Most of us love pizza, but one Newcastle man is so passionate about the Italian dish, he’s taking his own version to an international challenge. Mark Burrell has a created a pizza so unique, he’s hoping it’ll earn him a world title.

As the state election looms, it seems there’s rare unity on what’s been a divisive issue in Port Stephens. The future of the historic Tomaree Lodge site has been debated for years, now there’s agreement from both sides of politics.

It seems there’s an app for everything these days, but one launched in Newcastle is set to fill a real need for people battling cancer. The Calvary Mater Hospital today unveiled CANscierge, which has been designed by patients, carers and staff. The app, funded by the hospital’s auxiliary, will give patients the information they need in one spot. (VISION ONLY)

A unique Maitland business is giving people with disabilities better access to its services, as well as employment opportunities. Hair salon Shear Abilities is fully accessible, with ramps and hoists as well as other features to cater for individual needs. Today it hosted a celebration for International Day of People with a Disability, encouraging other businesses to be more inclusive. It also provides work experience and Joblife Hunter is looking for more employers to do the same. (AUDIO IN PARTS)

A Newcastle support service is spearheading a new campaign to end violence against women and children, saying it’s a national crisis. 68 women and 15 children have been killed in Australia this year, and Nova services is calling on the Hunter community to join its protest.

The Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club prides itself on being about much more than beach safety, and now it’s been rewarded for its community focus. It’s been named the New South Wales Good Sports Club of the Year, for its efforts to prevent alcohol and drug-related harm.

As a cancer researcher, Dr Matt Dun has dedicated himself to unlocking the mysteries of some of the most aggressive forms of the disease. But in a terrible twist, his own daughter was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain tumour earlier this year, now he’s on a very personal mission to find answers. The medical and wider community is supporting the cause, with a major fundraiser planned for this weekend. To buy tickets to Dancing for Josie click here or, if you can’t make the event but want to support Matt’s work visit their Go Fund Me page

It promises to give people choice and control over their futures, but as the National Disability Insurance Scheme rollout continues, so too do stories of frustration and disappointment. While life-changing for many participants, there are growing concerns over the planning process and lengthy delays in communicating with decision-makers. In this NBN News feature, we highlight the struggles of one Newcastle family, as it fights for its son. Full Statement – NDIA spokesperson More than 200,000 Australians are now benefitting from the NDIS. Over 60,000 people are receiving supports for the very first time, including 16,802 people in the Hunter New England region. Reflective of an insurance approach, plan funds will change as individual needs change, goals are achieved or new objectives are set. There is no direction to reduce individual plan costs. Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure participants have …

The outpouring of love and generosity for our farmers continues, with the fundraising tally from the Tamworth Hay Mate concert climbing to $2.5 million. Singer Jon Stevens wants to take that figure even higher, today staging an impromptu concert in Newcastle to launch the video clip for his new single – with all profits going to the cause.

A critical lack of specialist education services for children on the autism spectrum is driving plans for a first-of-a-kind high school in the Hunter. Aspect is adding facilities to its existing Thornton site to cater for older students.