January 8, 2026
Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis.
Community

Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s

Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis. Some of the dancers in action. FOR Joy Tull of Stroud, age is just a number.  At 86, she’s still leading a group of line dancers at Stroud Road […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, There is only one New Year’s Resolution I have and that is to start doing some exercise. I know it’s good for me, but I detest physical activity. Now I’m in my mid-fifties, it hurts my joints and that just makes me feel worse. Do you have any suggestions? Evie H. Dear Evie, […]

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All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year
Dungog Shire

All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year

OPERATION Christmas and New Year 2025, the annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, has concluded, with eight people losing their lives on NSW roads during the 17-day period. The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January. The operation involved Traffic and […]

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A Christmas to remember at Dungog Shire Community Centre’s free lunch Festive spirit in full swing
Event

A Christmas to remember at Dungog Shire Community Centre’s free lunch

Volunteers at the lunch Festive spirit in full swing THE Dungog Shire Community Centre’s (DSCC) annual free Community Christmas Lunch proved, once again, to be a heartfelt highlight on Christmas Day. Held at Dungog Public School, the event welcomed more than 80 community members, including individuals, families and visitors from across the Shire. Bringing warmth, […]

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RFS warns there’s no time for complacency as warmer days return Firefighters continue to monitor active fires at Nabiac and Bulahdelah.
Regional

RFS warns there’s no time for complacency as warmer days return

Firefighters continue to monitor active fires at Nabiac and Bulahdelah. A map released by the RFS shows the extent of lightning strikes over four hours on 3 January. THE NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging everyone to remain vigilant, with higher temperatures forecast to return later this week. The bushfire near Bulahdelah is still […]

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Letter to the Editor: parking reply
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: parking reply

DEAR News Of The Area, I was surprised to see the article “Council ‘committed to parking solutions’” in the paper (31 December). I raised the same problem to the Council 12 months or more ago and I believe nothing has been done. There are no stopping signs in Crolls Mill Lane, which are totally ignored, […]

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Unskilled workers critical to ensuring agriculture sustainability
Local News

Unskilled workers critical to ensuring agriculture sustainability

THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for a renewed focus on a sustainable agricultural workforce, urging policymakers to ensure the needs of regional communities are properly addressed. In a submission to the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia inquiry, the NFF said while skilled migrants play an important supporting role in the agricultural workforce, […]

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Exemptions for farmers under new gun laws in NSW
Local News

Exemptions for farmers under new gun laws in NSW

PRIMARY producers across NSW will operate under tighter firearm regulations following new legislation. The State Government emphasises that the reforms recognise the legitimate needs of farmers while strengthening community safety. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 24 December in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi […]

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