POLICE are urging motorists to take extra care these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest […]

Rare poultry breeds on display at Maitland Showground
THE Rare Poultry Breeders’ Association are preparing for their 19th Annual Show on Saturday, 17 May at Maitland Showground. The show attracts breeders from the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter regions who promote rare breeds and rare colour varieties of pure bred domestic fowl, with over $1300 in cash prizes. It will be held in […]
Layzell slams ‘lack of urgency’ on post-mining land use transition
MEMBER for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has called out a “lack of urgency” to address post-mining land use in the electorate following the release of a NSW Parliament report. A NSW parliamentary inquiry was established on 14 May 2024 to inquire into and report on “beneficial and productive post-mining land use”, with the final report […]

Ten candidates to contest Lyne as ballot positions locked-in
VOTERS in Lyne will choose from 10 candidates for the House of Representatives in the Federal Election on 3 May. The final number was revealed at the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) office in Taree on Friday just before a blindfolded official drew ballot positions from numbered balls in a bingo-like cage. A total of 1456 […]
Farmers call for telecommunication focus at election time
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election. NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made in recent years, rural and regional connectivity is still a major problem. “Whether it’s calling for […]
‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling
A LABOR majority is becoming increasingly likely as the prime minister declares he’s in for the long haul, but a vast number of voters remain undecided. Recent polls show Labor gaining momentum, widening the two-party preferred gap and putting a majority government in reach as the coalition campaign falters. Labor is ahead 54.5 to 45.5 […]

Police conducting bail checks on ‘weak’ legal basis
POLICE in Australia’s largest state have been slammed for regularly entering the private property of former inmates out on bail to conduct compliance checks, without a court order. A damning report from the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission says police have been stretching their authority and powers by relying on a weak legal principle to […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, WHENEVER I go to the supermarket for a couple of items, I end up leaving with a trolley full. How can I avoid the temptation and stick to my budget? Gloria V. Dear Gloria, It’s easy to feel defeated when you go into the supermarket for eggs and milk and return with two […]
Cartoonist Doran’s weekly selection for News Of The Area.

Stroud partners with Rural Aid for historic ‘Community Builders’ event
STROUD community groups and residents have united in a history-making initiative. Close to 200 gathered at the Rural Aid Community Builders event at the Stroud Country Club on Thursday 20 March. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone – (02) 4981 8882. Email – media@newsofthearea.com.au The workshop […]