IMPROVED methane capture at six high-emission coal mines appears the state’s best bet to hit climate targets. A report released by climate advisory group Common Capital said NSW could help reach emissions targets with best-practice abatement at the six mines, which produce half the state’s coalmine emissions despite delivering less than 10 percent of the […]
Council raises alarm after flood grants denied
FOLLOWING the record-breaking floods which hammered the region in May, impacted residents were instructed by the NSW Government’s Reconstruction Authority to apply for Disaster Relief Grants. According to MidCoast Council, the Authority is now refusing some grant applications due to homes being classified as within a flood zone. Council says this is despite the Authority […]
Printed Edition 17 DECEMBER 2025
Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires
PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]
The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing
CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]
Record urgent care and surgery demand across Hunter New England Health district
THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025. There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in […]
Anna Meares said it took her three Olympic cycles to have the confidence to be backed financially. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package
SPORTING mums and retiring athletes are key targets of a $50 million funding package from the Australian Olympic Committee. It’s being hailed as the AOC’s most significant athlete-funding initiative since the buildup to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Capitalising on a boost from its sizeable investment portfolio, the AOC will set up the $20 million Olympian […]
Paterson Golf Club
SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER INDIVIDUAL STROKE & MONTHLY MEDAL FIELD | 26 members & 2 visitors DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner John Walker (10) 65 Nett, Runner Up Paul Geddes (8) 66 Nett DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner & Monthly Medal Michael Shanley (17) 62 Nett, Runner Up Edwin Orchard (18) 64 Nett BALL COMP | […]
On the couch with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, MY husband’s Netflix viewing history shows an abnormal amount of True Crime shows, serial killer series, and murder mysteries. Should I be worried? Petra L. Dear Petra, For some strange reason, many people like having the living daylights scared out of them for relaxation. I’m not one of them, and it sounds as […]
