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The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has recommended a former assistant bishop be defrocked, for failing to report allegations of child sex abuse in the 1980s. Richard Appleby was referred to the diocese for disciplinary action, after giving evidence at the Royal Commission in 2016.

A 36-year-old man has died in a single vehicle crash at Morisset. Around 10:30 this morning emergency services were called to Wyee Road after a vehicle had left the road and collided with trees in bushland. The driver was pulled from the wreckage, and despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died at the scene. Lake Macquarie Police will investigate the crash, and look into whether the man suffered a medical episode. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The nation is still almost completely cloud free which is causing a lot heat to keep building over Central Australia. There is limited cloud cover over Victoria and Cyclone Oma has developed a definitive eye. Tomorrow the weather is now going to be affected by Cyclone Oma. Strong onshore winds will begin to build along with an ever increasing swell. Showers will also start to affect the coast but nothing will make it inland west of the Divide. It will remain extremely hot for northern New South Wales.

The search has continued for two European tourists, Hugo Palmer and Erwan Ferrieux, believed missing from a Port Macquarie beach. Personal belongings of the men were found at Shelley Beach by morning walkers around 6:30 yesterday morning. Their rental car, a silver Commodore station wagon registered in Queensland, was found in the beach’s car park. A search of the vehicle revealed the two 20-year-olds’ travel documents and a number of personal items. Mid North Coast Police, Marine Rescue, the SES and NSW Police Force Marine Area Command were all called in for a water and ground search. Anyone who may have seen the pair at the beach, in surrounding streets or with their hire car is asked to contact police. Hugo Palmer is an English national, described as Caucasian with fair hair, 180cm tall and of an athletic build. Erwan …

Trans-Tasman flights out of the Hunter have ended – for the time being. Newcastle Airport says the tri-weekly seasonal service performed well… now talks are underway to secure more international flights.

The state opposition held its Country Labor launch on the mid north coast on Sunday. Michael Daley’s campaign bus rolled into Nabiac filled with big spending election promises, as the battle continues over hospitals, schools and regional employment.

A 41-year-old man has been bitten by a shark on the North Coast. At around 6:40am today, emergency services were called to Manfred Street, Byron Bay, following reports a man was bitten on the leg by a shark. He was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Both Belongil Beach and Main Beach have been closed for 24 hours. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District are investigating the incident.

A Lake Macquarie barista is pioneering a business model with a difference – adding a dash of love and laughter, to each customers’ daily fix. But it’s his unusual method to lure regulars to his airport cafe, that’s seeing business take off.

A search is underway for a missing 69 year-old man at at Lighthouse Beach on the far north coast. The beach remains closed as police, surf lifesavers and the SES conduct the operation, hampered by rough conditions. More to come. @NSWSES have now joined @nswpolice & @FNCSLS in the search for a 69yo man missing from Lighthouse Beach in Ballina @9NewsSyd @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/LpVHj3i2IY — Georgia Anderson (@GAndersonNews) February 16, 2019

The understrength Newcastle Jets took on Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. The game was a must win for the Jets, who sit just outside the top 6. Jair broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute heading the ball in from a Johnny Koutroumbis cross. Jamie Maclaren squared things up after half time, following a goal-mouth scramble. The Jets ran away with the game late in the second half scoring two quick goals on the break via Joey Champness and Roy O’Donovan.