THE long-awaited widening of the Hexham Straight is complete, clearing a bottleneck infamous across the Hunter. Motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has also been increased to 80 kilometres per hour. With all lanes now open, teams are carrying out minor finishing work […]
Construction begins on renewable energy zone
CONSTRUCTION is officially underway on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project the state government says will generate enough energy to power more than all the homes in the Hunter. REZs aim to group new wind and solar power generation and batteries into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across […]
Dungog Rodeo rides on through the generations
THE Dungog Rodeo is more than just an annual spectacle. It’s a story that stretches back over 80 years, shaped by community spirit, determination and a love of country life. The first chapter began in 1945, when young local men returned from service in the Army, inspired by American rodeos they had seen staged in […]
Volunteers clean up Wallaroo State Forest
A SMALL army of volunteers mobilised for a Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday, disposing of rubbish in Wallaroo State Forest. The community clean-up, coordinated by the NSW and ACT Four Wheel Drive Association, the Hunter 4WD Council, and Forestry Corporation was held on Sunday, 1 March from 8:30am. Forestry Corporation Partnership Leader Alex […]
Urgent intersection fix urged as truck traffic set to soar
A FORMER traffic engineer has expressed urgent safety concerns over two infamous highway intersections, describing the level of risk as “unacceptable”. As reported in NOTA on 21 January 2026, the NSW Government currently has no firm plans to fix the busy and dangerous Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in the foreseeable future. “Further investigations are underway […]
Raymond Terrace to host State Indigenous Carnival, the Koori Knockout
The Newcastle Yowies won the right to host the 2026 Koori Knockout. Photo: Kate Washington MP/FB. The Koori Knockout will be held at King Park in Raymond Terrace. RAYMOND Terrace has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Koori Knockout. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football carnival is one of the biggest Indigenous […]
Paterson Golf Club
SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD FIELD | 39 members DIVISION 1 (<15) | Winner Shaun Heffernan (5) 41 Points, Runner Up Greg Scott (6) 40 Points, 3rd Place Timothy Kiem (9) 37 Points DIVISION 2 (16-36) | Winner Michael Croucher (18) 39 Points, Runner Up Denis Crossman (19) 37 Points, 3rd Place Rodney Crossman (19) […]
Rural residents urged to report connectivity issues
FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”. The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas. A total of 4,285 complaints were made by people in NSW, up […]
Buyers are once again looking to escape to the regions in search of a better value and quality of life. Photo: PMHC.
Regional housing market booms, outpacing capital cities
WITH the prospect of paying at least $1 million for a home in many of Australia’s capital cities, buyers are once again looking to escape to the country. The regional property market surged in the three months to January, outpacing the capitals, according to figures from data firm Cotality released on Wednesday. Dwelling values rose […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, HOW do we agree on a movie as a family? I’m so sick of scrolling through trying to locate a movie everyone will enjoy. Heather P. Dear Heather, You are right. Trying to find a movie that incorporates everyone’s interests is a nightmare. How is it possible, for example, to find a movie […]
