CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched
AS families across the Hunter prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are worried about […]
Extreme weather increasing health risks in rural and remote Australia
THE Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says extreme weather across Australia is increasing health risks for rural, remote and First Nations communities and placing growing pressure on local health services. ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says prolonged and severe weather events are affecting the health of rural communities and will continue to […]
Ceramics at the markets in 2025. Photo: Gresford Community Market/Facebook Page.
Vendors and crafters invited to Community Market Fair at East Gresford on 17 and 18 January
VENDORS and crafters are being invited to take part in a Community Market Fair set to run across two days in East Gresford on Saturday 17 January and Sunday 18 January 2026. The Community Market Fair will be held at 12 Park Street. It provides a weekend opportunity for makers, creatives and small businesses to […]
NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost
FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
Printed Edition 07 JANUARY 2026
Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis.
Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s
Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis. Some of the dancers in action. FOR Joy Tull of Stroud, age is just a number. At 86, she’s still leading a group of line dancers at Stroud Road […]
On the couch with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, There is only one New Year’s Resolution I have and that is to start doing some exercise. I know it’s good for me, but I detest physical activity. Now I’m in my mid-fifties, it hurts my joints and that just makes me feel worse. Do you have any suggestions? Evie H. Dear Evie, […]
All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year
OPERATION Christmas and New Year 2025, the annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, has concluded, with eight people losing their lives on NSW roads during the 17-day period. The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January. The operation involved Traffic and […]
Festive spirit in full swing
A Christmas to remember at Dungog Shire Community Centre’s free lunch
Volunteers at the lunch Festive spirit in full swing THE Dungog Shire Community Centre’s (DSCC) annual free Community Christmas Lunch proved, once again, to be a heartfelt highlight on Christmas Day. Held at Dungog Public School, the event welcomed more than 80 community members, including individuals, families and visitors from across the Shire. Bringing warmth, […]
