who took the award for the best presented pen of steers
Picture suppliedPrices for steers and heifers eased compared with prices set pre-Easter at the Hunter Valley weaner sale
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Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHamish Fuller
said prices for steers in some cases were down as much as $100 on the pre-Easter sale
and only the top pens were bought by local interests
He said supplies of weaners across NSW had been strong and the weight of the cattle
Steers in the up to 200 kilogram category were limited to 26 head and were priced from $700 to $910
Steers weighing 330kg to 400kg were priced from $1300 to $1500
while a small number of steers over 400kg sold from $1400 to $ 570
Heifers weighing $280kg to 330kg sold from $750 to $1140
while only six weighing above 400kg averaged $1260
The award for the best presented pen of steers went to Max Howlett
entered the best presented pen of Angus heifers for 13
The best presented pen of crossbred steers went to Russell Brown
was presented the award for best pen of crossbred steers with 10 Simmentals averaging 320kg
sold the best presented heifers with nine Poll Herefords
Hunter Stock and Land said commission buyers were active
seeking cattle for properties at Roma and Taroom
sold several pens of heifers sired by Millah Murrah and Urban Angus bulls to Urban Angus
I have comprehensive experience in rural and regional journalism, as well as more than six years as a media officer for several politicians and worked in local government. I rejoined The Land in May 2022 and have loved being back in harness, reporting on a massive range of topics.
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A magnitude 4.6 earthquake hit the New South Wales Hunter region at 2.55 AM on Wednesday 23 April near Singleton
The earthquake was widely felt across the Newcastle and Sydney regions
with over 4,000 felt reports registered in the first six hours
including as far south as Wollongong and as far north as Port Macquarie
which accounts for the large number of felt reports
Senior Seismologist Dr Phil Cummins said there have been more than 35 events of magnitude 3 or above in the region in the last 20 years
the vast majority in the upper Hunter Valley near Muswellbrook
The last large event in the lower Hunter Valley occurred in 1994 near Ellalong
where a magnitude 5.4 earthquake caused damage and injuries
While earthquakes of this size are less common in Australia
no area is completely immune from earthquakes
“Moderate to large earthquakes can occur anywhere across the continent
Australia experiences an earthquake of this size once every year or two,” Dr Cummins said
He also advised that it would be reasonable to expect aftershocks following this earthquake
Aftershocks are smaller than the mainshock and generally become less frequent with time
it is important to note that it is not possible to predict precisely when or how large these earthquakes may be
or when the sequence will diminish to a point where they are no longer detectable.”
“The Australian plate is the fastest moving continental land mass on Earth and is colliding into the Pacific plate to the north and east
“This generates compressive stress in the interior of the Australian continent
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of this stress when rocks deep underground break and move along a fault line."
Earthquakes can and do occur anywhere and at any time
Geoscience Australia works with governments
industry and communities to help reduce the impact of disasters on our country
and to help build more resilient communities now and in the future
and protect your head and neck with your hands
and hold on by gripping a table leg or other part of your sturdy shelter
If you felt the earthquake, please complete a felt report at https://earthquakes.ga.gov.au
For earthquake information for media outlets, please visit this page to download a statement from Senior Seismologist Dr Phil Cummins
Geoscience Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land
the cultures and the elders past and present
As part of construction activities for the Singleton Bypass
night work will be carried out near Gowrie Gates to install bridge girders over the New England Highway
work will take place between 7pm and 4am on Tuesday 6 May 2025
Contingency nights are Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 May 2025 if work cannot be completed as planned
Work will be carried out near the intersection of New England Highway and Maison Dieu Road
about two kilometres north of Singleton CBD
The new bridge is located 60 metres west of the existing rail bridge at Gowrie Gates and forms part of the new bypass
each 33 metres long and weighing 83 tonnes
will be installed as part of this activity
Traffic will be stopped in both directions for up to 20 minutes at a time between 9pm and 4am
Delays are expected and motorists are advised to follow the direction of traffic controllers and signage
Local traffic on Maison Dieu Road will be detoured via Magpie Street
Pedestrians and cyclists may continue using the shared path but will be stopped briefly during girder lifts
This activity will involve moderate noise levels with equipment such as lighting towers
For more information, please see our latest community notification (PDF, 174.8 KB)
ACCIONA will be carrying out work in the project corridor
work is being carried out at night between 6pm and 7am on weeknights
Night work will be carried out until end of June
Work will be carried out along the New England Highway from 300 metres north of Range Road at Whittingham to 1.8 kilometres north of Rixs Creek Lane at Rixs Creek
Works will also be carried out from Putty Road to New England Highway
For more information, please see our latest community notification (PDF, 504.81 KB)
Construction on the $700 million Singleton Bypass is progressing well
with girders now being placed on the 1.6-kilometre bridge across the Doughboy Hollow floodplain
Read the February project update (PDF, 1.76 MB)
ACCIONA will conduct out work in the project corridor
work will be carried out at night between 6pm and 7am on weeknights
Night work will be carried out from the start of February to the end of the March 2025
Work is being carried out along the New England Highway from 300 metres north of Range Road at Whittingham to 1.8 kilometres north of Rixs Creek Lane at Rixs Creek
Victoria Street and Orchard Lane (utility work is subject to Ausgrid availability)
Please view the January 2025 project update (PDF, 365.87 KB)
There will be no construction work during the Christmas and New Year period
The site office will be closed from Monday 23 December and reopen on Monday 6 January.
ACCIONA is currently carrying out work in the project corridor
work is being carried out at night between 7pm and 5am on weeknights
Night work will be carried out until end of January
Night work will be carried out until Friday 15 November
Please view the latest project update (PDF, 302.28 KB)
the Singleton Bypass project reached a significant milestone with the first sod turned
marking the start of major construction.
Work on the project will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday.
Ahead of major work starting, ACCIONA has finalised the design of the project. The design can be viewed on this map (PDF, 33.07 MB)
Following community and stakeholder feedback and further consultation with property owners as well as additional investigation and survey work
some changes have been made to the project
ACCIONA has started site preparation work along the project corridor
ahead of main construction work starting later this year
Early work activities are continuing on the project
which are required to inform the detailed design and finalise the construction schedule.
Our standard work hours are Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and Saturdays between 8am and 1pm.
Please view the latest project update (PDF, 280.62 KB)
ACCIONA has started its early work activities on the Singleton Bypass
Early work activities include additional site survey
and installing temporary exclusion fencing and erosion and sediment controls
These activities are required to inform the detailed design for the project
Early work will be carried out along the New England Highway between Haggartys Lane and White Falls Lane to the south of Singleton and Maison Dieu Road and Rixs Creek Lane to the north of Singleton
Work will also be carried out along the proposed project alignment to the west of the New England Highway and Singleton
Work will be carried out from Monday 11 March to June 2024
We will be working Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and on Saturday between 8am and 1pm
Please view the latest project update (PDF, 601.4 KB)
A colony of microbats near the Singleton Bypass site won’t have to find a new ‘fur-ever’ home following the implementation of protective measures as part of the project’s Microbat Management Plan
The purpose of the Microbat Management Plan is to avoid indirect impacts on the species
By implementing measures like not disturbing the culverts that provide homes for the microbats
these creatures won’t need to relocate during construction
is an important part of any Transport for NSW project
Access the 27 February media release
Pre-clearance Survey - Ecologist inspecting culvert for presence of microbatsImage controls:
Pre-clearance Survey - Ecologist inspecting culvert for presence of microbatsNovember 2023 – Award of major contractWe are pleased to announce that Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded a design and construction contract to deliver the Singleton Bypass
Acciona will progress site investigations and finalise the detailed design in preparation for the start of major work in mid-2024
The project is expected to open to traffic in late 2026
We will keep the community informed as the project progresses.
