Hunter Valley man's trial postponed because of likely High Court challenge over encrypted app

The trial of a Hunter Valley man charged with proceeds of crime offences is postponed, after a judge is told the legality of an app used by police to gather evidence against him is likely to be challenged in Australia's highest court.

Taylor Martin stood aside from the party room last year after a woman, who he had been in a relationship with, lodged a formal complaint to the NSW Liberal Party.

The Federal Police allege Daniel Wayne Roberts is the Australian head of a transnational crime organisation behind cocaine plots in Queensland, Western Australia and NSW.

Anzac Day will be this Thursday. Here's where to watch services and find out what's happening hear you.

Vertical farms grow plants quickly, using less water and land than traditional farming. One newcomer to the industry hopes it can put native herbs into supermarkets.

For teenage parents in regional NSW, it can be difficult to finish their schooling while caring for their children.

Kalyn Ponga's hopes of a State of Origin recall are in tatters as Newcastle confirms the full-back faces several weeks out with a foot injury.

It was a tough 3-nil loss to the Newcastle Jets women in their first semi-final leg against Melbourne City at the weekend. To the players, it was more than just a game. This is why this series is important to regional women's football.

Torrie Lewis beats world 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson en route to a magnificent victory over 200m in her first Diamond League race in China.

In the 1980's, a homemade, vertical halfpipe in a suburban backyard put Newcastle on the map.

What's your job at ABC Newcastle?

I'm a reporter.

Where have you come from?

I have come from Melbourne, via Wagga Wagga.

What's the most interesting thing you've done?

I lost a tennis match against Ash Barty when I was a teenager, 6-0 6-0.

What do you love about Newcastle/the Hunter Valley?

I adore the diversity in the landscape. I love exploring new places, so it has been fascinating to travel across the region from Lake Macquarie though the Hunter Valley, up towards the coal mines around Muswellbrook and Singleton, and to the stunningly beautiful Port Stephens region. Every location has its unique charms and I have loved learning something new each day I have been here.

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Hoffman's 300th game likely to be his last: Newcastle veteran Jason Hoffman will play his 300th A-League game this weekend when the Jets take on Central Coast Mariners. The 35-year-old has played most of his top-grade career with his hometown club but says this will most likely be his last game. Hoffman (pictured above with young members of his junior team Hamilton Olympic) says he wants to give back to grassroots footy.

Image credit: Newcastle Jets

Calls for more financial help for young people: A Hunter homeless service provider is urging more financial support for young people as rental costs in the Hunter region grow. Singleton has experienced a 53.8 per cent increase in rents since the same time five years ago, while Newcastle has jumped 40 per cent. Reach Homeless Services chief executive Gary Parsisson says wages aren't keeping up with rising rental costs.

Calls for funding to reskill Hunter workers: The Hunter Jobs Alliance wants the state government fund workforce reskilling for the renewable energy transition. In its pre-budget submission to the Minns government it's urging $10 million a year for four years to establish an authoritative body to support regional communities through the transition. Coordinator Justin Page says he wants to see TAFE centres in the region focus on renewable industries.

Minister responds to rail petition: NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says she's aware of the need for more public transport options west of Maitland as the local population explodes. A petition to save the South Maitland Rail Corridor so trains can again run between Maitland and Bellbird has secured more than 500 signatures. Ms Aitchison has tabled a response in parliament to the petition. She wouldn't be drawn on if and when rolling stock would return but says conversations are continuing in relation to maximising the use of the existing transport network in the area, including rail and road infrastructure and services.

Plan for new quarry: Boral Resources is looking to expand its exploration area in Port Stephens with a new quarry. It currently operates the Blocker quarry but its resources are expected to be exhausted in a couple of years. Boral has lodged plans with the state government to expand its extraction area by about 30 hectares for the operation of a quarry at Seaham. It's seeking approval to extract up to 2 million tonnes of hard rock per year over 30 years. The project has been deemed state-significant and Boral says demand for aggregate and associated construction materials is at an all-time high.

Whales on the move: Whales have been spotted off the coast of Newcastle as their migration to warmer waters begins. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia says while it's not uncommon for a small number of whales to begin the migration early, spotting them at this time of year is quite rare. The larger pods are expected to migrate north through Newcastle waters at the end of May. Organisation spokesperson Jessica Fox says there are lots of reasons why some whales migrate early, including the need to give birth or if they're struggling nutritionally.

Hunter surf lifesaver crowned champion: Redhead lifesaver Dan Collins says he hopes his Australian Surf Lifesaving title helps inspire other would-be local champions. Collins won the title in tough conditions at the weekend in Maroochydore and says the win is especially pleasing given Queensland's dominance of the sport for the past 25 years.