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We've been working on something exciting and we'd love you to check it out! Hosted by ABC Newcastle's Kia Handley, our brand new podcast is called the Newcastle Hunter Catch Up — and it drops each weekday afternoon at 4.30pm on the ABC listen app.

Lest We Forget. Thousands of people attended Newcastle's Anzac Day dawn service, which was back at Nobby's Beach for the first time in two years. Then, through the day, smaller commemoration services were held right around the region.

Newcastle family members hosted a dawn service in their driveway, while remembering someone very special. Douglas Keevers passed away last year, just a few weeks before his 100th birthday.

We wanted to update you on what's happened since 12-year-old Damien was allegedly bashed in a public place in Newcastle in February. Damien's mum says police have told her the alleged offender has been cautioned, not charged.

Knights fans had been nervous about the prospect of losing the talented player. After weeks of speculation, the club called a press conference.

A band from Newcastle wants to help children embrace diversity and differences.The Quokkas are sharing a message of inclusiveness through their music.

Wendy Bowman was so concerned about the impact of a planned mine expansion, for years she refused to sell her land to Yancoal. Now, the expansion's approval has lapsed. The battle is over.

An innovative project to collect litter in the water at Wickham marina has expanded to include a second 'seabin'.

The rainy conditions have produced mushrooms of all kinds around the Hunter. But at the botanic gardens at Heatherbrae, glow-in-the-dark mushrooms have popped up.

Upper Hunter Shire Council wants to build a 4km cycleway and walkway in Merriwa to attract tourists. But some residents are upset they've been asked to help pay for it. That's despite the project receiving almost $1 million in government funding.

Beach season ends: Lifeguards have signed off for the season at the region's beaches. Lake Macquarie City Council says crowd numbers were down almost 40 per cent during a wet summer that also had sea foam and damaging swells at beaches. But the number of rescues increased, which lifeguards say reflects the hazardous conditions. (Pictured: Lifeguard Lucas Samways at Redhead Beach. Image supplied Lake Macquarie City Council).

Road repairs: Dungog Shire Council will spend a $25 million special state government grant to repair local roads, but admits some projects will miss out. The council says more than $50 million dollars is needed for the repairs, and it's spent the past 12 months consulting with Transport for NSW on which roads will get priority. The work will be done during the next four years.

Research focus: The Hunter Medical Research Institute has expanded its program from six to 19 areas of study, including asthma, cancer, drug re-purposing, injury and trauma and infection research. The institute's director, Professor Mike Calford, says expanding the fields of research will help highlight what local researchers are doing, and hopefully attract more funding.

COVID caution: Hunter residents who are close contacts of COVID-19 are being reminded to stay away from high-risk areas, like aged care or health facilities. The requirement for household contacts to isolate for seven days was eased last week. Public health physician Dr David Durrheim says it's important to be careful, particularly as winter approaches.

This roo took time to stop and reflect on things near Dungog. Thanks to Sara Dowling, who shared this image via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram. You can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. 

The weather will remain cloudy, and there's the chance of showers every day right through to the weekend. We might see a thunderstorm move through on Friday, and temperatures will stay in the low to mid-20s before increasing a little at the end of the week.

Our thanks for sharing this stunning image Stephanie Owen Photography.

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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.