Winter bushfire threatens homes, stabbing rampage, and a fast exit for Knights coach

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Brown makes a hasty exit

It's been a horror week for Knights fans. Embattled coach Nathan Brown confirmed on Tuesday he would leave the club immediately.
The team is out of finals contention and fans are threatening to boycott the final home game of the season this Saturday.

Winter inferno threatens homes

Residents of Belmont spent a sleepless night as an emergency level bushfire raged within metres of their homes late last Thursday.

Firefighters spent the night backburning to control the blaze, which broke out in a wetland park.

Woman charged over stabbing rampage

Port Stephens police have praised the bravery of bystanders who confronted a woman as she allegedly attacked several people with a knife at a local supermarket on Tuesday.
The woman faced Newcastle Local Court the next day, charged with 11 offences.

Beach washed away again

Stockton locals are frustrated after another storm surge washed away large sections of the foreshore and beach north of Newcastle. This fence didn't last long after the picture was taken, and the tree also fell into the surf.

Sanctuary under construction as koala numbers drop

Work on a $7.5 million koala sanctuary at Port Stephens started on the weekend. There'll be a specialist hospital, visitor centre and on-site accommodation for tourists.
But with dire warnings over the loss of habitat at Port Stephens, will it come in time to save the local population?

Sprinklers shut down as water restrictions loom

The Lower Hunter is facing water restrictions for the first time in 25 years as the drought continues to bite.
Water storages are still dropping and Hunter Water says from next month, garden sprinklers will be the first to go.

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