ABC NewcastleCast

Kia and Laurise are taking action on a decent shop for fresh goods in Newcastle, on a budget. And we ask locals how they're shopping fresh while not blowing the bank balance.

And remember Daisy the goat that went missing last week? She's back!

Bees are life - and an outbreak of a nasty mite could bring disaster to Australia's bee population. We go on the ground to talk with Hunter beekeepers after the varroa mite outbreak in Newcastle

This episode talks about mental ill health and eating disorders. Please listen with care and if this raises anything for you, know Lifeline is there to help on 13 11 14

If you've tried to access mental health support in the Hunter you'll know books are closed and wait times are long.

We asked for your stories and this is what you told us about what you've found as you've tried to access local mental health services. Plus we take a look at some local solutions to keep you and your loved ones mentally well.

It’s the big dream we’d all love - and for one Newcastle local and his Swedish bride they're heading around the world on a boat called 'Merewether'

And Newcastle needs foster carers and one Dad needs you to know that you can do it!

A much loved member of the Branxton community, Daisy the Goat, has been stolen from a local store. And Branxton has swung into action, with a massive social media appeal to get back one of its iconic members of the community.

And Newcastle's latest basketball sensation is taking on the likes of Lauren Jackson as the heads to the USA to hit the court.

With all the technology improvements in our lives, why has the scrutiny of umpiring lifted beyond bearable in our community sports? Referees in one Newcastle sports league are fed up, so the league is taking swift action to bring it under control

And if you're driving past Muswellbrook's Campbells Corner tonight, you'll see a splash of yellow. Find out why 7 year old Brooklyn is making a difference as she faces a skin condition call scleroderma

You're riding peacefully through National Park when you sense you're not alone. This is what happened to Jason Poole, cycling in the Mount Royal National Park in the Upper Hunter, as vicious dogs appeared out of nowhere, keen on bringing him off the bike and who knows what next.

And what rewards do volunteering bring you? For Newcastle's Matt Heseltine, his young life has been changed for the better thanks to 95 year old Bill

Learn how one school in Maitland is learning how to make a possum skin cloak and how one brewery in Dungog is making beer for Ukraine... with just a hint of beetroot.

Mt Arthur coal mine near Muswellbrook is set to shut, with the announcement coming in the middle of an energy crisis. Back in Hamilton, we take a trip to check out the Orange Sky laundry van.

How did Park Run change Alex and Courtney's lives forever? And is hiring designer dresses for special events the new big thing round Newcastle?