cross-posted from: https://leminal.space/post/37736144
The high-pitched whirr of coal trains between Newcastle and Muswellbrook has been the backdrop to life in the NSW Hunter region for more than 100 years, but a new soundscape is set to take its place as the renewables transition gathers pace.
Smoke billows from silo at Carrington, emergency services rush to scene
By Anna Falkenmire
Updated July 12 2026 - 6:17pm, first published 5:39pm
📷 Smoke at Carrington on Sunday evening. Picture supplied
Firefighters have rushed to reports of smoke billowing from a building at Carrington on Sunday night.
Emergency services were alerted to an incident in the vicinity of Graincorp just after 5pm on July 12 and rushed to the scene.
Fire and Rescue NSW resources and Newcastle police officers were deployed.
Multiple firefighting crews were tasked to the scene on Denison Street at Carrington after initial reports of smoke gushing near grain silos.
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson confirmed there appeared to be something alight inside a silo. It was unclear at that time what may have caused the ignition.
The spokesperson said crews were working at the scene and had called for an aerial drone to inspect hotspots through thermal imaging.
The spokesperson said there was no risk of explosion to members of the public in the immediate vicinity, but there was an exclusion zone in place for safety. NSW Police said localised road closures were in place.
Eight fire trucks remained at the scene at about 6pm. The operation was still unfolding at that time, the Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson said.
People should avoid the area.
In short:
Two farmers from the NSW Upper Hunter are on a mission to stop city food waste from going to landfill.
They are collecting tonnes of scraps from restaurants and cafes in Newcastle for compost, then using worms to turn it all into liquid fertiliser.
What’s next?
All businesses that sell or handle food in NSW will need to comply with new FOGO mandates by July 2030, with those with the largest bin volumes targeted first from July 1.
In short:
Police are investigating after dozens of dirt bike riders caused mayhem at a Newcastle park.
Up to 40 riders were observed taunting police and riding recklessly at a planned merchandise giveaway event for streetwear brand Bad Apples.
What’s next?
Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor said the council would pursue the clothing company promoter to pay for damage to the park.
cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/33300807
In short:
Media academics fear for the future of regional journalism after WIN Corporation announced cuts to one of Australia’s oldest nightly news bulletins.
The current one-hour 6pm weeknight news bulletin on NBN in northern NSW will be cut to 30 minutes and shifted to 5:30pm, while local weekend bulletins have been axed.
What’s next?
NBN News staff were told this week that WIN management will look at the news structure over the next three weeks as they assess resources.
