Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick has confirmed Venezuelan import Ronald Vargas will take part in the round one clash with the Mariners in 10 days time. Merrick says it’s vital his club makes a strong impression first up.

Watch the replay of the live stream of the Dawn Service by NBNNEWS here:   Watch the live stream of the event live stream by NBNNEWS from 5am.

Tensions over Newcastle’s Supercars race have boiled over again, with race headquarters vandalised in the CBD overnight. Slogans such as “NO V8’S” was spray-painted on windows, stars and the footpath, at the entrance to the United Service Club on Watt Street. RELATED: RESIDENTS AND FANS FIRED UP OVER NEWCASTLE V8 RACE The vandalism has been reported to police, but no one has been charged. It’s the latest in a string of incidents surrounding the November event. Click here to read an official statement from the Newcastle East Residents Group. Click here to read an official statement from the United Services Club.

A woman is being treated for head and spinal injuries, after rolling her four-wheel drive near Raymond Terrace this morning. The 58-year-old lost control of the vehicle on Hinton Road at Nelsons Plains at around eight o’clock. It flipped several times before coming to rest on its roof, in a nearby paddock. The woman was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to John Hunter Hospital, in a stable condition. Hinton Road was closed for a short time. (VISION ONLY)

A man faced court on the mid north coast today, accused of leading police on two pursuits in a stolen taxi. The 32-year-old allegedly caught the cab from Newcastle’s Marketown shopping centre, to the John Hunter Hospital. He’s accused of then jumping into the driver’s seat and taking off. Police initiated a short pursuit at Twelve Mile Creek… then again from Bulahdelah to Wang Wauk… before he allegedly fled. The 32-year-old has been charged with driving while disqualified, police pursuit and dangerous driving. (VISION ONLY)

A young family could do little but watch on as part of their home went up in flames early this morning. It’s believed the blaze broke out in the garage of the West Wallsend property just after five-thirty, forcing those inside to flee. The garage, including the family’s car, was destroyed in the fire. Flames also spread to the roof causing extensive damage…but firefighters were able to stop it from taking hold. No one was injured – the cause is still being investigated. (VISION ONLY)

Good luck topping this birthday gift. A Redhead woman, who treated herself to a lottery ticket on her special day, has walked away with $100,000. The winning ticket was bought from the Redhead News and Post – it’s the second biggest win for the store. As for the lucky winner – she’s yet to decide what to do with the windfall.

Urgent work is underway to fix Newcastle’s Empire Park skate bowl, ahead of the upcoming Australian Championships. On Saturday night, vandals set fire to a garbage bin in the middle of the bowl, damaging the surface. Newcastle Council has appointed a contractor to fast-track repairs in time for the event, which begins in 11 days. (VISION ONLY)

A man was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation after his mobile home erupted into flames at Hamilton today. The fire broke out at around 1:30 this afternoon, on Percy Street. “Mate it was nearly up to the top of the wires up here, and the wind was blowing this way too and it was blowing pretty close to the house too so yeah,” said neighbour Ray McKelligott. It’s understood the man, aged in his 60s, only re-registered the vehicle this morning. An electrical fault is believed to have sparked the fire. (AUDIO IN PARTS)

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in relation to a fire in the Hunter Valley town of Kurri Kurri, which tore through more than 30 hectares of bushland today. It’s the fourth blaze in the area in recent weeks, sparking talk of arson.