gadget maker Logitech and drinks giant Diageo abandoned their targets on the uncertainty
The tariff outlook prompted the Bank of Japan to cut its growth forecasts last week
while trade tensions were cited by forecasters in growth outlook downgrades for the Netherlands and the Middle East and North Africa region
China's factory activity contracted at the fastest pace in 16 months in April
while a similar UK readout showed British factory exports in April shrinking at their sharpest pace in almost five years
Strong economic data from Germany could be down to a spike in activity before tariffs take effect
(AP PHOTO)Economists were quick to caution that a stronger-looking read-out from export-focused Germany might largely be due to factories front-loading business to get it out of the door before the tariffs took effect
while front-loading may also have helped India to a 10-month high in manufacturing growth in April
analysts noted the nation - which faces lower tariffs than China and towards which Apple has shifted some output - could end up a genuine winner
"India is well positioned to be an alternative to China as a supplier of goods to the US in the immediate term," emerging markets economist Shilan Shah at Capital Economics said
predicting punitive tariffs on China were "here to stay"
Photo: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSTasmania's footy DNA will prove a massive lever in attracting talent to the fledgling club
according to an AFL premiership-winning recruiting guru who has joined the Devils
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDerek Hine
regarded as one of the most accomplished recruitment managers
was on Monday announced as Tasmania's inaugural head of recruiting
Hine spent more than two decades at Collingwood and helped build teams that won flags in 2010 and 2023
He has also helped oversee the establishment of expansion clubs Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney
Tasmania is in ongoing discussions with the AFL around what draft picks and list concessions will be provided to the new franchise ahead of its debut season in 2028
Hine said he understood it would include the No.1 pick
but it was also important to ensure draft success in the medium and long term
Being able to build something from scratch was a key motivator in Hine's desire to link with the Devils
after departing Collingwood at the end of 2024
Hine said he would make the same pitch to prospective players
which I don't think is going to be that hard a sell," he said
Jack Crisp proudly shows the trophy to fans after Collingwood's 2023 AFL premiership
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)"There is a fundamental difference
as opposed to a state that has the DNA of AFL footy
The energy within the state is incredible."
Hine's signing was part of a two-pronged Devils coup that also included Melbourne's Todd Patterson
who has joined as the club's first head of list management and strategy
Patterson has been in charge of the Demons' AFLW list
The pair will oversee the establishment of Tasmania's AFL
AFLW and VFLW rosters - a Devils VFL team is on track to enter the state league in 2026
The Tasmania Devils are on track to join the VFL in 2026
(Loic Le Guilly/AAP PHOTOS) Patterson said they wanted to strike a balance between bringing island state players home and ensuring the team would be competitive from day one
"I think Tasmanians want to see Tasmanians wearing the jumper
Tasmanians also want the best team possible," he said
"Naturally given draft concessions are the cornerstone of a new team
but we need to get the experience right through the team."
Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale said Hine brought a wealth of experience
Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale is delighted by the two-pronged appointment
(Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)"He has a proven track record
and his passion for talent identification and team building aligns perfectly with our vision," Gale said
"To attract someone of Derek's calibre at this formative stage speaks volumes about what we're creating."
The Devils' AFL licence is contingent on the construction of a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart
The state Liberal government on Monday announced it was moving away from a plan to seek private investment to cover a funding shortfall
also supported by the state's Labor opposition
must be voted through state parliament to get the green light
One of the concept designs for Hobart's proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point
(HANDOUT/TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT)The state government had pledged to cap its spend at $375 million
while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million
Gale said it wasn't his position to judge how the stadium would be funded
Photo: AP PHOTOTen people are dead after "sudden strong winds" capsized four boats carrying tourists in southwest China
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe last missing person was found about noon on Monday local time but showed no vital signs
The Xinhua News Agency said 74 people had been rescued in the accident which occurred on Sunday in Guizhou province
The vessels carrying tourists capsized on a river in Guizhou province on Sunday
(AP PHOTO)Authorities sent 70 people to hospital to be treated for "non-life-threatening conditions"
Nearly 500 rescue workers were mobilised to deal with the accident as Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed provincial authorities to "do everything possible"
Xi also said authorities should enhance safety measures to curb the growing number of accidents at tourist attractions and major public places
which he says are harmful to many neurodivergent children
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCharlie
said the practice of "whole body listening" made school difficult for him
leading to anxiety and not wanting to go to school
leaves neurodivergent kids feeling distressed and emotionally exhausted
The practice also requires students to keep "quiet hands" and make eye contact
was once told he was being rude when he was looking away from the teacher
"I knew [whole body listening] was not good and not many people knew it was affecting them
and the teachers didn't know they were doing it," Charlie said
"For a while I was thinking of a way of how you could stop it
and then I thought the idea to send a letter to the principals
Charlie wrote a letter addressed to principals and decision makers
kickstarting his student-led Forced4Good campaign
"We're writing to let you know that many students have been struggling with whole body listening expectations in schools," the letter says
"These expectations are hurting our well-being and making it harder to learn
our brains and bodies don't all work the same way - and that's okay
"We need accessible listening practices that help us learn
not ones that leave us out or make us feel wrong."
Charlie said schools can make learning more accessible for neurodivergent students through inclusive learning
That includes fidgeting or using sensory stimulation tools
standing or moving around and taking breaks when needed
Charlie believes he can be a force for good
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello'Learn in the way that works for them'About 15 to 20 per cent of Australia's population is diagnosed as neurodivergent
38 per cent of students in Grades 1 to 10 were chronically absent
"Every student deserves to learn in the way that works for them," Charlie wrote in the letter
"When we're trusted and supported to manage our own bodies and attention
we can truly engage and get the education we deserve - because learning is a basic human right
"But being told how to listen makes us choose between blending in and actually learning
"That's a choice no student should ever have to make."
The campaign wasn't about blaming teachers
it's just more something that hasn't been covered," Charlie said
Charlie and his mum said the support they've received has been overwhelming
the campaign has been viewed more than 10,000 times
A petition on Change.org has more than 1200 signatures
The campaign is named in reference to Star Wars
He used "Star Wars Day" - May 4 - as a day to encourage neurodivergent students to write to their schools to call for change and share their experiences
Charlie said he wanted his campaign to reach politicians
including federal education minister Jason Clare
"It's not the kind of thing you change in two months," he said
it'll probably keep going until we can get that full goal
"We're hoping that we can get a few more schools on board
we'll probably try and start doing some stuff at the state level."
