John Hunter Hospital upgrade designs revealed

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Designs revealed for major upgrade of Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital

NSW Health unveiled images yesterday showing what the $780 million hospital upgrade will look like when completed. The plans include multiple connecting bridges and a new seven-storey acute services building, which will house an emergency department along with many other services. The project is due to be completed by 2025.

Nationals win Upper Hunter by-election — so what about party promises?

Promises to improve roads in the Dungog and Upper Hunter shires, as well as announcing substantial funding allocated to Muswellbrook Hospital and Singleton bypass projects, proved beneficial to the National Party. Now, as the party prepares itself for victory, will member-elect David Layzell be true to his party's word and make good on those promises?

Indigenous voices 'fly under the radar' during crucial by-election

Indigenous people make up about 7 per cent of the Upper Hunter's population, yet during the by-election they didn't get a decent look in. It's been suggested this was because most press conferences held by candidates were dominated by their stance on coal-related polices.
Hunter Valley Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Kylie Pascoe said it had been hard to get candidates' attention on social issues that affected the Indigenous community.

Upper Hunter by-election result a warning for major parties

On the main street of Muswellbrook on Monday morning, locals seemed relieved the long by-election campaign was finished. As the Nationals celebrated their win, some voters were calling on Labor leader Jodi McKay to be dumped following Labor's results.
University of Newcastle politics professor Jim Jose says the election result shows a decline in support for both major parties.

Dresses of sorrow deliver domestic violence message to Canberra

A total of 150 women have been killed by domestic violence since 2016. On Monday morning a group of frustrated frontline workers from the Hunter Valley met MPs on the lawns of Parliament House to protest inaction. Protestors held up a number of dresses made up of 150 garments to illustrate the issue.

What are farmers' biggest concerns about the dairy industry?

Two years ago, the NSW Legislative Council received several submissions from farmers calling for a long-term sustainability solution for the dairy industry. Common themes among the 80 submissions were increasing fears from the ageing dairy sector, flow-on impacts from drought, water costs and depressed milk prices.
A recent inquiry into the NSW dairy industry recommended more training and support was needed for young farmers, but many of the recommendations fall outside of the state government's jurisdiction.

How Australian slang was born in Newcastle

Have you ever called the clothes you wear 'togs', like having a 'yarn' with someone or have asked for a 'dollop' of cream? Well, you may not realise it but you're actually drawing on language from Australia's first modern dictionary. And it was written here in Newcastle!

Local op shop giving back to the community

An op shop in Morisset is going above and beyond to help the community. The ADRA Op Shop not only sells second hand goods, it's also granting scholarships to graduates of Morisset High School, and operating a debt centre for people in need.

The Hunter's important role in an Australian prison break

Prison breaks are some of the best stories, making for a few of the best Hollywood blockbusters. Well, just over 60 years ago, one of Australia's biggest manhunts made its way to the Hunter region.

ABC Radio NSW launches flood appeal

It's been two months since devastating floods hit widespread parts of NSW, destroying homes and livelihoods. For thousands affected, especially in the Hawkesbury and Mid North Coast, the long journey to clean-up and recovery is just beginning.
ABC Radio NSW, in partnership with GIVIT, is asking listeners to help out by donating cash or goods. Through GIVIT's dynamic live appeal platform, we are providing rapid, direct relief to those who need it most.

What else made news this week?

Vaccine eligibility: Hunter New England Health is reminding people they must meet eligibility criteria and book ahead of visiting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Those who are 50 years or older and can't access the AstraZeneca jab through their GP can now book in at Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Armidale, Moree and Manning hospitals. The Pfizer vaccine will also start being distributed to eligible members of the public who are 40 to 49 years old, at John Hunter and Tamworth hospitals. People who aren't eligible or arrive at a clinic without a booking will not be able to receive a vaccine.
Huntlee’s ageing population: The developer behind the massive Huntlee housing project near Branxton says investing in aged care is critical to meet demand that's exceeding supply. Work began on Huntlee in 2014, with a potential to house 25,000 residents. LWP Property Group is behind plans for a new $55 million aged care facility in the area, containing 205 self-contained places. Chief executive Danny Murphy says the population is ageing and facilities need to match that.
Wickham’s future: A report will go to Newcastle Council's meeting next week recommending community feedback be sought on an updated plan for the future of Wickham. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the suburb's character will be protected, while ensuring public facilities support the population following increased investor interest and several new developments. The plan includes better access to Wickham Park, improved cycleways and investment in community infrastructure.
Knight retires: Newcastle Knight's playmaker Blake Green says confirming his immediate retirement from NRL was the best thing he could have done for the club. The 14-season veteran arrived in Newcastle midway through last season but suffered a season-ending knee injury and has this year struggled to return to form. In a statement he said he could still see everything clearly on the field and knew where he needed to be, but his body stopped getting there.
Priest’s appeal: A paedophile priest won't be allowed to appeal his convictions after a ruling in an appeals court. Two of his victims were abused in the same Hunter town where another priest, Vincent Gerard Ryan, had offended. Earlier this year, the priest known as DAO sought leave to appeal against convictions relating to those boys, after Ryan was sentenced for additional offences in 2019. DAO told the Court of Criminal Appeal there was "a reasonable hypothesis" Father Ryan was to blame instead of him. But the court has refused him permission to appeal.
Newcastle smuggler: The Crown is assessing if it will extradite an alleged people smuggler from Queensland to Newcastle so he can be jointly tried with a co-accused. Newcastle hamburger shop owner Mu Fang and a Queensland man were put under surveillance in January last year after their car got bogged in Northern Territory floodwaters. Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the two men were meant to meet six Chinese nationals being smuggled into Australia by boat. Mr Fang and his co-accused were arrested in June, after the AFP linked them to a vessel that was turned back. Newcastle District Court was last week told the Crown was trying to lock in border force and navy witnesses.
Potential vaccine hub: The head of the Newcastle showground society says it would be a great location for a mass COVID vaccination hub. NSW Health is looking for locations in Newcastle to set up the state's second vaccine hub. It needs to be accessible, with plenty of parking and about 2,000 square metres of space. Show president Peter Evans says the showground precinct ticks all the boxes.
Maitland hospital upgrade: Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the building contractors for the new Maitland Hospital should hand over the keys in coming months. Mr Hazzard toured the new facility at Metford yesterday. Main construction works on the $470 million project started in 2018, with expectations it would open next year. The Minister says it's on track to be completed ahead of time.

The best photos from around the country

How great is this photo of a shining sunset at Tocal Homestead captured by @_allieshot and shared via #ABCmyphoto?
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. They might even be included in a gallery featuring the best photos of the week!

How's the weekend weather looking?

Rain is heading our way this weekend with showers predicted on top of a chilly 18 degrees. Make yourself a cup of coffee, put the fire on and stay warm.

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