THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”). The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]
HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive. Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families. There is a particular need for people to care […]
The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]
Frank Auckett’s Orange Packing Shed opposite Paterson Railway Station, 1922. Photo: Paterson Historical Society.
RESIDENTS are invited to take part in a creative community workshop celebrating one of the area’s most distinctive pieces of local history, the famous Paterson River Orange. Once widely known for their flavour and quality, the oranges grown in the rich soils along the Paterson River were an important part of the town’s agricultural history. […]
NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard. Photo TAFE NSW.
THE Hunter has been chosen for Building Commission NSW’s first major campaign of 2026. The three-day trip, from 16-18 March, saw Building Commission NSW inspectors and the NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, visit Singleton and areas of Maitland and Newcastle. “This is a great opportunity for Building Commission NSW to connect with community and better […]
The paint and sip event will take place on the second storey verandah of the Bank Hotel.
THE Dungog Art Society (DAS) is gearing up for “the Archies” once more. To prepare locals for the region’s version of the Archibald Price, DAS is hosting a ‘paint and sip’ evening on Thursday, 26 March at the Bank Hotel Dungog. The subjects of the night’s artworks will be those in attendance. Attendees will set […]
The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]
Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters.
RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land. Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows […]
THE latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures indicate that total home approvals for the Hunter grew two percent in 2025 compared to the 2024 calendar year. On the Central Coast, total home approvals grew by 16 percent in the same period. Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director, said the overall growth in approvals is […]