To read Charlie's letter visit brilliantlittlegems.com.au/charliesletter
Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Photo: Will Murray/AAP PHOTOSPatrick Kisnorbo will follow in the footsteps of Ange Postecoglou once more after being handed the permanent head coaching position at J-League club Yokohama F
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueKisnorbo walked out on Melbourne Victory just seven games into this A-League Men season to take an assistant's role under the Marinos' English manager Steve Holland
But when Holland was sacked a fortnight ago after picking up just one win from the Marinos' 11 opening games
Kisnorbo was handed the top gig on an interim basis
That move has now been turned into a permanent position
with Kisnorbo tasked with dragging the five-time J-League champions off the bottom of the table
"Taking the reins of such a prestigious club with a rich history and passionate fan base is a dream come true for me," Kisnorbo said
"My goal is to foster a team that not only plays attractive and competitive football but also embodies the values that our supporters hold dear
establishing a strong connection between the team and the community
"I believe that football is not just a game; it's a shared experience that unites us all."
Kisnorbo follows the path blazed by Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat
both of whom led the club to titles in Japan
who led Melbourne City to the ALM double in 2021
will be hoping for a smoother passage in his second taste of head coaching overseas
The 44-year-old was appointed manager of Troyes in 2022
but could not save the club from relegation from the French top flight
He had his contract terminated after more struggles in Ligue 2
the Australian axed after claiming just three wins across a 40-game span in France
Photo: AP PHOTOKatherine Heigl has accepted she won't be "the ingenue forever"
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 46-year-old actress achieved many of her career ambitions during her 20s
when she starred in movies such as Knocked Up
The Ugly Truth and 27 Dresses - but Heigl accepts that she's now entered a new chapter in her life
"I wasn't thinking about [ageing] in my 20s
and I was getting to do all the roles I had always wanted to be able to do," The Hollywood star told Us Weekly
Katherine Heigl concedes she's at a different phase in her career
(AP PHOTO)"I started as a child actor but by the time I got into my mid to late teens
"So I was so excited and on cloud nine getting to do what I had been sort of hustling to do for so many years
And you don't think about the expiration date on it."
Heigl concedes she's now entered a different phase in her career
there's a young generation that's coming up and I had my time and it was glorious
"And not to say that I can't be the romantic lead in something at 46 - that women in their 40s don't have a romantic love life or that they aren't funny or that
And I feel like so many women in their 40s and 50s and 60s have compelling
interesting lives that we'd all be interested in seeing
and the ingenue is really a valuable role in Hollywood
but I am still a value and it might look different and it might feel different
the story's worth telling.' It's a different fight."
Photo: AP PHOTOIsrael has approved plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIf implemented
the move would vastly expand Israel's operations in the Palestinian territory and likely bring fierce international opposition
Israeli cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote on Monday
hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March
which the officials said was meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held in Gaza
also would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza
in what would likely exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis
Since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in mid-March
Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds
It has captured swathes of territory and now controls roughly 50 per cent of Gaza
Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza
setting off what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war
The ban on aid has prompted widespread hunger and shortages have set off looting
The Israeli officials said the plan included the "capturing of the strip and the holding of territories"
The plan would also seek to prevent the militant Hamas group from distributing humanitarian aid
which Israel says strengthens the group's rule in Gaza
The plan also included powerful strikes against Hamas targets
A ban on humanitarian aid entering Gaza has led to widespread hunger among residents
(AP PHOTO)The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about US President Donald Trump's plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population
under what Israel has termed "voluntary emigration"
yet which has sparked condemnations from Israel's allies in Europe and the Arab world
One of the officials said the plan would be implemented gradually
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing military plans
According to an internal memo circulated among aid groups and seen by The Associated Press
Israel told the United Nations it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza
said it would not participate in the plan as presented to it
detailed notes from a meeting between the Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza - COGAT - and the UN
all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing
letting approximately 60 trucks enter daily and distributing 20 kilograms of aid parcels directly to people on the day of entry
The memo said the aid will be distributed at logistics hubs
which will be run by private security companies
The fighting has displaced more than 90 per cent of Gaza's population
and turned Gaza into an uninhabitable moonscape
Israel's offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza
(AP PHOTO)The UN said the plan would leave large parts of the population
It said the plan "appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic - as part of a military strategy"
Israeli strikes across Gaza continued overnight
killing at least 17 people in northern Gaza
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel
killing 1200 people and taking about 250 hostages
Israel's offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken his election landslide as a mandate to press ahead with key reforms as he stares down the Greens on housing
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDespite winning a substantial majority
Mr Albanese insists the government would turn to priority reform and not get ahead of itself
Legislation to slash student debt by 20 per cent will be the introduced when parliament resumes
"I didn't get ahead of myself in the last three years
we had a lot to turn around," he said in Canberra on Monday
Housing will remain a major priority with the prime minister ready to take on the Greens
who still hold the balance of power in the Senate despite losing two seats to Labor in Brisbane
Greens leader Adam Bandt has pledged to use the balance of power to force progressive reform but the prime minister took a stern tone after the Liberals and Greens lost their housing spokespeople
"We have a clear mandate to build more housing
criticising the Greens and coalition for stalling Labor's housing policies
then they'll receive the same response that the housing spokespeople for the Liberal Party and the Greens got on Saturday."
Mr Albanese also outlined his priorities abroad
He will travel to Canada for a G7 summit in June
with Indonesia to be his first international bilateral trip
Mr Albanese's ministry is expected to showcase many new faces in the party room
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)The prime minister has spoken with a number of global counterparts including US President Donald Trump since his re-election and more conversations have been lined up as his leadership team meets on Monday to decide on a new cabinet
the delicate factional balance in the ministry could stir a wider reshuffle under an ascendant left wing
Caucus will also meet after the final ballots have been counted and seats determined
Labor picked up in excess of a dozen seats
with more on the table as ballot counting continues
The government needed at least 76 out of 150 lower house seats to win and could end up with 85 or more
The government faces a weakened opposition with the battered Liberals losing at least 13 seats and as many as 19
Peter Dutton is the highest-profile casualty among the Liberals who could lose as many as 19 seats
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Peter Dutton was the highest-profile casualty
becoming the first opposition leader to lose his seat as three Liberal frontbenchers were booted from parliament by Labor candidates
the leadership frontrunners include shadow treasurer Angus Taylor
defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan
Some Liberal senators concede the coalition had failed to offer voters a substantial policy platform
"You've got to have the ambition to lead on the economy and ..
