DEAR Jasminda, WHENEVER I go to the supermarket for a couple of items, I end up leaving with a trolley full. How can I avoid the temptation and stick to my budget? Gloria V. Dear Gloria, It’s easy to feel defeated when you go into the supermarket for eggs and milk and return with two […]
Cartoonist Doran’s weekly selection for News Of The Area.

Stroud partners with Rural Aid for historic ‘Community Builders’ event
STROUD community groups and residents have united in a history-making initiative. Close to 200 gathered at the Rural Aid Community Builders event at the Stroud Country Club on Thursday 20 March. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone – (02) 4981 8882. Email – media@newsofthearea.com.au The workshop […]
IPART deliver draft report on Hunter Water pricing
THE Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released its draft decisions on Hunter Water’s maximum prices from 2025-26 to 2029-30. IPART is currently reviewing costs and prices for water and water-related services provided by Sydney Water, Hunter Water, WaterNSW and the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC). Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s […]
Dungog Shire News Of The Area 16 APRIL 2025

Tocal college recognises future agriculture leaders
MARKING 60 years of education in 2025, Tocal College has celebrated the graduation of a cohort of some 180 students. The NSW Government-run college is a cornerstone of agricultural training in NSW. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone – (02) 4981 8882. Email – media@newsofthearea.com.au In […]
Clarence Town artist showcasing local scenes on ceramics
PILAR Patterson is a Clarence Town artist whose skill in making and decorating ceramic works is deservedly gaining attention. Recently, at the Dungog Arts Society “Faces and Places” exhibition, her work “the Brig O’Johnston Bridge” won first prize in Ceramics. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. […]

Multibillion-dollar benefit of reproductive leave
AUSTRALIA loses more than $21 billion in productivity every year due to absenteeism but providing workers with one day of reproductive leave a month would significantly mitigate this economic cost. A report into the costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement has found the policy would improve mental health and workforce […]
A full circle life in Dungog for Jenny Akers
AFTER 40 years away, Jenny Akers has come full circle, trading the bustle of Sydney for the soul of Dungog – and she’s never looked back. Born at Newcastle’s Mater Hospital and schooled at Lochinvar, Jenny always dreamed of returning to the region. But it wasn’t until her retirement in 2018 that she made the […]
Manley to contest Lyne for Legalise Cannabis Party
FORMER state election candidate Keys Manley will contest the 2025 federal election for the Legalise Cannabis Party in the seat of Lyne. Mr Manley, who took about nine percent of the Myall Lakes vote in the 2023 NSW election, told NOTA he is a “passionate advocate for cannabis legalisation”. Advertise with News of The Area […]