LIVING in tranquil Fingal Bay, surrounded by incredible natural beauty, it is difficult to visualise the area as a centre of great volcanic activity, bubbling and hissing lava, heaving earth movement and giant blocks tumbling into the sea. In the time of great change the islands off our coastline were part of the mainland. When […]
STINKER: Bedlam on board with a monster Mulloway
I AM asked at times: “What is the biggest fish you have caught?” I immediately think of a thumping cobia I caught off the rocks off Cabarita headland some years ago. Kingfish, snapper and mulloway come to mind. Then I think of the monster I caught off Fingal. It was when I had Graham Duffy […]
STARGAZING: A full moon worth stepping outside for
IF you only make time to admire one full moon this year, make it this one. This weekend Australians will be treated to the Strawberry Moon – the highest full moon of 2026 in our skies. The real spectacle comes after sunset, when it climbs high above the winter landscape and shines brilliantly throughout the […]
Dungog should not be disadvantaged by Chichester Dam
DEAR News Of The Area, DUNGOG Council’s Mayor Digby Rayward’s comment in your recent issue that: “requesting money for Chichester Dam Road was not a request for special treatment, it is about fairness”, is absolutely spot-on. That is exactly the case, and has been the case for more than 100 years. Dungog LGA, because of […]
Hanson
Timeline of adulthood has changed
IF you’re 31 years old and still living with your parents, you shouldn’t be, according to new research based on the answers of more than 1000 respondents. 1010 Australians were asked to weigh in on what age is ‘too old’ to still be living at home. The harshest critics were the youngest and oldest Aussies, […]
A funding boost puts rural local community halls in line for an upgrade
The upgraded Rowena Community Hall, originally built in 1934. Photo: Supplied Community Association member Vanessa Radford standing at the Rowena Community Hall. Photo: Supplied FOR many rural towns, the local hall is far more than a building. It is where neighbours gather, volunteers organise events, children perform in concerts, emergency information is shared and communities […]
Dungog community rallies for iIts next generation with a new community bus
A NEW community bus is set to open doors for young people across the Dungog region, helping them access sport, education and community activities that are often out of reach due to transport barriers. Community advocate Jim Doyle said the 24-seat bus is about much more than getting from one place to another. “It takes […]
Stroud Community comes together to celebrate NAIDOC Week
Estelle Leishman demonstrating how to use ochre as paint. Photo: Rachel Barry. Aboriginal traditional dancing workshop led by Murrook Culture Centre staff. Photo: Rachel Barry. Uncle Justin Ridgeway sharing the Dreaming story of Yapii the platypus. Photo: Rachel Barry. Uncle Justin Ridgeway with children Connor and Charli during the smoking ceremony. Photo: Rachel Barry. STROUD’S […]
ADVERTORIAL: Australian performer brings unique Elvis concert to Dungog’s historic James Theatre
A NEW Australian stage production celebrating the music and legacy of Elvis Presley will arrive at Dungog’s historic James Theatre on Friday 7 August. The King’s Songbook, created by internationally acclaimed vocalist and producer Daniel Aranda, presents the songs of Elvis Presley in a concert format rather than as a traditional tribute show. Backed by […]
