March 26, 2026
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace. A man offered to buy it. He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold. He said he couldn’t attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash. […]

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Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people
Local News

Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on […]

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Inquiry into community safety concludes
Dungog Shire

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]

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Multiple key motions covered at Dungog Shire Council meeting
Dungog Shire

Multiple key motions covered at Dungog Shire Council meeting

DUNGOG Shire Council considered several key matters at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Hunter Water support for advocacy Mayor Digby Rayward put forward a Mayoral Minute acknowledging and welcoming formal letters of support received from Hunter Water Corporation endorsing Council’s advocacy on two key issues: road recategorisation and improved river health governance. “The […]

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New Stroud SES building set to finish on time SES and council representatives at the site. Photo: Council.
Local News

New Stroud SES building set to finish on time

THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]

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Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds.
Local News

Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW

Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.  AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming […]

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Burlesque troupe set to ‘seductively entertain’ at the James Theatre The show is described as a ‘Victorian comedy burlesque opera’ set to live 90s grunge music. Photos: Nick Glover.
Entertainment

Burlesque troupe set to ‘seductively entertain’ at the James Theatre

The show is described as a ‘Victorian comedy burlesque opera’ set to live 90s grunge music. Photos: Nick Glover. The show is described as a ‘Victorian comedy burlesque opera’ set to live 90s grunge music. Photos: Nick Glover. The show is described as a ‘Victorian comedy burlesque opera’ set to live 90s grunge music. Photos: […]

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New Community Banking Service launches in Dungog
Dungog Shire

New Community Banking Service launches in Dungog

WESTPAC customers in Dungog can now access face-to-face banking support with a new Community Banking Service. In November 2025 Westpac announced it will be piloting the new service with local communities and councils to deliver banking in regional towns. Dungog is one of three initial towns in regional NSW involved in the pilot alongside Manilla […]

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Decision to be made on Stroud council building hours MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Decision to be made on Stroud council building hours

THE future operating hours and services of MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library will be discussed at Council’s 29 April meeting. Following a period of community engagement, a feedback report is now available at the facility and online. “We thank everyone who provided feedback on the reduced hours that is being trialled for […]

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