NSW State Election 2015: The train that divides Newcastle and other top stories

NSW State Election 2015: The train that divides Newcastle

The first time Joan Dawson saw a train she was seven years old. It was a steam train she says, "it trundled on from Dungog to Newcastle." Four years later she first set foot upon the "Newcastle Flyer," the train that ran between Sydney and Newcastle ... >> view original

The psychology of fanaticism

As an avid Newcastle Knights fan, it's a process that helps her prepare for game day. On the morning of a match she bubbles with energy. She rushes between the bathroom and the TV (where lower grade matches are being aired) as she gets ready, keeping ... >> view original

Rare maritime artefacts go on show

From the outside, the old steelworks building on a quiet, pot holed cul-de-sac in the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield looks a bit worse for wear. If you were walking past, chances are you'd be none the wiser that inside was a vast collection of unique ... >> view original

Combining a passion for trucks and revitalising a nation

For 30-year old University of Newcastle student, Jacob Khumalo, he believes a more 'grassroots' approach is needed. Jacob is from South Africa and is in the NSW city of Newcastle studying a Master of International Business. He's got a (self-confessed) ... >> view original

NSW govt announces grouting fund to boost Newcastle CBD development

The New South Wales Government is putting up $17 million to help solve the ongoing problems of mine subsidence affecting development projects in Newcastle's CBD. The Treasurer Andrew Constance has today unveiled the City Centre Grouting Fund, ... >> view original

NSW parliamentary inquiry to examine Newcastle rail line cabinet documents ...

A parliamentary inquiry will examine confidential cabinet documents which reveal the NSW government rejected advice about a light rail route into Newcastle in favour of one that may cost about $100 million extra and gives more opportunity to property ... >> view original

Newcastle: an electorate weathering the winds of change

The NSW electorate of Newcastle has seen considerable change since the last state election in 2011. Revitalisation of the CBD is continuing, while turbulence at a political level has created some uncertainty among residents. The Newcastle electorate ... >> view original

More to learn after historic natural disasters

... the NSW Hunter Valley was hit by one of the worst floods in Australian history. A total of 14 people were killed, while many homes and businesses were left sodden or destroyed, with Maitland the hardest hit. On 28 December 1989, Newcastle was ... >> view original

Maori culture comes to life on Lake Macquarie

Despite Waitangi Day occurring a week ago, the Maori community in the NSW city of Newcastle is staging belated commemorations this weekend at Bolton Point Park on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Amid singing, dancing and a traditional 'hangi' meal, the ... >> view original

The invention that's got bee keepers buzzing

It may look like any other suburban Newcastle home, but in the backyard of one particular house in the suburb of Waratah, a buzz of excitement fills the air. Along with the incessant drone of hundreds of bees, a family is gathering around a timber box ... >> view original