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The Hunter saw a 10 per cent jump in double-dose vaccination figures in the last week, with the region closing in on that 80 per cent target. Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Singleton all had considerable jumps in the numbers of residents who can now show off their vaccine certificate. And COVID cases were at their lowest since late September.

The NSW government is putting up to $3 billion towards hydrogen energy, hoping it will stimulate the emerging industry. And this could be big news for the Hunter, with a local industry group saying the region has the capacity and capability to be a major player in hydrogen production and exports.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the closure of The Caledonian in Singleton was because of "repeated and continued breaches of the public health order". This week, the hotel's 57-year-old licensee was charged with two counts of not complying with public health orders. He will appear in court in December.

A youth support program that started in the Hunter will be able to help more young people thanks to a $600,000 grant. Young people credit the program for turning their life around, and they're now dedicated to helping other people like them.

Swap your tie for a tractor. Your pair of heels for a header. At least, that's what the NSW government is hoping. Public servants in the Department of Regional NSW have been offered a week of "harvest leave" to help farmers bring in bumper crops.

It's been labelled a "momentous day for women in the law" as the Hunter's two newest judges are female. Vivien Carty and Julie Kearney have strong legal backgrounds with a focus in family law, and will arrive in the Hunter at a time when caseloads are booming.

Hunter-born Callan Purcell (second from left) is ready to tread the boards again as Hamilton Australia re-opens after the COVID lockdown. Rehearsals continued via Zoom, which was needed because Callan understudies four roles in the show.

It's one of the signs of summer. When the blow flies return and hang around your house and (these days) your picnics.

You might be dealing with postal delays at the moment, but have you ever waited 50 years for a letter to be returned to sender?

When lockdown and school holidays fell at the same time, a local neighbourhood noticed some youngsters in need of something to do. They found a bit of paint, a blank brick wall and have brought their street to life.

Move over art, music, PE – there's a new, very cool, class in town. But there will be no ass-ing around for the students at St Catherine's in Singleton.

Plans for Awaba House: Plans have been lodged to rebuild the historic Awaba House at Lake Macquarie, three years after it was destroyed by fire in 2019. Council's plan maintains the heritage facade, but with a modern new interior including a cafe and function room.

Local MPs on Assisted Dying Bill: It's been four years since the last Assisted Dying Bill was introduced into NSW Parliament. That changed this week as the latest version was submitted to the house. So, how's your local MP likely to vote on this issue?

COVID in Corrections: A Newcastle group supporting Aboriginal prisoners says it's worried families haven't been fully briefed on transfer protocols for COVID-infected inmates. Thirteen inmates have tested positive to COVID at the Shortland Correctional Centre. Tracey Hanshaw from Justice Aunties says more details are needed in relation to COVID response plans in jails.

Vaccine for koalas: Help for Port Stephens Koalas in the fight against chlamydia could arrive by mid next year. Peter Timms is a professor of microbiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast and says wild populations are now being inoculated in phase three trials. He says they're in talks with koala hospitals in NSW to start administering the vaccine, which could help save vulnerable populations.

Presenting the stunning work of local photographer Ryan J Montgomery. We're so fortunate to have such talented people capturing our glorious region. You can see more of his work on Instagram.  

You can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag #ABCmyphoto on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. 

Rain, rain, rain! After a little bit of sunshine, spring is turning on the showers across the Hunter for the rest of the week. With not much to tell you weather wise, why not take a listen to this explainer on tornados that have been dropping around NSW recently?

And thanks to Dan in Teralba for sending us this photo. What a beautiful shot. 

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ABC Newcastle acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.