_Dungog Shire Archives - Dungog Shire News Of The Area

Aussie Ark tour dates at Barrington Tops Sanctuary

BARRINGTON Tops wildlife sanctuary Aussie Ark will welcome visitors back to its popular Devils in the Wild tours from August, following a short winter break. The fully guided two-hour experiences take guests behind the scenes of the organisation’s conservation work at its Tomalla sanctuary in the Barrington Tops. Upper Hunter MP David Layzell highlighted the […]

Community, Entertainment, Film

James Theatre celebration marks ten years of Dungog community action

Dungog’s James Theatre was the venue for a celebration. On-stage local musician Peter Smith watches a piano duet performance. Andrew Simpson talks with Anne Fisher of Dungog by Design. Sharon and Emily at the Boomerang Bags stall. Diverse stalls manned by locals drew interest. Dungog High students played ambient music. DUNGOG advocates for ‘people and […]

Government, Regional

Dungog Mayor Digby Raywood pushes for fairer road funding

DUNGOG Shire’s roads continue to cop criticism and Shire Mayor Digby Raywood has laid responsibility firmly on what he believes are inequities in the way funding is calculated. Cr Raywood has highlighted that Dungog Shire Council continues to lobby for increased support to maintain the region’s extensive road network. Speaking in his latest ‘Council Connect’ […]

Business, Regional

Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth

BUSINESS Hunter is celebrating a significant milestone, marking 140 years of supporting industry, enterprise and economic development across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Founded in 1886 when a group of local business leaders gathered at Newcastle’s Great Northern Hotel to establish a Chamber of Commerce, the organisation has played a central role in shaping the […]

Government

NSW Government provides $250,000 for statewide LGBTQ+ antenatal education and pregnancy support program

LGBTQ+ families across New South Wales will benefit from expanded antenatal education and pregnancy support services after the NSW Government announced $250,000 in funding for a statewide program. The one-off funding contribution will support LGBTQ+ organisation Rainbow Families to deliver culturally appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy support throughout the next three years. NSW Minister for […]

Regional

Entries open for 2026 NSW Tidy Towns awards

ENTRIES are now open for the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns awards, with communities, councils, organisations, businesses and individuals encouraged to showcase their environmental achievements. Since 1981, Keep Australia Beautiful NSW has recognised projects and initiatives that demonstrate environmental leadership, sustainability and strong community spirit across the state. The long-running awards program celebrates […]

Government, Regional

Dungog emergency warning siren testing

PLANNED testing of the Hooke Street Emergency Warning Siren took place on Friday, 12 June, as Dungog Shire Council and emergency service partners worked to ensure the system remained ready for future flood events. Dungog Shire Council is conducting the testing in partnership with NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and […]

Business, Government, Regional

King’s Birthday Honours recognise Ray Shoobert and Vicki Woods for decades of service

Murrurundi’s Ray Shoobert OAM and Vicki Woods AM were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to community service. Photo: @TheHunterRiverTimes. Vicki Woods AM has long been hailed for her legendary contribution to tourism, hospitality and community service. Photo: @HMRIAustralia. TWO respected Upper Hunter community leaders have been recognised in the […]

Business, Government, Health, Regional

New green reflectors flag heavy vehicle rest stop access

HEAVY vehicle drivers travelling through the Upper Hunter now have 10 new places to stop, rest, and reduce their risk of a fatigue-related crash. The NSW Government has expanded its green reflector program with new sites along sections of the Golden and New England highways. It is expected this will make it easier for truck […]

Police, Regional

Motorcycle rider killed in Bulliac crash

A MOTORCYCLE rider died following a crash west of Gloucester on Sunday 14 June. Emergency services were called to Bundook Road, Bulliac, about 14km west of Gloucester, just after 1pm following reports of a crash. Officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District attended and found a motorcycle and a utility had collided. The motorcycle rider, […]