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It seems unlikely in a coal-rich region like the Hunter, but our biggest power station, Eraring, says it's running out of coal — and warns it could lead to higher power prices. At the other end of our region, one of the largest coal mines near Muswellbrook is a step closer to doubling in size.

Last year, two Aboriginal staff members from Legal Aid's Newcastle office lodged official complaints detailing allegations of racism. One of them wrote about being "racially marginalised", being viewed as a "bludger" and feeling "unsafe".

BPH Energy has gone to the Federal Court, asking it to overturn a decision by the former Morrison government to reject an extension of its offshore gas exploration licence. 

The deadly QX disease has been found in oyster farms across Port Stephens. It's not harmful to humans, but can cause oysters to lose condition and die during the colder months — and some growers could lose everything. 

Actually, not so little. On June 8, 2007, an intense east coast low brought crazy wind, flooding rains, and … a gigantic tanker onto our shores.

Just over a month ago, Toronto woman Margaret France suffered an agonising death after waiting almost eight hours for an ambulance.The 69-year-old, who had suffered chronic health issues for some time, died on April 29 in her home despite four separate calls being made to Triple Zero.

Newcastle's very own Max Jackson is getting ready to jet to the world's country music capital, to play in the super iconic CMA Festival.

You've heard of tiny houses, but what about a tiny forest? Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance wants to make a tiny forest in the area, comprising a small, dense block of native plants.

Sometimes, it can be tricky to put things behind you in the name of your mental health. Hugh Van Cuylenburg launched the Resilience Project to help people do just that. 

This week on the ABC Newcastle Hunter podcast, we wanted to find out how locals in our region are teaching our kids about the ultra-important practise of consent … in all areas of their lives. 

Singo back to the polls: If you live in the Singleton Council area, you're going to be voting again on July 30 after last year's council results were deemed void. The council's general manager says he understands many in the community will have voter fatigue, but the upcoming by-election is important.

Ready for Origin? It's been a wishy-washy season for the men's Knights, and the captain, Kalyn Ponga, has struggled to showcase the extent of his talent. But our ABC Sports team thinks he has everything to gain this Origin series (even if he is playing for Queensland).

Cyber attack: CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning experienced a cyber-attack this week. The Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese says about 90 organisations linked to a cloud-based client management system have been affected.

Locals remember Mabo: A festival was held at Newcastle's Civic Park this week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision. Torres Strait Islander man Eddie Mabo won a landmark High Court Case in 1992 which paved the way for native title claims.

IPC date set: Muswellbrook residents who want to speak at the Independent Planning Commission's hearing into the potential expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine can register now. The IPC will sit on July 7 and 8.

Reconciliation plan: The chief executive of Awabakal Enterprises is aiming to set up a new network by end of the year for Hunter businesses that have reconciliation action plans. Awabakal's Sean Gordon says a region-wide plan from businesses would benefit the Indigenous community.

Local rallies: Bus drivers, education staff and other public service workers held several rallies this week, as part of a push for a pay rise, and changes to wage cap rules.

Matt Testoni takes some stunning underwater shots, and describes the life that lies hidden just below the surface of the water as "staggering". This moray eel was snapped (pardon the pun) in the waters off Nelson Bay. Matt shared it via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram.

You too can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. 

It's frost time in the Upper Hunter! Overnight temperatures for the remainder of the week around the Hunter will get as low as 1 degree Celsius (rug up Merriwa!). Otherwise, it should be mostly sunny for the rest of the week, with only a slight chance of shower here and there in the Upper Hunter. Daytime temperatures along the coast will get to a top of 15.

The wind has continued! Our reporter Andy Lobb snapped this pic of window washers at work in the crazy winds near our Newcastle station. Talk about brave!

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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.