Jill Emberson farewelled at public memorial

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Newcastle farewells much-loved broadcaster Jill Emberson

Hundreds of people have turned out to pay their respects at a public memorial in Newcastle today for ABC broadcaster and ovarian cancer advocate Jill Emberson, who died last month.
Jill, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago, fought to raise awareness and funds for the disease, founding the Pink Meets Teal campaign.
The memorial service heard from family, friends and colleagues and paid tribute to her incredible strength, and her time as a broadcaster and campaigner.
A tribute video produced by ABC Newcastle journalist Ben Millington was played, and former station manager Phil Ashley-Brown spoke. The service was hosted by Breakfast host Dan Cox.
Jill's daughter Malia spoke of her mother's love of life, as expressed in letters and cards written to her daughter, and in diaries.
She spoke of her mother's wise words: "All we can do in our life is the best for good, and our best for the ones we cherish and our best for what we believe in."
It was also announced that a Jill Emberson PhD scholarship will be established, run through the Hunter Medical Research Institute, for research into ovarian cancer.

Hunter receives solid rainfall

Some farmers were dancing a jig this week with a rainfall event across New South Wales leading to good falls across parts of the Hunter.
The town of Gloucester had run out of water and has been trucking it in since before Christmas, but over the weekend the town and its surrounds received more than 90 millimetres of rain.

Former Hunter MP charged over alleged parole breach

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile Milton Orkopoulos could be sent back to jail after being charged over an alleged parole breach.
The 62-year-old former state Labor minister spent 11 years behind bars before being released in December.
He has been charged with two counts of failing to meet reporting obligations.

Investigation into sightings of 'puma-sized' cat

A Hunter woman has spoken of her shock at seeing a 'puma-sized' black cat on her property.
The Department of Primary Industries is investigating after being alerted to the sighting by Bev Fraser.
Ms Fraser says the animal was "too large to be an overgrown domestic cat ... just a 50 kilo sort of animal sitting on my fence post."

Police investigating after dangerous spikes found on running trail

A man running on a bush track at Lake Macquarie this week got a nasty surprise when he came across piles of homemade spikes.
The spikes, which were lying in the middle of the track, were made of wine corks with nails protruding from them, similar to historic weapons known as caltrops.
Thankfully he wasn't injured and police are investigating.

Stockton erosion woes continue

More than 5,000 tonnes of sand dumped on Stockton Beach to replenish it after severe erosion have washed away.
A childcare centre was demolished last year due to the ongoing erosion problem, with Newcastle Council and the State Government working to find a solution.
The sand replenishment was a short-term fix so locals and holiday-makers could use the beach over the busy holiday period.

It's a big week for....

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