Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population
NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]
$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]
Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds
THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds. Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]
A previous grant went towards a rainwater tank at the Shelley Street Community Garden in Toronto.
Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter
HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical water-saving outcomes while strengthening community connections. The NSW […]
L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]
Grants for Dungog and Gresford RSL sub-Branch projects
DUNGOG RSL sub-Branch has received a $1400 grant to go toward its display of veterans’ uniforms. A project is underway to ensure that uniforms gifted to the sub-Branch by veterans and their families, from all services, are displayed properly. The uniforms range from WWII to those worn more recently in Afghanistan. Funds will be used […]
Letter to the Editor: Flipside of e-bike debate
DEAR News Of The Area, E-bikes are topical, let’s keep the discussion going. Jasminda (NOTA 4 Feb) and Allan Shrimpton (NOTA 11 Feb) raise pertinent issues but there are more. Too much of the news about e-bikes is negative: Jasminda quotes increasing injury rates. Bike usage is increasing. She does not reference the reduction in […]
Maroons and Kangaroos star Kalyn Ponga is a step closer to also being able to play for New Zealand. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Game changer: State of Origin eligibility shake-up
THE NRL has made the biggest change to State of Origin in years, opening the door for New Zealand and England internationals to play if they hail from NSW or Queensland. Under previous rules, no player was able to run out on the interstate arena if they had chosen to represent the Kiwis or Lions […]
Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud
CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast. Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including […]