Gen Z News; June 16

It's been a rough 6 weeks for the Newcastle Knights as we head into round 15 we talk with the Herald's Barry Toohey.

Lake Macquarie Council made a significant number of changes to existing development controls as it looks to see Charlestown take its rightful place.

Council approved the request to seek a Gateway Determination from the Department of Planning and Environment for a draft planning proposal for the Charlestown strategic economic centre.

Lake Mac Mayor Kay Fraser believes it will enable Charlestown to reach its full potential and joined Newcastle Live to discuss the changes.

More than 13,500 jobs and $3.7 billion in economic output could be generated in the Upper Hunter from post-mining rehabilitation and sustainable land use over the next two decades according to a new report Diversification and growth: transforming mining land in Hunter Valley, commissioned by Lock the Gate.

Seventeen mines are scheduled to close over the next 20 years resulting in the release 130,000 hectares of land. So what are the options?

We explore the possibilities with Lock the Gate's Georgina Woods

Leading consumer advocacy group Choice has revealed three major retailers in Australia are using facial recognition technology, often without shoppers even realising it. The use of this developing technology, which captures and stores unique biometric information such as facial features, comes as news to most of us. Amy Pereira, Choice's Senior campaigns and policy adviser, tells us about the scary scenario unfolding without our knowledge.

As the Socceroos confirmed their place in a record fifth world cup appearance on Tuesday morning, the flow onto grassroots was already being felt.

Off the back of a horrible two years of participation due to COVID, it is just the kick the sport needs locally, with Northern NSW Football (the governing body of Football in Northern NSW) already moving their strategic plan forward and looking to employ more staff.

Head of Football in the region, David Eland talked to Newcastle Live about the opportunities to come locally from this worldwide event.

Steph joins us live from Mount Pleasant Wines as they officially open to the public this weekend following a multi-million upgrade - what's all the excitement about?

A new delicatessen and wine bar set to open its doors on Darby Street and the Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight is back!

Listen back

Les Darcy was born in Maitland in 1895 and rose to great acclaim to become world-renowned middle-weight boxing champion, hailed as the ‘Maitland Wonder’ and in search of fame and fortune he travelled to the USA under much controversy surrounding the draft but his US career was not to be, more than 100 years after his death the Les Darcy legend lives on.

Written in the old Theatre hall-style not often explored or performed these days, Jack Hibberd’s play combines naturalistic elements interrupted by songs, dances and lots of local history.

Director Cheryl Sovechles joined Newcastle in the Morning ahead of the premiere this weekend.

Important questions about how we live and work in the future will be explored during the next Sustainnovation Challenge on 15 - 16 June. The event is the third, and final, in a unique series designed as part of a community capability-building pilot program.

Far from being a talk-fest, the Challenge is already seeing incredible outcomes according to Program Director Duncan Burck. He joined Newcastle Live ahead of the final challenge.

After 20 games and 1,008 days, Australia’s long and difficult journey to qualify for the 2022 World Cup came down to a penalty shoot-out.

And just like 2005’s iconic win over Uruguay, the Socceroos made history when it came down to the wire, booking a place in a fifth-straight World Cup Finals.

It was an early Tuesday morning start for Channel Ten's Football Commentator Simon Hill and it didn't finish until well after 7am!

Simon joined us live from his bed following a huge game of football!