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Newcastle is at the centre of a biosecurity alert after the detection of a deadly parasite in our beehives. The detections triggered a halt on all movement of bees across the state, and hives within a 10-kilometre radius of the Port of Newcastle will also be destroyed. But beekeepers and industry groups say the measures could devastate the industry and have potentially significant knock-on effects on honey production and agriculture.

In former dairy heartland, a new industry could be emerging for the Hunter Valley. This fluffy white crop has been capturing locals' eyes, and hasn't been grown at this scale in the Hunter before.

Vincent Gerard Ryan preyed on children in the Hunter Valley for decades. He was jailed for more than 20 years for abusing 37 victims. But when the 84-year-old died in April, there was no public announcement or pastoral notice.

Glen Ramplin has been working with the region's rescue helicopter for 25 years. He tells his story to Craig Hamilton, including being onboard the Pasha Bulka coal ship as he winched people to safety after it ran aground on Newcastle's Nobbys Beach on June 8, 2007.

Kieran Wyse, 31, from Newcastle and Isabelle Nee, 30, from Sweden, finally sailed into Newcastle Harbour on their yacht Merewether this week. What began as a plan to visit Europe, buy a boat and sail it back to Australia in 2019 turned into three life-changing years at sea.

According to new census data, Australia's millennial generation could soon be the nation's largest, overtaking the baby boomers. But that got us wondering: does one generation have it harder than the other, and what is life like as a boomer or as a millennial in the Hunter region? 

The 21-year-old stallion Not A Single Doubt, which stood at Arrowfield, had to be euthanased recently. But he was surrounded by a loving team, in awe of the contribution he and his progeny have made to the racing industry.

If you've tried to access mental health support in the Hunter, you'll know books are closed and wait times are long. But there are new programs here to help!

With fresh food prices going through the roof, we took on a challenge to see what kind of salad can be made with only $10!

$25 million brain cancer research: Australia's frontline battle against brain cancer takes a step forward this week with the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research to be established in Newcastle. The centre, at the University of Newcastle, will drive research, education and health care improvements for brain cancer patients.

Sod turned in innovation precinct: Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined workers at a traditional sod turn ceremony on Tuesday to mark the milestone for the seven-storey John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct building. Mr Hazzard says the $835 million John Hunter precinct is part of the New South Wales government's record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2025-26, with nearly a third going to regional and rural health facilities this financial year.

Nurses strike at the same time: A nurse at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital has refuted claims by the state's Health Minister that New South Wales nurses are the best paid in the country. Nurses at 80 hospitals across the state took strike action this week over pay conditions and concerns over staff to patient ratios.

Housing stress leading to illegal dumping: It's estimated that up to 10,000 families are in housing stress across Newcastle, and many can't afford the dumping fees required when they've been evicted. Newcastle is seeing more dumping in the suburbs where there's a high turnover of tenants.

NSW wins game two: New South Wales has sent this year's men's State of Origin series into a deciding game three, after beating Queensland 44 points to 12 at Perth Stadium on Sunday night. The first half was a close contest with the Blues holding a 14 to 12 lead at the break. New South Wales then dominated the second half, scoring five unanswered tries, to level the series at one-all.

Ponga out of Knights squad: Tex Hoy will replace Kalyn Ponga at fullback for the men's Knights' clash with the Titans on Friday night in Newcastle. Ponga has been ruled out because of a head knock in Sunday night's Origin game.

Hunter goat found thanks to community: A Hunter Valley pet shop owner says the power of community and social media helped in locating his stolen miniature goat. 'Daisy', who is pregnant with twins, was reported stolen from Branxton Pet World just over a week ago and after a big community effort to find her, she's been returned home.

Aerial shots always provided such a different perspective compared to what we see on the ground, don't they? This stunner drone shot of the Newcastle Ocean baths is by @tall.stories, who shared via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram. That's how we noticed it!

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

Chopped macadamia nuts give this sponge a beautiful earthiness, while the sweet and tart crystallised grapefruit cuts through the rich buttercream and curd. Maggie Beer teams up with her old friend Simon 'The Chef' Bryant for this creation. Our mouths are watering already!

It's been a patchy week of showers, which is set to continue. It's going to be cloudy for the remainder of the week with growing chances of showers. Maximum temperatures will sit between 13 and 18 degrees Celcius, dropping as low as 4 in the Upper Hunter overnight. Perhaps have a good weekend indoors relaxing and recharging!

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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.