Local suburb evacuated in the night because of flooding

Plus, prison for coal train activist, how missing 3yo AJ was found, and man possessing child abuse material faces sentencing

View as a webpage Share our local newsletter and tell us what you think You can let us know what you think of this newsletter by offering feedback here. And do you have friends or family who might enjoy it too? Send on this sign-up link Heavy Hunter rain leads to evacuations, damaged crops and swollen rivers You're fast asleep in the early hours of the morning and there's a knock on the door. Some Denman residents had this experience on Tuesday with an unexpected wake-up call from the SES, asking them to evacuate their homes. The Hunter River peaked at around 8 metres, threatening the town's power, road access and sewerage. River levels are receding, but there's more to the story Prison for activist who climbed on coal train A protester involved in two weeks of climate protests focusing on coal trains has been sentenced in Newcastle Local Court. Eric Serge Herbert was charged with three charges related to attempting to hinder or obstruct mining equipment and locomotives. How long is he likely to spend in jail? NSW Police dismiss foul play in 3-year-old's disappearance It was the heart lifting moment we all hoped for when 3-year-old AJ Elfalak was found safe and well at a property in Putty. NSW Police have been investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Here's what they concluded about how and why AJ went missing Look inside the Hunter's newest safe space Welcome to Safe Haven. A safe, calm, relaxing place to go to if you need someone to talk to or somewhere to be. It's part of a multimillion dollar NSW government suicide prevention program. Anyone can rock up and this is what to expect when you do Sentence hearing for man accused of 'abhorrent' crime Bret Anthony Chesworth pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to the possession and transmission of child abuse material. In Newcastle District Court, the Commonwealth prosecutor described the case as "the worst kind". Read why his defence argued for leniency in sentencing Jets young gun named as a player to watch this A-League Men's season Archie Goodwin knows how to score a goal. He scored 29 of them in just 12 games and ended the last A-League Men's season by becoming the Jets' youngest goal scorer of all time. But that's not the only reason you should keep an eye on Archie Could a dip in the ocean baths improve your health? Did you know that English doctors in the 18th and 19th century prescribed swimming in ocean baths to their patients? It's true! But the big question is, will jumping in keep you healthy in 2021? Think you heard a scream in the night? If you hear a scream coming from your backyard or the local park, there's no need to be alarmed. Two new frog species have been identified and their calls are … well, interesting. How can you keep an ear out for these new frogs? Listen to this Time to get back to the stage for local singer Melody Pool has one more performance to finish her latest tour. But that one show was cancelled three times. It's been booked again for 2022, which is going to be a big year for the musician as she prepares to share her new album with the world. We think this will make your day. Listen to Melody play two songs Eighty years since Hunter servicemen lost their lives at sea On November 19, 1941 the HMAS Sydney II was sunk off the coast of WA. Eighteen of the 645 sailors killed were from the Hunter region. Listen as we mark the anniversary of this piece of local history What else made news in the past week? Glenrock mountain bike upgrade: The National Parks and Wildlife Service has received a significant funding boost to upgrade mountain bike tracks at Newcastle's Glenrock state conservation area. As part of this they'll spend $600,000 enhancing the bike track network. Hiker struck by falling tree: A 30-year-old woman has been killed by a falling tree branch while walking in Lake Macquarie's Watagans National Park. Award-winning nurse: A clinical nurse consultant at Newcastle's John Hunter Children's Hospital has won a prestigious award for her work to improve treatment and care for children with asthma. Bernadette Goddard has been named the metropolitan winner of the Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care. It comes with $25,000 for new medical equipment at the hospital. Eraring battery storage: Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper has applauded Origin energy for progressing with plans for a giant 700-megawatt battery storage system in Lake Macquarie. The company has lodged a development application for the half-billion-dollar project. It involves constructing rows of enclosures to house lithium-ion batteries and about 400 metres of overhead transmission lines. GP Access campaign continues: The federal health minister is being urged to reinstate a half-million dollar cut to the after-hours service GP Access. Hunter Labor MPs will present a petition to parliament next week demanding the funding be restored. Shortland MP Pat Conroy says he's worried the cut is just the start. Visit our website for more local news The best photos from around the country How pretty is this shot of Cowrie Hole? If you haven't checked out Terina Vale Photography yet, you are missing out. A Newcastle-based photographer, she specialises in seascapes and nature. You can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag #ABCmyphoto on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. See the latest photos on the #ABCmyphoto website How's the weather looking? Get used to the rain because it's hanging around for the foreseeable future. There could be some thunderstorms developing Thursday and Friday. But otherwise, pack an umbrella and pull out the gumboots until at least early next week. It's been a while since we've had a sunrise thanks to all this rain. This spectacular photo of Merewether Baths was sent in by JT. Check the seven-day forecast for your town How are we doing? We love receiving your feedback on our local newsletter. Are we offering the stories you want to read? Is there something more we could include? Send us your thoughts. More from ABC Newcastle Visit our local website. Listen live to our local programs or download the ABC Listen app to take us with you. Catch the daily news bulletin via ABC Listen or on our website. Visit us on Facebook, or contact us via email. ABC Newcastle acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. Discover more of the ABC on our Apps Find out how to download your favourite app. Follow us Need help? 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