THE NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the University of NSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), has released a report highlighting the pervasive and complex issue of neglect affecting older people and adults with disability across New South Wales. Funding was provided by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The ADC […]
DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done
THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in New South Wales. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or […]
New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression, paving the way for earlier and more precise treatments. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather […]
Shannon’s year in review
OVER the past year, reporting for News Of The Area has given me a front-row seat to something quietly powerful unfolding across Dungog and its surrounding villages: a renewed confidence in community, creativity and connection. One of the clearest signs of this has been the appetite for live music. From the unmistakable harmonies of The […]
S/C Fred Saba and Inspector David Donovan with the Sista Speak students at Lemon Tree Passage police station. Photo: PSHPD.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police step up community engagement this summer
Kids and families checked out the paddy wagon at Karuah police station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Karuah locals touring the station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Youth Liaison Officer S/C Leanne Mann, S/C Michelle Chandler, and S/C Fred Saba from Lemon Tree Passage. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. ACLO Jemma McLeay, YLO S/C Leanne Mann and Inspector David Donovan at […]
New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
Coffin weaving comes to Dungog
Coffin weaving. Workshop participants enjoy the process. A DEEPLY meaningful creative workshop will take place in the Upper Hunter early next year, blending ancient craft practices with the local landscape and a strong sense of place. On 31 January and 1 February, participants will gather for a ‘Coffin Weaving’ workshop led by renowned fibre artist […]
The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website
THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]
Dungog Rumble hands huge cheque to Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers, Rumble committee members and the new car. Malcolm Marquet presented the giant cheque to Margaret Jones. Dungog Rumble members with the giant cheque and new car. REPRESENTATIVES from the Dungog Rumble and Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers met on Sunday afternoon, 7 December at the Bank Hotel, Dungog. The Rumble […]
