This document summarizes economic insights for the Hunter Region of Australia. It finds that the regional labor market is softening, with declining employment and rising unemployment. Consumer and business sentiment are also trending downward. Surveys found high rates of internet and mobile usage among residents but more varied adoption of information technologies among businesses. Overall, the regional economy faces challenges transitioning to a knowledge-based economy and retaining youth, with an aging population and need to maximize opportunities in new sectors and the digital economy through reskilling and urban renewal.