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The State Emergency Service expects Singleton to be its biggest concern as river levels continue to rise. Residents along the Hunter River at Glenridding, Dunolly, Whittingham, Scotts Flatt and Combo were told to evacuate by 11pm Tuesday night.

The Hunter has had significant rainfall across the region in the past few days, and water has now caused the Wollombi Tavern to go under. The ABC's Paul Turton spoke with publican Chris Brooks to find out the latest.

We're dedicated to keeping you connected. As major flooding and extreme weather returns, many are looking for information and wanting to know how to help.

Here is a general guide on how to plan for a flooding emergency. It includes guidance on what to do before, during and after flooding, as well as some ideas on what to do should the worst happen. You can access it here.

Want to stay up-to-date with emergency warnings and advice? This is your go-to website for keeping abreast of all information, including in the Hunter and across the country.

If you're unsure what to do after the disaster, this podcast is for you. What should you expect? How do you look after yourself and the people around you? When are things going to feel normal again? Listen to the answers here.

And if you are personally safe, but are looking for ways to help, consider these options. ABC Radio has compiled a list of organisations which are accepting donations or goods.

The former frontman of the now-defunct Australian band Silverchair, Daniel Johns, has been sentenced over a high-range drink-driving car crash.

The deadly varroa mite parasite has caused devastation and havoc for many beekeepers around the Hunter. Now, there are fears that it could also affect a breeding program based in Tocal, which could have nation-wide implications.

A Newcastle man is behind the music that you'll hear in the new Elvis film. Jamie Shaw has helped produce a modern take on the original songs to give them a fresh twist.

Hunter Correctional Centre staff and inmates have welcomed the first dogs in a new Greyhounds as Pets program. It's hoped the greyhounds will help inmates gain animal husbandry skills, while taking pressure off local animal rescue services.

Retired publican Brian McDermott could tell you a story or two from his years behind the bar in Newcastle. Craig Hamilton sat down with Brian to share a beer and talk about owning several hotels in the Hunter, including the first pub he bought in the 1990s.

You might have spent a bit of time at your local go-kart track, whizzing around with your mates. But endurance karting can be competitive — and it's a growing sport in New South Wales. Someone who is dominating the field is former Dubbo resident Grace Gilbert, who now calls Newcastle home.

Hunter Stadium is no stranger to big sporting events, but could it soon be the backdrop for some live music?

Join Richard Fidler for 'Tuned In: 90 years of ABC Radio', a one-hour special featuring your favourite voices and memorable moments as we take a trip through the years of ABC Radio.

You'll hear rare archival audio and presenters past and present as we journey through the amazing stories, news and music that's kept you interested, informed and in good company for more than 90 years. 

Testers Hollow causing issues again: Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says flood prevention progress being made at Testers Hollow could come unravelled by the latest rain. A $17 million upgrade is underway to reduce the impact of flooding, which is due to finish early next year. The road has been closed as a result of flooding, renewing community calls for a bridge.

How is Stockton faring with east coast low?: Stockton residents say they've dodged another bullet after this week's extreme weather. Three metre seas and a high tide caused waves to crash into rock walls along the Mitchell Street foreshore, but no waves crashed over the embankment.

New helicopters won't cause more noise: Newcastle Port officials say they don't expect any noise problems when they begin to use twin-engine helicopters for marine pilot transfers, replacing single engine choppers. The change is in response to new Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules around transferring marine pilots to and from vessels coming in and out of port.

New e-bikes in town: A fleet of electric bikes has been launched across Lake Macquarie. The bikes will be available seven days a week, 24-hours a day, and aim to improve transport options and connections in the area.

Can the Knights get season back on track?: The men's Newcastle Knights club captain, Jayden Brailey, has been named on the bench to make his return to the NRL on Friday, after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon during the pre-season. The Knights will play the Rabbitohs in the NAIDOC Week clash — the first time the teams have faced off in Newcastle since 2018.

This week we celebrate the work of Emily Lloyd, a proud Wiradjuri and LGBTQIA+ artist. Here's what she had to say about this beautiful piece:

"The flag means a lot to me as it is a symbol of equality for all genders and sexualities. Not only am I proud of who I am, but I am proud of the land I've lived on. Newcastle and the surrounding areas are all so different, just like us as people. We have the stars in the sky, our eagles, the sand dunes, farmlands, our waters and the beautiful flowers and plants. All are different and wonderful. Just like we are."

We couldn't say it any better than that! Thanks for sharing, Emily. 

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. 

Want a dessert that requires basic ingredients and only the smallest amount of effort — yet yields impressive results? A meal for the cooler months that you can serve at a dinner party or eat on the couch?

The wet weather continues. Showers are going to continue in coming days, with hopefully a little sunshine on Friday. It will be patchy during the weekend, with regular showers possible across much of the Hunter. It's going to be cold in the Upper Hunter at the weekend, with temperatures dropping as low as 2 degrees Celsius overnight on Friday.

Dave Anderson, surf reporter, snapped this shot at Merewether Beach.

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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.