STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region. Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek. It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children. “‘Where Ripples […]
Gresford Show ‘ticks all the boxes’
2026 Gresford Show Junior Young Woman winner Tiahnee Eldridge and runner up Lexie Rayfield. Mary Kealy Perpetual Trophy winner Jodi Pender and runner up Janelle McKenzie. Guests at the Showgrounds on Thursday night for the opening night of the art show and the Young Woman Presentation. Guests at the Showgrounds on Thursday night for the […]
Hardwood supply chain at risk from soaring fuel prices
A FIFTH-GENERATION family timber operation says it is absorbing an almost $8000 weekly fuel surge to keep hardwood moving to Australia’s cities. Anthony Dorney and his brothers operate two hardwood sawmills in Bulahdelah, SA Relf and Newells Creek, continuing a timber cutting tradition which has lasted for more than a century. Last week, Anthony pulled […]
Government extends funding for two key programs
THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”). The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]
Foster care recruitment drive across the Hunter
HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive. Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families. There is a particular need for people to care […]
Essential Grants applications closing soon
CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]
Frank Auckett’s Orange Packing Shed opposite Paterson Railway Station, 1922. Photo: Paterson Historical Society.
Community invited to celebrate the famous Paterson River Oranges
RESIDENTS are invited to take part in a creative community workshop celebrating one of the area’s most distinctive pieces of local history, the famous Paterson River Orange. Once widely known for their flavour and quality, the oranges grown in the rich soils along the Paterson River were an important part of the town’s agricultural history. […]
Building Commission visits Hunter on compliance blitz
THE Hunter has been chosen for Building Commission NSW’s first major campaign of 2026. The three-day trip, from 16-18 March, saw Building Commission NSW inspectors and the NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, visit Singleton and areas of Maitland and Newcastle. “This is a great opportunity for Building Commission NSW to connect with community and better […]
Dungog Arts Society gears up for the Archies
THE Dungog Art Society (DAS) is gearing up for “the Archies” once more. To prepare locals for the region’s version of the Archibald Price, DAS is hosting a ‘paint and sip’ evening on Thursday, 26 March at the Bank Hotel Dungog. The subjects of the night’s artworks will be those in attendance. Attendees will set […]
The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push
RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]
