Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP,
Native bird flu case sparks ‘nightmare’ wildlife fears
A KILLER bird flu strain has been discovered in an Australian native seabird for the first time, sparking fears it could trigger a wildlife emergency. Testing detected the H5N1 strain in a greater crested tern discovered at Robe in South Australia. The case marked a major escalation in the crisis, Invasive Species Council policy director […]
The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied.
Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa shares the joys and challenges of raising free-range heritage chickens
The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied. Healthy chooks at Barrington Brahmas free-ranging in the sunshine. Photo: Supplied. FREE-ranging heritage chickens are more than a hobby for Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa Hunt, who says every bird has its own personality and an important role in the flock. […]
Mayor Digby Raywood at the Paterson Hub and Harvest community gardens with UTS students.
UTS Students make a big difference in Paterson and Gresford
Kings Wharf Park UTS student plantings. UTS Big Lift 2026 students in Paterson with locals. Mayor Digby Raywood at the Paterson Hub and Harvest community gardens with UTS students. MORE than 80 student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) rolled up their sleeves over the weekend as part of The Big Lift, delivering […]
STARGAZING: Space travel no longer the stuff of Star Trek
THE dream of space travel, once confined to the realms of science fiction, is rapidly becoming a tangible reality. In 2025, the space tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with companies like Blue Origin leading the charge. The recent Katy Perry all-girl mission has not only captivated the public’s imagination but also paved the way […]
‘On The Couch’ With Jasminda:
DEAR Jasminda, I am a Doctor of Philosophy. When my husband and I recently travelled interstate, he put my title down as Doctor for our booking. I was unaware of this until the boarding staff greeted me as Doctor Ronstad, wishing me a good flight and thanking me for being on board. I was also […]
The new fleet of Service NSW vehicles offers “branch in a box” technology. Photo: Supplied by Service NSW.
Mobile Service NSW Centres hit the road
REGIONAL and remote communities across NSW are set to benefit from a major boost in access to government services, with new Service NSW Mobile Service Centres hitting the road this month. Four tough new four-wheel-drive single-cab utes will replace the existing Mobile Service Centres, which have reached their end of life after covering more than […]
Petition pushes for urgent action at Pacific Highway intersections
ONE Stroud resident who regularly drives south on the Bucketts Way has decided that enough is enough when it comes to the state of both the Bucketts Way and Medowie intersections with the Pacific Highway, and is calling for the community to show its support for urgent government action. NOTA reported in March on the […]
LETTER: Most farmers support renewable energy
DEAR News Of The Area, The media narrative suggesting regional people oppose renewable energy projects when the data unarguably shows the opposite is now the subject of a published academic paper (“Growing discontent on data centres as farmers fear renewable rollout repeat, The Land, 7/6). Poll after poll after poll, from Porter Novelli, 89 Degrees […]
Dungog Under 12s.
Dungog Under 12s netball finish state titles as runners-up
Dungog Under 12s. Dungog Under 12s. DUNGOG Netball Association’s Under 12 representative team has capped off an exceptional 2026 season with a second-place finish at the Netball NSW Junior State Titles in Camden, held from 4–6 July. The talented young side delivered an incredible performance across the three-day tournament, finishing equal on competition points at […]