The Good News Hunter, Newcastle (2026)

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15/06/2026

THE GOOD NEWS HUNTER IS NOW POWERED BY PETTIGREW 💜🧡

At first glance, it might seem like a pretty unexpected pairing…

One of us focuses on sharing good news and celebrating our community. The other supports families through grief and life’s hardest moments.

But when Amy-Lea Pettigrew and I sat down together, we quickly realised we share many of the same values: community, kindness, connection, storytelling, and celebrating people’s lives and the art of living well, even through difficult times.

At the heart of both businesses is people.

Which is why this partnership feels so genuine and authentic.

Amy-Lea and the team at Pettigrew are helping power The Good News Hunter so I can continue sharing positive local stories from across Newcastle and the Hunter, while also creating some unique new content that explores what it means to live well, connect deeply and celebrate the people who shape our community.

I’ll still be sharing all the usual stories that matter, highlighting incredible local people and places, and I’ll also be creating fresh content you’ll be able to find over on

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of Amy-Lea and the whole Pettigrew team, and I am genuinely excited about what unique and interesting conversations we’ll get to create together. 🧡💜💚

19/05/2026

NEW LUXURY RESORT AND SPA TO OPEN IN POKOLBIN IN 2027

Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels has announced Laval Hunter Valley, a huge new luxury tourism destination opening in Pokolbin in 2027 and it will be the first new-build luxury resort of this scale in the region in more than 20 years.

Set across 165 acres on the historic former Lindeman Estate, Laval will feature 65 luxury pavilion-style villas surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and panoramic valley views.

But it’s the unique and super luxe details that really make this project stand out…

There’ll be a striking 25-metre red-tiled pool beside the Shiraz vines, immersive Gillie and Marc art installations woven throughout the property, personal butler service, Bang & Olufsen sound systems in the villas and even private helicopter access for guests arriving in style.

The resort will also be home to Veraia Spa, a huge two-level wellness sanctuary featuring meditation gardens, vineyard-view treatment rooms and longevity-focused treatments designed around recovery, regeneration and relaxation.

Food lovers are covered too, with acclaimed chef Justin North leading the culinary direction across multiple dining venues focused on local produce and Mediterranean-inspired flavours.

Developers say the vision is to create “an international hotel made in Australia”, helping attract a new wave of luxury domestic and international travellers to the Hunter Valley.

The project is also expected to create hundreds of jobs and inject millions into the local economy.
Laval Hunter Valley is expected to open in the second half of 2027.

I can’t wait!

🧡💜🧡💜

17/05/2026

A NEW ERA AT ROUNDHOUSE WITH JOEY INGRAM + JOSH GREGORY

We were lucky enough to dine as guests at Roundhouse last Saturday and experience the new à la carte menu by executive chef Joey Ingram and head chef Josh Gregory.

We started with cocktails and a cheese plate at Romberg’s before heading into Roundhouse for dinner.

The marinated tuna was incredible, the stuffed chicken breast was yum and the dark chocolate marquise for dessert sealed the deal.

Add a bottle of Mercer rosé and sweeping Newy views and it made for a pretty perfect Saturday night out.

Big congratulations to Joey and Josh and the team at Roundhouse, I’m excited for this next chapter.

11/05/2026

BEHIND THE SCENES OF HUNTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AHEAD OF THEIR OPEN DAY ON FRIDAY!

I spent the morning at Hunter Christian School (HCS) in Mayfield getting to know students ahead of their Open Day this Friday 15 May.

One thing became very clear very quickly: this is a small school with a big heart and a genuine sense of community.

From Prep (age four) to Year 12, HCS focuses on helping every student feel known, seen and supported, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, wellbeing and an all-round approach to education that helps future-proof young people for life beyond the classroom.

I chatted with Principal Dr Simon Herd, Year 10 student Laura and Year 6 students Anouk and Reuben, while exploring the school grounds, classrooms and meeting other students and teachers along the way.

There was such a warm and welcoming feel across the campus and a strong belief that every student has the potential to achieve.

Also, how good does the Friday dance party sound?!

If you’re considering schools for your family, HCS Open Day is happening this Friday 15 May from 4.30pm-6.30pm, on campus at Bull and Kerr Streets in Mayfield.
Expect tours, classroom demos, meet-and-greets with staff and Dr Herd, delicious food and drinks, and the chance to experience the school in action for yourself.

Whether you’re just curious or actively exploring options, it’s a great opportunity to see what makes the HCS community so special.

Find out more via Hunter Christian School’s page and website.

This was a paid partnership with The Good News Hunter. 🧡💜🙏

Laura Jackel

10/05/2026

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY 💐🫶

Thank you to Fuchsia Newcastle for these beautiful bouquets! We loved giving them out to mums Charlestown Square and seeing their reactions …💐💜🧡

Address

Newcastle, NSW

Website

https://goodnewshunter.com.au/

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