Woman suffers burns after falling into bushfire ash

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Woman suffers burns after falling into knee-deep ash

The family of a Hunter Valley woman who suffered burns when she tried to smother flames in bushland has described the ordeal as traumatic.
Rachael Peters was trail bike riding with her family near Kurri Kurri after a recent bushfire when she saw a smouldering tree.
She jumped down an embankment to get to the tree, but fell knee deep into burning ash and couldn't get out.
She's now undergoing skin grafts in a Sydney hospital.

Myall Lakes National Park closed because of bushfire risk

Holidaymakers' plans have been thrown into disarray with the closure of the immensely popular Myall Lakes National Park.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service says the park is being closed for public safety due to the dry conditions and risk of fire.
While the waterways in the park remain open, boaters cannot go ashore.

Wildlife expert warns of catastrophic consequences from bushfires

Bushfires are continuing to wreak havoc across New South Wales with lives lost, property destroyed and millions of animals killed.
A wildlife expert says fires have now reached vulnerable swampland in the Hunter region that is home to a number of unique species.
Aussie Ark director Tim Faulkner says he's worried entire species could be wiped out.

Police launch critical investigation after man's death in motorbike crash

A large section of Newcastle East, including the city's light rail, was shut down for several hours on Wednesday after a man died in a motorbike crash.
Police had attempted to stop the man on Hunter Street in the city's CBD but he allegedly refused, and officers pursued him for a short time.
The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns and a short time later the man's motorbike crashed into a pole. He died at the scene.

Drought causing homes to crack

When Trudy Grahame bought her home last year, it was given the all-clear by inspectors.
But in recent weeks large cracks have begun appearing on several walls.
The drought is being blamed, with building experts saying clay soils are increasingly dry, causing them to contract and foundations to subside.
And Ms Grahame is not alone, with Hunter homeowners facing hefty repair bills.

Jets sack coach Ernie Merrick

Fans have expressed disappointment after the Newcastle Jets sacked coach Ernie Merrick this week.
Merrick joined the club in 2017 and took the Jets to the grand final in his first season, but this year they are sitting at the bottom of the A-League ladder.
The team has lost four of their past five games and has conceded 17 goals.
But fans have taken to social media, with many criticising the club for the decision.

It's a big week for...

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