A PARLIAMENTARY committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW. The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions. The Committee will look into issues such as: ● current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and […]
Liam Mowbray. Photo: Angus Australia.
BARRINGTON’S Liam Mowbray has been announced as one of seven participants in Cattle Australia’s 2025-26 National Beef Leaders (NBL) program. Liam is a cattle veterinarian, Angus breeder, and a Research and Development Specialist at Angus Australia. Based in the Barrington area, Liam works with producers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to deliver genetic research outcomes and […]
Politicians, Jetstar and Airport representatives announce the new route.
IN A boost for the region’s global connectivity, Jetstar has introduced a new flight service from Newcastle to Singapore, via Bali. From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop […]
Across the four days, 752 people were arrested and charged, with 275 arrest warrants executed. Photo: NSW Police.
A TOTAL of 752 people have been charged with domestic violence offences during a four-day statewide operation. Headed up by NSW Police, Operation Amarok XII ran from Wednesday 12 November to Saturday 15 November 2025. The Domestic and Family Violence Command-led operation also involved officers from each regions’ Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team (DVHROT), […]
PESKY plastic tags on loaves of bread, tiny soy sauce fish bottles and detachable bottle tops are all being binned by a state government battling a mounting rubbish crisis. The ambitious clean-up is part of an expanded ban by NSW coinciding with the start of National Recycling Week. The NSW Plastic Plan 2.0, will see […]
Flooded farms in need of fencing volunteers.
BLAZEAID is calling for volunteers to lend a hand rebuilding fences in communities still recovering from the devastating floods that hit the Mid North Coast earlier this year. A dedicated team is now based at Nabiac, working hard to restore fencing on local farms between Bulahdelah and Kempsey. BlazeAid Coordinator Lisa Abdoo said anyone can […]
Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins.
Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins. The moon was 30 percent brighter than normal. Photo: Sis Higgins. SKYWATCHERS across the region looked to the heavens last Tuesday night as the biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rose over the horizon. Amateur astronomer Dennis Hughes explained to News Of The Area why the […]
The fibre break impacted Optus customers in Port Stephens, Maitland and surrounding areas. Photo: Optus.
AN investigation is underway in relation to an Optus communications tower being damaged at Hexham. About 3.15pm on Wednesday 5 November, officers from Newcastle City Police District responded to reports of a communications tower situated along Maitland Road being maliciously damaged. The fibre break impacted Optus customers in Port Stephens, Maitland and surrounding areas. Mobile […]
THE Hunter New England Local Health District team has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to health care at the 2025 NSW Health Awards. The annual event celebrates the dedication, kindness, innovation and achievements of those who make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities. “I’m incredibly proud to celebrate the […]
Tocal students competing at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza.
Tocal students competing at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. Tocal students competing at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. Tocal students competing at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. Tocal students competing at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. STUDENTS from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Tocal College have demonstrated their skills at the […]