I don't think that's been evident over the last few years," Liberal senator Andrew Bragg told ABC radio on Monday
Angus Taylor is among leadership contenders but is under fire for the Liberal election campaign
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)The coalition needed to avoid culture wars that target minorities and become more inclusive to win back the middle ground
while branding a decision to preference One Nation as "misguided"
was scathing of Mr Taylor's role in the defeat saying "the economic narrative was just completely non-existent"
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it would be "extraordinary if Angus Taylor was rewarded with a promotion after the diabolical contribution that he made to this history-making coalition defeat"
while admitting he didn't know his opponent
Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOSAnthony Albanese has held a "warm and positive conversation" with US President Donald Trump following his decisive election victory
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe two leaders discussed the election outcome as well as tariffs imposed by the US on allies including Australia
"I had a very warm and positive conversation with President Trump," Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra
"I thanked him for his very warm message of congratulations
We talked about AUKUS and tariffs and we'll continue to engage
"We will engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future ..
and I thank him for reaching out in such a positive way
"He was fully aware of the (election) outcome
and he expressed the desire to continue to work with me in the future."
"He's very good," President Donald Trump said of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)It was the third time the leaders have spoken
and the first since tariffs of 10 per cent were imposed on all Australian exports to the US
The two leaders will come face-to-face at the upcoming G7 meeting in Canada
after Mr Albanese was invited to the summit by newly elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney
The phone call comes as Mr Trump praised Mr Albanese after Labor's landslide election win
with the US leader not addressing suggestions his presidency contributed to a drop in coalition support
Speaking to the media at the White House on Monday
Mr Trump said he had a good relationship with Australia's re-elected leader
I don't know anything about the election other than the man that won
"I have no idea who the other person is that ran against him
and you know (Albanese and I) have had a very good relationship."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton sought to distance himself from Trump policies during the campaign
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Mr Trump did not respond to questions on whether his policies had caused a rethink from voters in Australia on support for the coalition
Peter Dutton sought to distance himself from Mr Trump's agenda
But the coalition was criticised for attacking the public service and taking inspiration from Mr Trump's 'department of government efficiency'
Mr Trump's policies were a key factor in the recent election in Canada
which returned its centre-left government and punished the right-wing opposition
Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton had campaigned on who would be best placed to deal with the Trump White House
following the president's imposition of tariffs on US allies
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSMelbourne captain Max Gawn has dismissed the latest trade speculation around Clayton Oliver and expects the star midfielder will to return to the AFL club imminently
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOliver missed the Demons' win over West Coast last round due to personal reasons
granted temporary leave after what the club described as "a difficult week personally"
Gawn expects the 27-year-old to re-join his teammates when Melbourne resume training on Tuesday in preparation for the clash with Hawthorn at the MCG in round nine
Max Gawn says it was a mature decision for Oliver to take a break for personal reasons
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)"There is going to be stories about him until we're done," Gawn said on Triple M on Monday
"He's an elite player who's on a good pay packet
and those guys are always going to have stories written about them
"He made a very mature decision to spend the week off this week
It's been a big first eight weeks (of the season) for him
"He came to the club and they organised a good situation
He felt like he was getting a bit overwhelmed and just wanted a week off from the club
"He'll be in tomorrow and I actually really applaud the mature decision from both the club and Clayton."
Oliver had a desire to be traded to Geelong at the end of last year
but Melbourne held firm on their contracted four-time best-and-fairest winner
A Nine report on Sunday night claimed Oliver will again seek an early release from the multi-million dollar deal
"I am literally week-to-week with both the footy club and with Clayton
so all I care about is him getting up for Hawthorn and him doing it with a smile on his face
Oliver has been the subject of more trade speculation but skipper Gawn dismisses it
(Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)Gawn said the latest Oliver trade speculation won't be an issue for Melbourne this week as they seek to extend a three-match winning streak
"I've lived with so many of these stories ..
"It's all a beat-up in May because anything can happen in May
"Let's say I have made a decision that I want to go next year and to somewhere else
I'm going to pretend it hasn't even been written - nothing to see here - and continue my relationship with Clayton."
After last Saturday night's win over West Coast
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said he hopes Oliver will be in the mix to play against Hawthorn
But Goodwin stressed Oliver's wellbeing is "the biggest thing for us" and said the club won't put any pressure on him to play
Photo: AP PHOTOYemen's Houthi rebels say they will impose a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports
in response to Israel expanding its operations in Gaza
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike that hit near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport
saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate
Most attacks from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's missile defence systems
though a drone strike hit Tel Aviv in 2024
Sunday's missile was the only one of a series launched since March that was not intercepted
The Houthis' Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre
a body set up in 2024 to liaise between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators
issued the warning about targeting Israeli airports
saying Ben Gurion Airport would be the top target
The statement attached an email it said was sent to the International Air Transport Association
and the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organisation
Houthi forces called "upon all international airlines to take this announcement into serious consideration ..
and to cancel all their flights to the airports of the criminal Israeli enemy
in order to safeguard the safety of their aircraft and passengers"
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel collapsed in March and air and ground attacks have resumed
(AP PHOTO)Israel's security cabinet approved plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip
adding to signs that attempts to stop the fighting and return hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas have made no progress
Since the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement in March
Israeli troops have been carving out wide buffer zones in Gaza
squeezing the 2.3 million population into an ever narrower zone in the centre of the enclave and along the coast and shutting off the entry of aid trucks
Aid groups have warned the Israeli blockade risks a humanitarian disaster
Israel's campaign on Gaza has laid waste to much of the enclave and so far killed more than 52,000 people
That Hamas offensive killed 1200 people and led to 251 people being taken hostage
Photo: AP PHOTODonald Trump has renewed his threat to annex Greenland by military force if necessary
saying the US needs the large Arctic island "very badly" for national security
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSpeaking to US broadcaster NBC
he declined to rule out the use of military force
but I don't rule out anything," he said on Sunday
Denmark's King Frederik visited met with the new Greenlandic government last week
(AP PHOTO)"Greenland is a very small amount of people
But we need that for international security."
