The union and operator have been at loggerheads for months over pay and conditions. 

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Also - it looks as though a blanket 24-hour strike will hit the Newcastle bus network from tomorrow. 

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Also - a Natural Disaster Declaration has been made for Lake Macquarie following the Redhead inferno. 

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Also - new health stats show less than two thirds of patients heading to Hunter emergency departments are being treated on time. 

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Also today - Aussie businessmen Dick Smith makes a $1M donation to NSW Police Legacy. 

Image - Lake Macquarie Council 

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There's fears the number of properties destroyed across NSW could rise as the damage is assessed.

Image - Fire and Rescue NSW 

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And, the Stockton Ferry service looks to be back up and running.

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Plus - a severe heatwave alert's been issue for the Hunter

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Plus - police end up charging 155 people during the Rising Tide protest event

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Plus - direct flights start today from Newcastle to Hobart

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