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China's unofficial ban on Australian coal sees exports halt as trade war rages

Normally one in five coal ships leaving the Port of Newcastle are bound for China. The latest shipping schedule reveals that number is now zero. Thermal coal exports to China from Australia's busiest coal terminal have completely stopped amid escalating trade tensions and an unofficial Chinese ban on Australian coal.

Jarryd Hayne rape trial jury discharged after failing to reach a verdict

After two weeks of hearing evidence in the Newcastle District Court, the jury in Jarryd Hayne's aggravated sexual assault trial was unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict. Mr Hayne had pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault, without consent, recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm.

African students band together in response to pandemic isolation

For the first time an African student support group has been established at the University of Newcastle to help students make it through the COVID lockdown and keep their studies on track.

The African Students Networking Community, now boasting about 70 members, provides social and educational support, as well as giving younger students help with the basics of how to find work.

Seagrass transplant project declared a success in Port Stephens

Seagrass meadows are dying off at almost unfathomable rates around the world, but a research team has found a technique that could help reverse the decline. Locals in Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, have been asked to collect seagrass shoots as they walk along the beach, and the shoots are then transplanted back into the ocean.

Sequins, sanitiser and social-distancing

From ball gowns in the bush to sequins on the beach, end-of-year school formal celebrations have taken on their own unique character due to COVID-19. Graduation looked grim for the class of 2020, but when restrictions eased, students celebrated with a newfound sense of resilience.

Smart parking meters switched on in Port Stephens

Not being able to find a place to park your car can be frustrating, but there are hopes that's about to change in Nelson Bay, thanks to 'smart' parking meters.

RAAF bids farewell to F/A-18A/B Hornets

Have you heard the jets flying over this week? The RAAF has been bidding farewell to its F/A-18A/B Hornets with a series of flying displays. 

What else is making news this week?

Newy surfers on top: As professional surfing returns from a COVID-induced hiatus, two Newcastle surfers from the same club have qualified among the top 35 surfers in the world. Ryan Callinan and Morgan Cibilic from Merewether Boardriders Club rejoined the world surfing tour this week at the infamous Pipeline surf break in Hawaii.

Stockton Beach sand: An exploration licence has been lodged as part of plans to find a long-term solution to vanishing sands at Stockton Beach. Offshore sand has been identified as the most viable method of securing the large volume of sand needed to restore the beach. Deputy Premier John Barilaro spoke to residents this week.

Costco is coming: Costco has been given the green light to construct its first regional store in New South Wales at Lake Macquarie. The Hunter Regional Planning Panel approved the 14,000 square metre warehouse and fuel station, which will be built in the city's North West Catalyst Area. The $49 million development is expected to create more than 250 new jobs, with millions to be injected into the local economy. It's due to open mid next year.

Aerospace technology park: The first stage of a defence and aerospace technology park is now complete at Newcastle Airport, where $12 million of NSW Government funds has been earmarked for an access road, power, water, gas and tree planting. It's hoped aviation companies will set up at the new location, creating jobs for associated specialists.

University course cuts: The University of Newcastle has said students will be better off under a new course structure. The university has confirmed 530 subjects will be consolidated or discontinued from next year. Five faculties will be merged into three. It's unclear how many jobs will be affected.

Jetstar jobs rebound: Twenty-five aircraft technicians made redundant by Jetstar this year have had a reversal of fortunes, gaining work with a major defence contractor in Williamtown. More than 100 people lost their jobs with the budget carrier in June, but a quarter of those people started this week with the BAE F-35 fighter jet maintenance hub.

Homicide reward: The brother of a woman murdered in the Hunter Valley 26 years ago says his family needs peace and is pleading for anyone with information to come forward. Peter Hallet pleaded for information about the death of his 22-year-old sister Melissa Hunt, whose body was found near a dam in Stockrington on Anzac Day, 1994. No-one was ever arrested.

What's the weather doing this week?

A very high chance of rain tomorrow, with more rain predicted to continue from Saturday until Wednesday.

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