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Seven cases have been linked to a COVID-19 outbreak at John Hunter Hospital's maternity ward and neonatal unit. While health authorities say all babies in the neonatal unit are considered low risk, the cluster has raised concerns for pregnant women and their families.

As some Hunter Valley mines look at extending their life or starting new operations, the future of mining jobs is under the spotlight. How many people will be needed to work in the "smart mines" of the future?

The Hunter's public health controller says COVID-19 is ripping through households and social gatherings, and the community is simply "buying time" until vaccination rates lift. There have been vaccination drives across the Hunter but we're still seeing an average of around 70 new COVID cases a day over the past week.

Five cardiologists deemed 'Ronnie' unfit for work because of a rare condition that causes her to collapse into unconsciousness at any time. She's not alone, and a Senate inquiry is currently reviewing the system.

As you've hung out at home in lockdown, have you noticed different things in your neighbourhood? Local illustrator Jess Garnham set herself a lockdown challenge: to slow down and illustrate every house in her street.

It's the first city in Australia to do it. Lake Macquarie will start using dual names for sites, places, events and objects in the community that are of significance to Aboriginal people in the region.

Two koalas are being cared for in Port Stephens after they had a run-in with a goanna. We know what you're thinking, how did this encounter even happen?!

It started like so many Tik Tok accounts — one woman lip syncing to songs and pieces of TV comedy. Hundreds of thousands of followers later, Jen has created a community driven by care and kindness.

This isn't any surf school. It's one just for women, and it's bringing more people to the sport and pastime. Why is a female-focused adult learn-to-surf program needed in the Hunter?

Fearless father remembered: Lake Munmorah man Peter Finch (pictured) is being remembered as a loving husband and father. On Friday, he went kayaking with his four-year-old son and, according to emergency services, the kayak capsized. Bystanders helped get the pair to shore but Mr Finch later died of a suspected heart attack.

Stockton Beach promise: Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the new Deputy Premier should lead the taskforce that's fixing erosion issues at Stockton Beach. She hopes the new Nationals leader will continue John Barilaro's work as the chairperson. Earlier this year, the group came up with an offshore dredging solution to replenish the sand.

Level crossing safety: Questions have been asked over the safety of level crossings in the Upper Hunter after a collision between a train and truck at Turanville. When asked about the expense of upgrading these crossings, Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said it would be a massive cost to all levels of government.

Hunter vaccination rates: The executive director of the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout says more vaccines are coming to the Hunter and there will be enough to meet demand. Vaccination rates in some parts of the Hunter are among the lowest in the state. But Hunter New England Health's Elizabeth Grist says people should book a first appointment even if they can't get a jab until November.

Critical investigation into crash: Police have launched a critical incident investigation after two men, including a police officer, suffered serious injuries in a crash between two motorcycles at Lake Macquarie. Police say at 5pm on Monday on Mandalong Road, a 36-year-old on-duty senior constable riding a marked police motorcycle and a second rider, a 69-year-old man, suffered serious injuries.

Isn't this a glorious sunset? Kirsty Nash sent in the photo of Lake Macquarie, and said she "never gets tied of this view". Who could blame her? 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. 

Don't let the weather rain on your end of lockdown parade. Sure, the start of next week will be a little bit wet. The rain will start falling from Sunday morning, but between now and then you're in for beautiful, sunny spring days to get out and enjoy.

And the sun is coming up earlier thanks to daylight savings, but it's pretty spectacular. Thanks to Jeremy for this sunrise shot at Booragul.

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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.