ABC Upper Hunter

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Tragic connection brings British and Irish Lions to Maitland gravesite

The tragic story of the Lions' first-ever captain has a surprising link to the Maitland Rugby Club in New South Wales, which has preserved his legacy for 137 years.

Published: SunSun 6 Jul 2025 at 7:06amSource: ABC NewcastleTopic: Rugby Unionby Courtney Yeandle

How Paddy brings his garden passion home

Over decades, Paddy Lightfoot has transformed his New Lambton Heights backyard into a garden of (almost) native plants – apart from a special camellia.

Paddy Lightfoot in his New Lambton Heights garden. Picture - ABC. Scott Bevan

Duration: 12 minutes 37 seconds

Published: SatSat 5 Jul 2025 at 2:20amSource: ListenTopic: Gardeningwith Scott Bevan

Troubled coal mine enters administration after defaulting on $174m loan

The troubled Dartbrook coal mine has plunged into receivership and administration just months after it reopened following years of disuse.

Published: FriFri 4 Jul 2025 at 9:23amSource: ABC NewcastleTopic: Coalby Alex Turner-Cohen

Government doubles down on hydrogen hub amid uncertainty

The federal government has committed more than $430 million to help bring large-scale hydrogen production to the New South Wales Hunter region.

A middle-aged man gestures as he speaks near an industrial site.

Published: FriFri 4 Jul 2025 at 8:53amSource: ABC NewcastleTopic: Alternative Energyby Keely Johnson and Ben Clifford

Business left waiting as flood-affected farmers get $75,000 grants

The high-level funding comes after communities in Kempsey and Taree called on the state and federal governments to provide more support in the wake of May's record floods.

Men sit next to sign reading Flooded and Forgotten

Published: FriFri 4 Jul 2025 at 1:38amSource: ABC Coffs CoastTopic: Disaster Reliefby Claire Simmonds

Hunter Valley bus crash driver to fight 32-year sentence

Brett Andrew Button will argue in court his jail term for a crash that killed 10 people was "manifestly excessive" and the sentencing judge "erred" on two findings.

Brett Button wearing a suit and tie and glasses walks in to court.

Published: ThuThu 3 Jul 2025 at 3:45amSource: ABC NewcastleTopic: Courtsby Bridget Murphy

These Merriwa residents say caring responsibilities are 'so much harder' in rural areas

Being caught in the "Care Squeeze" of caring for aging parents and children is a challenge for anyone, but in a small country town with limited services, some say it’s near impossible.

Taken at sunset, the image shows the main CBD of Merriwa, a small country town. There is a pub and orange autumn trees

Duration: 6 minutes 2 seconds

Published: 1 Jul 2025Tue 1 Jul 2025 at 7:45amSource: ListenTopic: Carersby Courtney Yeandle

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ABC Upper Hunter Local News

Local news, updated weekdays at 6:30am.

Duration: 4 minutes 59 seconds

Source: Listen

How Paddy brings his garden passion home

Over decades, Paddy Lightfoot has transformed his New Lambton Heights backyard into a garden of (almost) native plants – apart from a special camellia.

Duration: 12 minutes 37 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Gardeningwith Scott Bevan

These Merriwa residents say caring responsibilities are 'so much harder' in rural areas

Being caught in the "Care Squeeze" of caring for aging parents and children is a challenge for anyone, but in a small country town with limited services, some say it’s near impossible.

Duration: 6 minutes 2 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Carersby Courtney Yeandle

How are the 2025 NRLW Knights shaping up?

New faces, a new captain, and a brand new season. Coach Ben Jeffries shares who he's looking to for the Knights opening game against the Bulldogs.

a woman's football team assemble for a group photo

Duration: 14 minutes 26 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: NRL Women’s Premiershipwith Bridget Murphy

ABC Radio UPPER HUNTER

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Watch

Rough seas off Bar Beach in Newcastle

A low pressure system has brought big surf and strong winds to Newcastle's beaches.

Duration: 24 seconds

Source: ABC News

Prime Minister details suite of flood relief payments

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that disaster recovery payments will be activated in 9 local government areas, alongside existing grants.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking in front of SES signage.

Duration: 2 minutes 39 seconds

Source: ABC News

Horse studs across northern NSW inundated with flood water

Horse owners are trying to count the costs of flooding after horse studs were inundated across the NSW Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.

