July 14, 2025
Worth the wait? Limbo over as Matildas land Montemurro Football Australia have finally announced Joe Montemurro as the Matildas' new full-time coach. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Sport

Worth the wait? Limbo over as Matildas land Montemurro

FOOTBALL Australia has defended its drawn-out search for the next Matildas coach, insisting that the capture of highly-touted Joe Montemurro will be worth the wait. Montemurro has signed a three-year deal to coach Australia’s women’s national team until the conclusion of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, ending a 10-month wait to find a permanent […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY new girlfriend sleeps with her dog (Brutus) in the bed. I really like her, but I find this behaviour bizarre and, frankly, a relationship breaker. How do I navigate this? Gerard P. Dear Gerard, The early phase of a relationship is often marked by constant affection, but this should not include waking […]

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The Big Screen
Opinion

The Big Screen

NOSTALGIA reigns this week with the release of Karate Kid: Legends. Following the unexpected success of the legacy television (or “streaming”) series Cobra Kai, producers have realised there is a great deal of possibility in this franchise which first came to screens more than 40 years ago. The premise remains familiar: a recently uprooted youth, […]

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Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster Authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the recent natural disaster through fake fundraising appeals. Photo: NSW SES.
Community, Regional

Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster

PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]

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Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub The Hunter region is lagging on indicators of a shift to an economy powered by decarbonised exports. Photo: Michael Gorton/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub

SLOW project approvals, energy storage gaps and investment uncertainty are proving hurdles to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry. For the Hunter, a region eyeing off green industrial exports as global demand for its coal wanes, the transition has not been all smooth sailing. Government support for clean tech innovation and steps to retrain […]

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Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
Health, Regional

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods

HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]

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Ill landholder urges compassion in shift to renewables A rural landowner is upset about the development of high-voltage lines across his property. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Ill landholder urges compassion in shift to renewables

FILMMAKER Ian Barry hoped to live out his final years in peace and tranquility on his bush property. But Mr Barry, who has motor neurone disease, is instead locked in a fight to save his NSW Hunter sanctuary from being damaged by a planned renewable energy zone. He and his wife Vicki have had a […]

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Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb.
Health, Regional

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains

Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

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Gresford Community Gallery celebrates Winter Exhibition The gallery opened its doors last September.
Entertainment

Gresford Community Gallery celebrates Winter Exhibition

GRESFORD Community Gallery will hold a celebratory opening of its Winter Exhibition on Sunday, 1 June from 2-4pm. Almost nine months old, the gallery is set amidst the botanical gardens and visitors’ park in the rural village of East Gresford. “The Winter Exhibition will include a stunning array of quality Hunter Valley art and craft, […]

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