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As local case numbers change day by day, there has been a focus on QR code compliance, local correctional centres as NSW prisons struggle to contain COVID-19, and pop up protests around the Hunter. Some Sydney tree loppers who worked in the Hunter for weeks have tested positive. And a woman with COVID who is 24 weeks pregnant is in the intensive care unit at the John Hunter Hospital. She had tried to book her vaccine but was unable to find an appointment.

As western NSW communities struggle to contain COVID-19, Indigenous people of the Hunter have been rolling up their sleeves to get the vaccine. Seeing cases in Dubbo, Bourke and Wilcannia has brought the threat of COVID-19 closer to home, according to Raylene Gordon, chief of the Awabakal Aboriginal Medical Service.

She's popped up all over the Merriwa and Cassilis regions sporting a bright yellow jacket and a Band-Aid on her arm. After singing about the vaccine to her tune of Jolene, Dolly Parton (or her cardboard cutout) is hoping to inspire the Upper Hunter to get the jab.

There are costumes galore, fully choregraphed musical numbers and a captive audience at dining tables around the Hunter. Brendan Jackson is a kindergarten teacher who has risen (quite spectacularly) to the challenge of online learning.

It's not just humans in lockdown at the moment. Oyster movement is being limited after a deadly disease was discovered in the Port Stephens estuary for the first time.

Maitland's Brodie Smith (pictured) and the Australian women's goalball team, the Belles, made history qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time, where they lost to Turkey 10-6. Heatherbrae equestrian competitor Sharon Jarvis finished in 10th place in the individual championship test grade IV, and 13th in the team event.

In her first Paralympics, Para-triathlete Lauren Parker claimed silver in the women's para-triathlon, while Rheed McCracken won his third consecutive silver medal in the men's 100m T34 racing with an injured rib. He will also compete in the 800m T34 this week and Luke Bailey will race in the men's 100m T54, this week.

Appearing in her seventh Paralympics, Christie Dawes will compete on Sunday in the women's marathon T54.

At the first sign of a sniffle you are jumping in your car and hitting the COVID testing line, but can you make it a little more fun? Charlie McLennan had an idea to bring some joy to the frontline workers at the testing clinics and now she wants you to get involved too.

It's like the start of a good true crime podcast or documentary. Hunter criminology students are working with NSW Police to try and uncover new evidence to shed light on cold cases.

You'd think more time at home would equal more sleep, right? That's not quite the case. The good news is there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night's rest.

Mullets are back: Get ready to see more mullets getting around the Hunter, including on Mornings producer Kyle Carroll (pictured), who is gearing up to get his mullet cut in later today. After a huge response last year, The Black Dog Institute has brought back its Mullets for Mental Health campaign and is hoping to surpass the $3 million raised last year.

Vale Uncle Bill: The family of Awabakal elder Bill Smith, who died this week after suffering pancreatic cancer, has paid tribute to his work in bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Through his work he helped bring awareness to Indigenous issues and was a shining light in his community.

Salt Ash Shooting: The state's homicide squad is investigating the fatal shooting of a man at Port Stephens. The man was found on Sunday afternoon suffering a gunshot wound and could not be revived by paramedics. He died at the scene. A strike force has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death, which is being treated as suspicious.

Vet calls for Afghan support: Aussie veterinarians are pleading with the Australian government to support the re-settlement of Afghan vets in Australia. While retraining would be needed, the Australian Veterinary Association says their skills are world class and would be a boost for the industry.

Mercury in Lake Macquarie: A study into the origin of mercury contamination in Lake Macquarie has found a lot of it was caused by coal-fired power stations. Researchers from Monash University and the Australian National University measured mercury levels in lake sediment and found the data showed pollution management strategies such as filters should be used in power plant chimneys.

Knights feeling the love: The men's Newcastle Knights winger Hymel Hunt has paid tribute to the team's fans for their continued support during the COVID lockdown. The Knights last week secured their finals spot with a win over the Titans and will play the Broncos on Saturday.

Lockdown book suggestions? Do you need something new to read? Craig Hamilton asked for your best lockdown reads and the list that's been put together has something for everyone. Find the perfect book for you on our Facebook page.

Alexandra Howell shared this glorious photo of Muswellbrook with us via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram. She called it, simply, "nature's frame". 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. 

Spring is here! Just ask your friends who suffer from hayfever. The weather is beautiful for your first weekend of spring. There's the chance of a shower around Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, but with temperatures into the mid 20s you won't even notice.

Thanks to Richard from Morpeth for capturing this photo of a sunrise.

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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.