Learn more about Acciona
ImageCollapse the ImageAcciona Construction Pty Ltd has been announced as the main contractor to deliver the Singleton Bypass.Image controls:
Transport for NSW started early work on the project in late 2022
Early work is being carried out Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and on Saturday between 8am and 1pm
Please view the latest project update (PDF, 593.77 KB)
To learn more about this project, view our interactive portal for more information
The New England Highway is part of the inland Sydney to Brisbane National Land Transport Network and the primary route connecting the Upper Hunter with Maitland and Newcastle
The highway passes through the centre of Singleton and carries around 26,000 vehicles
Traffic volumes are predicted to increase in the next 25 years
The planned bypass of Singleton would improve the movement of freight and journeys for current and future traffic demands
A preferred option for the bypass was announced in 2016 and involves building a new section of highway west of Singleton across the floodplain
starting near Newington Lane and rejoining the New England Highway north of McDougalls Hill
Transport for NSW invited feedback from the community about the Singleton Bypass concept design and REF from December 2019 until March 2020
Transport received a total of 154 submissions relating to the New England highway bypass of Singleton
All submissions made during the display period have been addressed and responded to in a submissions report
The New England Highway bypass of Singleton Submissions Report relates to the REF prepared for the bypass and summarises the issues raised as well as responses to each issue raised by the community
We will continue working with the community and stakeholders during construction of the project to understand issues and minimise impacts
The concept design and Review of Environmental Factors (REF) were on display for public comment from Wednesday 18 December 2019 to Sunday 1 March 2020
Addendum REF (May 2023) (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Following further consultation with property owners and additional investigations into the project constructability
it was determined that minor existing property acquisition adjustments were required to facilitate construction of the project
consultation with applicable utility providers
identified that utility adjustment work were also required outside of the REF approval area to tie into existing utilities
Addendum REF (October 2023) (PDF, 27.57 MB)
Following response to community and stakeholder feedback
Transport has modified the project by providing a full interchange at Putty Road
extended the bridge over the floodplain and reconfigured the design at the southern connection
The full interchange will improve access to Singleton’s town centre from the bypass
The Addendum REFs describe the proposed modifications
assessing consistency and potential environmental impacts along with any additional mitigation measures that may be needed to reduce potential impacts of the proposed modification
Addendum REF (August 2024) (PDF, 9.34 MB)
An Addendum Review of Environmental Factors (AREF August 2024) has been prepared to determine the potential environmental and social impact and proposed mitigation measures for the final design of the Singleton Bypass
The AREF addresses how the work will be managed including the proposed methods used to minimise the impact on:
If you are interested in work opportunities, please visit our employment page
Transport for NSW awarded a design and construction contract to Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd to deliver the Singleton Bypass
Major work on the bypass started in early September 2024
Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG)
If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us
New England Highway bypass at Singleton - Route options
Singleton Bypass - Preliminary Feasibility Study
New England Highway Singleton Bypass Options Assessment
Project information and 24-hr construction response line : 1800 991 254
Email: SBP-community@acciona.com
Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country. We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present.
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSingleton Greyhounds first grade defeated Scone Thoroghbreds 24 to 10 at Pirtek Park in round three on Saturday
Among the players to cross the line were Gabriel Stafa
In reserve grade a similar results with the Greyhound beating the Thoroughbred 38 to 18
Singleton crossed the line seven times with Tristan Chalker crossing twice and Reuben Stamp
Jesse Lear and Mitchell Wells all scoring the remaining tries
With the boot Daniel Greene converted five times
Singleton Greyhounds welcome new senior players (Back) Moses Harwood
Raphael Tolotu and Hemi Edwards.Picture suppliedIn the U18s match Singleton easily accounted for the Thoroughbreds 28 to 6 scoring five tries to two
The try scorers included Hamish Adamthwaite
Picture suppliedUnfortunately in the Hunter Valley Group 21 Women's Tackle Singleton lost to the Muswellbrook Rams 30-0
In round three of the Hunter's Suburban competition the Singleton Reds had a convincing win over Muswellbrook at home on Saturday
The Reds scored six tries and two conversions with one each to Campbell Harris and Aidan Peek
However the Blacks were defeated by Cooks Hill 21 to 10
New this season to the competition the Scone Brumbies had a convincing win over the Pokolbin Reds 41-7 at Sconme Rugby Club
The Brumbies scored seven tries and three conversions
The game between the Singleton Strikers and Lake Macquarie City was postponed due to the wet field at Lake Macquarie
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Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSA maintenance worker accused of killing gangland lawyer Joseph Acquaro has walked from court a free man after his murder charge was dropped
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueVincenzo Crupi
was accused of shooting dead Mr Acquaro as he left his East Brunswick gelato store on March 15
He pleaded not guilty to murder and was awaiting trial in the Victorian Supreme Court but prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams on Monday confirmed the case had been discontinued
Joseph Acquaro was shot dead in front of his East Brunswick gelato shop in March 2016
(Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)Mr McWilliams did not detail in court the reason why prosecutors dropped the murder charge
Justice Jane Dixon confirmed Mr Crupi was not in custody on any other matters so she allowed him to the leave the dock for the rest of the brief hearing
Mr Crupi hugged his lawyers outside the courtroom but declined to comment
He was first charged in 2018 with Mr Acquaro's murder and was committed to stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court the following year
But the case was repeatedly delayed due to a legal fight over confidential material
Victoria Police sought to withhold more than 600 pages of documents from Mr Crupi's lawyers
arguing it could identify a police informant known as Informer Z
A Supreme Court judge ruled against the police in 2018
saying the documents could substantially assist Mr Crupi in his defence
always denied shooting Joseph Acquaro dead
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)The police commissioner then appealed the decision to the High Court
with three justices overturning the judge's original ruling in September 2024
The case was sent back to the Supreme Court but no new trial date was listed
always denied the allegation he shot dead Mr Acquaro
Police had alleged Mr Crupi carried out the murder following a dispute over payment for tiling work he carried out at Mr Acquaro's gelato store
But Mr Crupi claimed Mr Acquaro was an informer and it was reasonably possible he was killed by someone who had learnt of his discussions with police
Mr Acquaro had represented prominent gangland figures during his time as a lawyer and he had strong ties with Melbourne's Calabrian community
it was revealed he had shared information about at least one of his clients to police although he was never formally registered as an informer
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 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 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: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSErin Patterson had shared with true crime fans her love of mushrooms
excitement over buying a food dehydrator and plans to cook beef Wellington
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 50-year-old mother of two has pleaded not guilty to all counts against her
including three murder charges for killing her estranged husband's family after feeding them lunch at her Leongatha home
Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died in hospital from death cap mushroom poisoning after eating a beef Wellington Patterson had prepared for them on July 2023
Heather Wilkinson and Don and Gail Patterson died after eating lunch at Erin Patterson's home
(HANDOUT/INTRAWORK BUSINESS SERVICES)Patterson claims it was "a terrible accident"
Three members of a true crime Facebook group Patterson was part of gave evidence on day five of her Supreme Court trial in Morwell
The group was created to go over the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane
she was a really good researcher," group member Christine Hunt said about Patterson's online reputation
said in 2023 Patterson had shared photos of a black dehydrator with mushrooms inside
"She was a bit excited that she'd purchased a food dehydrator," Ms Barkley said via video link
Screenshots of Patterson's messages to the group were also shown to the jury
"I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything
the kids had no idea," she wrote in one post
Simon Patterson finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box
said Patterson "seemed to really like mushrooms"
In the weeks before the deadly mushroom meal
Patterson asked the group if anyone had cooked a beef Wellington and if they had advice
Erin said she was making beef Wellington," Ms Hay said
"I think she was at the supermarket and she messaged us something about the beef that she was buying."
