Thursday February 18 2021: Top stories from the Newcastle Herald, your trusted voice in the Hunter

Several small businesses have been left tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket from the liquidation of the Martin Lee-owned Newcastle Jets after an already tough 12 months due to COVID-19. Shortland MP Pat Conroy says Advent Energy's plans to drill for gas off the coast of Newcastle and Central Coast are "deeply distressing". Morisset Showground could be developed into a regionally significant events venue capable of holding major festivals and events, as part of a new plan aimed at guiding the site's future. The NSW government has refused to say how much it will cost to bring a World Surf League event to Newcastle amid reports it has paid the organisers $5 million. Le Diner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-style pop-up picnic characterised by its famous all-white dress code, will make its Newcastle debut on April 10.