Newcastle trainer Darren Smith banned for 15 years by Racing NSW for doping ... and other top stories

Newcastle trainer Darren Smith banned for 15 years by Racing NSW for doping ...

Newcastle horse trainer Darren Smith has lodged an appeal against a 15-year disqualification for cobalt-related offences which would effectively end his career. At Friday's penalty hearing, Smith's lawyer Paul O'Sullivan said the trainer could not have ... >> view original

Meet Charlestown's 2015 State Election Candidates

The electorate is the on the border between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Councils and covers the suburbs of Adamstown, Charlestown, Kahibah, Kotara, Garden Suburb, Gateshead, Warners Bay, Eleebana, Tingara Heights, Windale, Dudley and ... >> view original

On the rise: the Charlestown electorate

The Newcastle Inner City Bypass stretches from Sandgate in the north to Bennetts Green in the south. The road is a major thoroughfare in the Charlestown electorate. ... In the 2015 NSW election, seven candidates have nominated to contest the seat ... >> view original

Final segments of cliff-top Memorial Walk installed

It's been years in the making, but the finishing line is well and truly in sight for the people tasked with constructing the Anzac Memorial Walk linking Newcastle's Strezlecki Lookout to Bar Beach. Under the cover of darkness on Monday night, heavy ... >> view original

The doctor, the conductor, the musical educator

It's a long road, and one that requires steadfast commitment. It's probably fair to say that once a doctor, few would throw it all in to go back to university and study something completely different. But Newcastle orchestra conductor David Banney did ... >> view original

NSW state election 2015: Baird tries to win back trust in Hunter, Central Coast

The Premier promised $18 million to complete an upgrade of the neonatal intensive care unit at John Hunter Hospital at a campaign stop in Newcastle on Thursday morning. The Premier also revealed a re-elected government would allocate $25 million to ... >> view original

Will it be the end of the line for Newcastle's train, or for Baird?

If you're looking for key battles to watch in the New South Wales election, which could help decide who forms the next state government, then you need to know the story of the Newcastle railway line. >> view original

Using art to overcome mental illness

If you've walked into the Newcastle Community Arts Centre lately, you were probably met with an explosion of colour. The artworks lining the walls of this gallery are varied and unique. Some are paintings; some are sculptures; some are photographs. >> view original

Publishing industry turning over a new page through technology

With the rise of e-books, there's increased competition in the printing market, which means virtually anyone can become a published author. It's one of the topics that'll be covered at the Newcastle Writers Festival this weekend, when authors Greg ... >> view original

Meet Maitland's 2015 State Election Candidates

Maitland is a safe Liberal seat with a margin of 4.9% but election analysts are calling it a key seat. Current member Robin Parker is retiring at the 2015 State Election, creating a tight contest between the four candidates. Steve Thomson (Liberal ... >> view original