She said Patterson had told them the mushrooms came from an Asian grocer
Ms Hay said Patterson asked her for tips on how to make sure the beef Wellington pastry did not go "soggy"
as it was one of Ms Hay's favourite dishes
said she joked: "I'd make a tofu Wellington"
so we had a good laugh about that," she said
Patterson's estranged husband Simon finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box
Simon Patterson said his mother stopped reading messages from Erin after trying to solve a dispute
(Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC put it to Simon that he had asked Erin - two days after the lunch - "is that what you used to poison them?"
"I did not say that to Erin," Simon responded
The jury of 15 people were shown messages from a family group Signal chat between Simon
his former wife and his parents - in December 2022 - after he last week claimed she had sent "extremely aggressive" messages to his mother and father
which he said were from a few months later
having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I'd messaged her about," he said
After his parents tried to help Erin and Simon resolve a dispute over his child support payments
his mother Gail took a step back and stopped reading messages from Erin in the group chat
"Mum really struggled with anxiety," he said
The trial before Justice Christopher Beale will continue on Tuesday
but Saturday's election result contained some valuable insights into voting trends across the Hunter
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
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: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSTwo young boys have been found dead at a home in a small regional town
with police arresting a woman believed to be their grandmother
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOfficers visited the property at Coonabarabran
following reports of a concern for their welfare
was taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under police guard
The deaths are being investigated under Strike Force Darnum
assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad
Premier Chris Minns described the discovery of the boys' bodies as heartbreaking
"What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them," he said."I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSSEAT COUNT IN 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSEAT NUMBERS
* Labor - 85 seats (+7 from 2022 election)
* Independents/Minor parties - 10 seats (-1)
with 77.8 per cent of the national tally counted
* Melbourne (Vic) - Greens leader Adam Bandt is in danger of losing his seat to Labor challenger Sarah Witty
A high number of postal votes are flowing to Labor over the Greens
* Kooyong (Vic) - Independent MP Monique Ryan faces a challenge from Liberal Amelia Hamer
with the teal leading 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent
* Bradfield (NSW) - Just 501 votes separate independent challenger Nicolette Boele and the Liberals' Gisele Kapterian in the former safe seat for the coalition
* Bullwinkel (WA) - Barely anything splits Labor and the Liberals in the newest WA seat
with Labor's Trish Cook leading by just 85 votes over Liberal Matt Moran
* Goldstein (Vic) - A razor-thin margin of 95 votes separates leading independent MP Zoe Daniel and Liberal challenger Tim Wilson
with the result to come down to preferences
* Longman (Qld) - Coalition MP Terry Young is ahead of Labor's Rhiannyn Douglas by a mere 102 votes in a seat previously held by the LNP with a margin of 3.1 per cent
* Wills (Vic) - Labor MP Peter Khalil faces a challenge from Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam
with the incumbent ahead 51.6 per cent to 48.4 per cent
* Ryan (Qld) - A three-way contest has emerged in the Brisbane-based seat between Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown
the coalition's Maggie Forrest and Labor's Rebecca Hack
but the result will come down to preference flows from the party that finishes third
* Fremantle (WA) - A close battle in one of Labor's safest seats
with Labor MP Josh Wilson under threat from independent challenger Kate Hulett
* Bean (ACT) - The Labor stronghold held by MP David Smith is being challenged by independent Jessie Price who is leading 50.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent for Smith
who previously held the seat by more than 12 per cent
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: 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
Photo: AP PHOTOFormer US vice President Mike Pence has repeatedly invoked the constitution
after receiving the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePence received the award for his refusal to endorse President Donald Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election
The award recognises Pence "for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6
Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol chanted that they wanted to "hang Mike Pence"
we have to find common ground," Pence said
"I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans
the constitution is the common ground on which we stand
"It's what binds us across time and generations
His comments came hours after an interview with Trump aired in which he was asked whether US citizens and non-citizens both deserve due process as laid out in the fifth amendment of the constitution
I don't know," Trump said when pressed in an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker
Pence never mentioned Trump during his 10-minute speech but made several references to the Trump administration
Referencing what he called "these divided times
in these anxious days," he acknowledged that he probably had differences with the Democrats in the room but also with his own Republican Party "on spending
tariffs and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured"
Trump pressured Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud
When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol
some chanted that they wanted to "hang Mike Pence"
Pence was whisked away by Secret Service agents
narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters
"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution
giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts
not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify," Trump wrote at the time on Twitter
as rioters moved through the Capitol and Pence was in hiding with his family
aides and security detail inside the building
Pence rejected Secret Service advice that he leave the Capitol
staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory once rioters were cleared
resulting in some high scoring in the May monthly medal
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHeavy conditions in the rough at Branxton's golf course
resulted in some high scoring in the May monthly medal.In a strong field of 50 players
there were many stories of scores of 8 - 13 shared afterwards
with quite a few from players who are used to writing scores of 3
One player commented after one hole that it was the first time he had scored an 11
also indicating that it was a tough day out for many
winning the May Monthly Medal with an excellent 69 nett
saw him take the medal on a countback from A grade winner Jon Klaile
Jon has done very well since joining the club
and he had the best scratch score of the day with 78
Tim Lane continues to perform well in the stroke events
taking out second place in A grade and also taking the NTP on the 2nd/11th hole
Robert Biles consistency saw him take third with 73 nett on a countback from three other players
the B grade winner was Joe Bereza with a good score of 74 nett
with Neil Jordan edging out Murray Kingston to take second place
and Murray also edging out Reece Caldwell to take third spot
The course was certainly a challenge for the C grade field today
with Steven Primmer's 77 nett one of the highest winning scores in quite a while
Former C grade club champion Matthew Bain returned to competition golf with a second-place finish on 78
with Graham Bull's 80 nett enough for third
but his driver off the deck around the dam needs some work
Jon Klaile had the accuracy on the 13th hole
taking the NTP and ProNTP on the last hole with a fine shot to 220cm
In the final match of round 2 in the singles knockout
current Club Champion Cameron Johanson defeated Matthew Schnell 5/4
while Nick Wheeler defeated Dean Clack on the 1st sudden death hole in a closely fought match
Nick is the first player into the semi-finals
The silent auction fundraiser finished on Saturday afternoon
with some amazing support shown on the final day
The golf operations committee has raised over $8000 as a result of the auction
Congratulations to the winners of the golf at the courses made available to us
Winners in the auction will be contacted by the new Club President
Round 3 of the singles knockout is now underway
is the final day to enter the pairs knockout
Both knockouts are sponsored by Mitchell Olsen at Urban Real Estate
Advance notice that the Club 2 Man Ambrose Championships will be held on Saturday
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSDamien Hardwick has called for better "protection" of Matt Rowell after the Gold Coast midfielder's quiet night against Brisbane and argued the result wasn't indicative of the gap between his Suns and the best
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGold Coast looked up for the fight at the Gabba on Sunday when they finished the first half with some momentum and trailing by just 11 points
the third quarter one-way traffic as the Lions shot clear for a 12th win from the last 13 encounters
Three late goals papered some cracks for the Suns in a 9.12 (62) to 7.7 (49) loss in wet conditions
Hardwick's side falling to 5-2 while the reigning champions (7-1) regained top spot on the ladder
Rowell and Lachie Neale having a not so friendly conversation in the QClash
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"We were hoping to be better," the coach said
"We saw the demolition of the Saints (by the Lions) last week and similar today
"We've got some things we can get to work on and we know the answers."
