FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold MP is encouraging local students to take part in the 2026 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, a national competition recognising outstanding learning and engagement with Australia’s defence service history. Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the awards celebrate the work of students and teachers across schools and other educational […]
Sailor Ruth Boydell has released a compelling memoir covering her adventures across the globe. Photo: Galen Boydell.
HUNTER-BASED sailor and death doula Ruth Boydell has released a memoir, “Rocking the Boat: A Life in Three Voyages”, outlining global ocean adventures in the days before GPS and chartplotters. Ruth’s story begins at the age of 17, when she joined a thirty-something Englishman who was single-handing a sailboat around the world. The adventures came […]
EMERGING filmmaker and local historian, Jacob Ure, 24, shared his unique approach to uncovering and telling hidden local stories at a Youth Week workshop held on Sunday in Paterson. Invited by Paterson Community Builders, Jacob – the creator of local history platform Our Past – delivered an engaging session focused on how he creates compelling, […]
Philanthropy Australia pushes for donations to be equal. Photo: Julia M. Cameron.
HUNTER residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need. But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could. The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, up from […]
WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet. “A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications […]
THE Federal Government is providing an additional $11.7 million in funding to bolster emergency relief and financial counselling across Australia, including funds for services in Dungog and Gloucester. A total of $8.5 million will be distributed amongst 196 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers across the country, helping them meet increased demand for their services. This funding […]
THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]
he Scotch Broom infestation near Polblue in 2023, which has now been cleared. A large area recently cleared of Scotch Broom by the mechanical muncher. LIKE many other plant and animal pests, Scotch Broom was brought to Australia by the early European settlers. Apparently, it was imported here in the early 1800s by Governor King […]
Measuring soil moisture is just one factor in responding to seasonal conditions.
NEW analysis from Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is providing practical insights for producers looking to make timely decisions as seasonal conditions tighten, with distinct patterns emerging between the Upper and Lower Hunter. The latest data combines Meat and Livestock Australia saleyard throughput, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the […]
Port Stephens Council Mayor Leah Anderson, State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and Federal Lyne MP Alison Penfold.
ROADWORKS on East Seaham Road are now complete, following investments from all levels of government. The project included reconstructing the entire 3.1km unsealed section of East Seaham Road to become sealed and match road widths of previously constructed stages; upgraded drainage infrastructure to cater for large storm events and flooding; and installation of road safety […]
