April 1, 2026
Volunteers working to restore riverbanks of the Williams River Volunteers at work regeneration the riverbank at Abbotts Flat. Photos: courtesy of Sam Bean.
Regional

Volunteers working to restore riverbanks of the Williams River

Volunteers at work regeneration the riverbank at Abbotts Flat. Photos: courtesy of Sam Bean. Volunteers at work regeneration the riverbank at Abbotts Flat. Photos: courtesy of Sam Bean. COMMUNITY members are banding together to keep the banks of the Williams River in tip-top shape.  Sustaining the Williams Valley is a volunteer-driven community group working to […]

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VALE Owen Nicholson: Dungog Show legend taken too soon
Regional

VALE Owen Nicholson: Dungog Show legend taken too soon

WELL-RESPECTED community stalwart Owen Nicholson, the secretary of the Dungog Show for almost 25 years, has died in a tragic traffic accident. The 84-year-old was struck by a vehicle on Flat Road, Largs on 19 March, with emergency services responding to reports of a crash at around 12:20pm. NSW Ambulance paramedics commenced CPR when they […]

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Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge Less pain at the power point. Interest in electric cars is rising as petrol prices soar. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Local News

Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began. But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia. Pickles released details of […]

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Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid Treasurer Jim Chalmers believes workers deserve a fair wage rise. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid

LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises. The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. […]

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Inaugural Singapore service takes off from Newcastle Airport
Local News

Inaugural Singapore service takes off from Newcastle Airport

FOR the first time, travellers across the Hunter region can depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am on Tuesday. Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic […]

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Dungog fuel prices surge as farmers and regions are hardest hit As of Friday, diesel prices were over $3 dollars at Paterson Service Station.
Local News

Dungog fuel prices surge as farmers and regions are hardest hit

THE fuel crisis continues to deepen as diesel prices in Dungog Shire surge well over the $3 dollar a litre mark. Petrol bowsers in various parts of regional NSW are running dry, with prices of up to $3.43 a litre seen in the local area. According to NSW Government statistics released on 24 March, out […]

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Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people
Local News

Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on […]

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Inquiry into community safety concludes
Dungog Shire

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]

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Multiple key motions covered at Dungog Shire Council meeting
Dungog Shire

Multiple key motions covered at Dungog Shire Council meeting

DUNGOG Shire Council considered several key matters at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Hunter Water support for advocacy Mayor Digby Rayward put forward a Mayoral Minute acknowledging and welcoming formal letters of support received from Hunter Water Corporation endorsing Council’s advocacy on two key issues: road recategorisation and improved river health governance. “The […]

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New Stroud SES building set to finish on time SES and council representatives at the site. Photo: Council.
Local News

New Stroud SES building set to finish on time

THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]

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