Lachie Neale (25 and 10) and Hugh McCluggage (30 and eight) showed their class while Josh Dunkley (26 disposals) kept Suns stoppage king Rowell to just 16 touches and one clearance
off contract beyond this year and in demand
began the season brilliantly but was also kept relatively quiet in a 16-disposal game against Sydney last week
He'd had at least 10 clearances in three of his previous six games and averages 6.4 in his 91-game career
"He does battle and he doesn't get a lot of protection (from officials)
I'm not going to lie," Hardwick said of the 23-year-old
The coach believes his midfield bull could be appealing for more free kicks given the man-handling he receives around the contest
I'm talking throughout the course of the year,' he said
"He doesn't get enough protection for a ball player
did some stuff up there as well (to try to get into the contest)
Suns players took the field with plenty of hope before the reality check came
very good year and a couple of quieter weeks."
will play sixth-placed Western Bulldogs and third-placed Hawthorn at home-away-from-home Darwin in the next fortnight
"That's the best place to be," Hardwick said of the challenge ahead
"Instead of running away from it you step straight into it."
He didn't agree that the one-sided loss to the Lions
you don't give yourself a chance," he said
but when they absolutely destroy you in that part of the ground ..
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSTeal independents Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel are clinging on in their election races after strong postal returns for the Liberals
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDr Ryan's margin over Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer in the high-profile seat in Melbourne's leafy inner east has shrunk to 1891 votes following postal returns
The former paediatric neurologist declared victory on Saturday night
with her husband holding up a "Kooyong we did it!" sign before she addressed supporters
But Dr Ryan said she no longer felt safe in the contest
declaring the outcome was a "50-50" proposition
in (election analyst) Antony Green we trusted," she told ABC Radio Melbourne on Monday morning
"But postal votes have been very much pro the conservative side so I think at this point Kooyong is very much in the air
Independent candidate Zoe Daniel is fighting to retain her seat as postal votes are counted
(Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)Ms Daniel's lead over Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has dwindled to fewer than 100 votes after postal returns
The former journalist said on Sunday it would take days for the result to be confirmed
If Mr Wilson or Ms Hamer are able to turn the tables on the teals
they're likely to be the Liberal's only federal representatives in metropolitan Melbourne
Liberal frontbencher Michael Sukkar has lost his ultra marginal seat of Deakin
with Menzies too close to call as up-and-coming MP Keith Wolahan narrows Labor's lead
Aaron Violi is projected to hold onto the neighbouring seat of Casey after trailing Labor's Naomi Oakley on the night but fellow Liberal Zoe McKenzie's battle with independent Ben Smith is too close to call
who survived a primary vote swing of five per cent against him
said the Liberals "double trouble" attack on Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan failed to land with voters
"It just didn't cut through at all," he said
Labor's Sarah Whitty is ahead of Greens leader Adam Bandt in Melbourne and long-time Labor MP Peter Khalil leads Wills over the Greens former state leader Samantha Ratnam
But Lisa Chester's race with Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean in Bendigo
Ms Allan claimed credit for Labor's stunning result in Victoria when speaking to reporters on Sunday
declaring it wasn't in spite of her government's work but because of it
Deputy Prime Minster Richard Marles wasn't so sure
suggesting people voted on federal issues and the choice between Mr Albanese and Peter Dutton
"I was confident in the context of Victoria ..
that as we got closer to the election people would ultimately see that that was the choice," he said
Former Liberal strategist turned pollster Tony Barry led off recriminations of the party on election night
calling the state branch a "broken institution"
He noted state Liberal leader Brad Battin promoted outspoken MP Moira Deeming to become his "representative to the western suburbs" during the campaign as she continues to pursue former leader John Pesutto for legal costs following her defamation trial win
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"
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is in top form in the top-of-the-table team and good judges are backing him to make a NSW debut in State of Origin
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 23-year-old missed the opening four rounds of the season with injury but his hat-trick display in the 38-18 win over Gold Coast at Magic Round on Sunday was top-shelf
Kiraz has the qualities Origin coaches and selectors look for
although his selection for game one of the series on May 28 will likely depend on the availability of injured duo Brian To'o and Zac Lomax
who both shone in last year's series win for the Blues
Kiraz made 228 metres of headway in his brilliant performance
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Kiraz made 228m from 22 runs against the Titans and had two line breaks
The Canterbury flyer is tough and willing out of the back-field with the ball
and he's also dynamically dominant in the air
just like his captain Stephen Crichton who is one of the first picked for the Blues
Crichton was asked why Kiraz would look good in a Blues jersey
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo says "everything" about Kiraz screams Origin
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"He has good high-ball awareness and the way he carries the footy
He is really focusing on playing his best footy for the Dogs."
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said Kiraz had the key qualiity of being able to change momentum and not be dictated by it,
That's a great trait to have for any Origin prospect
Ciraldo had no doubt Kiraz was in the sights of Blues' selectors
"If he keeps playing like that he is going to be banging the door down for Origin," Ciraldo said
"We missed him at the start of the season and he was working away hard in the background to get himself right to come back in and play
He's come back and played at an exceptional level
"Some of our attack at the start of the game was a little bit clunky but he was coming up with plays at the back end of the set to get the scoreboard ticking over
Kiraz has done a great job to get himself ready to play and he can keep improving."
Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSKEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND NINE OF THE AFL SEASON
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCROWS HOT
They say form goes out the proverbial window when it comes to clashes between South Australia's bitter rivals Adelaide and Port Adelaide
The Power will hope so after suffering a 90-point loss to the Bulldogs
which joins their 91-point drubbing from Collingwood in round one as the two heaviest defeats of coach Ken Hinkley's 13-year tenure
PRESSURE ON JUSTIN LONGMUIR AHEAD OF HUGE PIES CLASH
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is a man under pressure after a humiliating 61-point loss to St Kilda and the spotlight will be firmly on the underperforming Dockers on Thursday night when they host Collingwood at Optus Stadium
The Magpies will come off a five-day break for the Perth trip and coach Craig McRae says "watch this space" about team changes
If the Magpies take a depleted line-up west and still win
West Coast are 0-8 in a disastrous start to Andrew McQualter's tenure as coach
but Sunday's clash with fellow strugglers Richmond (2-6) at the MCG gives the Eagles a chance to get off the mark
Co-captain Oscar Allen is set to play in defence for a third straight game
and the responsibility on him will be huge after Jeremy McGovern was ruled out with concussion
Former Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith has had a dig at his old club
saying he'd rather be playing for Geelong in front of a huge MCG crowd than at the Ballarat construction site
It sparked a cheeky war of words with Marcus Bontempelli
three weeks out from red-hot midfielder Smith's first game against the Dogs since his high-profile switch
HOW DO THE BOMBERS HANDLE THEIR INJURY CARNAGE
Essendon looked all at sea against North Melbourne when defensive chief Jordan Ridley went down with a hamstring injury
The Bombers will have to take on rejuvenated Sydney - and face several weeks - without key interceptor Ridley
while Harry Jones and Jade Gresham are also injured
Melbourne's revival from a horror 0-5 start has so far included wins over Fremantle
Richmond and West Coast - all sides who sit outside the top eight
But the challenges quickly get far more difficult
starting with red-hot Hawthorn at the MCG in round nine
That test is followed by a tough trip to the Gabba to face reigning premiers Brisbane
2GB SydneyA MAN accused of repeatedly firing a gun into the air from a moving vehicle in three separate incidents at Toronto and Tenambit has been sent for a mental health assessment
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBrandon Rogan
is accused of filming himself driving through Toronto about 4pm on Sunday when he held a firearm out of the window
was then posted online and later passed onto police
Police said the firearm was allegedly fired again from the vehicle at Tenambit about 9.35pm on Sunday
Port Stephens-Hunter police were notified and launched an investigation into the shootings and at 2.35am on Monday were making inquires into a vehicle on Burley Street at Tenambit when the 26-year-old again allegedly fired a shot into the air from the parked vehicle
Police said they were assisted by PolAir in tracking the vehicle from Tenambit to a home on Coal Point Road at Coal Point where police and specialist officers from the Tactical Operations Unit arrested Mr Rogan about 5.15am
was also arrested at the home and the pair were taken to Toronto police station
A search of the home allegedly revealed a firearm
Police said investigations revealed Mr Rogan was disqualified from driving
subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order and did not have permission to drive the vehicle
including three counts of firing a firearm in a public place and refused bail by police
His matter was mentioned in Toronto Local Court on Monday afternoon when Mr Rogan was sent for a mental health assessment
He did not enter any pleas or apply for bail
Ms O'Connor was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence when she appeared in Toronto Local Court on Monday
She did not enter a plea and was refused bail overnight until Tuesday
Police have said there were no reports of any person being injured or any property being damaged
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020.
