THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026. A detection of H5 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. This is the […]
The fuel excise will be halved for three months as a temporary cost-of-living measure. Photo: AAP Image/Darren England
Fuel costs to creep up as states back excise return
DRIVERS will pay 16 cents a litre more for petrol and diesel from July as battles over taxes on fuel open up on multiple fronts. Drivers will pay $10 more to fill a 65-litre tank of fuel when tax relief designed to combat surging fuel prices begins to wind back. The move comes after a […]
Paterson Golf Club
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD FIELD | 39 members & 4 visitors. DIV 1 (<15) | Winner Paul Langley (14) 37 Points, Runner Up Michael Rose (5) 36 Points, 3rd Place Simon Dunn (8) 36 Points DIV 2 (16-36) | Winner Greg Kellner (19) 37 Points, Runner Up Dion Rose (30) 37 Points, 3rd Place […]
Men’s Health Week now on
IT’S Men’s Health Week and this year Australian men are being reminded that there are ‘101 Reasons to See Your GP’ and urges men to just get on with it. The event’s website, https://www.menshealthweek.com.au/, looks crafted with straightforward, no-drama sensibilities; a brown background, beige writing, and no-nonsense text. “There are 101 reasons to see your […]
Ownership and responsibility of Rural Fire Service’s mobile assets
BY the end of next winter, ownership of and responsibility for the Rural Fire Service’s mobile assets, otherwise known as its ‘Red Fleet’, will lie with the NSW Government and not local councils. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of Local Government NSW, said the move would come as a great relief to many local councils, particularly […]
Sex discrimination law changes opposed by Sex Discrimination Commissioner
NOTA reported (7 May) that member of Federal Parliament Alison Penfold had introduced a Private Members Bill into Parliament to amend the definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in the Sex Discrimination Act, suggesting that it was necessary to provide legal protections for women and girls. Ms Penfold’s Bill provides that the definitions of ‘man’ and […]
Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program 2026 opens for community environmental projects
A GRANTS program that last year helped plant 123,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers will return in 2026. Grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 are available to support the native planting projects of Landcare groups, Bushcare, Coastcare and Dunecare groups, local governments, natural resource management organisations, not-for-profit organisations and First Nations organisations. It is the second […]
Visitors can once again experience Tasmanian Devils up close when Aussie Ark resumes its popular Devils in the Wild tours at Barrington Tops in August. Photo: Aussieark.org.au
Aussie Ark tour dates at Barrington Tops Sanctuary
BARRINGTON Tops wildlife sanctuary Aussie Ark will welcome visitors back to its popular Devils in the Wild tours from August, following a short winter break. The fully guided two-hour experiences take guests behind the scenes of the organisation’s conservation work at its Tomalla sanctuary in the Barrington Tops. Upper Hunter MP David Layzell highlighted the […]
James Theatre celebration marks ten years of Dungog community action
Dungog’s James Theatre was the venue for a celebration. On-stage local musician Peter Smith watches a piano duet performance. Andrew Simpson talks with Anne Fisher of Dungog by Design. Sharon and Emily at the Boomerang Bags stall. Diverse stalls manned by locals drew interest. Dungog High students played ambient music. DUNGOG advocates for ‘people and […]
Mayor Digby Raywood continues to lobby on what he believes are road funding inequities. Photo: dungog.nsw.gov.au
Dungog Mayor Digby Raywood pushes for fairer road funding
DUNGOG Shire’s roads continue to cop criticism and Shire Mayor Digby Raywood has laid responsibility firmly on what he believes are inequities in the way funding is calculated. Cr Raywood has highlighted that Dungog Shire Council continues to lobby for increased support to maintain the region’s extensive road network. Speaking in his latest ‘Council Connect’ […]
