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 […]
CONSTRUCTION is underway on a new refuge in the Maitland local government area to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with more access to secure accommodation. Housing Plus is developing the refuge, with specialist support services to be delivered onsite by Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services once the project is […]
BUILDERS say they are under pressure from a ‘triple threat’ caused by spiking fuel prices. Matthew Pollock, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, said builders are increasingly feeling pressure from fuel price rises from a triple pain point perspective. The cost of keeping diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles and equipment operating and getting to site. Rising transport […]
THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
DUNGOG Shire Council considered several key matters at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Hunter Water support for advocacy Mayor Digby Rayward put forward a Mayoral Minute acknowledging and welcoming formal letters of support received from Hunter Water Corporation endorsing Council’s advocacy on two key issues: road recategorisation and improved river health governance. “The […]
WESTPAC customers in Dungog can now access face-to-face banking support with a new Community Banking Service. In November 2025 Westpac announced it will be piloting the new service with local communities and councils to deliver banking in regional towns. Dungog is one of three initial towns in regional NSW involved in the pilot alongside Manilla […]
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 […]
THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns. Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW. The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the […]
A NEW $50 million fund aimed at building community connections and supporting events in regional areas has been announced by the NSW Government. The Active Regional Communities Package delivers funding through three streams for non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities. 1. $15 million for […]
FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”. The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas. A total of 4,285 complaints were made by people in NSW, up […]
