Hunter Valley News
Friday 24 July 2026
Boost for Muswellbrook Hospital, but vital machine still on wish list
A consult room of the community space at Muswellbrook Hospital. Picture supplied
Damon Cronshaw

From Merriwa to the Civic Theatre: Lula Peebles celebrates seven years with ASPIRE

Year 11 student Lula Peebles from St Joseph's Catholic College at Aberdeen who will be performing in this year's ASPIRE production of "Scrambled". Picture Peter Stoop
Louise Nichols
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Police

Concerns for welfare of 16-year-old Shyanne Millington, missing from Muswellbrook

Louise Nichols
No comments
Concerns for welfare of 16-year-old Shyanne Millington, missing from Muswellbrook

Scone mother of four launches debut children's book about welcoming twins

Louise Nichols
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'Peek-a-Boo, Here Comes Two'. written by Chantel Volker and illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Picture Fields of Clover Photography
Ask Property: I know it isn't the best time to sell but we have to. How do we get a decent price?
Nina Hendy
No comments
Focus on presentation, strong marketing and working with an agent with a proven track record of building buyer confidence. Pic: Shutterstock
Peak-hour boost: 173 extra seats added for Newcastle commuters
Dylan Nicholson
Two 10-car Mariyung trains were added to the peak schedule of the Central Coast and Newcastle Train line on Monday morning. Photo: Transport for NSW
How a complete stranger catapulted this teacher into the national spotlight
2026 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year Julie Dunbabin is on a mission to feed Australia's school kids. Picture by Adam Trafford, inset by Salty Dingo
Julie Dunbabin has no idea who selected her for a prestigious award.
Phoebe Loomes
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10 reasons to nominate someone for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards
Australia's Local Hero Frank Mitchell, Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann, Senior Australian of the Year Professor Henry Brodaty and Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg at the 2026 awards ceremony. Picture by Keegan Carroll

Last-gasp try secures dramatic draw for Tigers against Singleton

Aberdeen's Billy Mitchell scored a double, including the try to equalise the score with three minutes left on the clock. Picture by Kristal Foot
Michael Hartshorn
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From 1,500 jobs to 50-degree days: IPC hears stark contrasts on HVO coal expansion

Louise Nichols
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Inside the Branxton Community Hall for day one of the public hearing into the HVO Continuation Project. Picrure Marina Neil

Cr Watson calls for stand against racist social media comments on NAIDOC event

Louise Nichols
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Singleton NAIDOC Week event at the Singleton Showground on July 8. Picture supplied
Police
Police arrest three suspects over Muswellbrook home invasion and kidnapping
Louise Nichols
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Police arrest three suspects over Muswellbrook home invasion and kidnapping
Jobs vs climate: battle lines drawn on day one of the historic HVO mine hearings
The Branxton Community Hall was a sea of high-vis on Thursday for day one of the Independent Planning Commission's public hearing into Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project.
Louise Nichols
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Space volcanoes: SMART science tour brings STEM to life in the Upper Hunter
Newsroom
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Singleton Public School students at the University of Newcastles inspirational SMART (Science, Maths and Real Technology) program. Picture supplied
Police

Driver charged following Hunter Expressway pursuit, crash, and Dog Unit manhunt

Driver charged following Hunter Expressway pursuit, crash, and Dog Unit manhunt
Louise Nichols
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$381 million Muswellbrook bypass powers forward as early works get underway

Louise Nichols
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Bridge on the Muswellbrook bypass. Picture Transport for NSW

'Direct link': areas with the highest cancer rates revealed in new report

Damon Cronshaw
Mark and Kirralee Hughes wearing this year's beanies for brain cancer. Picture by Peter Lorimer
Pay dispute escalates: Peabody announces fresh 14-day lockout over pay demands
Louise Nichols
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Pay dispute escalates: Peabody announces fresh 14-day lockout over pay demands
7000 jobs, new industries: bold plan for Hunter's post-coal future revealed
Two former mine sites at Muswellbrook and West Wallsend are expected to be transformed into major industrial hubs.
Madeline Link
Carter, Cullen to lead Greta Branxton Colts revival in 2027
Michael Hartshorn
No comments
Mitch Cullen (left) and Tylar Carter will be coaching the Greta Branxton Colts in 2027 and 2028. Pictures by Daniel Johnson
Opinion

