PUBLIC confidence in the NSW criminal justice system has declined over time, with a pronounced fall since 2019, according to new research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Based on a representative survey of 2,000 NSW adults, the study found that public confidence fell across all key measures from 2012 to […]
Printed Edition 03 JUNE 2026
Recovery Centres and Recovery Access Points were open from Raymond Terrace to Macksville in the wake of the May 2025 flooding. Photo: NSW RA.
Review into response of Reconstruction Authority to floods
A REPORT has been published examining the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s response to the severe weather event that hit the east coast in May 2025. The review was undertaken by the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority, composed of MPs from across the political spectrum. “This inquiry had a focus on the severe weather […]
3M to fight lawsuit over ‘forever chemicals’ at defence sites including Williamtown
MANUFACTURING heavyweight 3M is vowing to fight a multibillion-dollar lawsuit over widespread use of “forever chemicals” at Australian defence sites – including the RAAF base at Williamtown. The federal government is suing 3M for more than $2 billion to recover costs from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam that contaminated 28 defence […]
Index compares connectivity quality across NSW regions
THE NSW Government has released an online tool for comparing connectivity quality across the state, producing some surprising results for Dungog Shire. The NSW Digital Connectivity Index, accessible via the NSW Government website, breaks digital connectivity down into three key areas: – Access: how strong is the coverage, how well the network performs and how […]
Town Team Movement Ltd received an FRRR grant funded by the Future Drought Fund to build community resilience to drought in WA’s Wheatbelt Central region.
Rural grant project seeking projects which build social resilience ahead of drought
MORE than $3,000,000 in grants is now available to empower eligible agriculture-dependent communities to prepare for drought by building and maintaining their social resilience. This is the second round of funding to be delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) through the Future Drought Fund’s (FDF) Communities Program, which is funded by […]
Letter to the Editor: love all, serve all
DEAR News Of The Area, (In response to: “Lyne MP’s bid to amend legal definition of ‘woman’ and ‘man’,” 26 May). Babies may be identified as male or female by their genitals at birth, but the chromosomes really determine their gender. Some societies used to have 5 genders. Please see information on differing chromosome patterns. […]
Paterson Golf Club
GOLF RESULTS | SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2-PERSON AMBROSE CHAMPIONSHIPS – FINAL ROUND FIELD | 35 members. 2026 2-PERSON AMBROSE CHAMPIONSHIPS | Winners Brodie Thackeray & Ramsey Vane-Wood (4.25) 119.50 Nett, Runners Up Phillip Watson & Stephen Watson (10.75) 120.50 Nett 2-PERSON AMBROSE (FINAL ROUND) | Winners Brodie Thackeray & Ramsey Vane-Wood (4.25) 59.75 Nett, Runners […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I am aware that during meetings, staff members appearing via Zoom are more insightful and intellectually engaged. I don’t understand the disparity. When they appear in person, they seem very different. Should I move all meetings to Zoom? Kevin P. Hi Kevin, I remember the good old days of staff meetings. The whole […]
Highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s May meeting
ROAD naming and budget reviews were on the agenda at Dungog Shire Council’s latest ordinary meeting on Wednesday 20 May. Following is a summary of some of the key matters discussed. Quarterly planning and development Council received its Quarterly Planning and Development Report for the January to March 2026 period, highlighting continued development activity and […]
