THE Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative is keen to hear from local landholders interested in having koala habitat trees planted on their properties. The initiative is a collaboration between the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia (WWF-Australia) and carbon farming service provider, Climate Friendly, supported by the NSW Government and HP Inc. This first-of-its-kind carbon farming […]
Crash fears realised at Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection
A SERIOUS accident on Friday 15 May has brought safety issues at the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection into sharp focus once more. In April, News Of The Area reported on the strong concerns held by former Roads and Traffic Authority senior engineer Gordon Chirgwin about the dangerous state of the intersection. “I believe that the […]
Global award puts Hunter Valley’s Allynview Farm in international spotlight
Ben and Kristen Nicol at the Gresford Show. Photo: Allynview Farm. Kristen Nicol placed third in the Food and Beverage category of the Women Changing the World Awards. ALLYNVIEW Farm’s Kristen Nicol has been recognised on the global stage, placing third in the Food and Beverage category of the Women Changing the World Awards. It […]
Community invited to support SES with Wear Orange Wednesday
COMMUNITIES across the Dungog Shire are encouraged to wear orange today (20 May) as part of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), showing support for the more than 11,000 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who respond to floods, storms and other emergencies across the state. In the past year alone, NSW SES volunteers contributed almost […]
Zonta launches online club for regional and rural members
THE Zonta e-Club of NSW and ACT has been established as a new online branch of Zonta International, a global organisation with over 100 years of history. The small but growing group is looking for others who want to help build an effective online advocacy community focused on key issues affecting women and girls. This […]
A celebration of volunteers in Paterson
RESIDENTS of Paterson and surrounding communities will come together on Sunday, 24 May for a National Volunteer Day Community Celebration. The event, to be held in John Tucker Park, Paterson from 10am to 1pm, will recognise local volunteers and encourage more people, especially young people, to get involved. Volunteer organisations from Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy, […]
From Army to SES leader, Peter Todd keeps giving back
FOR Brookfield’s Peter Todd, service has never been just a job – it’s been a lifelong commitment to community, family, and country. Growing up in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west, Peter’s early years were grounded in local schools and a strong sense of community. But at just 18, he made a decision that would shape the […]
Stroud Butchery’s Mathew Thompson named Apprentice of the Year
RISING talent Mathew Thompson has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2026 World Butcher Wars, following an outstanding performance at Sydney Meatstock over the weekend. Competing in front of massive, energetic crowds at the Sydney Showgrounds, Mat demonstrated exceptional skill, precision and creativity in the butchery arena while proudly representing Stroud Butchery. […]
Appeal for information following suspicious fires
DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a series of recent grass fires in the Hunter Valley. Between Monday 2 March 2026 and Friday 24 April 2026, a total of 24 grass fires were reported in areas surrounding Singleton. The fires have occurred along Golden Highway at Warkworth, and Mitchell Line of Road, Jerrys Plains Road, […]
The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state. Photo: NSW Government.
Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW
A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW. Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months. Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations […]
