Long-term planning for the city’s waste and circular materials system took centre stage at tonight’s Lake Macquarie City Council meeting at the Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko.

City of Newcastle’s independent urban design experts assessed almost $1 billion in developments during 2025, with a strong emphasis on high-quality public domain design.

Performing arts is gaining momentum in Port Stephens with the arrival of a major festival on 15 March 2026. This event brings award-winning talent to the local community.

New research highlights rising confidence, population movement and economic depth across the Hunter. The Hunter region is shaking off old stereotypes and stepping into a new identity – as a destination for skilled work, innovation and long-term opportunity.

Four $1,000 scholarships were awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions across business, sport, health and community leadership across Port Stephens.

They mightn’t have won top spot, but the Lake Mac Lifeguards are feeling accomplished after raising more than $6000 to help kids suffering with Leukemia at a surf comp this week.

Today the Hon Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown, has named Vivienne (Viv) Allanson OAM as the Charlestown Local Woman of the Year for 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the aged care sector and the wider Hunter community.

A University of Newcastle academic has been honoured with Lake Macquarie’s top annual civic award for her tireless work as a global leader in community violence prevention.

Aspiring health professionals across the Hunter will benefit from expanded study options, with TAFE NSW Maitland and Glendale offering the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance for the first time.

Merewether won’t be the only place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Surfest this month as foundation sponsor City of Newcastle celebrates the iconic event’s 40th anniversary.

Tiny hands and great wisdom are coming together as part of new program created by City of Newcastle to encourage shared moments of connection between different generations.

This year, the Newcastle Fringe Festival is turning up the glitter with a cabaret line-up that proudly celebrates queer artistry, unapologetic storytelling and the deliciously daring spirit the genre was built on.

For perennially popular Float Your Boat competitor Megan Evans, the annual tradition of igniting the light and letting it shine has fast become a family affair.

Maitland’s road network is set for some serious safety improvements, with Maitland City Council securing close to $1 million to upgrade two major intersections.

Every public-school student in NSW can now access opportunities to pursue their talents and potential at their local school, with the ground-breaking Inspire program rolling out as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put high potential and gifted education (HPGE) offerings in every public school.