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Hunter Valley workers ponder jobs future as move away from coal accelerates

Power industry workers in the Hunter Valley are understandably nervous about the future because of the region's reliance on coal. They're anxious to know how the economy will transition out of coal and how that will impact their children and grandchildren. But the good news is, there's no shortage of groups working on ideas and planning a future beyond coal. 

New school adds music to STEM to create a winning formula for future workers

Another way to future-proof jobs in the Hunter Valley may be through ... music. A new school in Muswellbrook aims to prepare the sons and daughters of mining engineers and coal mine workers for a changing world, and music is at the core of the curriculum.  

High-tech search for the elusive Australasian bittern 

Birdwatchers are swapping their binoculars for high-tech gadgetry in the hunt for one of Australia's most secretive wetland birds, in a swamp just north of Newcastle. It's estimated there are only 2,500 of the birds left in the world, but researchers say they're on the brink of significant progress.

First COVID-19 vaccination sites announced 

NSW Health has confirmed 11 hospitals in the state will administer Phase 1a of the Pfizer vaccine, naming Newcastle's John Hunter hospital in the group. Among the groups first in line for the jab will be ambulance and patient transport staff, emergency department workers, and those in critical care wards. 

How seizure-sensing dogs can save lives

Seizure dogs are making a huge difference to the lives of people who have epilepsy. Newcastle woman Cassie can now live by herself after being matched with clever pup Echo, who was trained in the Hunter Valley. But more research is needed to figure out how the dogs do what they do. 

Some dealers 'will lose everything' in Holden's exit from Australia, inquiry told

Marriages and family car dealerships are under strain as General Motors prepares for Holden's exit from Australia. One dealership owner is fuming over the company's decision, as our reporter Giselle Wakatama found out.

"I have spoken with numerous dealers who are suffering anxiety and there are even more under considerable financial stress, experiencing mental health issues and, family issues," the dealer said.

How the Newcastle Jets helped Valentino Yuel rescue his A-League career

Valentino Yuel is on fire in the A-League — but only a few months ago he was questioning his future after a rough start to his professional football career. His previous club told him his services were no longer required after he failed to score a single goal in his first season.

But the Newcastle Jets took a gamble, signing a forward that had yet to prove he could score goals at the top level.

Women to rock Newy in a Massive Band

Massive Band is happening in Newcastle soon as part of the City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival. The ABC's Dan and Jenny spoke to musician and organiser Bree van Reyk about the project, which aims to get women and girls rocking out.

Grooming dogs provides work opportunities for people with disabilities

How can dogs help people living with disability find work? A quick trip to Clear Paws Dog Salon is the place to find out. Chris, Pat and Mitch took Kia Handley through the salon, introducing some very cute customers.

'They were trotters': The orphan horses of Payne's Crossing

A group of abandoned horses once lived undetected in the Wollombi Valley for more than 15 years. When the horses fled the 2019-20 bushfires, they came to the attention of concerned locals, who have been looking after them ever since.

What else made news this week?

Offshore drilling plans: A company trying to develop a large gas field off the NSW coast says an exploration well will also test whether offshore carbon storage could be used to reduce emissions. BPH Energy is seeking approval to drill an exploration well near Newcastle and has raised $9 million for planning and engineering works. Managing director David Breeze says the well would have two purposes — to prove the gas reserve at 2,000 metres deep, and to test if carbon can be stored under the sea. 

Call for easing of liquor laws: As Newcastle pubs and clubs continue to try and claw back revenue lost from the Covid crisis, there are calls for the city's lockout laws to be relaxed. An official review in 2018 recommended the laws stay in place, after alcohol-fuelled assaults dropped dramatically. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the hospitality industry is hurting and the Government must act on an inquiry's recommendation to review the laws, a year after Sydney's laws were ditched.

Wallsend shooting: Newcastle police have charged a man over a public place shooting at Wallsend on Tuesday, in which a shot was fired through the window of a home in Platt Street. Three adults and three children were inside at the time, but no-one was injured. The following day police stopped a stolen car at Broadmeadow and a search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a shortened shotgun and ammunition. The 25-year-old driver was charged with several firearms offences.

Cash for gigs: Live music venues in Newcastle have been given a financial boost to help them host gigs as part of a new festival kicking off this month. The New Annual will start on February 12 and run until February 21, featuring more than 40 live music events. Newcastle Council has invested $20,000 in the live music grant program, which has been shared between 15 venues.

Nasal spray trials: A Newcastle viral immunologist says a nasal spray that can help protect against COVID-19 is also effective against other respiratory viruses. The nasal spray is moving to clinical trials next month and will now be assessed for its effectiveness against coronavirus and rhinovirus. Associate Professor Nathan Bartlett from the Hunter Medical Research Institute says it will fill a gap in treatment options.

Hydrogen cluster: The Hunter has been named as one of 13 places around the country to become part of a nationwide hydrogen energy cluster. A total of $1.8 million in seed money from National Energy Resources Australia is being used to develop the cluster, which will help develop a hydrogen supply chain in Australia. Hunter cluster interim chairman Borris Novak says 15 local partner organisations, including the University of Newcastle and the business chamber, have come together to drive the development of hydrogen in the region.

Mayor to retire: Muswellbrook Mayor Martin Rush has announced he will step aside before the end of this financial year. Cr Rush says 12 years in the top job is long enough and he plans to resume his former career as a barrister.

Parking crackdown: Maitland Council says it's cracking down on illegal parking at The Levee after receiving several complaints. Parking signage has been amended at the entrances to the busy retail and entertainment zone, while rangers will start regularly patrolling the area. Council says fines will be issued if warning notices are ignored. 

Dingo education: There are renewed calls for more signage discouraging people from feeding dingoes at Hawks Nest, after a spike in sightings of packs in urban areas. Locals on social media say dogs in groups of up to 20 have been sighted around town, and holiday makers feeding local dingoes have been blamed. Hawks Nest dingo sanctuary owner Jake Kitchen says it's time for another education blitz about the dangers. 

How's the weekend weather looking?

Possible showers are forecast for the weekend, with temps reaching 28-30 degrees. Things will cool down early next week with maximums in the low 20s.

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