Ravenous rats munch through interior of Land Rover while owner away on holiday

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Ravenous rodent destroys interior of Land Rover

After a trip to the Hunter, Newcastle man Luke Tilse smelt a rat. Or, more specifically, he noticed small holes in his rubber floor mats getting larger and larger. His mechanic was forced to strip the entire interior of the luxury four-wheel-drive.

Carly McBride's accused killer motivated by jealousy

The Supreme Court in Newcastle has heard that the accused killer of Carly McBride was high on ice and motivated by jealousy, anger and possessiveness. Ms McBride died from blunt force trauma to her head.

Rape victim tells violent attacker 'I was your prey'

In another court case Warren John McCorriston, who pleaded guilty to five offences relating to rape, awaits sentencing. One of his victims described for the sentencing hearing how the attack has affected her life.

Twins take on national young portrait prize — who will win?

Charlestown twins Ruby and Lily Buckton both decided to enter the Young Archies but only one can win.

Belmont Bunnings snags top spot for Hunter vaccination hub

The state's Health Minister Brad Hazzard says around 100 people are working on getting the state's second vaccination hub up and running.

Ongoing construction 'an eyesore' in Newcastle

The City of Newcastle is building a beachside skate bowl and rebuilding the foundations of the promenade as part of its Bathers Way project. Added to the list is the necessary clean up of the recently collapsed seawall.

When can you get back on the Yuelarbah Walking Track?

This popular trail in the Glenrock State Conservation Area has been closed since the storms and floods of March 2021.

Making women feel their best, one dress at a time

Taya Calder-Mason left school at 16 and stepped into a career in the music and film industry, living between LA and Newcastle.

What else made news this week?

Jets coach resigns: Outgoing Newcastle Jets coach Craig Deans (pictured) says he's worn out after a tough 18 months. He announced last Thursday he was quitting the head-coaching role at season's end.
Port Stephens tourism opportunity: National Parks and Wildlife Service wants to allow more people the chance to experience 'hidden gems' of Port Stephens that are only accessible by boat. It’s called for expressions of interest for suitably qualified individuals or businesses to provide guided experiences to Fingal and Broughton islands.
Tomaree housing crisis: The member for Port Stephens says she wants the government to utilise a vacant former disability home as emergency accommodation for families facing homelessness. Kate Washington has written to the Disability Services Minister asking that Tomaree Lodge in Shoal Bay be opened up to deal with a growing housing crisis. The facility is empty after its residents were recently transferred to community based group-homes.
Maitland’s new aged care facility: A new residential aged care facility will be built at East Maitland, replacing an existing one to allow for single rooms so residents don't have to share. Maitland Council recently approved a development application from Fresh Hope Care to build a new four-level facility. Executive general manager Lynn Bailey says it will include 160 permanent beds and eight respite beds, a wellness centre, hairdresser and cafe.
Fisheries reject eco resort plan: NSW Fisheries has lodged an objection to a proposed state significant eco-resort at Anna Bay in Port Stephens, saying it poses an unacceptable risk to key fish habitat. The project features 68 units and 51 villas connected by elevated boardwalks. Fisheries cited the impact on the vulnerable saltmarsh habitat.
Homeless charity to close: The founder of charity Hunter Hands of Hope says despite plans to close at the end of the month, the service may be able to continue if a new home presents itself. For three years, it's been providing hundreds of meals each week and other assistance for homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Cessnock region. It runs solely on donations with a large number of clients fleeing domestic violence.
Blood donation shortage: The Red Cross Blood Service says there's record high demand for supplies at Newcastle hospitals but donations are dropping rapidly as winter weather sets in. The Lifeblood service says despite a huge turnout in donations during the height of the pandemic last year, they're now at a very low level. Spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire says hospitals are busier than ever and she's urging anyone who may be eligible to give blood to make the effort now.

The best photos from around the country

The freshly painted blocks at Merewether Baths looking beautiful at sunrise! Captured by @jtchittham and shared via #ABCmyphoto.
The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram, or by uploading your photos online here. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC!

How's the weekend weather looking?

We’re in for a sunny weekend come Saturday with temperatures reaching a top of 19 degrees. Why not take the family to the park?
Photo thanks to @photoholgic

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