Trump has been floating the idea of the US taking control of Greenland
which is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark
and has previously suggested the use of military force as an option
Trump sparked backlash from Europe with the idea of simply buying Greenland
Greenland is part of the North American continent and extends into the Arctic
The island is of great importance for the global climate and for military control of the Arctic
It is also rich in resources such as rare earths
important shipping routes run through the region
The governments of Greenland and Denmark have vehemently rejected Trump's ambitions
Trump has also expressed an interest in seeing Canada become part of the US
and his repeated remarks on the matter are even thought to have swayed the country's recent election outcome
the US president made it clear that he does not consider military force an option for Canada
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueKatherine Boshev, a 35-year-old personal injury lawyer, suggested she was under duress to be part of the plot to sneak the drugs into the jail, telling police: "I didn't want to do it, so [swallowing the drugs] was my way of getting out of it".
Boshev had been warned if she didn't appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday then she could be convicted in her absence and a warrant could be issued for her arrest after she has repeatedly failed to attend court and instead sent medical certificates over the past few months.
On Wednesday, when again Boshev was a no-show and sent a medical certificate in her stead, the matter was adjourned until May, when she is again listed for sentence.
Boshev has pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug, possession of a prohibited drug and attempting to bring a prohibited drug into a place of detention in relation to the 20 strips of buprenorphine and about 1.4 grams of methamphetamine that she was caught with at Cessnock jail on March 2 last year.
Court documents indicate she pleaded guilty in January and at that point had intended to apply to have the charges dealt with under mental health and cognitive impairment legislation.
Boshev has not appeared in court since and it is unclear if she has legal representation.
According to police facts, Boshev and 37-year-old Marie Neowhouse drove into the facility on March 3 last year.
They parked and then wrapped 20 buprenorphine tabs in glad wrap before Boshev took the drugs into the correctional centre.
Police say intercepted jail calls had revealed the intention was to supply the drugs to an inmate, who had previously served a jail-term for murder.
But the telephone intercepts meant Corrective Services NSW were on the lookout for Boshev.
She was subjected to a targeted search as she walked into the facility, but was spotted putting an item in her mouth.
She later told police: "I didn't want to do it, so it was my way of getting out of it".
Corrective Services took Boshev into an interview room and she made admissions to swallowing the package of 20 buprenorphine tablets.
Paramedics were called due to concerns Boshev was having an overdose and she was treated by Justice Health staff at the jail before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
Corrective Services also searched her handbag and found another bag containing about 1.4 grams of methamphetamine.
Neowhouse was spoken to and made admissions about her involvement in the supply attempt.
She pleaded guilty last year to supplying a prohibited drug and was placed on a two-year community corrections order.
After Boshev had been taken to hospital, police seized the drugs and attempted to contact her by phone to give her the opportunity to be interviewed but were unsuccessful.
Boshev was served with the charges at a business address a few weeks later.
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Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOSBig-name international music concert tours will get discounted arena hire fees at some of Australia's largest venues if they choose home-grown Australian acts to open their shows
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Australian live music industry is struggling against streaming services that favour American tunes
and the local scene in NSW has taken a hit over the years since the pandemic and lockout laws
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that giving Aussie artists their first big break in front of thousands of locals will help them get high rotation on playlists
Global artists playing at NSW stadiums like Accor will get an incentive to use local opening acts
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)"The Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984," Mr Minns said
Mr Minns dedicated the incentive to the late Michael McMartin
who managed the Hoodoo Gurus and had a passion for pushing Aussie talent to be included on the stadium tours
"We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity
performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists," Mr Minns said
WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre and the Sydney Opera House
the NSW Government will reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000 for each eligible show across various NSW venues and will offer a $5,000 reduction at the Sydney Opera House
at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international artist's headline tour
The Australian performer or band must appear on the same stage as the international artist and be announced at the same time as the tour
The measure kicks off Monday and spans an initial two years
"There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024," Arts Minister John Graham said
"This represents a crisis for Australian music."
Australia's Ball Park Music is set to open for Oasis during their tour Down Under
(EPA PHOTO)Oasis is touring Australia in October and November and has asked Australia's Ball Park Music to open for them
"There's no denying the benefit of a big support slot
The opportunity to play your music live in front of a new audience is the best marketing we have as artists
the chance to showcase what we're all about in the most real and authentic fashion," Ball Park Music said
"Any initiative that can help amplify Australian talent
and aid in building a long-term and engaged audience is a massive step in the right direction."
Photo: AP PHOTOAustralia's F1 world championship leader Oscar Piastri has won the Miami Grand Prix
besting pole-sitter Max Verstappen to lead a McLaren one-two finish
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePiastri claimed his third straight race win after starting fourth at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday (AEST)
joined on the podium by teammate Lando Norris
The McLaren duo boasted a massive 37.644-second buffer over third-placed George Russell
while four-time defending world champion Verstappen finished the 57-lap race in fourth
Australian Oscar Piastri crosses the finish line to take out the Miami Grand Prix
(AP PHOTO)Melbourne-born Piastri now boasts a career-best four wins this season with a 16-point lead in the standings over Norris
after previously going back-to-back in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
the 24-year-old became the first McLaren driver to win three straight races since Mika Hakkinen's haul in 1997-98
There were high-fives galore after Oscar Piastri's victory in Miami
(AP PHOTO)"To now have won the grand prix by over 35 seconds to third is an unbelievable result
who was the last Australian driver to win four races in a season in 2010
Red Bull's Verstappen gave up his lead on lap 13 after braking too late at the first corner
losing more ground to Norris five laps later
Verstappen could only lament his luck on the team radio: "F*** brakes
jumped Verstappen on lap 30 after a strategic pit stop under the virtual safety car
An engine issue suffered by Haas rookie Oliver Bearman had brought out the safety car
McLaren ace Norris also pulled off an impressive drive to recover from sixth for a podium finish
had plummeted down the order on the first lap after Verstappen forced him wide at the second turn
Red Bull heavyweight Verstappen had only just recovered from locking up his wheels at the previous turn
He was not punished by the race stewards for his incident with Norris
McLaren drivers Lando Norris (left) and Oscar Piastri are all smiles on the podium in Miami
(AP PHOTO)"I paid the price for not doing a good enough job today
Australian rookie Jack Doohan's race ended just seconds into the opening lap after a wheel puncture
The under-pressure Alpine driver had collided with Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson at turn one
had started in 14th after out-qualifying teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time
along with Kick Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSFederal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has been praised for being "very brave" after revealing he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe one-time deputy prime minister
who comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England in Saturday's election
received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Barnaby Joyce decided to keep his diagnosis to himself until after the election
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)The test came back with an elevated result and a subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed he had prostate cancer
told Seven's Sunrise program he kept his diagnosis quiet until after the election
"I waited until obviously after the election - I didn't want a big circus going on," he said
straight down the road and straight into surgery."
before noting that was normal with a disease like prostate cancer
you go to the toilet a bit more than you should," he added
Federal Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek praised Mr Joyce for going public with his diagnosis
"It's very brave of Barnaby to share his experience," she told Seven
"I really do think that having high-profile people like Barnaby talk about their health challenges is really important to encourage other men to get the test."
