1990s vs now: Coast's cost of living

One in three Australian households have solar panels, but only 1 per cent are made here. There are hopes a new federal government program will change that.

Former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance is critical of the government's delays in delivering regional rail improvements and wants a report finished under his government in 2020 to be released.

To understand why 30-somethings feel like they're struggling financially, the ABC analysed five factors — housing, healthcare, debt, tax, and income. The data reveals this generation is caught in an economic perfect storm.

A Sydneysider swims for 31 hours without stopping to complete a journey that long-distance legends Des Renford and Susie Maroney were both forced to abandon.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten says 3,000 new Service Australia workers will help sort the backlog of claims and relieve long call wait-times, as benefit recipients say the system is too complex and slow.

As legislation is introduced to parliament as part of a first step towards NDIS reform, the disability community is split about a major recommendation from a recent review of the scheme.

Ruby was told she had a 75 per cent chance of dying if she kept riding bulls. She liked those odds.

The humble sheep might be considered by some as the perfect embodiment of docility. But they are not mundane mindless mammals — not in the slightest.

You again? Still convinced you’d outperform actual Hard Quiz contestants? We'll see about that. Let’s play…. HARD!

Easter message: Christian faith leaders in the Hunter and across the world have shared messages of peace and hope this Easter. Newcastle Anglican Bishop Peter Stuart (pictured above), who shared that he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer recently, thanked medical staff in his Easter message, as well as sharing words of hope for others struggling with health problems.

Image supplied: Anglican Diocese of Newcastle

Teachers taking stress leave: Data released under Freedom of Information by the NSW Education Department shows 2,500 public school teachers have been off on psychological leave since 2020, costing the state tens of millions of dollars in workers compensation payouts. Regional North, which takes in the Hunter and Central Coast, had the greatest number of claims for any school district.

Wind farm expansion: The company behind a recently approved Upper Hunter wind farm says submitting plans for a second-stage extension is necessary. The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved Ark Energy's Bowmans Creek Wind Farm earlier this year, with a 54-turbine limit. The company has now announced plans to add 21 turbines. Ark Energy's head of development Martin Poole says developing more than 70 turbines wasn't always on the cards, but landholder consultation unlocked the opportunity to expand.

Hazard reduction burn plans: The NSW Rural Fire Service says hazard reduction planning is underway now that the formal fire danger period has ended in the Hunter. Easter Sunday marked the end of the official bush fire danger period for majority of the state. However local crews are urging landholders to remain vigilant over cooler months as fire can strike any time.

Spotlight on dredging: A long-term state government dredging plan has listed a notorious Lake Macquarie waterway among nine priority areas in New South Wales. NSW Maritime will develop a 10-year review of the Swansea Channel to explore options for regular dredging to improve boat safety. Transport Minister Jo Haylen says consistent dredging of channels is vital to provide safe and accessible passage for boaters along the coast.

Jets' record win: A record-setting eight-nil win for the Newcastle Jets women's side has secured it a spot in the A-league finals. The game played in South Australia against Adelaide United at the weekend elevated the Jets to sixth place. It's the highest-winning margin in the club's history. The team will face Western United in Victoria on April 13 in an elimination final.

Knights defeated: It was a tough slog for the men's Newcastle Knights over the ditch with a 20-12 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland. The Knights were without several key players: Greg Marzhew was out injured, Dane Gagai had a medical issue, and Leo Thompson was out because of a one-game suspension. The side will now turn its attention to Friday's clash with the Dragons at Hunter Stadium.

Fostering swimming talent: It's hoped a new elite swimming program will help keep Hunter and Central Coast athletes in the region as they strive for Olympic selection. Swimming NSW and the University of Newcastle are collaborating with Regional Academies of Sport to foster talent in the region. Hunter Academy of Sport chief executive Brett O'Farrell says athletes often move away from the area, including heading interstate to Queensland to progress.