The original building pictured in 1967. Photo: supplied. Adult education at Tocal College. Photo: Dean Morris. Tocal College circa 1965-66. Photo: Mal Henderson. THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is celebrating 60 years of agricultural education at Tocal College. On Saturday 6 September, NSW DPIRD is inviting alumni, staff, students […]
Stargazing: that big ball of nuclear fire
THE next time you see the sunrise, take a moment. That big ball of nuclear fire lighting up your morning sky is not just sitting there politely waiting for you to make coffee. It’s racing around the Milky Way at an eye-watering 828,000 km/h, dragging Earth and the rest of the solar system along for […]
Illuminating the ‘History in Quilts’
INTERNATIONALLY recognised quilt historian, collector, and author Dr Annette Gero will deliver the third talk in the Illuminating Women Series from 10.30am on 5 September at the James Theatre in Dungog. Dr Gero has spent decades uncovering the hidden stories within quilts including records of women’s lives, resilience, and creativity – from convict times to […]

Dungog Hospital Auxiliary to extend fundraising in 2025
DUNGOG Day Care Centre was the venue for the August meeting of the Dungog branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW. On the third Wednesday of each month from March through November, the group gathers at 1.30pm for a cuppa and chat before the meeting begins at 2pm. At present the Auxiliary currently has […]
Dungog businesses benefit from tourism database workshops
REPRESENTATIVES of local businesses and community groups recently met online for a workshop covering the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW). These workshops, or webinars, are being run by Arts Upper Hunter, led by Susannah Jones, in collaboration with the Dungog Visitor Information Centre. The ATDW is a nation-wide database for the tourism sector. It distributes […]
Hunter hospitals rolling-out safe staffing in EDs
TWENTY-SEVEN more hospitals across NSW are rolling-out safe staffing levels in their emergency departments. In the broader Hunter region these include Manning Base Hospital, Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. This brings to 40 the number of hospitals across the state that have started operating with safe staffing levels as a result of […]
Rising baking star adds international win to growing list of accolades
Dungog baker, Connor Beisler. Connor Beisler holds the trophy for Team Australia, winners of ANZBake. DUNGOG’S Connor Beisler is baking up a storm, adding another major win to his name after claiming a trophy for Team Australia at the prestigious ANZBake competition. The 20-year-old TAFE NSW graduate – who recently won gold at the WorldSkills […]
Restaurant, bar and function centre approved for Clarence Town
DUNGOG Shire Council has approved a $6.02 million development application to construct and operate a new bar, restaurant and function centre at 29–35 Grey Street, Clarence Town. The proposal, lodged in February 2025, was brought before Council due to its high estimated development cost and the number of public submissions received. Twelve submissions were lodged, […]
Council records increase in development activity over April to June quarter
DUNGOG Shire Council has reported a significant uplift in development activity over the April to June 2025 quarter, with 62 development applications (DAs) determined – an increase from 47 in the same period last year. Lodgements also rose, with 63 applications submitted compared to 49 in the previous year. The total value of approved development […]
No plans to improve Barrington’s mobile phone service
LOCAL resident Shelley Faull has described the Telstra mobile phone service to the village of Barrington and its surrounds as being “woeful”. According to Telstra’s Network Coverage Map the whole village of Barrington is covered by its mobile service, and there is nothing to indicate that Barrington residents are likely to experience issues using their […]