Ms Plibersek noted that Labor Party national president Wayne Swan
was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48
"Wayne had surgery decades ago and his health is terrific," she said
Prostate cancer was generally very treatable if caught early
Labor had a landslide victory at the election
reducing the coalition to one of their worst performances at the polls
after Liberal Leader Peter Dutton lost his own seat
one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations
Photo: AP PHOTOUS President Donald Trump says he is directing the Bureau of Prisons to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison to "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders"
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"REBUILD
AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" he posted on the Truth Social platform
we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals
and keep them far away from anyone they could harm."
The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility
because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat
It is now one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations
The prison — infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — was known as the "The Rock" and housed some of the nation's most notorious criminals
including gangster Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly
It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies
including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage
Nearly all were caught or didn't survive the attempt
The Alcatraz prison once housed gangster Al Capone and has been the subject of numerous movies
(AP PHOTO)Trump said he'd come up with the idea to reopen Alcatraz because of frustrations with "radicalised judges" who have insisted those being deported receive due process
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement the agency "will comply with all Presidential Orders"
a California Democrat whose district includes the island
questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years
"It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction
The President's proposal is not a serious one," she wrote on social media platform X
The order to reopen Alcatraz comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador
Trump has also talked about wanting to send American citizens there and to other foreign prisons
Trump has also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay
to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labelled the "worst criminal aliens"
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSIt's not naturally his style
but Australia boss Tony Popovic has welcomed the subtle digs at his selection policy from overlooked players craving the chance to be a part of his Socceroos set-up
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePopovic left three of the A-League Men's form attacking talents - Western Sydney's Nicolas Milanovic
Sydney FC playmaker Adrian Segecic and Western United striker Noah Botic - out of his Socceroos squad for March's World Cup qualifiers
who all finished the regular season with double-figure goal hauls
each sent Popovic a reminder of their talents in the weeks that followed their Socceroos omissions which essentially said: Why didn't you call me up
Western United's Noah Botic reminds Socceroos coach Tony Popovic not to forget about him
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)Botic and 20-year-old Segecic
who finished joint first in the Golden Boot race
while Milanovic ripped off his shirt and held it aloft to the crowd in fixtures in March
Popovic may have the reputation as being a tough taskmaster
but there was part of him that enjoyed their celebratory pot-shots
"I may have performed well enough to think I should have been in
but I wouldn't have had the confidence to do that," Popovic said
"When I was playing we all had personality
belief and nothing would waiver that - I feel we probably lost that
"These boys have shown they've got some personality
but then you've got to be the best player in the park every week."
The trio are all expected to move on from the ALM over the off-season
but Popovic has cautioned that they may actually strengthen their claims of a national team call-up by remaining in Australia
Nicolas Milanovic (pictured) hopes Tony Popovic recognises the bare facts about his scoring prowess
(Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)Insisting there was no "blanket response" to how he'd advise Botic
"If I'm going overseas (am I going) to be a bit part player
or am I going somewhere where I know the sporting director
"Those discussions are very important … (and) if that's not clear and they're doing well in the A-League
we are showing A-League players that they will get a chance to play for the Socceroos
"It's proven now you can be an A-League player
and not only play for the Socceroos but make major contributions."
Popovic left the door ajar for Nestory Irankunda after leaving the ex-Adelaide United winger for the March window
Nestory Irankunda is on Tony Popovic's radar for potential Australian selection
has been on loan with Swiss outfit Grasshopper since late January
"He's got more of a chance (of a call-up) now than before because he's playing regularly," Popovic said
it's a really important step and we'll keep watching him to the end of the year."
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Cessnock City Council has created a chief information officer role to lead the council’s information technology strategy
In the job posting
the NSW Hunter Valley council said the CIO “will play a key role in driving innovation
optimising technology investments and ensuring operational excellence across the organisation.” It is a newly-created role and will report to Cessnock City Council general manager
Liddell told iTnews that the CIO will "identify key digital projects and lead the development
and management of council’s information technology strategy."
He said the CIO will be “at the forefront of implementing secure
and cost-effective technology solutions for council”
Liddell added the role will also need to “drive high performance in the areas of information technology support
geographic information systems and business improvement.”
The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Cessnock Shire Council to name a reserve in the locality of Heddon Greta as Averys Rise Park.
The proposed name is in honour of the late William Avery (1843 – 1914) and his family who played a significant role in shaping the timber industry of the area.
William Avery was born in Newcastle and settled with his wife in the Hunter Valley where they became well known for their timber-getting in the Broken Back Ranges
using bullock teams to transport timber from the mountains through Kurri Kurri to Maitland for many decades
Have your say by 11:59pm Sunday 4 May 2025
The GNB wants to hear what you think about the proposal
Click on 'Online consultation' to view and comment on the proposed name Averys Rise
All submissions will be considered before a name is officially assigned
See consultation methods
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Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
but Knights coach Adam O'Brien said there would be a time and place for the Cessnock junior to let his hair down
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLike the rest of the team
after Newcastle's 30-4 win over South Sydney on Saturday
O'Brien wanted his players' focus on the next contest
The dominant six-try showing at Magic Round in Brisbane was their best performance this year
but O'Brien was adamant the victory would count for little if they didn't back it up
"It is one game," the coach said immediately after the win
Newcastle's third in eight games this season
"I'm very mindful that we need to stick at this
and the opposition had a few out - let's be honest - we need to stick at this and not get carried away
so I think we got back to the hotel and enjoy one or two beers together
but our focus now is to make - without being a Grinch - we need to make sure we're building on this."
