June 9, 2026
RSV virus can cause severe illness
Health

RSV virus can cause severe illness

As RSV Awareness Week draws to a close, the Australian Medical Association is urging Australians to speak with their GP about vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was not just a winter nuisance but could cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death. “This week is an important […]

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Clarence Town Community Builders launch Community Development Action Plan and workshop Historic Clarence Town’s Community Action Plan to be celebrated and shared with the community. Photo: visitnsw.com
Business, Regional

Clarence Town Community Builders launch Community Development Action Plan and workshop

CLARENCE Town residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of their community with the launch of the newly completed Community Development Action Plan. The Clarence Town Community Builders Task Team will officially unveil the plan at a community launch and interactive workshop on Thursday 18 June at the Clarence Town Bowling Club. Sacha […]

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Don’t hook a fine when casting for trout Trout fishing in NSW is now closed. Photo: dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Local News

Don’t hook a fine when casting for trout

ALL NSW rivers and streams are now closed for trout fishing until the start of the October long weekend. The annual closure applies from the end of the June long weekend until the start of the October long weekend on Saturday, 3 October. The annual closure is designed to protect trout and other species during […]

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Help identify faces in old Dungog or Gloucester photo Can you help the author of this letter identify some of the people in this photograph?
Opinion

Help identify faces in old Dungog or Gloucester photo

Dear News Of The Area, I AM writing to ask whether your newspaper might be willing to publish an old family photograph in the hope that members of the community may be able to help identify some of the people pictured. The photograph is believed to include my husband’s great-grandfather, Robert Alexander Laurie, who was […]

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Stargazing: smartphone astronomy
Uncategorized

Stargazing: smartphone astronomy

WINTER astronomy in Australia comes with a bonus much of the world would envy: crisp, clear skies that seem polished overnight. Right now, in the Hunter and Mid North Coast, the heavens are putting on a dazzling performance. Tonight, step outside with me into your own backyard observatory. No ticket needed. Just curiosity. And here’s […]

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Husband’s responsibility takes flight
Jasminda's Advice

Husband’s responsibility takes flight

Dear Jasminda, When I travel with my partner on a plane, he ignores the safety announcements and instead reads a book. I feel like if something goes wrong, I’m the only one who will be able to assist. Bettina L. Dear Bettina, I’ve come across a range of different travellers over the years. Because I […]

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Street Count shows homelessness across Hunter remains steady
Government

Street Count shows homelessness across Hunter remains steady

NEW data suggests that rates of rough sleeping have remained steady across parts of the Hunter region in the past 12 months, while significant increases have been seen in the MidCoast local government area. Each year the NSW Government partners with local organisations across the state to complete “street counts” to provide a point-in-time count […]

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Additional Police Academy class to be added in 2026
Police

Additional Police Academy class to be added in 2026

MORE recruits are being sought for the NSW Police Force, with a new Police Academy class to be added in 2026. The NSW Police Academy will move from three attestation classes to four, aiming to create a larger, faster pipeline of new probationary constables for commands across NSW. Premier Chris Minns said NSW simply “needs […]

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Nurses and midwives receive backpay after pay increase Nurses should receive long-awaited back payments by the end of this week. Photo: file.
Health

Nurses and midwives receive backpay after pay increase

PUBLIC sector nurses and midwives across NSW should have now received backpay payments, following a pay increase decision by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in April.  The IRC ruling delivered nurses and midwives a pay rise of between 16 and 28 percent over a period of three years, backdated to 1 July 2025. Backpayments […]

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ABS data highlights economic impact of Strait of Hormuz closure
Local News

ABS data highlights economic impact of Strait of Hormuz closure

FUEL prices and supply availability have negatively impacted 72 percent of Australian businesses, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). According to Head of Business Statistics Tom Lay, the data from the Survey of Business Conditions and Sentiments helps the ABS better understand the economic impacts of the closure of […]

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