A man has been charged, following an alleged armed robbery at a Mayfield petrol station early Wednesday morning. Police allege a 30-year-old man threatened an employee with a knife and left the store, before returning for a second time. He fled the scene empty handed, but was arrested a short time later in a nearby street. (NO AUDIO)

It’s meant to be the most enjoyable time of the year, but for those struggling to put presents under the tree or food on the table – Christmas can be anything but. On Wednesday, the Salvation Army launched its annual Wishing Tree Appeal, hoping to help more Hunter families than ever before.

Investigations are underway into a fire at a Lochinvar church. Emergency services were called to a chapel on the New England Highway early yesterday morning and later established a crime scene. It’s understood there is significant internal damage and police are treating the incident as suspicious. (NO AUDIO)

Not everyone would say they’d be happy to jump out of an aeroplane, but on Saturday, these mums managed to fight their fear for an important cause. Newcastle radio host Melanie Sargeant and Psychologist Dr Rickie Elliot took the jump to raise money for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. The two made the leap of faith to show support for new parents – urging mums and dads to make the leap and speak up if they’re struggling. (NO AUDIO)

It can often be a misunderstood condition, and for those diagnosed with Austism Spectrum Disorder, finding a therapy that helps can be life-changing. With more and more children being diagnosed, a local program is taking a different approach, and it’s something more families are getting involved in.

A major drug bust has been made at Broadmeadow, with officers seizing more than 20 kilograms of cannabis on Friday. A quantity of steroids, ketamine and hydroponic equipment was also found. A crime scene has been established. No one has been charged.

It’s a sad day for movie lovers, after Event Cinemas officially announced Newcastle’s iconic Tower Cinema will show its last film early next month. After decades of movie memories, for many it’s a figure lost in the world of arthouse cinema.

It’s been described as the way of the future for transport, and now Newcastle could have driverless vehicles on the roads sooner than expected. As part of Newcastle Council’s Smart Cities Program, it’s seeking proposals from qualified operators to start trials early next year. The shuttles would carry around 12 people at a time.  

A helping hand has been extended to those left without a job, after Endeavour Industries closed its commercial laundry at Cessnock. Maitland Independent Disability Support is looking to take on Endeavour’s workers and program participants. “You know, the transition for these guys is hard enough, so keep them together. So if we could have the staff with the participants,keep them all together would be fantastic.” – Lorraine Martin, Managing Director Maitland Independent Disability Support. Dozens of jobs couldn’t be saved after Endeavour went into voluntary administration. (AUDIO IN PARTS)

Hunter cattle farmers have faced plenty of hardship during the drought, but on Thursday it was clear their plight hasn’t been forgotten. Industry experts from across the country gathered at Singleton, to discuss ways to survive the harshest of conditions.