Picture by Jonathan CarrollIn her 50 years as a midwife
Helen Thornton has helped people through the best and worst moments in their lives
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"It can be very
very happy but then you have periods of intense sadness for the families that lose babies," she said
The almost retired 75-year-old began as a nurse before moving to the Calvary Mater Hospital in 1971 as a midwife
then Maitland Public Hospital and the old Christo Road Private Hospital and finally
she worked mainly in doctor's offices in antenatal care
Ms Thorton organised bereavement keepsakes such as collecting babies' footprints
"It's much better than when I first started
quite often ladies didn't see their babies if they died
so things have really changed in the last 50 years," she said
But while her career had seen the lowest of lows
she felt it was still the best job in the world
the wonder on their faces and their partner's
With International Day of the Midwife on Monday
Ms Thornton said midwives needed more recognition for the work they do
and people need them to help them birth," she said
there was no choice for how or where women gave birth
some women have had horrible things like sexual assault
Ms Thorton said there were different models of care today
such as home births with a registered midwife
midwifery care from pregnancy through to postnatal and care through private obstetricians
"50 years ago you just went into a hospital and had a baby," she said
While much had changed for the better over the years
staffing shortages continued to worsen over the last ten years
"I think midwives are leaving the profession because they don't feel that they're getting enough out of it or they're giving women the care they deserve," she said
She felt that the biggest cause of staffing shortages was the lack of funds in hospital budgets
NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association president O'Bray Smith said she knew of a unit where there were 14 women to one midwife on the post-natal ward compared to the preferred ratio of one to three
you wouldn't want to stay in work where you can see that women and newborns aren't getting safe care," she said
She said they were also seeing the destruction of maternity services, such as in Muswellbrook and Gosford, largely due to staffing issues
"Many of our nurses and midwives can't afford to live in the communities that they look after
some of our members are living in cars," she said
For the past year, the union has been campaigning for a 15 per cent pay increase in public hospitals
with the deal before the Industrial Relations Commission currently
Workers at Newcastle Private Hospital held a 26-hour strike in March for a pay rise and better working conditions
and I loved every single day of being a midwife
"I pay for the fact that I couldn't get a living wage
that I couldn't live in Sydney comfortably."
Midwives and nurses were continuously putting others ahead of themselves
Executive director of nursing and midwifery for Hunter New England Local Health District Elizabeth Grist said they were the "backbone" of the health service
director of nursing and midwifery at Hunter New England Local Health District
Picture by Marina Neil"They bring life into the world
they are with people at the end of their life and all those moments in between," she said
"There wouldn't be a health service if it wasn't for nurses and midwives."
Ms Grist said nurses and midwives continued to show immense strength and resilience during challenging and uncertain times
"I think today and every single day we celebrate their compassion and their extraordinary commitment to the care they give," she said
"I'd like to see nurses and midwives look after themselves."
Ms Smith agreed that there was a significant emotional toll on workers in the medical field
and she'd want to see more support for midwives grappling with birth trauma
As Ms Thornton's long career drew to a close
she felt fortunate to have worked with women and families across the region
"Sometimes people will tap me on the shoulder and say
you won't remember me but you delivered my baby'," she said
"There's been some families that I've delivered all their babies
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: HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCENew Zealand will spend billions replacing the Defence Force's aging maritime helicopters
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAlong with the $NZ2 billion ($A1.85b) for the helicopters
the government said it would increase baseline spending by $NZ239 million ($A207m) for the Defence Force each year over the next four years
"It is very clear that New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world," New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins said in a statement on Monday
(HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)"(This) sets us on our path for defence spending to reach two per cent of GDP by 2032-33," she said
New Zealand's Defence Force has struggled with systemic underspending over the past several decades
which amounts to just over one per cent of GDP now
the government said it would boost defence spending with $NZ9 billion ($A8b) of new funding over the next four years
"There is no economic security without national security
and Defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs," Collins said
"As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability," she said
New Zealand's first national security review in 2023 called for more military spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific nations to tackle climate change and strategic competition among the West
New Zealand has eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters
Collins said replacing these will increase the defensive and offensive capabilities and surveillance range of New Zealand's frigates
Collins added she will have more to say about defence investments in the coming year when the government unveils its budget
New Zealand's budget is scheduled for May 22
and will outline spending for the 12-month period to June 30
Picture by Marina NeilI AM beyond tired of the ongoing violence towards women
Australian Femicide Map reports 24 Australian women have been killed this year between January 13 and April 25
and why are our politicians virtually silent on this
Our basic right to exist freely in public is being ripped away
Most recently it has been on the Fernleigh Track
a place that should offer peace and freedom
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHow have we allowed this to become normal
Where our presence in public spaces is treated like a risk we are taking
and live without being blamed for the violence committed against us
We are done being told to be careful or stay quiet and alert
This is not about individual men's feelings
this is about a culture that protects perpetrators and burdens women with the cost of survival
until it's none you do not get to tell us how to feel
we have the right to be loud and we absolutely have the right to be safe
OVER Easter I travelled to a small town on the northwest slopes and plains called Bingara
A huge number of people were free camping in the district on the Gwydir
Come Saturday I noticed the local IGA had people lined up almost out the doors trying to buy their Easter supplies
The reason for the queue was internet wasn't working in the town
I'm told the Telstra repeater station was either down for maintenance or just down
Double Bay or Merewether without internet every week
How does the 12th richest country in the world ignore this all-too-common bush problem
Telstra says if you're not happy use another provider
During this visit a local developed a medical issue
But they do have a multi-purpose centre (small hospital) well equipped to deal with medical problems
Easy - just teleconference a big city hospital for guidance
ten hours had passed before access could be established
The staff at MPS are amazing like all medical professionals
I believe it's a Hunter area health facility and problem
stump up the funds for a better internet link to the centre
more expensive than the non-existing service
Politicians should hang their heads in shame
I find that I still have so many questions that remain unanswered
Why has no maternity wear company designed clothing for the elderly males whose chest has slipped to waist level
Whose idea was it to make so many grocery items difficult to open and double sealed
unscrewed the cone-shaped top but no sauce came out
I then discovered that as well as the screw on top
there was a cap under it; a cap with a pull-out tab the size of an atom
Why do government departments continually issue new complicated forms for the elderly to fill in
internet connection and a degree in computer science
How did Noah get over a million species of animals onto his boat
was the ark a convertible to enable headroom for the giraffes
Perhaps others of the elderly brigade could add questions of their own
I WAS interested in Colin Rowlatt's letter ("Sydney can't keep getting cash at our expense"
It is a major engineering project (not yet completed)
A couple of friends and I rode the Metro when it terminated at Chatswood in about 2019
The Metro will ultimately be extended to Bankstown
I learned that the Metro cars are made by the French multinational engineering firm Alstom and built in Andhra Pradesh
where they are loaded onto lorries to be delivered to the service centre at Tallawong
Of course Sydney isn't the only place where state government money is being spent
One has only to look at the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass
which is nearing completion for $450 million
and the extension of the M1 Motorway from Blackhill to Raymond Terrace for $2.1 billion
We here in the Hunter are not being left behind
THE attitude of both major political parties towards gambling advertising is appalling
Despite the damning figures revealed in Garry Linnell's column ("Hey Albo
the fact that they have refused to take any action in my opinion borders on corruption
Handouts from gambling companies are staggering
