Families say mould issues at a Newcastle hospital date back more than 10 years.

Industry groups say Australia needs to extract 200 million tonnes of rock material every year to support new housing and infrastructure projects, but quarry proposals often face community backlash.

The newly expanded gallery reopens with a blockbuster exhibition, Iconic Loved Unexpected, that places local artists alongside international stars.

"It's been one of the best leadership displays I've ever seen from a player." 

"The most important thing is that the girls are eating enough to fuel their sports performance and also their health."

A mother of two from the NSW Central Coast was holidaying in Bali with her girlfriends when she was hit by a truck while riding a scooter. 

Surfest underway: More than 120 surfers are part of the 40th annual Surfest this week, including Merewether locals Morgan Cibilic, Ryan Callinan, and Jacko Baker. Local wildcard Ocean Lancaster, 17, upset former world no.2 and Surfest winner Julian Wilson in the week's early heats. Sadly Callinan was knocked out of the race, but adopted Novocastrian Sarah Baum made it through the early heats. World Surf League contest director Will Hayden-Smith says competitors can expect a mixed bag of swell conditions throughout the week. The final for the men's and women's events is expected to be held on the weekend.

Image: Thousands of people are expected at Merewether Beach this week to watch Surfest. Credit: ABC Open contributor Summabreeze

Petrol squeeze: A small business owner in the Hunter Valley says large petrol companies are squeezing smaller suppliers out of the market, as companies compete to secure oil amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Woodville General Store ran out of diesel late last week and has struggled since to find a suitable supplier. Store owner Mike Kirwan says larger companies are hogging the available fuel supply, making it almost impossible for smaller businesses to compete.

Projects receive government endorsement: The controversial Hunter Gas Pipeline, along with several other renewable energy projects, have been "endorsed" by the NSW government. Santos's Hunter Gas Pipeline from Narrabri to Newcastle has been endorsed by the Investment Delivery Authority. The government says the Authority will fast-track planning approval processes for "high-value" projects. AGL's Hunter Energy Hub and and a clean energy precinct at the Port of Newcastle also received the endorsement. The government says the projects will still undergo assessment and comply with legislation.

More potholes to fill: The Mayor of Dungog says the LGA is still fighting to get its fair share of pothole funding. Earlier this week, the state government announced more than 100,000 pot holes have been filled in regional and rural New South Wales this financial year. Dungog Council remains the only LGA in the state without a single state-funded road, and potholes have been a longstanding issue. Mayor Digby Rayward says it has been an historic challenge to attract funding from the state. In a statement, a state government spokesperson says it has provided Dungog Council with more than $22 million over the past three years to manage their local roads.

Nursing home interest: Upper Hunter Shire Council says it has received expressions of interest to operate Merriwa's aged care facility. Council last year voted to transition Gummun Place Hostel to an assisted boarding house, meaning high-care residents would no longer be