Karen Buckner's family spent three nights in a hut during a summer blizzard in Kosciuszko National Park and says it saved their lives. After the Black Summer bushfires, some feared the high country's famous hut network might disappear forever.

They're not known for their fleece, apparently the meat is quite tasty ... but the iconic feature of Babydoll sheep is their teddy bear-like face. They are much more than paddock ornaments though, with interest from orchardists, B&B operators and even for animal therapy.

Prominent Sydney plastic surgeon Richard Sackelariou is sentenced to six years in prison after telling a judge he was ashamed and "appalled" by his offending.

The former operator of a drug rehabilitation centre north of Newcastle is granted bail after pleading not guilty to five counts of perverting the course of justice.
 

A former staff member at a Hunter Valley high school has been found not guilty of kidnapping two teenage girls but has admitted to giving them cocaine.

When New South Wales Central Coast mum Brooke Ferrier turned to generative artificial intelligence to cut her weekly grocery bill she was surprised by how much she saved.

The Maroons earned a consolation prize in winning Women's Origin Game III, but Blues halfback Jesse Southwell was the real star of the series. 

In an emotional conversation with Scott Bevan, Boolaroo boy and Liverpool FC legend Craig Johnston reflects on his incredible life, ahead of his new stage show.

Newcastle's loss to St George Illawarra on Friday night has been compounded by news key prop Leo Thompson is facing a lengthy suspension for a crusher tackle.  

Sporting honour for Kurt Fearnley: Newcastle wheelchair athlete Kurt Fearnley has been inducted as a life member of Commonwealth Games Australia. Fearnley has won two Commonwealth Games gold medals and two silver, and was flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Gold Coast games. Commonwealth Games Association President Ben Houston says Fearnley's contribution to sport has been extraordinary, describing him as a leader and change maker. Fearnley, 44, also has 13 Paralympic medals, including three gold.
 

Image credit: Dave Hunt/ AAP
 

Mould removal top priority: NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says work is underway to fix a mould problem at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital, with the issue to be resolved as a matter of priority. The minister met with hospital management late last week. The NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association claims the mould had been found in wards occupied by patients with cancer and lowered immune systems. Meanwhile, the state's workplace safety regulator has ordered Hunter New England Health to urgently address the mould and water leaking issues at the hospital. The hospital operates under a public/private partnership and Hunter New England Health says its working with its partners to determine appropriate remediations.
 

Cliff rock shift: A rock mechanics researcher says intense weather in recent weeks has led to a cliff face on Bathers Way at Newcastle Beach to become unstable. The council has closed a 30m section of Bathers Way as a precaution, until it can be secured or removed. The skate park, amenities and kiosk remain open to the public. University of Newcastle's Professor Anna Giacomini has been observing the cliff and says she watched the movement over the last few weeks.
 

House prices increase: A new property report says a growing commuter belt and hybrid work arrangements are continuing to drive population growth in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. PropTrack's monthly Home Price Index report reveals property prices across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are among the fastest growing in regional New South Wales. It lists the annual property growth rate of the two LGAs as close to seven per cent for the past 12 months.
 

Newcastle to Bali flights: Hunter residents will soon be able to fly directly to Bali, with Newcastle Airport announcing flights from its new international terminal in October. Jetstar Flights will depart three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Newcastle Airport chief executive officer Linc Horton says the move is all about making things easier for travellers.

This one-pan braise is what Mediterranean dreams are made of — crispy golden chicken thighs simmered slowly with lemon, white wine, green olives and tender chat potatoes. 

Twenty-five years since they first stomped across our screens, the brand-new Walking With Dinosaurs reimagining tells the dramatic stories of six incredible dinosaurs whose remains are unearthed by world leading dinosaur hunters. Uncovering the bones they left behind and examining their remains, we will reveal the ancient evidence that unlocks the secrets of how these prehistoric giants once lived, hunted, fought and died.

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