By Pauline CAIN Dave Owens with Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Disaster Recovery Australia volunteers at Smithtown. Photo: supplied Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other […]
Court knocks back Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion
PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled. The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed. The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and […]
New gallery for Dungog Arts Society
Even Poppy the dog told a story or two at Gig in the Gog Arts Society committee member Lynne McNairn performing with Martyn Robinson. MUSICIANS, singers, storytellers and audience members attended the last Gig in the Gog at Dungog Arts Society’s 266 Dowling Street premises on Sunday afternoon. Gig in the Gog is a twice-monthly, […]

Study: Prescribed burning threatens survival of skinks and other wildlife
AS Australia and the world grapple with global warming and increased bushfire risks, University of South Australia ecologists are turning their attention to the impact of prescribed burning on native animals. In a new study published in “The International Journal of Wildland Fire”, researchers investigated the maximum temperatures that lizards could experience during prescribed (controlled) […]
Printed Edition 30 JULY 2025
Appeal to find missing man Scott Hayden
THE family of Tinonee resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old. Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc. The vehicle was found abandoned the following day, parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road. The […]
Government supports all 13 recommendations from post-mine land use inquiry
THE State Government has welcomed the Standing Committee on State Development’s report into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, supporting all of its 13 recommendations. In a statement last week, the Government stated it is “committed to supporting coal-producing communities as the demand for coal declines over time”. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, in […]
Chance to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets
LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August. Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will […]
Have your say on changes to gas and pipeline regulations for NSW
INFORMATION sessions will be held in Maitland and Muswellbrook around proposed changes to the process of negotiating land access for pipeline projects. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) says it is modernising the regulation of pipelines and creating new guidelines to clarify: the roles and responsibilities for seeking land access […]
Registrations soar for Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
MORE than 13,000 students from over 200 schools across the Hunter will put their numeracy and problem-solving skills to the test this week in the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition. The competition is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running primary school mathematics contests, giving participants a unique opportunity to shine. Newcastle Permanent spokesperson […]