This chimney was originally installed by an amateur and had never been swept. Creosote was visible on the roof. Craig Baldwin uncovers inappropriate lead flashing, which allowed water to rust the roof below. What a perfectly clean and safe chimney looks like, free of ugly black creosote residue. FIRE safety around […]
Farming, biosecurity boost announced at Tocal
Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. The state government has committed more than $140 million to the agriculture sector. Photo: DPIRD. THE State Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to “safeguard the future of NSW’s agricultural industry”. On […]
Winter
Printed Edition 18 JUNE 2025
New terminal gets tested during Mass Passenger Exercise
NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise. With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers. They moved through […]
Council developing Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan
DUNGOG Shire Council is developing a Housing and Infrastructure Master Plan to shape the future of rural lands and guide housing, jobs and infrastructure developments over the next 20 years. Council states the Master Plan is designed to integrate the following plans and strategies: Local Housing Strategy, Rural Lands Strategy, Infrastructure Capacity & Prioritisation Plan, […]

Funding on offer for ‘Gone Fishing Day events
FISHING clubs and associated organisations are being encouraged to join in the state-wide ‘Gone Fishing Day’ festivities on Sunday 19 October by hosting their own events. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Director Fisheries Management, Bryan Van Der Walt said clubs can apply for a fishing package or grants up to […]
Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed
RESULTS of the 2025 Federal Election have been finalised and the writs returned to the Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This marks the end of the electoral process for the House of Representatives and Senate and paves the way for the opening of the 48th Parliament on 22 July. Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the election […]
Former teacher charged over alleged child sexual offences
POLICE have charged an 84-year-old Clarence Town man over alleged historic sexual offences in the Upper Hunter area. In January 2025, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into reports a teacher in the Raymond Terrace area had allegedly sexually assaulted two boys aged between 14 and 15 in the 1980s. Police will […]
NSW Gov committee investigating access to public land and waterways
A NSW Government committee has begun investigating access to publicly owned land and waterways in New South Wales, including national parks, marine reserves, crown land, state forests, water catchments and Aboriginal land. The Select Committee on Access Restrictions to Public Lands and Waterways was established by a resolution of the NSW Legislative Council on Wednesday […]