| Double victory for Knights at home: In the men's NRL Newcastle scored its sixth straight win, downing the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 42-6. The win did come at a cost with halfback Jackson Hastings injuring his leg. Meanwhile, the Knights' women's side toppled ladder leaders the Gold Coast Titans.
Photo supplied: Jenny Evans, Getty Images
First report into bus network released: New South Wales Transport Minister Jo Haylen says in the wake of the fatal Greta bus crash, she's still considering advice on improving bus safety from the group overhauling the sector. The Bus Industry Taskforce released its first report into the bus network this week, finding the reliability of bus services has deteriorated over recent years. The taskforce was initially set up to investigate service delays, but its scope was widened after the bus crash in June.
Cost of living hitting people hard: New data from the NSW Council of Social Service shows 45 per cent of disadvantaged households in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie weren't able to pay their utility bills on time in the past 12 months. It also showed 67 per cent of households on low incomes were in financial stress, spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.
Potential risks identified at Chichester Dam: Hunter Water has identified safety work needed at Chichester Dam in its latest risk report, but says there's no cause for alarm. The five-yearly report is the first risk assessment of its type under the latest dam safety regulations. It found in the case of a "very rare" event, like a one-in-500 year flood, the dam is above the regulatory safety threshold.
Calls to fast-track busy road upgrade: Transport for NSW has received feedback on its plan to upgrade Hillsborough Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Crockett Street. The proposed changes include widening the road to have two lanes in each direction, upgrades to bus stop facilities and the installation of new traffic lights. Stage one of the upgrade isn't expected to commence until 2025. Of the 50 submissions made to the proposal, 14 submissions noted the upgrade should happen sooner.
Nasal spray for respiratory diseases getting closer: A milk protein could be the answer to developing a nasal spray treat respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19. Lactoferrin is a multi-functional protein found in milk, which has a number of protective roles in the immune system. Newcastle researchers have been investigating the use of a nasal spray to control the early signs of a respiratory illnesses and they're now working with a dairy company to explore the use of lactoferrin.
Thermal imaging tracking koala populations: Scientists from the University of Newcastle are using drones to detect koala populations in Port Stephens through thermal imaging. The heat-detecting drones will help provide clues on how to best manage koala populations in the area.
Plans for private hospital expansion: There are plans for an $80 million expansion at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. Ramsay Health's proposal includes the erection of a 10-storey tower north of the existing hospital at Gateshead. It includes more than 110 inpatient beds, three-day surgery theatres, 10 consulting suites and 120 car parking spaces.
Jets out of Australia Cup: The Newcastle Jets have been knocked out of the Australia Cup. The Jets played Brisbane Roar at Maitland Sportsground on Monday in the round of 32, going down 3-2. | 