“OVER the past 40 years the share of votes going to independents and minor parties has risen in both state and federal elections,” the Australia Institute stated in a research article in October 2024. “In the 1980 federal election, the combined primary votes for minor parties and independents accounted for only eight percent.” At the […]
Environmentalist Bill Dowling has noted the locations of all the oldest trees in Dungog Shire.
ENVIRONMENTAL advocate and naturalist Ken Rubeli is calling for the development of a record of notable old trees in the Dungog Shire. “There are many old trees in the Shire that few people are aware of – especially those in our State Forests and National Parks,” Mr Rubeli told NOTA. “Who might take on the […]
RAIL commuters planning to travel this weekend are advised to check travel alerts before heading to the station. Australian Rail Track Corporation will conduct essential maintenance and improvement works on both the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail lines. During the work, the track will be closed between Newcastle and Turrawan as well as Muswellbrook […]
Newcastle forward Mat Croker has extended his time at the NRL club through 2027. Photo: James Gourley/AAP
NEWCASTLE have re-signed Mat Croker to a two-year contract as they continue preparations for life without forward pack leader Leo Thompson. Croker, 25, has played every game of a disappointing Knights NRL campaign so far and will now remain with the club through 2027. The Nabiac product had been among a handful of Knights forwards […]
Telcos will need to provide users with more info about outages under stricter new rules. Photo: Jack Atley/AAP
CONSUMERS must be told why their phone or internet service has been disconnected during major outages and when they can expect it to return under stricter telecommunication rules. Providers will also have to improve the way they deal with triple-zero outages under the regulations and issue detailed plans to prevent recurrences. The Australian Communications and […]
Australian investors will be closely eyeing the US Federal Reserve's moves on interest rates. Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS.
WHEN the United States speaks, Australian investors listen. And they will be doing so very closely as the much-anticipated US rates decision is handed down on Thursday. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has previously indicated there will be no changes to the cash rate in May, while the bank waits for more information on the […]
DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]
LAST Breath is really going to test the limits for those of you who suffer from claustrophobia, but this survival thriller, based on a true story, is well worth checking out. A fictional retelling of the same story that director Alex Parkinson had already covered in his 2019 documentary of the same name, the story […]
Peter Dutton's leadership was 'thoroughly rejected' by voters, ending his time in parliament. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
THE coalition will be forced to carry out a “fundamental reorganisation” of the party’s structure to ensure its ongoing relevance to voters after its election wipeout, a leading pollster says. As votes continue to be counted after Saturday’s poll, figures show the coalition could slump to its lowest percentage of seats in parliament since the […]
