Novocastrian Amanda Barrass to perform at State of Origin

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Novocastrian to sing the anthem at State of Origin

Amanda Barrass' childhood dream was to perform the national anthem at the men's State of Origin — and now she has her chance. Sure, it won't happen in Newcastle after all. But she's made the trip north and is excited to perform.

Bookings open for Belmont vaccine hub

From hardware to healthcare — the Belmont mass vaccination hub is set to open on July 19. Bookings are open now and the plan is for 20,000 people to be vaccinated at the site each week.

Deed or breed? Debate starts after dog kills baby

A five-week-old baby in Kariong was killed by the family's pet American Staffordshire terrier this week. The baby's death has shocked the community and has started conversation around this breed.

QR codes mandatory everywhere except here

It's now common practice. Arrive at a place, pull out your phone and use a QR code to sign in. Now it has become mandatory to check in everywhere you go — except for farms.

Throw 'em back because you just might keep reeling them in!

You feel lucky if you catch a fish once, but what about three times? Lake Macquarie's Dan Guilfoyle has created a special bond with one big flathead in Lake Macquarie.

Finding ways to still shake your groove thing

It looked as though things were back to some kind of 'normal', and then June happened. But the Metropolitan Players aren't letting that rain on their parade.

What else made news this week?

Look who it is: Newcastle news journalist Bindi Bryce popped up on ABC Kids this week. She hosted a special edition of News Time to mark NAIDOC Week. She said it was awesome. "I got to channel my inner Play School presenter and share some of my language. I think it's so important for all children to hear Aboriginal words and stories at a young age, so the next generation is more familiar with our culture." Look out Big Ted, Bindi is coming!
No students on uni campus: University of Newcastle students will have their first two weeks of the semester online as COVID-19 continues to spread across the Greater Sydney region. From July 19-30, all courses scheduled for face-to-face learning will now be study-from-home, except for approved placements or practical work.
Damage at Lambton: Vandals destroyed the pitch of a busy local sporting venue at the weekend. Emergency works are underway at Novocastrian Park in New Lambton after the vandals performed donuts on the grass, forcing the cancellation of sport for hundreds of people.
Rail bypass update: If you've been stuck at level crossings at Adamstown and Islington waiting for coal and freight trains to pass, there's some news that might excite you. A plan for a freight rail bypass has been put up on public display. You have until August 17 to comment.
Knights' home away from home: The men's Newcastle Knights are settling into their temporary home. They are one of 12 clubs setting up in south-east Queensland because of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown in Sydney. The Knights will play the Storm in Melbourne on Saturday.
Sending home Sydneysiders: Newcastle Water Police have sent a man back to Sydney after stopping him from sailing into Lake Macquarie. He moored overnight off Swansea Channel and police instructed him to return to Pittwater. Meanwhile, a woman from Greater Sydney was caught in Port Stephens last week in breach of lockdown orders and was fined. You can read more about that incident here.

The best pictures from around the country

Gumbaynggirr artist Teagan New created this mural for Ashtonfield Public School, on Wonnarua country. It tells the story of the school:
"One day there was a huge flood across the land. The Eagle swooped down over Wonnarua country to make sure everyone was ok. He saw Bluey the fish, pushing all the children through the river helping them get to land. On the land was where learning took place. The students of Ashtonfield Public School were pulled from the river to learn, meet and grow with one another. The adults and the children worked in harmony together so that no one was left behind and the learning continued. Bluey remains to this day continuing to push students to their very best and thrive!"
The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. 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. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC!

How's the weekend weather looking?

Showers will hang around the Hunter for the rest of this week. From Wednesday until Saturday you can expect rain, and the winds will pick up by Thursday afternoon. When you hit Sunday, the sun will be shining and you'll be left with a picture perfect winter day.
Thanks to Craig for this photo of Newcastle Harbour as the light starts to change.

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