December 19, 2025
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’ The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
Local News

Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’

The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]

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Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy
Local News

Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy

TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]

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Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media.
Local News

Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges

Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. TOCAL College agriculture and stock horse students have put their abilities and knowledge […]

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Climate targets cooked without methane action: report
Dungog Shire

Climate targets cooked without methane action: report

IMPROVED methane capture at six high-emission coal mines appears the state’s best bet to hit climate targets. A report released by climate advisory group Common Capital said NSW could help reach emissions targets with best-practice abatement at the six mines, which produce half the state’s coalmine emissions despite delivering less than 10 percent of the […]

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Council raises alarm after flood grants denied
Regional

Council raises alarm after flood grants denied

FOLLOWING the record-breaking floods which hammered the region in May, impacted residents were instructed by the NSW Government’s Reconstruction Authority to apply for Disaster Relief Grants. According to MidCoast Council, the Authority is now refusing some grant applications due to homes being classified as within a flood zone. Council says this is despite the Authority […]

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Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires
Local News

Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires

PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]

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Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with workers at the Tomago smelter.
Local News

Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear

MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]

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Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

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Record urgent care and surgery demand across Hunter New England Health district The number of emergency and urgent care patients is the highest since reporting began.
Government, Health

Record urgent care and surgery demand across Hunter New England Health district

THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025. There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in […]

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AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package Anna Meares said it took her three Olympic cycles to have the confidence to be backed financially. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package

SPORTING mums and retiring athletes are key targets of a $50 million funding package from the Australian Olympic Committee. It’s being hailed as the AOC’s most significant athlete-funding initiative since the buildup to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Capitalising on a boost from its sizeable investment portfolio, the AOC will set up the $20 million Olympian […]

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