Students invited to enter Anzac Day Schools’ Awards
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold MP is encouraging local students to take part in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, a national competition recognising outstanding learning and engagement with Australia’s defence service history. Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the awards celebrate the work of students and teachers across schools and other educational […]
Sailor Ruth Boydell has released a compelling memoir covering her adventures across the globe. Photo: Galen Boydell.
‘Rocking the Boat’: A sailor’s tale of adventure and adversity
HUNTER-BASED sailor and death doula Ruth Boydell has released a memoir, “Rocking the Boat: A Life in Three Voyages”, outlining global ocean adventures in the days before GPS and chartplotters. Ruth’s story begins at the age of 17, when she joined a thirty-something Englishman who was single-handing a sailboat around the world. The adventures came […]
Storyteller inspires next generation at Youth Week Workshop in Paterson
EMERGING filmmaker and local historian, Jacob Ure, 24, shared his unique approach to uncovering and telling hidden local stories at a Youth Week workshop held on Sunday in Paterson. Invited by Paterson Community Builders, Jacob – the creator of local history platform Our Past – delivered an engaging session focused on how he creates compelling, […]
Philanthropy Australia pushes for donations to be equal. Photo: Julia M. Cameron.
New Giving Fund rules spark debate over charity system gaps in Australia
HUNTER residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need. But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could. The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, up from […]
Trains returning but no firm timeline on Regional Rail fleet
WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet. “A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications […]
The Newcastle Jets are celebrating after the Mariners’ win handed them the premiership. Photo: AAP Image/Morgan Hancock.
Mariners’ upset win clinches Jets the Premier’s Plate
THE Newcastle Jets can celebrate securing a maiden A-League premiership – with possibly more unprecedented spoils to come – after Auckland FC were left cursing officials in a shock home loss to the Central Coast Mariners. A 19th-minute sucker-punch goal from Ali Auglah was enough for the Mariners to shake up the championship race with […]
Paterson Golf Club
Divisional Individual Stroke Winners, Glenn Davies (l) & Glenn Radford (r). Divisional Individual Stableford Winners, Chris Bryant (l) & Michael Cairney (r). SATURDAY 4TH APRIL INDIVIDUAL STROKE & MONTHLY MEDAL FIELD | 26 members & 5 visitors. DIV 1 (<15) | Winner Glenn Davies (6) 63 Nett, Runner Up Paul Geddes (5) 63 Nett DIV […]
Emergency Relief funding for community services in Dungog and Gloucester
THE Federal Government is providing an additional $11.7 million in funding to bolster emergency relief and financial counselling across Australia, including funds for services in Dungog and Gloucester. A total of $8.5 million will be distributed amongst 196 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers across the country, helping them meet increased demand for their services. This funding […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I HAVE been going really well with my eating and exercise plan, but over Easter it went out the window. I’m feeling very guilty and disillusioned. Fiona W. Dear Fiona, This is completely relatable, and I’m sure many of our readers will be feeling post-Easter remorse. In a 24-hour period, I somehow managed […]
