Knights get the job done in a thriller

Newcastle's charge for back-to-back NRLW premierships was looking shaky in its showdown with the Titans until Tamika Upton decided otherwise, writes Nick Campton.

The Newcastle Yowies and Walgett Aboriginal Connection take home the titles in a nailbiting day of rugby league.

Offshore wind zones are being established right around Australia, but some communities say there are too many unknown risks.

Farmers say they have been blindsided by the NSW government's decision to remove water rights from coastal landholders, while the Nature Conservation Council says it will protect critical wetlands.

The NSW government is currently in talks with Origin about using taxpayer subsidies to extend the life of the plant in the state's Hunter region. It follows a review that found the state should discuss delaying the plant's closure to help prevent blackouts due to the slow building of renewables.

William Arnott emigrated from Scotland in the 1840s and went on to build a biscuit empire in his new homeland. His first bakehouse in Morpeth is still operating, but it's not biscuits coming out of the woodfired oven these days.

Partly funded by the state government and councils, the balloon is intended to allow people with diverse accessibility needs to see the world from new heights.

Farmers in western New South Wales say they have already seen a significant drop in 3G phone service, months ahead of major telcos' timelines to phase it out.

Novel new materials and methods developed and manufactured in Australia are turning basalt and recycled plastic into high performance, environmentally-friendly surfboards.

Town celebrates NRLW premiers: Several hundred people have turned out to a civic reception for the Newcastle Knights NRLW premiers. The Knights secured back-to-back premierships after beating the Gold Coast Titans in Sunday's grand final 24-18. A civic reception was held at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon to mark the historic achievement and give fans a chance to meet the players. The team was also presented with the keys to the city from Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Hydro energy funding: The New South Wales government has committed $45 million towards the Hunter Valley hydrogen hub slated for Kooragang Island. Origin Energy has partnered with Orica to develop the hub, which is expected to produce 5,500 tonnes of renewable hydrogen each year and create about 100 jobs. Energy Minister Penny Sharpe visited Orica's ammonium nitrate facility last week to make the funding announcement.

Man allegedly set on fire, charges laid: A man remains in custody after allegedly setting another man on fire in Newcastle last week. Police say a 23-year-old man was assaulted and set alight in the early hours of last Thursday morning. A 20-year-old Newcastle man has been arrested and charged with using an explosive with intent to maim a person and cause grievous bodily harm.

Hay donations: Volunteer-run charity Aussie Hay Runners will deliver $100,000 in hay to the drought-hit Upper Hunter this month. The organisation's founder Linda Widdup says the rapid return of drought to the Hunter has been alarming and while the hay drop will be the group's first, it won't be the last. A total 34 trucks loaded with 1,200 bales of hay will arrive in Merriwa in mid-October.

Sand restoration to begin: Stage one of sand nourishment works will begin at Stockton Beach this month, with a sand dredge on the way from Queensland. About 100,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged from the Newcastle Harbour and then sprayed in a surf zone at the southern end of the beach.

Funding boost for local charity: Newcastle charity Soul Hub says a $500,000 grant will contribute to a new facility to help vulnerable people in the region. The organisation is one of nine community projects to receive funding in the latest round of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. Soul Hub is moving to a larger location in Hunter Street which has purpose-built facilities.

Feral pig numbers rise: There are reports of feral pigs moving into parts of the Hunter where they've never been before, particularly in the region's east. Feral pig numbers have been increasing following favourable wet seasons and Hunter Local Land Services says traps around Scone have caught about 800 pigs in the past 18 months.

Car fires spark concern: Fire and Rescue New South Wales says crews extinguished multiple fires in the Hunter early on Tuesday morning after cars were set alight. Firefighters were called to Kurri, Wallsend and Sandgate, arriving to find cars on fire at each location. One was in bushland, while another spread to nearby grassland. The car fires came on a day when the region was on high alert with high temperatures and a Total Fire Ban.