June 18, 2026
Aussie Ark tour dates at Barrington Tops Sanctuary Visitors can once again experience Tasmanian Devils up close when Aussie Ark resumes its popular Devils in the Wild tours at Barrington Tops in August. Photo: Aussieark.org.au
Community

Aussie Ark tour dates at Barrington Tops Sanctuary

BARRINGTON Tops wildlife sanctuary Aussie Ark will welcome visitors back to its popular Devils in the Wild tours from August, following a short winter break. The fully guided two-hour experiences take guests behind the scenes of the organisation’s conservation work at its Tomalla sanctuary in the Barrington Tops. Upper Hunter MP David Layzell highlighted the […]

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James Theatre celebration marks ten years of Dungog community action Dungog’s James Theatre was the venue for a celebration.
Community, Entertainment, Film

James Theatre celebration marks ten years of Dungog community action

Dungog’s James Theatre was the venue for a celebration. On-stage local musician Peter Smith watches a piano duet performance. Andrew Simpson talks with Anne Fisher of Dungog by Design. Sharon and Emily at the Boomerang Bags stall. Diverse stalls manned by locals drew interest. Dungog High students played ambient music. DUNGOG advocates for ‘people and […]

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Dungog Mayor Digby Raywood pushes for fairer road funding Mayor Digby Raywood continues to lobby on what he believes are road funding inequities. Photo: dungog.nsw.gov.au
Government, Regional

Dungog Mayor Digby Raywood pushes for fairer road funding

DUNGOG Shire’s roads continue to cop criticism and Shire Mayor Digby Raywood has laid responsibility firmly on what he believes are inequities in the way funding is calculated. Cr Raywood has highlighted that Dungog Shire Council continues to lobby for increased support to maintain the region’s extensive road network. Speaking in his latest ‘Council Connect’ […]

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Destination Dungog for acclaimed documentary
Opinion

Destination Dungog for acclaimed documentary

DEAR News Of The Area, JOIN visiting Australian director Liz Courtney for a special Dungog screening of her internationally acclaimed documentary exploring Antarctica, climate science and the global changes shaping our future. ‘Antarctica – The Giant Awakens’ is a breathtaking journey to the frozen edge of our planet, where science, courage and discovery come together […]

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Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon recently acknowledged 140 years of Business Hunter. Photo: @Sharon Claydon MP
Business, Regional

Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth

BUSINESS Hunter is celebrating a significant milestone, marking 140 years of supporting industry, enterprise and economic development across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Founded in 1886 when a group of local business leaders gathered at Newcastle’s Great Northern Hotel to establish a Chamber of Commerce, the organisation has played a central role in shaping the […]

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NSW Government provides $250,000 for statewide LGBTQ+ antenatal education and pregnancy support program
Government

NSW Government provides $250,000 for statewide LGBTQ+ antenatal education and pregnancy support program

LGBTQ+ families across New South Wales will benefit from expanded antenatal education and pregnancy support services after the NSW Government announced $250,000 in funding for a statewide program. The one-off funding contribution will support LGBTQ+ organisation Rainbow Families to deliver culturally appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy support throughout the next three years. NSW Minister for […]

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Age-old cosmic clash of astronomy and astrology
Opinion

Age-old cosmic clash of astronomy and astrology

STARING up at the night sky, a blanket of twinkling stars, has fascinated humans for as long as we’ve had eyes to see. Stars have been our guides, our muses, and the spark for both scientific exploration and,  let’s just say, some more “colourful” interpretations. Enter astronomy and astrology: two fields that, at first glance, […]

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Entries open for 2026 NSW Tidy Towns awards
Regional

Entries open for 2026 NSW Tidy Towns awards

ENTRIES are now open for the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns awards, with communities, councils, organisations, businesses and individuals encouraged to showcase their environmental achievements. Since 1981, Keep Australia Beautiful NSW has recognised projects and initiatives that demonstrate environmental leadership, sustainability and strong community spirit across the state. The long-running awards program celebrates […]

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Dungog emergency warning siren testing The Hooke Street Emergency Warning Siren is a key part of Dungog’s flood warning network and underwent planned testing on 12 June. Photo: @dungogcouncil
Government, Regional

Dungog emergency warning siren testing

PLANNED testing of the Hooke Street Emergency Warning Siren took place on Friday, 12 June, as Dungog Shire Council and emergency service partners worked to ensure the system remained ready for future flood events. Dungog Shire Council is conducting the testing in partnership with NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and […]

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