I'm sorry but no apology gets Telstra off the hook

Garry Linnell • 32m ago
No comments
I'm sorry but no apology gets Telstra off the hook

'Make it right': educators weigh pay versus passion

Nick Wilson • 2hrs ago
Many teachers say they will be forced to walk away from their jobs without a better pay deal. Photo: Christopher Hopkins/AAP PHOTOS

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My Region
Boost for Muswellbrook Hospital, but vital machine still on wish list
Damon Cronshaw
A consult room of the community space at Muswellbrook Hospital. Picture supplied
From Merriwa to the Civic Theatre: Lula Peebles celebrates seven years with ASPIRE
Louise Nichols
No comments
Year 11 student Lula Peebles from St Joseph's Catholic College at Aberdeen who will be performing in this year's ASPIRE production of "Scrambled". Picture Peter Stoop
Spring comp arrives and final call for Junior Squash Championships
Adrian Barwick
No comments
Sat coaching clinic - A great time was had by everyone on the day.
Analysis
Prichard: these teams need finals miracles. They might be dreaming
Greg Prichard
The Raiders and Broncos are fighting to keep their seasons alive. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, AAP
Police
Concerns for welfare of 16-year-old Shyanne Millington, missing from Muswellbrook
Louise Nichols
No comments
Concerns for welfare of 16-year-old Shyanne Millington, missing from Muswellbrook
How a complete stranger catapulted this teacher into the national spotlight
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
2026 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year Julie Dunbabin is on a mission to feed Australia's school kids. Picture by Adam Trafford, inset by Salty Dingo
'Extremely disappointed': cable thieves, vandals wreak havoc across Newcastle
Madeline Link
No comments
One of the soccer fields at Smith Park is expected to be unplayable for the rest of the season after a car drove on it. Pictures supplied
Female driver cut from vehicle following Lake Macquarie car crash
Josh Leeson
No comments
The two passengers were treated for minor injuries. Picture file
Newcastle Herald
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National

Software glitch blamed for crippling Telstra outage

Telstra has blamed a software issue for a major outage that caused nationwide disruptions. Photo: George Chan/AAP PHOTOS
Farid Farid and Samantha Lock

Subs funding unveiled as Labor keeps lid on debate

Andrew Brown • 2hrs ago
The AUKUS submarine project will a topic of discussion behind the scenes at the ALP convention. Photo: Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS

Higher rates and pricey petrol as economic outlook dims

Jacob Shteyman • 2hrs ago
With oil prices on the rise, petrol prices above $2 a litre could become entrenched. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS

'Millionaires' factory' boss to leave with vast fortune

Derek Rose
Shemara Wikramanayake will depart Macquarie Group with a lucrative company shareholding. Photo: Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS

Clock ticking for Brisbane 2032 Games on milestone day

Andrew Stafford, Robyn Wuth and Laine Clark
Australian Olympian Emma McKeon unveiled a countdown clock for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS

Sport

Spring comp arrives and final call for Junior Squash Championships

Sat coaching clinic - A great time was had by everyone on the day.
Adrian Barwick
No comments
Analysis

Prichard: these teams need finals miracles. They might be dreaming

Greg Prichard
The Raiders and Broncos are fighting to keep their seasons alive. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, AAP

Last-gasp try secures dramatic draw for Tigers against Singleton

Michael Hartshorn
No comments
Aberdeen's Billy Mitchell scored a double, including the try to equalise the score with three minutes left on the clock. Picture by Kristal Foot

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Property

Ask Property: I know it isn't the best time to sell but we have to. How do we get a decent price?
Focus on presentation, strong marketing and working with an agent with a proven track record of building buyer confidence. Pic: Shutterstock
Nina Hendy
No comments
'Stretched to their limits': what landlords and tenants need to know as rental market tightens
Nina Hendy
No comments
Nationally, the median rent for a dwelling has surged 40.6 per cent over the past five years. Pic: Shutterstock
'Sitting on their hands'. Is it time to buy when others aren't?
Nina Hendy
No comments
Latest research involving more than 500 legal, financial, banking and property professionals found 78 per cent expect property values to decline. Pic: Shutterstock

Ask Property: We worked hard but our children think we had it easy, what do we do?

