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Federal Court blocks Port of Newcastle development 

The Port of Newcastle has been looking at ways it can diversify what it does. This included plans for a shipping container terminal, but first the port had to challenge some restrictions in the Federal Court.  

Masking up to keep COVID-19 out

Being so close to Sydney, the Hunter is on high alert as COVID-19 restrictions were re-introduced this week. It has led to locals not being afraid to 'dob in' Sydneysiders found in the region. (And here's the latest on the situation in NSW).

Good news for Aussie wine lovers

"Pivot!" It's not just an iconic Friends quote, but a call to action for Hunter Valley winemakers. They're searching the globe for new folks to enjoy their wine after tariffs effectively closed off the Chinese market. 

Guilty verdict handed down in long running murder case    

Seven years since Carly McBride was last seen leaving her home in Muswellbrook, a jury has handed down a guilty verdict for her murder. 

Whale, hello there

They're back and putting on one hell of a show! Ella Korsman captured footage of two whales mucking around at Swansea and it's a thing of beauty to watch their synchronisation.

Put on your patience pants and practise kindness 

The checklist you work through when you leave the house has changed. Keys, wallet, reusable bags, and the new addition of the face mask. With toilet paper sold out and COVID anxiety rising, it's more important than ever to be kind to retail and hospitality workers.

Could you help a Hunter youngster?

An army is being built in the Hunter and they want you as part of their ranks. To be involved all you need to do is dedicate one hour of your week to help a local child in foster care. Sounds easy, right?

The joy of sharing stories of pride

It can take months of work to put together the stories you love. Producer Nathanael Little (pictured, right) coordinated the LGBTQI+ Pride series for Newcastle and regional NSW, from learning about the Rainbow Valley, sharing stories of strength and survival, and a little bit of love.
Nat says, "I loved the sense of community that most people feel about living in regional areas and the pride that people have in living their authentic truth, no matter their story."

What else made news this week?

It’s happening again: Panic buying swept the Hunter this week. Em Warren (@LoveMayf on Instagram) snapped this pic of her local Mayfield supermarket cleaned out of, you guessed it, toilet paper! 

Thanks for your patience: There were cars lined up for kilometres and people waiting for two to four hours at COVID-19 testing clinics around the Hunter. Last week more than 13,300 people were tested, a significant jump compared to the week before when just over 7,000 tests were done. 

New coach for the Jets: Arthur Papas has been appointed as the new head coach of the Newcastle Jets. He returns to the club after coaching in India, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Mayor replaced: New Muswellbrook Mayor Rod Scholes says his main focus will be completing unfinished projects ahead of the next council election. Mr Scholes was the only candidate who nominated to replace Martin Rush at a meeting on Wednesday night. Mr Scholes has lived in Muswellbrook for over four decades and served on council for nine years.

New arrivals: Newcastle is among the top five cities that city-dwellers want to move to. The Regional Australia Institute found there had been a 7 per cent increase in the number of people making the move to the Hunter.

Man charged: A man has been charged for striking a policeman with a trail bike during a pursuit on the New England Highway at Maitland. Both had to be treated in hospital in April, after the officer tried to pull over the 19-year-old rider. The policeman was on foot when he was allegedly struck by the bike, which then crashed into another car. 

Spreading the love: The 'pay it forward' movement in the Hunter is now offering those in need of hot meals as well as drinks. Eateries say the rental squeeze and COVID-19 have led to eateries offering those in need a good feed. 

The show must go on: Could a Broadmeadow sports precinct put the Newcastle show at risk? Craig Hamilton asked the Lord Mayor for more information.

The best photos from around the country

How beautiful is this sunrise over Morpeth Bridge? It was shared via #ABCmyphoto by @parsons6362 on Instagram.

The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram, or by uploading your photos online here. 

How's the weekend weather looking?

Wet, wintry weather is coming your way for the rest of this week. Not bad for spending extra time at home for the holidays. The sun will start to return for the weekend so you can still get your dose of outdoor adventures. 

Thanks to Mez for this moody weather pic!

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