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It started with news of a party on a local beach and ended with a snap lockdown that began last Thursday afternoon. Testing queues were long, anxiety grew and now there's concern for aged care facilities.

How are you going in the Hunter's snap lockdown? It's easy to get confused with what you can and can't do. We're here to help.

It's easy to assume that everyone has a smart phone in 2021. QR codes have shown us that's not the case. Businesses have been juggling the electronic sign-in and a paper version, but that's about to change.

She's set to become Australia's very first female astronaut. The Hunter's Kim Ellis has been in extensive training for the past few years. Sure, there were a few COVID-related interruptions but she's on track to shoot for the stars.

When it was announced that a seven-day lockdown was about to hit the Hunter, one couple raced to say "I do". Months of planning went out the window and the clock was ticking as phone calls were made to see what could be done.

By now you've probably submitted your Census form. Job done for the next five years. While the national data project is very serious business, there are some unique things you can learn about your community through the Census.

Liverpool fans unite! Lake Macquarie's Craig Johnston scaled the heights of English football and now something will be named after him.

Do you have a cupboard full of food but don't know what to do with it? Sounds like the perfect lockdown challenge. There's so much you can make by looking deep into the tinned food at the back of your cupboard.

Transgrid's proposal to build power lines on the outskirts of Merriwa has been met with some contention in the community. The energy company met with the Merriwa Cassilis Alliance to discuss the project.

John 'Stinker' Clarke wants to take you on a trip. It's the best ticket in town and you don't have to leave your home.

Hunter athletes competed across 11 sports at the Tokyo Olympics. Gold medals are coming home with Spencer Turrin and Will Ryan, but we wanted to give a shout out to all our Olympians. Here are some highlights.

Katie Rae Ebzery and Leilani Mitchell reached the quarter finals with the Opals, and Emily Van Egmond came so close to winning a bronze with the Matildas.

Poppy Olsen finished 5th in the first skateboarding event at the Olympics while Daniel Repacholi was 8th in his shooting finals.

We are so proud and cannot wait for you to get home so we can celebrate all your achievements!

Gagai returns to Knights: The men's Newcastle Knights have announced Dane Gagai will return to the club next year on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old previously played for the Knights between 2012 and 2017. His decision to return marks the end of a long period of speculation about his future.

Lake Macquarie mine extended: The Chain Valley Bay Colliery has approval to extend mining operations in the Fassifern Seam. Delta Coal says the extension will allow for a reliable and cost-effective supply of coal for the Vales Point Power station. It says there'll be no increase in adverse environmental or social impacts.

Upper Hunter monitored for COVID: Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter Shires will start testing sewage to monitor for COVID-19 fragments. Both Scone and Merriwa are located in the Upper Hunter Shire, which is not currently in lockdown.

Beware backyard fire pits: Fire pit sales have boomed with more people spending time at home. It's come with a health warning from a Hunter epidemiologist. Doctor Ben Ewald says we should be aware that fires in an urban area can produce quite hazardous smoke that could prove a health concern for the community.

Ursula Kahts, a South African living in Newcastle who loves "early morning walks, the ocean and sunrises" shared this beautiful photo of a quick splash at Mereweather Beach. Thanks Ursula! 

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. 

The mornings are getting lighter earlier, the smell of pollination is in the air and if you sit in the sunshine long enough it can almost feel like spring has arrived early. This sunny winter weather is set to continue into the weekend. You might see a shower around the Hunter on Thursday, but otherwise it's tops of 21 degrees and sunny days ahead.

ABC Newcastle journalist Bindi Bryce snapped this shot at Merewether Beach, where there was a mix of people with or without masks enjoying the sunshine.

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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.