Fletcher Sharpe celebrates a try in Brisbane
making his 20th NRL appearance and playing his eighth game at five-eighth
He scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and then bagged a hat-trick midway through the second half to ice the result
His display came after he had a few quiet games amid Newcastle's collective attacking form slump in recent rounds
and I think we're all sort of forgetting that as well," Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga said of Sharpe
and it's not a position he is familiar with
He puts himself in good positions through effort
both on the defence side and the attack side
The more opportunities he gets in that position
After losing the yardage battle in each of their five prior losses
Newcastle rolled through a South Sydney side missing several big names
who was returning from a three-game injury layoff
Fellow forwards Dylan Lucas and Tyson Frizell chimed in with about 150m each
Newcastle's wingers and centres all also ran for more than 200m each
"We were always confident if we could just lay a platform
give ourselves a chance with both possession and completions," O'Brien said
"I think we went 10 from 11 [completed sets] to set the game up
I was really proud of their defensive resolve
"I've felt like we've been a team that's very resilient defensively
and then naturally getting some personnel back to win that middle-third of the field will help [our playmakers]
The win improved Newcastle's record to 3-5 and their ladder position to 12th
They now have back-to-back home games over the next two rounds against teams placed below them
starting with the Gold Coast at home on Friday night before facing the Eels a week later in the same 6pm time slot
A Fletcher Sharpe hat-trick on his 21st birthday has helped Newcastle end a five-game losing streak
the Knights powering past a depleted South Sydney 30-4 at Magic Round in Brisbane on Saturday
After a horror six weeks, falling from fourth on the NRL ladder to 15th amid an attacking form slump
Newcastle produced their best performance this year to stun Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs at Suncop Stadium
The Knights had barely struck a blow on the scoreboard in their past five games
but it took just five minutes for them to find their first points when five-eighth Sharpe raced onto a Kalyn Ponga grubber to score behind the goalposts
The Cessnock ace bagged his second five minutes later
before halfback Jack Cogger crossed to help make it 18-0 after just 13 minutes
Fletcher Sharpe crosses for a try on Saturday
Picture by Getty ImagesA few mistakes helped South Sydney get back into the contest midway through the first half
before consistent heavy rain for the last 10 minutes before the break
Newcastle extended their lead after half-time via a Bradman Best try in the 46th minute and Sharpe's third in the 61st
which sealed a crucial win heading into back-to-back home games over the next two rounds
The victory was Newcastle's first since round two
and their third this season in eight games
It lifted them to 12th on the competition ladder
moving ahead of the Rabbitohs who are now 13th
Souths, who were missing a host of stars
including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker
Sharpe's two tries in the space of five minutes
set Newcastle's victory up but it was their improved go-forward that allowed the playmakers to work their magic
Newcastle hadn't won a yardage battle in their past five games
but by half-time they had made 1126 run-metres to South Sydney's 833m
Rain set in over the ground about the 30th minute
Sharpe produced another all-effort play seconds before the break
he used the waterlogged field to his advantage pushing Souths fullback Jye Gray back into the in-goal area
Ponga and Best combined down the left flank with the centre finishing off a 70-metre play to make it 22-0
Sharpe bagged his hat-trick from some broken play on the same side of the field 15 minutes later
Souths winger Isaiah Tass crossed on the right edge in the 65th minute
Newcastle had a couple of chances go begging late in the game
and while they had a line-break count of 11 to South Sydney's 0
their completion rate - which only just topped 70 per cent - still remains a concern
from the field five minutes before full-time
Max McKinney is a sports reporter with the Newcastle Herald. He previously worked in news, covering mainly local government and transport. Max mostly reports on the Newcastle Knights, but also covers a mix of local sport.
A Cessnock Bypass is inevitable… but not for another two or three decades
That’s according to local state member Clayton Barr
With the Hunter accommodating several similar projects at the moment
including Singleton (expected to open in late 2026) and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (2028)
along with sections of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass
attention has recently shifted to neighbouring townships like Cessnock and Muswellbrook
While the latter moves one step closer to fruition
with planning already underway via Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
the “Coalfields” also looks a likely prospect
“There’s a lot of work to be done around the concept of a bypass,” Mr Barr said
subsequent acquisitions and the route itself
Cessnock City Council is working diligently on building that plan
“Only when that’s actually in place can they then approach state or federal governments to seek funding
I’m vaguely aware of a development that will ultimately link across to Mount View Road on the north and west side of town
will feed into a bypass so that people can head out towards the vineyards
without going through the centre of the main street
there is a large amount of work that needs to be undertaken by Cessnock City first
“They’ve got a broad brush-stroke concept for it
there are a lot of things that must happen
will part of the proposed route go through land that is still owned by the mining sector and needs to be rehabilitated
a bypass is a long-term plan – and a good one.”
With the Cessnock LGA among the fastest-growing areas in the state
Mr Barr admitted the idea made a lot of sense
“I believe all communities will grow eventually to the point where they need to be bypassed,” he told the Newcastle Weekly
“We’ve just spent millions and millions of dollars on the Newcastle [Inner City] Bypass and surrounding regions
“I think Cessnock’s population is projected to grow from somewhere about 60,000 to 112,000 over the next 15-to-20 years
that would indicate we are going to put an increasing amount of pressure on our current roads
“Cessnock basically has a single crossroad through the middle of town to head north
“There’ll be a time where we need other options
“We’ll have to go around it in the future… to take pressure off the main crossover
these projects – such as a bypass – can often take 10 or 20 years to even get off the ground
so now’s a good opportunity to plan ahead for it.”
