Hunter COVID cases drop as vaccination rates surge

Plus, Singleton pub closed by police, region tipped to be a hydrogen energy superpower, and a local's part in Hamilton

View as a webpage Share our local newsletter and tell us what you think You can let us know what you think of this newsletter by offering feedback here. And do you have friends or family who might enjoy it too? Send on this sign-up link All eyes on rising vax rates in the Hunter 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. You can drill deeper into the local vaccination data here The Hunter's got the power in the NSW government's hydrogen strategy 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. Why? And what would it mean for jobs, your bills and the future? Singleton pub closed by police for 'repeated COVID breaches' 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. Singleton's Mayor told us the hotel's stance was disappointing Boost for program tackling youth violence 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. The program will expand across the country to help more Is this the ag worker shortage solution? 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. So, are they keen? And what does it mean for farm work locally? The Hunter's newest judges are announced 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. Learn more about the women behind the gavels Hunter local is NOT throwing away his shot 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. What's it like to be an understudy in the world's biggest musical? That buzzzzzzzz around you is here to stay It's one of the signs of summer. When the blow flies return and hang around your house and (these days) your picnics. Are they here for good? Listen to this to find out Message in a bottle finds its way home to its Newcastle owner 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? Hear how social media helped this letter find its way home Paint the town — or at least your street 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. You can hear the story of the newest mural in town here Could this be the coolest class in a Hunter high school? 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. Here's how donkeys are finding their way into the classroom What else made news in the past week? 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. Visit our website for more local news The best photos from around the country 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. See the latest photos on the #ABCmyphoto website How's the weather looking? 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. Check the seven-day forecast for your town How are we doing? We love receiving your feedback on our local newsletter. Are we offering the stories you want to read? Is there something more we could include? Send us your thoughts. More from ABC Newcastle Visit our local website. Listen live to our local programs or download the ABC Listen app to take us with you. Catch the daily news bulletin via ABC Listen or on our website. 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