Could Costco cost us our release from lockdown?

Plus, businesses still waiting for financial help, Hunter veterans reflect on Afghan service, and meet our Paralympians

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 Costco concerns threaten the end to Hunter lockdown Things were looking good when it came to COVID-19 in the Hunter, until the Costco cluster happened. Hundreds of people are now isolating at home to stop cases spreading. There is also concern for residents of an apartment complex at Windale. Onsite testing is being arranged for residents in the James Street building because a person living there tested positive for COVID-19. Police have been on high alert ensuring people adhere to the rules, visiting homes randomly and responding to calls from concerned community members. Could lockdown end soon? Here's the latest on our Facebook page Hunter businesses still waiting for financial assistance Weeks after the lockdown started in our region, business owners are still waiting for promised help from the NSW government. Some say they've reached a tipping point as financial and emotional stress builds, while they try to keep their businesses afloat and support staff. Small business owners say they can only think week-by-week right now Who will help harvest this season's crops? After years of drought, there's a lot of optimism in the Hunter's farming community heading into harvest. With yields looking good, the question now is who will help with harvest given there are no international travellers? Meet the Aussies stepping up to feed the world Hunter veterans reflect on their service in Afghanistan As more people are evacuated from Afghanistan, veterans in our region are looking back on the time they spent serving there. One veteran says it's been hard not to feel like their efforts were in vain. Talissa told us her story via text, saying talking was too emotional Hunter Warbirds hangar delayed The $9 million hangar at Scone Airport was set to be finished later this year but construction has stopped. A report to the Upper Hunter Shire Council says structural design issues have arisen. The completion date is now unknown From Merewether to world champion? He'll be the only Australian vying for the title. When the top five male surfers in the world hit the waves at California, it could be Morgan Ciblic's time to shine. Does he have what it takes to be the world's best? Get ready to cheer on our local Paralympians Get ready to cheer on our Hunter Paralympians as they go for gold! Here's what you need to know. Maitland's Brodie Smith is part of the Australian women's goalball team. They will play Israel, China, Canada and the Russian Paralympic Committee in their pool stage matches this week. Heatherbrae athlete Sharon Jarvis begins her equestrian campaign on Friday. Para-triathlete Lauren Parker will go for gold on Sunday morning as she competes at her first Paralympics. Next week, Rheed McCracken will compete in the Men's 100m and 800m T34 for wheelchair athletes with cerebral palsy. His training partner Luke Bailey will race in the Men's 100m T54 , the wheelchair category for athletes with spinal injuries. And appearing in her seventh Paralympics, Christie Dawes will have to wait until the final day of the games to compete in the women's marathon T54. This is where you can stay up to date on all the Paralympic action Maitland locals get by with a little help from their friends Their mission is simple: Make sure no-one is left without food and support during the latest COVID-19 lockdown. The Food Assistance Network brings 13 organisations together to support people in the Maitland community. How are they helping? Listen to this to find out I would run 1,000 miles and I would run 1,000 more Okay, it was only one lot of 1,000 miles but it's still an incredible feat. Singleton became home to an international ultra-marathon this week, and it was team Australia vs team USA in this ultimate battle of endurance. Hear who won and how much money was raised for mental health Looking for a project? Time to spruce up the garden Lockdown has been timed quite nicely as we hurtle towards the first day of spring. It's the perfect time to get stuck into your garden, no matter how big or small it is. Listen for tips on where to focus your gardening efforts this weekend What else made news in the past week? New-look ocean baths: The bleachers will stay, the boardwalk will be upgraded and that rough surface under your feet will be replaced with capped concrete. Newcastle Council has finalised the design for the Newcastle Ocean Baths. Now they just need someone to construct it. Tenders are open. Will the lockdown end? We should learn on Thursday or Friday if the Hunter will come out of lockdown. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it's a combination of case numbers, sewage surveillance and COVID cases in neighbouring regions that will be weighed up when the decision is made. Hunter jobs: The pandemic is having a big impact on the local jobs market. As of June, the unemployment rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie is 6.7 per cent (the state average is 6 per cent) and youth unemployment is 15.6 per cent (3 per cent above the state average). Klemmer out for a week: Men's Newcastle forward David Klemmer will miss the Knights clash against the Titans on Thursday. He took an early guilty plea for a grade one contrary conduct charge at the NRL judiciary. Did you see this? Mornings presenter Kia Handley was inspired by your stories (as well as her big life shift) to write about the things no-one tells you about going through a marriage breakdown and separation. Her message to you is: You're not alone. Visit our website for more local news The best photos from around the country Thanks to Ryan J. Montgomery who sent us this photo of Catherine Hill Bay, taken while on a joy flight around Newcastle and Swansea. He says "the Shamrock Wreck is actually closer to the shore than I first thought". 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? Well, it's been a while since we've had rain like that. The main system has moved through, but rain will hang around until things start to clear on Saturday. Your weekend will be partly cloudy with temperatures getting back into the low 20s for you to enjoy. And thanks to Jane in Toronto who sent in this beautifully moody picture. It sums up the mix of weather we've been having in the Hunter this week. 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. 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