Anger and confusion after vaccine appointments are cancelled

Plus, a merger you can bank on, Michael Johnsen speaks out, and a new place to charge your electric car

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 Anger and confusion over vaccine cancellations Phones buzzed collectively around the Hunter at the weekend as NSW Health cancelled COVID vaccination appointments to send Pfizer shots to students in the Sydney region. It's being called the Hunter Hunger Games as community members scramble to get a vaccine appointment. So far, just 18 per cent of the population in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie and 14 per cent in the Hunter Valley is fully vaccinated — see how that compares to the rest of the nation. This is what people are doing to get their vaccination Two Hunter banks consider becoming one It's a move that could create the largest customer-owned bank in Australia. Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank have agreed to explore what a merger could look like, with both saying no job losses or branch closures would be planned in the first two years. Here's what we know so far Michael Johnsen speaks as the DPP decides not to pursue charges An Upper Hunter byelection was triggered by allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behaviour by the standing MP Michael Johnsen, but this week the Director of Public Prosecutions announced they would not be pressing charges. Mr Johnsen shares his experience of the allegations, resignation and what's next From little things thermal blocks grow New life is bursting from the former BHP steelworks site. MGA Thermal will expand its production of thermal energy storage blocks. When they're stacked up, these clever hot blocks can power 27 homes for 24 hours. Jobs, manufacturing and future energy solutions are coming to the Hunter Hook into this awesome pandemic project As face masks became mandatory in workplaces and businesses around the Hunter, did you feel a growing discomfort just behind your ears as the elastic rubbed and irritated your skin? Bronwyn Field had an idea. And these bright, colourful, handmade ear-savers started flying off her crochet hook. The orders aren't slowing as people mask up around the world How have the Hunter's Olympians gone this week? Will Ryan has won gold in the men's 470 sailing event with teammate Mat Belcher. His sister Jaime Ryan finished 13th in her sailing event. Poppy Starr Olsen started her Olympic competition on Wednesday, placing fifth in the women's park skateboarding. And there's been good news for locals in team sports. Matt Dawson and the Kookaburras defeated Germany in the semi-finals of the hockey on Tuesday night. They'll be going for gold against Belgium later this week. Emily Van Egmond could be bringing home a bronze medal when the Matildas take on the USA on Thursday. And we can't forget Jessica Pickering finishing 16th in trampoline, and Abbey Harkin and Tristan Hollard both having spectacular swims in their backstroke events. Keep up with the latest news, results and inspiring moments with ABC Sport Jump in your electric car and hit the road to Swansea It's a little easier to boost the battery of your electric vehicle in the Hunter these days. A new charging station has been installed in Swansea and it's hoped as people charge their cars, they'll also take a look around. Hit your horn with glee as you listen to this chat about the new charger Reach out, stay connected and share the love with your mates in lockdown This year has not gone as we all wanted. Pandemic distress is real. But when you're separated by state borders or lockdown zones, it can be hard to know how to help your loved ones feel better. Listen to this for some wellbeing tips for you and your friends Who knew Ant-Man called the Hunter home?! It's not every day you hear about a love story that formed over a bull ant bite. Matt Allen and Lauryn Michelle share a passion for native ants. From friends to partners, they're now the go-to ant rescuers in the Hunter region. Listen: Here's how they go about relocating native ant nests What else made news in the past week? Flower power: A 10-year-old boy from Muswellbrook is spreading the love through anonymous flower deliveries, with the help of a local florist. It's a small random act of kindness bringing a lot of joy to people's lives in his Upper Hunter community. Vaccine passport for the footy: Venues NSW has put a proposal to the NSW government for a new entry system for Hunter Stadium and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. It's asking for a vaccine passport program for all fans to show they are fully vaccinated before attending events at these venues. Councillor dropped from ticket: Newcastle councillor Allan Robinson has been dropped from the Independents' ticket at the next election after a scathing report found he had made a series of abusive comments towards fellow councillors. Cr Robinson has told the ABC he will "continue to hold Labor councillors to account" and intends to stand at the next election as a "rogue independent". M1 extension revealed: Plans for the $2 billion dollar extension to the M1 linking Blackhill to Raymond Terrace have been released. A 15-kilometre dual carriageway is planned that will include a new bridge over the Hunter River and interchanges at Black Hill, Tomago, Tarro and Raymond Terrace. Writers festival cancelled: The Newcastle Writers Festival has called off its September event because of COVID-19 lockdowns around NSW. Director Rosemarie Milsom says she's hoping to hold a rescheduled writers festival next year to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Hunter Paralympian shares her story: Christie Dawes is preparing to go to her seventh Paralympics, but she was in a hot seat of a different type when she spent an hour chatting to Richard Fidler on the ABC's Conversations. Visit our website for more local news The best photos from around the country Carol Swadling sent us in this absolutely beautiful photo of Caves Beach on a winter's morning. Thanks Carol, it's stunning! 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. They may even be included in a gallery featuring the best photos from around Australia! See the latest photos on the #ABCmyphoto website How's the weather looking? Sunny. The one word that sums up your weather this week. You might be starting to see and smell the signs of spring around the Hunter. From now into next week, you have beautiful winter sunshine with tops of around 21 no matter where you live in the region. And thanks to JT, who shared this photo of Merewether Ocean Baths at sunrise. Even on a chilly winter's morning it looks perfect for a dip. 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. Visit us on Facebook, or contact us via email. 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. Discover more of the ABC on our Apps Find out how to download your favourite app. Follow us Need help? Visit the ABC Help Centre The ABC sent this message to [email protected], these details are included to help provide assurance that this is a genuine email from ABC. Any personal details and data acquired by the ABC from your participation in any ABC Online Servces will be used only in accordance with the ABC's Privacy Policy ©2020 Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC, ABN 52 429 278 345, 700 Harris St Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia Unsubscribe from this Newsletter | Discover other Newsletters | Privacy Unsubscribe from this Newsletter Discover other Newsletters Privacy

unsubscribe - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -