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First shark attack in the Hunter region since the 1970s 

A 58-year-old man sustained injuries to his arm after being attacked by a shark in Lake Macquarie earlier this week. He was dragged back to shore by a fellow swimmer and tended to by neighbours until paramedics arrived. 

Rodents on the rise in the Upper Hunter

A "carpet" of mice has been sighted in parts of New South Wales and across Queensland, with Upper Hunter residents saying the outbreak has led to a shortage of baits and mouse traps. And in Merriwa, one resident says mice and rats have destroyed her appliances and whitegoods.

NSW's Indigenous Australians mourn Invasion Day, but others celebrate Australia Day  

Wiradjuri woman Taylah Gray has her own mission when Australia Day rolls around every year. She says "we have a lot of unfinished business here in Australia that needs resolving". Taylah is one of the organisers of the Newcastle Invasion Day rally, which saw several hundred people march through the city, finishing at Nobbys Beach foreshore.

Fatal confrontation with Glendale parolee leaves police traumatised 

An inquest this week into the death of a man who fatally attacked the mother of his child and went on a drug-fuelled rampage has heard the man had a history of violence and was on parole at the time of the incident. A police officer who fired one of the shots that killed the man said he feared a fellow police officer could have lost their life. 

The enormous effort to make sure bushfire donations went to the people who needed them

The bushfires that enflamed much of the country's east coast a year ago shocked the world, but the generosity of everyday Australians following the disaster was just as stunning. However, it created another challenge: how to get the $640 million raised to people in need.

Women accused of bushfire and COVID-19 fraud refused bail 

Three women separately accused of fraudulently obtaining thousands of dollars worth of bushfire and COVID-19 recovery grants have been refused bail in a Hunter Valley court. Police allege one woman fraudulently obtained six grants totalling $60,000.

Take a stroll on the Yuelarbah track 

Breakfast's Jenny Marchant and Dan Cox are putting together a Hunter Bucket List filled with some of the best areas to visit in our region. One such place is the Yuelarbah track, according to Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club president Nick Searl.

Singleton's flying foxes find a new home

Burdekin Park has been home to Singleton's flying fox population for more than two decades, but it seems they've now moved on. Their new home is along the banks of the Hunter River at Dunolly. Mornings' Kia Handley caught up with Dr Kerryn Parry-Jones to find out why.

What else is making news this week?

Meet ranger dog Bella: Newcastle Council has introduced a new four-legged recruit to its team of rangers who patrol local beaches and dog parks. Two-year-old golden retriever Bella has been hired to help her colleagues educate people on responsible pet ownership. Ranger Allan Hong says her presence is engaging and makes him more approachable. You can watch an adorable video of Bella on our Facebook page.

Australia Day honours: Two of the Hunter's most high profile advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy have been recognised for their service to the community. Bob Cotton, a senior minister with the Maitland Christian Church who has lobbied for years for tougher penalties, and Hunter region abuse survivor Peter Gogarty, both received a medal of the Order of Australia for their services in advocating on behalf of victims.

Beach rugby launch: Retired Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri helped launch a new style of short-form rugby this week that's fast paced and has limited tackling. Former Knights players Owen Cragie and Danny Buderus joined Tuqiri for a Beach 5s tournament at Nobby's Beach in Newcastle on Monday. Tuqiri said the game combined the rules of touch, union and league. You can read more here.

McKay pushes jobs creation: Labor opposition leader Jodi McKay has urged the State and Federal Governments to take a more hands-on approach to job creation in the Hunter Valley. On a visit to the Upper Hunter, Ms McKay claimed the federal Nationals' manufacturing plan would do little to stimulate the local economy. She said Labor's Jobs First Bill would force governments to consider local impacts when awarding tenders.

Dawes' Olympics spray: Newcastle wheelchair racer Christie Dawes says she's eager to compete again, but is angry that taxpayers will have to foot the bill for quarantine periods. It comes as the International Olympic Committee insists the Olympic Games will proceed this year in Tokyo. Athletes won't have to be vaccinated before attending, but will be required to quarantine. Dawes is in training for Paralympic qualifiers and says athletes will have to go into a bubble. Listen to her interview on Breakfast here.

Nursing health woes: A Hunter nurse has told a state parliamentary health inquiry that staff are at breaking point and overworked, amid the Covid pandemic. The inquiry is examing healthcare standards in rural and regional areas, including access to services and health spending. A Cessnock nurse said extra support would help to prevent burnout.

Singleton bypass plans: Plans for the Singleton bypass are gaining momentum with stakeholders now being urged to have their say on how the project should be delivered. In peak hour it's normally bumper-to-bumper traffic in Singleton as mine and other industry workers arrive or knock off from shifts. The bypass has been mooted for over a decade and last year the Federal Government announced more than half-a-billion-dollars to fast track the project. 

No excuses for Knights: Knights star fullback Kalyn Ponga says his side can't let COVID restrictions and bubbles affect their performance in the NRL this year. Newcastle scraped into the finals in last year's disrupted season. "I think as a group we can probably be better at being more professional in what we eat, what we do off the field," Ponga says.

How to attract native birds to your backyard

Attracting native wildlife to your backyard can provide hours of entertainment as you watch them nibble away on plants and take a dip in a bird bath. And there are benefits for the birds too. Our friends at ABC Everyday caught up with a bird fan and ecologist for his top tips on bringing birds to your yard, no matter where you live.

How's the weekend weather looking?

The bureau is forecasting possible showers and a top of 25 on Friday before the weather heats up on Saturday through to Monday, when it will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the low 30s.

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