You have absolutely nothing to apologise for, so instead of defending your position, you could try meeting their comments with gratitude. Pic: Shutterstock
Nina Hendy
No comments

Heritage-listed coastal mansion with a 'rather notorious history' for sale

Brendan Crabb
No comments
'Interbane House' at Stanwell Park is on the market. Pictures: Supplied

How first-time homebuyers can save $8,500 in taxes

Derek Rose
The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets buyers utilise their super account's favourable tax status. Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS
Scone mother of four launches debut children's book about welcoming twins
'Peek-a-Boo, Here Comes Two'. written by Chantel Volker and illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Picture Fields of Clover Photography
Louise Nichols
No comments
From vines to generations: Bendeich family to celebrate 170 years of Hunter history
Newsroom
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Bendeich family tug-of-war at the 1987 family reunion. Picture supplied
Scone Museum's historic jail cell transformed by multi-sensory 'Time Portal'
Newsroom
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Scone Museum's historic jail cell transformed by multi-sensory 'Time Portal'

Sponsored

Samsung's relentless pursuit to enhance the foldable smartphone experience

Branded Content
The foldable form continues with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Samsung Flip8. Picture supplied
Susannah Hardy
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Branded Content

Five ways Samsung can support your health and overall wellbeing

Susannah Hardy
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Samsung Galaxy Watch9 will support your health and overall wellbeing. Picture supplied
Branded Content

Five new Samsung products you will want to immediately rush out and buy

Susannah Hardy
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Introducing the incredible Samsung Galaxy Z8 series, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy X Fold8 and Galaxy Flip8 Z Fold8. Picture supplied

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Community

From Merriwa to the Civic Theatre: Lula Peebles celebrates seven years with ASPIRE

Year 11 student Lula Peebles from St Joseph's Catholic College at Aberdeen who will be performing in this year's ASPIRE production of "Scrambled". Picture Peter Stoop
Louise Nichols
No comments

How a complete stranger catapulted this teacher into the national spotlight

Julie Dunbabin has no idea who selected her for a prestigious award.
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
2026 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year Julie Dunbabin is on a mission to feed Australia's school kids. Picture by Adam Trafford, inset by Salty Dingo

Scone mother of four launches debut children's book about welcoming twins

Louise Nichols
No comments
'Peek-a-Boo, Here Comes Two'. written by Chantel Volker and illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Picture Fields of Clover Photography

Photos and Video

What you eat is potentially ruining your sleep - here's how to fix it
When you eat well, your sleep improves. Picture Shutterstock
Dr Jemma King • 2m ago
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How Australian Crawl snuck a raunchy classic past the censors
Jeff Apter • 2m ago
No comments
The band in 1980, the same year The Boys Light Up was released. Picture by Graeme Webber
Opinion
Another barking mad performance posing a million-dollar question for Joyce's voters
Jenna Price • 2m ago
No comments
Barnaby Joyce yelled at his dog, left, and Pauline Hanson made some poor comments about domestic violence. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, screenshot

Comment

Another barking mad performance posing a million-dollar question for Joyce's voters

Opinion
Barnaby Joyce yelled at his dog, left, and Pauline Hanson made some poor comments about domestic violence. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, screenshot
Jenna Price • 2m ago
No comments
Opinion

I'm sorry but no apology gets Telstra off the hook

Garry Linnell • 32m ago
No comments
I'm sorry but no apology gets Telstra off the hook
Opinion

In a world where everything seems busted, here's the surprising truth about our economy

Adam Triggs
No comments
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Shutterstock
We take fewer sick days, which is quite unhealthy
Opinion
We take fewer sick days, which is quite unhealthy
John Hanscombe
No comments
Opinion
Barking mad, Barnaby dogged in the limelight
John Hanscombe
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Barking mad, Barnaby dogged in the limelight
Opinion
Why office workers should wake up to the power nap
Steve Evans
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A worktime nap can work wonders. Picture Shutterstock
Opinion
Getting our fair share from gas giants could fix huge problems for Australia and the PM
Crispin Hull
No comments
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Pictures by Anna Warr, Shutterstock

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Postcards from the edge: Australia's ultimate remote off-grid escapes

A visitor in the outdoor hot tub at Kittawa Lodge on King Island. Picture supplied
Anna Houlahan
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Opinion