Duration: 1 minute 29 seconds

Source: ABC News

NSW Premier Chris Minns promises investigation into women’s flood death

Chris Minns has been questioned about interactions a woman from Dorrigo had with police before she drove through floodwaters and died.

Premier Chris Minns with a crowd of authorities behind him

Duration: 55 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

Family proves profitable farming and healthy ecosystems can go hand in hand

The Andrews family wants to revolutionise Australian farming by proving you can run a profitable farm and regenerate the natural environment.

Four people stand with a white guardian dog in front of them, surrounded by chickens, in front of a chicken "tractor".

Source: LandlineTopic: Agricultureby Jennifer Nichols

The coal 'dependent' region that could decide Australia's energy future

Nuclear, offshore wind, hydrogen and gas projects have all been slated for the NSW Hunter region but some may be scrapped depending on who wins the federal election.

A man leaning against large ropes on a tugboat

Duration: 3 minutes 5 seconds

Source: StatelineTopic: Energy Policyby Romy Stephens

Rum makers take over historic milk factory as Aussie spirits go global

Rum distillers are taking over a 1940s milk factory in the Hunter Valley, as the industry looks to go large in the international market.

A brown spirit being poured over ice in a glass tumbler.

Source: ABC Upper HunterTopic: Alcoholic Drinksby Amelia Bernasconi and Courtney Yeandle

Farmers demand answers from silent Korean mining company

Kepco bought up large swathes of the New South Wales Bylong Valley with plans to build a coal mine. The mine was knocked back years ago, but the company still isn't saying what comes next.

Two farmers, a woman and a man, stand together in front of a farm buggy

Duration: 3 minutes 28 seconds

Source: StatelineTopic: Coalby Bridget Murphy

What's happening

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

This election, the ABC is asking you to be part of the conversation.

Text reads: Your Say. Tell us what's on your mind this election. Have your say here.

Published: 27 Feb 2025Thu 27 Feb 2025 at 3:05amSource: Radio

The Care Squeeze

On Monday 30 June, ABC Local Radio will shine a spotlight on the pressures and realities for Australians caring for ageing parents, while raising kids. Tune in on your radio or the ABC listen app.

Published: 19 Jun 2025Thu 19 Jun 2025 at 4:17amSource: Radio

Know your ABCs in an emergency

This summer know your ABCs; action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: 9 Dec 2024Mon 9 Dec 2024 at 5:23amSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

Download our free ABC listen app

The ABC listen app connects you to the best podcasts and live radio from the presenters you know and love. Download it today and hear the world differently.

Published: 27 Aug 2024Tue 27 Aug 2024 at 4:23amSource: ABC BRISBANE

NSW Sport

Luai and Cleary face chance to cement Origin legacy in decider

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary have won four premierships together at club teammates. Yet, Wednesday's Origin decider presents the duo a chance to accomplish something they haven't done.

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai warm up together at Blues training

Source: ABC NewsTopic: State of Origin

How Molly Picklum is using fear as her friend

You only had to see Molly Picklum's emotional celebration in Brazil to know her most recent WSL title hit her differently. The 22-year-old broke a title drought and took the number one ranking in the process.

Duration: 14 minutes 54 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

Slater backs Maroons squad to lift for 'inspirational' Munster in decider

Billy Slater says Queensland must lift for Cameron Munster as the captain prepares to play in the State of Origin decider days after his father's death.

Billy Slater looks on during a Queensland training session

Source: ABC NewsTopic: State of Origin

To'o and Haas both cleared to line up for Blues in Origin decider

NSW will go into State of Origin III unchanged, after Brian To'o got through a crucial training session unscathed at Sydney's Olympic stadium.

Brian To'o celebrates a try for NSW in State of Origin I.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: State of Origin

NSW News

'Proud and deadly' Wiradjuri 13yo takes on nan's ceremony legacy

Jurrah Penrith follows in the footsteps of his elders, delivering Acknowledgements of Country in language on Wiradjuri country "so Aboriginal people can be heard".

a boy in a black t shirt and an older woman smiling at each other

Source: ABC RiverinaTopic: Indigenous Cultureby Jess Scully

Water damage to keep NSW's busiest courthouse shut 'until at least late 2025'

Sydney's Downing Centre on Castlereagh Street will likely remain closed "until at least late 2025" after a burst water main flooded critical electrical and mechanical infrastructure last month.