Surely the time for drastic action has arrived and it should be immediately on the agenda of our newly elected parliament
the NRL is finally doing something about high tackles
Many are tackles just using the shoulder with no arms
and coaches and so-called greats are complaining
Ask the older players now going through all their concussions and consequences what they think
Congratulations Chelsea Thomson on your opinion piece ("Young people: it's a privilege to vote
I found your contribution to be refreshing and inspiring
Keep contributing opinion pieces with your thoughts as many will welcome your opinion and ideas
Matt Ophir ("Offshore wind is no paradise"
opines that offshore wind farms are a blight on the horizon
The ones I've seen are rather gracefully hypnotic
They are certainly a better view than open cut coal mines
He frets that an exclusion zone will prevent fishers from catching any fish that grow around them
There are also exclusion zones at Chernobyl and Fukushima
Offshore wind farms will be an asset for our region
perhaps they could be combined with tidal power
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
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSingleton Council is receiving more than $120,000 through round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for the after project:
Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing
The funding will help the council unlock housing supply by developing and updating housing and planning strategies to bring forward more diverse and affordable housing options
Our community hopes that the growth comes without the heartache and frustration seen in other fast-growing areas
Lack of vital infrastructure such as schools
They only have to think about the residents of Huntlee fighting for all of the above
Singleton Council has already requested funding for the upgrade to Bridgman Road to accommodate future housing development in Singleton Heights/Hunterview/Retreat
Mayor of Singleton said "Council's commitment to the provision of housing diversity across our LGA is captured in the Housing Strategy 2021-2041
the Strategy also highlights significant gaps in housing in Singleton
particularly a lack of choice in lot sizes
and limited short-term and temporary worker accommodation to provide options for seniors housing
"The $120,000 announced by the NSW Government is a great first step to address those gaps and unlock more housing for Singleton by funding a comprehensive review of the planning instruments and controls to deliver updated urban release areas and strategic growth areas across the local government area
"The project includes the development of an Affordable Housing Action Plan and a review of the Singleton Town Centre Masterplan to identify housing potential and improve liveability
amenity and sustainability in the downtown area
"Housing availability and affordability has risen as a national crisis
and the same issues are affecting all sectors of our community from first homebuyers through to retirees and seniors housing
"We know that Singleton is a desirable place to live for a range of reasons
not least because it offers a rural lifestyle with all the benefits people expect from a city
"Council is committed to working with all levels of government as well as the private sector to identify opportunities to increase and expand housing options across our LGA
and we look forward to seeing the results of this project help more people to build their dreams in Singleton."
The NSW Government's $4.4 million investment is expected to fast-track over 105,000 homes across the state
supporting the delivery of key reforms including the Transport Oriented Development program and the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
which are aimed at boosting housing supply around train stations and creating more diverse housing types
Bridgman Road intersection - a bottleneck during peak times.In 2024
the Minns Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state; regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes
The projects funded under this program will support the delivery of this five-year target
More people are choosing to live in regional NSW
but homes have become more expensive and more difficult to find
so delivering more regional housing supply is vital
We will build better communities across regional NSW by funding local housing
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said
and ensuring young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions
we're giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed
more liveable communities across regional NSW close to transport
MLC for the Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said
and help more people find a home in our area now and in the future
"This investment will help ensure we have the homes and infrastructure needed to support our growing community for years to come."
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
Photo: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSRichmond coach Adem Yze will wrap his arms around Noah Balta in the face of ongoing jeers from opposition supporters
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBalta returned to the sound of boos from Hawthorn fans in the Tigers' 16.13 (109) to 6.8 (44) loss at the MCG on Sunday
after spending a week on the sidelines because of his court-imposed curfew
It was his first match since being sentenced last month for assaulting a man on December 30 last year
Balta was also targeted during a win over Gold Coast - his only other appearance this season after serving a four-match suspension related to the assault - three days before he was sentenced
"Every supporter group can do what they want
but what we can do is put our arms around him and support him," Yze said after Sunday's match
"We've just got to make sure that doesn't tip over the edge and create any anxiety and pressure for him
"We've got to support him as best we can throughout the week and he knows how much we love him
every supporter group can do what they want
but I would be hoping the Tiger Army don't do that to other players."
Balta had a solid game with eight marks and 14 disposals before being subbed out in the last term
who is free to play against winless West Coast next Sunday
limped off in the final minutes against Hawthorn after appearing to roll his ankle
"He was trying his best to get our ball movement going from our back half
Yze also backed Tim Taranto despite the experienced midfielder gifting Hawthorn a goal by shoving James Sicily over and giving away a 50-metre penalty
Sicily had thrown Maurice Rioli to the ground after catching the Tiger holding the ball
Most players on the ground became involved in the ensuing melee
"Sicily's a fiery character and he got into one of our younger players
so for our vice-captain to step in and fly the flag ..
when one of your players is going in to help one of your younger players and fly the flag and lead by example ..
he might have overstepped it but I'd rather him do that than not go in there at all."
Photo: EPA PHOTOLady Gaga's team say they learned about a plot to bomb her gig on Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro "via media reports this morning"
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAccording to the Rio city hall
2.1 million people attended the free concert of the American pop icon on Saturday
working in co-ordination with the Justice Ministry
said the bomb plot was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech against the LGBTQI community and the radicalisation of teenagers
More than two million fans attended the free concert on Copacabana beach
police said the group sought to radicalise and recruit teenagers to carry out attacks using Molotov cocktails and improvised explosives
"We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning," a spokesperson for Gaga said in a statement first issued to The Hollywood Reporter
nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks
"Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place."
Gaga - whose real name is Stefani Germanotta - did not address the incident
but said: "Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night's show - the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil
"The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away
I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you
"An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing
the biggest crowd for any woman in history
"I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world - I know I can't
you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard."
authorities arrested two people in connection with the planned attack - the alleged leader of the group on illegal weapons possession charges in Rio Grande Do Sul
and a teenager on child pornography charges in Rio
The operation was based on a report by the ministry's cyber operations lab following a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence
which uncovered digital cells encouraging violent behaviour among teenagers using coded language and extremist symbolism
A man described as the group's leader was arrested in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of a firearm
while a teenager in Rio de Janeiro was detained for storing child pornography
Authorities carried out over a dozen search and seizure warrants across the states of Rio de Janeiro
pictures by AJM PhotographyWATCHING a sea of people lace up their joggers to advocate for women's safety when exercising in public spaces was an emotional sight for Tegan Broster
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 co-organiser of the Taking Back Our Paths walk at Fernleigh Track on Sunday
I'm so proud of our community - the number of people that showed up - we had people from all walks of life," she said
More than 1000 people could be seen walking along different parts of the 15-kilometre track at Adamstown
They weren't joining the walk; they had other plans
but just stopped by because they wanted to show their support before continuing with their Sunday plans
We had plenty of men show up as well," she said
"I'm just so overwhelmed and grateful for our community showing up."