the Albanese government announced this week $5 million to kick-start the planning process for a future Cessnock Bypass
The project will identify an alternative safe route to connect new housing developments at Bellbird in the south-west to Nulkaba in the north and then onwards to the Hunter Expressway
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the Cessnock Show is back in action this weekend
will commemorate its 101st anniversary with some exciting new events and plenty of old favourites on the program
pig races and Swordcraft (medieval roleplay) demonstrations are among the latest attractions
along with handicrafts and Lego in the pavilion
Popular activities such as the horse competitions
post-splitting exhibitions and the demolition derby will reappear
The show has also reintroduced “live” music to its program
with Anthony Lee performing on Friday from 3pm
father-daughter duo Good Genes on Friday at 6pm
and Viper Creek Band frontman Damien Baguley on Saturday from 2.45pm
The grand opening is scheduled for 3pm on 22 February
which will include the sashing of the Cessnock Show Young Woman of the Year
followed by an Australian Stockhorse flag ride
It’ll all wrap up with a fireworks display at 9pm on Saturday
Tickets are $25 family (2 adults and 2 kids)
Parking is available via the Mount View Road entry for $2 per car (horse competitors and foot traffic only through Sports Avenue)
For more information or to view the full program
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Photo: AP PHOTOBrazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro says he expects to be discharged from hospital soon and may attend a rally backing a proposed amnesty for supporters
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"After three weeks
at 10am (1300 GMT)," the 70-year-old wrote in a post on social media platform X
his medical team had said his release was expected "in the coming days" after major abdominal surgery in April to treat an intestinal obstruction
My next challenge: joining the Peaceful March for Humanitarian Amnesty on Wednesday
Bolsonaro was hospitalised for his sixth surgery related to a 2018 stabbing that left lasting injuries
He was admitted to a hospital in Brasilia after experiencing severe abdominal pain during a political event in Brazil's northeast
That cut short a tour aimed at drumming up support for the amnesty initiative targeting those convicted over the January 2023 riots after his narrow election loss to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022
Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro should stand trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the election result
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOSWallabies veteran Quade Cooper has kept alive his hopes of departing Japan Rugby League One with another promotion
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 37-year-old playmaker had a leading role as Hanazono Liners beat Green Rockets Tokatsu 42-19 to set up a final day showdown against section champions Shuttles Aichi
who was Division Two Player of the Year when he led the Liners to promotion three years ago
announced recently he is parting company with the Osaka-based club at the end of the season
His side needed to beat the Green Rockets on Saturday to have any chance of making the promotion/relegation series
As well as setting up two tries by manipulating the defence with trademark short passes
one being the conversion of the try scored by his long-time halves partner
Cooper's success contrasted with the fortunes of another ex-Wallaby flyhalf
with Bernard Foley missing a conversion from a wide angle in the final play of Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay's thrilling 29-29 draw with Saitama Wild Knights
While the result could cost the Wild Knights top seeding for the playoffs
second will still earn Robbie Deans and his men a bye in the first round of the elimination series
with the Spears now likely to have to strip for the first weekend after dropping to third
Defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo returned to the top of the table after a 45-28 win over Sagamihara Dynaboars
while Tokyo Sungoliath became the final qualifier for the playoffs
wrapping up sixth courtesy of a 43-34 win over Black Rams Tokyo
Ex-Wallaby backrower Liam Gill had an unusual afternoon
scoring two tries and setting up two others
but the 32-year-old was also one of a trio from the Black Rams who were yellow carded
Samu Kerevi scored the 10th try from his last nine appearances
but it was not enough to prevent another defeat for Urayasu D-Rocks on a madcap afternoon where they shared 17 tries with Shizuoka BlueRevs in a 62-52 defeat
D-Rocks will be joined in the post-season relegation series by Mie Heat
whose last hopes were ended despite two tries by Wallaby fullback Tom Banks
which pulled them clear of the relegation zone
featured the 11th try of the season by code-hopping former NRL star Joseph Manu
The afternoon's other match saw Dave Rennie's Kobe Steelers beat Yokohama Eagles 47-29
The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Cessnock City Council to amend the suburb boundary between Branxton and North Rothbury
The current suburb boundaries have been in place for several years
the area has since been subdivided as part of the new development precinct of Huntlee and the boundaries are no longer appropriate
The proposed boundary amendment will rectify this issue by extending the northern boundary of North Rothbury to include parts of the Hunter Expressway and the rail corridor
The boundary amendment will facilitate the allocation of addresses to the new development
support future growth and reduce potential confusion in the provision of services
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed suburb boundary amendment
Residents of Branxton and North Rothbury are encouraged to view the proposal on the GNB website
Here they can support or object the proposal and also make a submission on the proposed changes
All submissions will be considered before the boundary amendment is officially assigned
Have your say by 11:59pm Sunday 2 March 2025
Photo: HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOSMelbourne coach Craig Bellamy wants his players to take ownership after poor discipline while in possession of the ball cost the Storm victory against Canberra
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"One thing we can control is our actions," Bellamy said
"To give away penalties when you have got the ball
The Storm lost 20-18 in golden point in the final match of Magic Round on Sunday
they led 18-12 and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen kicked a field goal in the 75th minute that would have taken them to 19-12
the Bunker found an elbow to the head of Raiders captain Joseph Topine by Storm lock Trent Loiero in a previous play when Melbourne had the ball
The Raiders then levelled through a scintillating try to fullback Kaeo Weekes
But the Storm were in position for a field goal in golden point when prop Stefano Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball
He'd already given away a penalty in the first-half while in possession
after wrangling with Canberra prop Joseph Topine
Loiero again transgressed when he hit Raiders forward Hudson Young in a high tackle in the 85th minute
with Jamal Fogarty landing the winning penalty
Trent Loiero (13) cost Melbourne with his poor discipline
(HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)Storm captain Cameron Munster
"I said to him to just take some learnings from it
I have been in those situations before," Munster said
"You don't what to be the guy that clips a chin and they go for two and get the penalty
I have been in grand finals where I have done some silly stuff
"He's a great player and we've all had those opportunities and lost those moments
Storm coach Craig Bellamy wasn't happy with his side's ill-discipline
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"I'm not going to sit there and bag him
He's done some great stuff for us as a player
A lot of people will be on his back but as a group we have got to stick together and learn."