Water flows on the street outside a courthouse, with a white truck and fire truck and emergency services on scene.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Courtsby Jamie McKinnell

Luai and Cleary face chance to cement Origin legacy in decider

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary have won four premierships together at club teammates. Yet, Wednesday's Origin decider presents the duo a chance to accomplish something they haven't done.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: State of Origin

Head-on collision on Harbour Bridge causes traffic chaos

Aerial view shows traffic delays in Sydney after a head-on collision on the Harbour Bridge.

Authorities attending to a head-on car crash.

Duration: 32 seconds

Source: ABC News

National News

Son overcomes obstacles to fulfil father's lifelong sea burial wish

Travis Hamilton says organising a rare sea burial for his father Alan was challenging, but it ultimately led to a "joyous" farewell.

A body wrapped in a natural shroud on the back of a boat.

Published: 13m agoWed 9 Jul 2025 at 1:22amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Death and Dyingby Lucie Cutting

Why you shouldn't 'set and forget' the contraceptive pill

Stephanie was told to immediately stop the pill after a decade of taking a "set and forget" approach to the medication

A woman standing at the top of a cliff with the ocean behind her

Published: 28m agoWed 9 Jul 2025 at 1:07amSource: ABC LifestyleTopic: Womenby Amy Sheehan

Dash cams 'protect more than harm' drivers, despite self-incrimination fears

While many Australians support mandatory dash cams, most drivers do not have one, but users and legal experts say the benefits far outweigh the risks.

A man sits in a car and examines the back of a tube-like dashboard camera while holding it with both hands

Published: 29m agoWed 9 Jul 2025 at 1:07amSource: ABC Radio PerthTopic: Technologyby Joshua Wong

Police divers search popular NT swimming hole for missing man

Police divers are searching a popular Northern Territory swimming hole for a missing man, who was last seen at the waterfalls yesterday.

A pool of water surrounded by rocks, with a waterfall in the background.

Published: 40m agoWed 9 Jul 2025 at 12:55amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Missing Personby James Elton

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ABC Upper Hunter

Tragic connection brings British and Irish Lions to Maitland gravesite

How Paddy brings his garden passion home

Troubled coal mine enters administration after defaulting on $174m loan

Government doubles down on hydrogen hub amid uncertainty

Business left waiting as flood-affected farmers get $75,000 grants

Hunter Valley bus crash driver to fight 32-year sentence

These Merriwa residents say caring responsibilities are 'so much harder' in rural areas

ABC Upper Hunter Local News

How Paddy brings his garden passion home

These Merriwa residents say caring responsibilities are 'so much harder' in rural areas

How are the 2025 NRLW Knights shaping up?

ABC Radio UPPER HUNTER

Live. Conversations

Connect with ABC Upper Hunter

Rough seas off Bar Beach in Newcastle

Prime Minister details suite of flood relief payments

Horse studs across northern NSW inundated with flood water

NSW Premier Chris Minns promises investigation into women’s flood death

Family proves profitable farming and healthy ecosystems can go hand in hand

The coal 'dependent' region that could decide Australia's energy future

Rum makers take over historic milk factory as Aussie spirits go global

Farmers demand answers from silent Korean mining company

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

The Care Squeeze

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Download our free ABC listen app

Luai and Cleary face chance to cement Origin legacy in decider

How Molly Picklum is using fear as her friend

Slater backs Maroons squad to lift for 'inspirational' Munster in decider

To'o and Haas both cleared to line up for Blues in Origin decider

'Proud and deadly' Wiradjuri 13yo takes on nan's ceremony legacy

Water damage to keep NSW's busiest courthouse shut 'until at least late 2025'

Luai and Cleary face chance to cement Origin legacy in decider

Head-on collision on Harbour Bridge causes traffic chaos

Son overcomes obstacles to fulfil father's lifelong sea burial wish

Why you shouldn't 'set and forget' the contraceptive pill

Dash cams 'protect more than harm' drivers, despite self-incrimination fears

Police divers search popular NT swimming hole for missing man

Other ways to listen

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