Polar plunges and shark swims: why travel makes even cautious people daredevils

Mal Chenu
No comments
Abseiling down a waterfall needs courage, which travel gives. Picture by Getty Images
Opinion

The world is going crazy for Japan and Japanese food - but I beg to differ

Mark Dapin
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Some Japanese dishes look closer to ornament than aliment, the writer argues. Picture by Unsplash
The travel hack that makes your cruise holiday even better value
Scenic's tour extension in Italy visits Bologna.
Louise Goldsbury
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The top 10 island hotspots have been named - and Fiji didn't even make the top 5
Sarah Falson
No comments
Vanuatu boasts a mix of adventure and laid-back island living. Picture by David Kirkland
Forget hygge, this little-known Malaysian secret could be the key to happiness
Amy Cooper
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Tanjong Jara's creamy beach.

Bad behaviour in Churchill can land you in a cell - if you're a bear

Mark Daffey
No comments
Picture by Mark Daffey

Fab four: your ultimate guide to the world's greatest flea markets

Natascha Mirosch
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Chatuchak Market, Bangkok. Picture by Getty Images
The Senior
'It's absurd': The patchwork of e-bike rules are failing Australians
Most states and territories allow powered ebikes and scooters to zip along footpaths, which poses a risk, according to Harold Scruby. Picture by Adam McLean, inset supplied
Data shows injuries rising, as another state commits to review.
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
Biggest super funds hold billions in gambling stocks
Duncan Murray
Superannuation funds are investing billions of dollars of retirement savings in gambling companies. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS
How a complete stranger catapulted this teacher into the national spotlight
Julie Dunbabin has no idea who selected her for a prestigious award.
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
2026 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year Julie Dunbabin is on a mission to feed Australia's school kids. Picture by Adam Trafford, inset by Salty Dingo

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The Land
Amos-Vale Herefords proves commercial relevance as repeat buyers and new faces bid up
Top-priced Amos Vale Medcalfe V116 with auctioneer Shad Bailey, Colin Say and Co, Amos-Vale Herefords stud principal Mark Campion and buyer Denise Hartwig, Glandore, Camboon, Qld, with her daughter and grandson Nicole and Andrew Coombes. Picture by Jamie Brown.
Jamie Brown
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Updated
'Pink zone' fight bolstered as farmers vote on state's energy future
Eliza Spencer
Kerrie and Keith Rowe, West Wyalong, in front of of wattle trees incorrectly captured under the Malee Broombrush protected ecological community 'pink' map. Picture supplied.
Farmer members reinvited to EnergyCo roundtable after 'miscommunication'
Dakota Tait
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Carnie and Daniel Kermode, Orandumbie, Walcha, and Ben Still, Yarramie, Mount View, at the 2026 NSW Farmers conference. Picture by Jessica Owers.

City vs country: proposed flood mitigation plan splits communities

Jamie Brown
No comments
Houses are being torn down in Lismore to remove flood risk, while an ambitious plan to reduce inundation brought opposition to it this week. Pictures by Jamie Brown and supplied.

Repeat buyers chase carcase traits at Glenwarrah, Brooskby annual bull sale

Lara Webster
No comments
Top priced buyers Jeff and Kim Liddle with auctioneers Tom Piddington and (front) Harry Phillips and Glenwarrah co-principal David Collins. Picture by Lara Webster.

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Postcards from the edge: Australia's ultimate remote off-grid escapes

A visitor in the outdoor hot tub at Kittawa Lodge on King Island. Picture supplied
Anna Houlahan
No comments

The big question: how can I stay warm in winter without breaking the bank?

No comments
With a smart-home system, the air-conditioner automatically adjusts to temperature and humidity, and whether people are in the room. Picture supplied

New portrait issued as Prince George becomes a teen

Prince George is hitting his teenage years in grand style. Photo: AP PHOTO

World

UK PM Burnham assures Albanese of Rabbitohs support
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Australian counterpart reportedly talked about Rugby League. Photo: AP PHOTO
16m ago
Suspect detained after fatal stabbing at German bank
54m ago
Heavily ​armed police units were deployed following a knife attack in Regensburg. Photo: AP PHOTO
Ousted Ukraine defence chief digs in against Zelenskiy
1hr ago
Ukrainian forces have been defending their country since a Russian invasion in 2022. Photo: EPA PHOTO