Bellamy also weighed in on Utoikamanu's actions
I'm not exactly sure what happened," he said of the stomp
"To turn the ball over when you've got the ball 15m from their line ..
if he was in the wrong he needs to pick his discipline up
I don't know exactly who was the instigator
You show me a bloke that gives away two penalties when you've got the ball in a game
You are not looking at too many people."There was a sense the Storm had been hard done by but Bellamy wasn''t going down that path."You can say that if you like," he said
Munster was also careful about commenting on the officiating
"I can't remember the last time a team got penalised with the ball but ...we played some dumb footy tonight," Munster said
"As much as it looked like it was in the hands of the ref
Photo: AP PHOTOBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer flagged
during a phone call to congratulate Anthony Albanese on his historic election victory
that he would shortly dispatch a top defence adviser to Australia to discuss the AUKUS submarine program
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStarmer spoke to Albanese on Sunday morning after the Australian leader won a second term in government
"Australia and the UK have a strong and enduring friendship
and the prime minister said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese in the years to come
including through increased trade and economic security for working people in both countries," a Downing Street spokesperson said
including shared support for Ukraine and agreed to "increase ambition" on the AUKUS submarine program
Starmer said he would ask his AUKUS adviser
to travel to Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the programme further
AUKUS is a trilateral naval security alliance between Australia
Australia is set to acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet of boats is built for delivery from the 2040s
But the US is behind in its production of the boats needed
the American president can sink the deal if his navy's capabilities are at risk
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in February said the president supported supported the $368 billion deal after Australia made an $800 million down payment for the plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines
Albanese also had phone conversations with other world leaders on Sunday
including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSGWS coach Adam Kingsley admits Jake Stringer could spend more time on the bench after opting to use the star forward as a substitute against Sydney
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn his 13th AFL season
Stringer started as a sub for the first time and kicked three goals as the Giants went down by 14 points at the SCG
Kingsley said he had started Stringer on the bench in a bid to help the former Essendon spearhead increase his fitness
Stringer had been kept goalless in last round's defeat to the Western Bulldogs after playing with sickness
He had been dogged by illness in the pre-season
missing two simulation matches before a hamstring strain forced him out of the first two home-and-away rounds
"Ever since he got quite crook a week and a half before the opening round
(his preparation) has just been a bit patchy," Kingsley said
"He got crook again last week and played crook (against the Bulldogs) and so I made an error of judgment there
"We need to get some work into him to get him near his best
"If that means he misses a week and we use that extra week to train him and get some work into him
Stringer replaced Toby Bedford after the star tagger was caught high by Sydney defender Lewis Melican
Melican will face scrutiny after Bedford was forced out of the game with blurred vision
Kingsley said Bedford did not suffer a concussion
which was obviously quite disappointing for us," Kingsley said
"He'd started on (Isaac) Heeney and didn't start particularly well
but he'd shifted to (Chad) Warner after probably five minutes of that quarter and was doing a really good job
"I don't think Warner had touched the ball and maybe had one for the remainder of the quarter - no doubt it was certainly a little bit crippling for us
"When it's a really important player to the way that you play structurally
by Bonnie Anne 22 April 2025
A spellbinding evening of classical ballet is heading to Cessnock in 2025
with the Victorian State Ballet bringing its acclaimed production of Snow White to the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) in May
Following sold-out seasons across Australia
the company promises an enchanting night of dance
and fairy tale magic that will captivate audiences of all ages
Choreographed by the celebrated Michelle Sierra
this full-length ballet reimagines the beloved Brothers Grimm tale with exquisite grace and technical brilliance
From the romantic Grand Pas de Deux between Snow White and her Prince to the darkly elegant choreography of the Evil Queen and her Magic Mirror
the performance is a stunning display of classical ballet storytelling
Snow White offers a memorable evening that blends tradition with theatrical spectacle
making it a comfortable and accessible night out for all ages
The Victorian State Ballet’s production of Snow White will be at the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday, 30 May. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the PACC Box Office, by phone or at mypacc.com.au
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Photo: AP PHOTOA host of celebrities have paid tribute to David Attenborough ahead of his 99th birthday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe broadcaster and natural historian will turn 99 on Thursday and to mark the occasion
a number of stars were asked about his influence on them
Actor Morgan Freeman told The Guardian he'd spent "hours captivated by his storytelling and being reminded of the beauty and fragility of the world we share"
David Attenborough has been lauded as a living treasure
(AP PHOTO)"David Attenborough is one of my favourite narrators
bringing the wonders of our planet to life in a way that's both inspiring and unforgettable."
Singer Billie Eilish said David Attenborough's "deep love and knowledge of our planet and the animal kingdom brings out the childlike curiosity within us all
Monty Python star Michael Palin shared some of his memorable encounters with Attenborough
the only one who'd talk to us was David Attenborough
who told us 'the more they tried to stop it being seen
David Attenborough has spent decades producing spectacular wildlife documentaries
praised Attenborough for inspiring people to see the importance of preserving nature
"I have watched every one of his documentaries
but particularly how he shows us the interconnectedness of the natural world: everything matters
Actress Kate Winslet said Attenborough "remains
an integral part of how things used to be"
full of species that thrived before their natural habitats came under such serious threat," she said
"He is someone I would swim through stormy seas to meet
In a declining world when we desperately need compassionate anchors
showing us depths and beauty that won't be with us forever
forming a picture for future generations of just how vital it is to stay educated
The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media
so a grassroots charity is sending a lifeline to women in country Australia grieving the loss of a child
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueConnecting Mothers In Grief
a not-for-profit started by Karen Shuster and Karol Barac
is marking Bereaved Mother's Day on May 4 and extending free support to mums across the country
Connecting Mothers In Grief founders Karol Barac and Karen Shuster
Picture supplied"Most of us don't really know what to do with ourselves on [Mother's Day]
Most of our family doesn't know what to do with us either," Ms Shuster said
"Bereaved Mother's Day is a day to honour the lives of our children and our heavy hearts," Ms Barac said
Around 200 women are involved in the charity
meeting regularly to share their complex experiences with grief and to offer friendship and understanding to other mums
and it's about holding space that there isn't out there," Ms Barac said
"Especially for the mothers in regional areas where the services are very limited," she said
Two online meetings are held by the group each month to give regional mums an opportunity to meet and chat
"Grief must be witnessed to be processed," Ms Shuster said
it's just going to keep building up in us."
Ms Shuster and Ms Barac found solace in each other when they met in 2023 through an international bereaved mothers group
"Karol's daughter died suddenly and very tragically
but our loss is very similar," Ms Shuster said
The pair found they had a unique understanding of each other through their shared experience
and to come together in a community and be able to be in each other's presence without having to explain
it normalises what we're all feeling," Ms Barac said
Ms Shuster and Ms Barac are holding a fundraiser with bereaved mother and women's advocate Rosie Batty on May 4 at Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
In addition to the bimonthly meetings, the charity is also running a free, online six-week early grief program from June.
Support is available for those who may be distressed:
“Like something out of a disaster movie” – that’s how Cessnock residents are describing the fierce storm that struck yesterday afternoon