A public inquiry has resumed in Sydney, as the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigates a series of proposals to sell land, owned by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council. According to the Operation Skyline witness list, Awabakal’s former deputy chair Richard Green will take the stand for the next three days. The inquiry will examine whether any Awabakal board director acted dishonestly or breached their duties in relation to the sale and development of properties owned by the land council, between 2014 and 2016.    

2017 saw one of the worst flu seasons on record, with more than 650 flu-related deaths statewide. Now, as this year’s peak approaches, health experts are urging people to get the flu shot so it can be fully effective.  

It’s been revealed the state government sold off 282 public housing homes last year to private owners… despite an ever-increasing waiting list. There are now calls for social housing to be a funding priority in the Hunter, to ease financial stress in the sky-rocketing rental market.  

Residents inside the Port Stephens red zone are outraged – labelling a new report into PFAS exposure as ‘rubbish’. An independent health panel, established by the federal government, has found no evidence of an increased cancer risk… but locals claim Canberra is trying to avoid liability.  

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding a bike for the first time. But while some children with a disability can be forced to miss out – today one Hunter boy’s two-wheeled dreams came true.  

Alinta Energy has formally offered AGL $250-million for the ageing Liddell power station.   AGL today confirmed it has received a non-binding and highly conditional cash offer from Alinta and its Hong Kong-based owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, for the Hunter facility, its associated assets and site. It’s “assessing the proposal” – but is giving no assurances a sale will result. AGL says it has not sought to offload Liddell, which it needs to provide energy to its customers until 2022.  

Newcastle Council wants the Queens Wharf tower to go – and it seems no one else wants it either. There’s been no formal expressions of interest for buying it, despite initial inquiries from a group in Western Australia. The council’s now in the process of organising tender documents for the structure’s demolition and removal, with a contract to be awarded in July. The tower would have cost about $1.6-million over the next four years to maintain. Council hopes it will be dismantled by August.

Security is being stepped up in Newcastle for Anzac Day ceremonies and marches, in response to terrorist attacks at large-scale events overseas. Barriers will be used to stop the possibility of cars and trucks being used as weapons.  

Nervous residents watched on in the inner Newcastle suburb of The Hill this afternoon, as smoke billowed from a nearby home. 20 firefighters were quickly on scene to contain the fire – the four occupants escaped uninjured. It’s believed the blaze started on the back verandah… the house suffered extensive smoke damage.

The Whitebridge and Dudley community is reeling, after vandals targeted the old Burwood Colliery Bowling Club. The local action group says it’s yet another reason why it should be made caretaker of the coastal site, while its future’s in limbo.