Ms Broster said she expected 50 people to turn up
"The number of volunteers that we had is what we anticipated when Stacey and I first made this event
Ms Broster and friend Stacey Wilde decided to take action and host the event after a spate of attacks on the Fernleigh Track, particularly an alleged assault on a woman last month
They said the event time of 8am was specifically chosen to mirror the alleged attack
The ladies have also started a petition to help fund lights and CCTV cameras on the track to create a safer area for all
"We've got several signatures that will lead to change
the better chance we have to be able to get these resources out there," she said
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
A 4.6-magnitude earthquake jolted residents awake across Sydney and the Hunter Valley in the early hours of Wednesday
with the tremor striking near Singleton at 2.55am
Geoscience Australia initially reported the quake as 5.1 magnitude before revising it downward
More than 2,600 people reported feeling the quake by 4am
including Sydneysiders who took to social media to describe being startled from their sleep
Get the first look at the digital newspaper
curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox
marks the latest seismic activity in a region historically prone to tremors
Geoscience Australia continues to analyse data from its network of 150+ domestic seismic stations
with real-time alerts issued through its National Earthquake Alerts Centre
Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA man dies when his ute rolls near the bridge on Glendon Lane
SingletonEmergency services were called to a bridge near Glendon Lane
at about 2.30pm on Wednesday and found a ute had crashed over the bridge and down an embankment
A man dies when his ute rolls near the bridge on Glendon Lane
SingletonThe driver and sole occupant of the vehicle - a 49-year-old man - had died at the scene
Officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District will prepare a report for the coroner
Glendon Lane runs between Gresford and Elderslie roads east of Singleton
crossing the Glendon Brook Creek at Glendon
It is a popular route home for workers travelling back to the Lower Hunter from the region's mines
It’s been a tragic start to the Anzac long weekend
with a motorcyclist being killed in a two-vehicle crash near Singleton
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were informed the rider went to turn onto the Golden Highway at Mount Thorley about 6pm on Thursday 24 April
he collided with an Isuzu D-Max travelling east along Putty Road
was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are underway
while a report’s being prepared for the Coroner
Anyone with dashcam footage or any witnesses are urged to come forward and contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
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Picture suppliedUpper Hunter junior bull riders Sonny Heffernan and Darcy Wilton are making their NSW debut in a special exhibition ride in Newcastle this Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBefore the big guns buck it out in the Professional Bullirders (PBR) Monster Energy Origin Series I the next generation of bull riding stars will take centre arena
Eight junior riders - four from each state - will ride in a special exhibition ahead of the 2025 PBR Monster Energy Origin Series opener
Ranging in age from 11 to 17 years these are the toughest young humans in the game
riding mini bulls with the same grit and heart you'll see from the pros
And while they won't be competing for points
NSW State of Origin PBR assistant coach Cody Heffernan
Picture suppliedThe Heffernan family needs no introduction when it comes to the PBR with Sonny's uncle Cody Hefferan a two-time Australian champion and now the NSW State of Origin team assistant coach
Speaking about his uncle last year Sonny said "Cody helps me a lot
and I send him videos of the bulls I struggle with
Muswellbrook's Darcy Wilton will be riding for NSW in the special junior PBR exhibition at Saturday's event
Photo: AP PHOTOBochum and Heidenheim are both staring relegation in the face after the struggling teams fought out a scoreless draw in a tense Bundesliga encounter
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA defeat on Friday (Saturday AEST) would have condemned bottom club Bochum to the drop in Germany
but a point means they survive at least one more week
The Ruhr side remained last in the Bundesliga standings
The result was equally frustrating for Heidenheim
Heidenheim lost goalkeeper Kevin Muller to injury in the 50th minute
when he was taken off on a stretcher after a goalmouth clash with Ibrahima Sissoko
Photo: AP PHOTOKike Perez's first Serie A goal was not enough to lift Venezia out of the relegation zone in Italy after Torino scored late to secure a 1-1 draw at home
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueVisiting Venezia had already seen an early goal disallowed for offside when Perez put them ahead after 35 minutes on Friday (Saturday AEST)
squeezing between two defenders and angling home a low right-foot shot
Nikola Vlasic converted a 77th-minute penalty to give the home side a share of the points
The result was harsh for Venezia - a first away win since February 2022 would have lifted them out of the bottom three
one point above Empoli and a point behind Lecce
with last-placed Monza almost certain to drop
Torino were in 10th place in the standings
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSGold Coast coach Damien Hardwick is urging his players to enjoy the hype of their highly-anticipated clash against Brisbane
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe third-placed Suns play the second-placed Lions on Sunday night - the first time the clubs meet while holding such high ladder positions
either," Hardwick told reporters on Friday
The former Richmond coach has instructed his players to embrace the hostility from the pro-Lions crowd at the Gabba
We have used that a little bit with regard to our away record ..
it has been a learning process for our players," Hardwick said
"It's understanding and embracing the fact that it's going to be a hostile environment - and enjoy it
"You get the privilege to represent the Gold Coast Suns in a hostile environment that is baying for your blood
"So the understanding and the growth in that space has been pretty big for us
"And they're going to get another big challenge - there's not many more hostile environments than the Gabbatoir
when they (Brisbane) are up and going - and they are at the moment."
