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The father of a missing Lake Macquarie teenager has sadly died with the mystery still unsolved. Jim Hickie desperately wanted justice for his family and his daughter, who was last seen at a bus stop at Belmont North in 1979.

They’re some of our most sought-after employees, but new research shows migrant workers are being critically underpaid in the Hunter. A first of its kind report by the University of Newcastle has revealed the extent of the problem, but researchers fear it could be far worse.

The rental crisis is leaving some Hunter residents facing the prospect of spending Christmas in their cars. A local community group says cost of living and a tight rental market are brewing a perfect storm for those doing it tough.

Thirteen teenagers have been thrown before the courts following a major police investigation into alleged car thefts and pursuits, filmed and shared on social media. The strike force operation stretches from the Valley, to Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie…And police are confident they’ve put a dent in the criminal activity.

It became one of the state’s most infamous missing person’s cases – when Carly McBride disappeared from the Hunter, in 20-14. Her body was found two years later – and today a man who helped her killer cover his tracks, was jailed.

A 67-year-old man is recovering, after being brutally assaulted in a quiet Newcastle street. Michael Jones was attacked by a young woman, wielding a brick and he believes someone with her was filming on a mobile phone.

Whether it’s mimosas by the pool or Christmas drinks, prosecco is becoming more and more popular in Australia. But now the name is under threat, with the EU fighting to claim it as part of a trade deal… and some Hunter winemakers fear it could threaten the variety AND the industry.