Photo: HANDOUT/World Surf LeagueStephanie Gilmore is through to the round of 16 in her World Surf League return on the Gold Coast
setting the bar high while competing for the first time in almost two years
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe eight-time world champion skipped the 2024 season to focus on her physical and mental health
Gilmore is also sitting out this year's circuit but accepted a wildcard for the Gold Coast Pro
telling AAP on the eve of the event she still has a burning desire to compete against the world's best
That streak was evident when the 37-year-old
who hadn't surfed on tour since August 2023
took on reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers and Bells Beach runner-up Luana Silva in her opening heat
Gilmore produced a score of 12.7 on Saturday
bettering Silva (10.36) while advancing to the next round alongside Simmers (13.23)
The six-time Gold Coast winner was one of four Australian women to progress
Tyler Wright and Isabella Nichols also through to the round of 16
Picklum put rivals on notice with the highest score of the opening day
Ethan Ewing was one of three surfers to take the direct path to the round of 32
The waves arrived but so did Ryan Callinan's newborn
the pre-tournament delivery forcing the Australian to miss his opening-round heat
Callinan's wife gave birth on Friday night
meaning the Newcastle product was a no-show when the Championship Tour returned to the Gold Coast for the first time since 2019
He is set to return for the sudden-death second round
taking on high-profile compatriots Jack Robinson and Julian Wilson
Callum Robson scored an impressive 13.26 in his opening heat on the Gold Coast
who secured his first Bells Beach title on the previous weekend and is ranked third in the world
posted a score of 9.13 and couldn't get going in his heat against Alan Cleland (10.27) and Callum Robson (13.26)
back at CT level for the first time since his 2019 retirement after winning qualifying on Friday
was shot down in a high-scoring heat by No.1-ranked Italo Ferreira (16.03) and Burleigh Heads local Liam O'Brien (15.77)
The Gold Coast stop was shifted from the traditional Snapper Rocks location due to erosion created by Cyclone Alfred in March
representing just over 13 per cent of enrolment
pre-polling booths are expected to remain very busy this week.At the 2022 election
around 30 per cent of electors cast their vote early
and pundits predict that figure will be surpassed this time
given the queues experienced at the early voting centres during the first week
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSingleton Youth Venue will be open each day this week for early voting
in the Singleton districtThe ballot paper order for Hunter in the 2025 federal election is:
For those who want to wait until the last day to cast their vote
there will be 10 polling booths open from 8:00am to 6:00pm in the Singleton district
35 Bowen St
18-26 Cochrane St
758 Elderslie Rd
897 Glendon Rd
Wambo St
797 Standen Dr
2615 Putty Rd
75-81 York St
8 Hunter St
1-13 Dorsman Dr
Photo: EPA PHOTOVoting has closed in Singapore in a general election that is seen as the first key test of support for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHis People's Action Party is widely expected to comfortably extend its 66-year dominance in the city-state
But the election is being closely watched for whether the opposition can make further gains as people express unhappiness over tight government control and a high cost of living
a US-trained economist who is also finance minister
has appealed for a resounding mandate to steer trade-reliant Singapore through economic turbulence following US President Donald Trump's tariff hikes
The government has lowered its trade forecast and warned of a possible recession
Polling is compulsory in Singapore and turnout on Saturday was more than 80 per cent
(EPA PHOTO)"This election is couched as a test of the support for the leadership of PM Lawrence Wong but it also will reflect how politics in Singapore are changing
namely an embrace of alternative voices and a younger generation seeing the PAP" under a younger leader
Southeast Asia political expert Bridget Welsh said
succeeded Lee Hsien Loong to become the city-state's fourth leader
Lee stepped down in May 2024 after two decades at the helm but remained in the cabinet as a senior minister
His retirement as premier ended a family dynasty started by his father
who built the former colonial backwater into one of the world's richest nations during 31 years in office
More than 1200 polling stations in schools
public housing blocks and other areas shut after 12 hours of voting on Saturday
The PAP has secured five of the 97 parliamentary seats because they were unopposed
The Election Department said turnout was about 82 per cent three hours before voting ended
Results are expected to be known in the early hours of Sunday
The PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity
but its government-knows-best stance and the rising cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities also has led to growing unhappiness
overcrowding and restrictions on free speech have loosened the PAP's grip on power
The PAP's share of the popular vote slipped to a near-record low of 61 per cent in 2020 elections
Although it kept 83 out of 93 parliamentary sets
the opposition gained grounds with a record 10 seats
Photo: AP PHOTOInter Milan's Serie A title defence is on the line with the busy champions chasing a fresher Napoli side who have the finishing line in sight
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSimone Inzaghi's Inter played nine matches in April compared to Napoli's four and
could end up paying a high price for the demands of battling on all fronts
Inter's treble bid ended last month with their Coppa Italia exit to AC Milan
but their Champions League dream is still alive following Wednesday's dramatic 3-3 draw at Barcelona in the semi-final first leg
Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez won't be fit for their clash with Verona
(AP PHOTO)While that result ended a run of three consecutive defeats for Inter
and saw the return of forward Marcus Thuram from injury
they will probably be without injured captain Lautaro Martinez when they host lowly Hellas Verona on Saturday
Martinez went off at halftime with a hamstring problem and
while Thuram made a goalscoring return to action
Inzaghi is unlikely to risk the Argentina forward ahead of the return leg with Barcelona next Tuesday
Inzaghi won't be on the bench on Saturday and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will also be sidelined after both received a one-match suspension in a settlement with the Italian soccer federation over their relations with club 'ultras'
are seven points above the relegation zone but with games against fellow strugglers Lecce and Empoli still to come
Antonio Conte took over a Napoli side with no European football after a 10th-place finish last season
and an early exit from the Coppa Italia has left them free of any other commitments since early December
Napoli's Cup defeat by Lazio was followed by a league loss to the same opposition
but Conte's side then went on a 10-game unbeaten run which allowed them take back the top spot which Atalanta had briefly taken from them
A defeat by Como in February ensured Napoli slipped to second as Inter looked to have hit the front at just the right time
But two consecutive league losses by Inzaghi's men means Conte's side have a three-point lead with four games remaining
a side without a win in 11 games who are one place and two points above the drop zone
Conte will be without defender Alessandro Buongiorno
who could miss the season run-in with a groin injury
but midfielder Frank Anguissa should recover after also going off injured in last weekend's 2-0 win over Torino
Atalanta are aiming to maintain their grip on third place when they travel to bottom club Monza on Sunday
in a Champions League qualification showdown
three points behind Atalanta and one point above Bologna
Lazio and Fiorentina are also in the hunt for a Champions League place
host Fiorentina on Sunday while Lazio are at Empoli
Liane and Nicola Moriarty and Markus Zusak
and topics covering the past and future of indigenous recognition through to the art of the novel
this year's Sydney Writers' Festival (SWF) is penning a packed program of inspiration from May 22-25
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAnd the biggest headline is that it's all coming to Singleton for free
Singleton Public Library is throwing open the doors after hours to be part of the SWF Live and Local project
livestreaming talks with some of the most prominent Australian and international authors for people to enjoy in the comfort of the Library
Singleton Council's Director of Corporate and Commercial Services
said events would run from 10am across all four days of the festival and into the night
"We're encouraging people to gather with their friends or meet new ones to hear from their favourite authors
and the best part is they can settle in with a cuppa without the hassle of travelling to Sydney," he said
"The Library is extending its operating hours and will open later on Thursday
"The program promises to be invigorating and engaging with conversations
debates and discussions covering a range of topics
and audiences can also participate in live Q&A sessions at each event
sending questions straight to the Sydney stage."
Mr Graham said that while the SWF Live & Local project aimed to promote interest in books and reading nationally through opportunities for audiences to participate in festival events through digital livestream technology
it didn't mean Singleton audiences couldn't dress up
"To celebrate the exclusivity of the night-time streamed talks
we're creating a program called Library After Dark to encourage people to frock up and make an occasion of it," he said
social atmosphere to be part of so that everyone can have the experience of a night out at the SWF-withoutswf
"And there's no need to book as everyone is invited to come along and enjoy the events they're interested in."
Library After Dark will run each night of the SWF (May 22-25) from 5.30pm onwards
Photo: AP PHOTOOzzy Osbourne feared his health problems were "never going to end"
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Paranoid hitmaker - who has battled pneumonia and a lingering infection in recent years
as well as Parkinson's disease - is preparing for Black Sabbath's farewell concert in Birmingham
He admitted the all-star gig was conceived by his wife
so that he had "something to give me a reason to get up in the morning"
He said to The Guardian newspaper: "You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong
You begin to think this is never going to end."
The 76-year-old rocker has thrown himself into preparing for the Back To The Beginning show at Villa Parkon on July 5
and has a trainer living with him to get him back to fitness
while a vocal coach visits several times a week
I've got a guy living at my house who's working with me
It's tough – I've been laid up for such a long time
I've been lying on my back doing nothing and the first thing to go is your strength
I've got a vocal coach coming round four days a week to keep my voice going
Ozzy warned fans not to expect the sort of energetic performance he'd have undertaken in previous years
He said: "I'm used to doing two hours on stage
I don't think I'll be doing much jumping or running around this time
But the veteran musician is determined to do his best
"We're only playing a couple of songs each
I don't want people thinking 'we're getting ripped off'
because it's just going to be … what's the word
you're going to get a few songs each by Ozzy and Sabbath."