October 6, 2025
Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed
Government, National

Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed

RESULTS of the 2025 Federal Election have been finalised and the writs returned to the Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This marks the end of the electoral process for the House of Representatives and Senate and paves the way for the opening of the 48th Parliament on 22 July. Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the election […]

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AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, who represents the National Party.
Government, National

AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP

ALISON Penfold is now officially the Federal Member for Lyne, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) formally declared the ballot result last Wednesday. In an electorate reeling from the recent flood disaster, Ms Penfold said the news came at a time when it was difficult to focus on anything other than supporting the community on […]

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Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way Private insurers will soon cover some complementary treatments. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
Government, Health

Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way

WHEN Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. “Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge […]

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Disaster relief extended for small businesses, primary producers
Government

Disaster relief extended for small businesses, primary producers

STATE and Federal governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding. Support available includes: ● Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) and non-profit organisations to help clean up and restore their business. ● Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible primary […]

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‘Major’ road damage expected from floods A Muswellbrook Council crew at work on the roads.
Government

‘Major’ road damage expected from floods

DUNGOG Shire Mayor Digby Rayward says the full extent of damage to the local road network from recent flooding is still being assessed, but Council will aim to secure as much funding for repairs as possible. “We certainly expect to see major damage to our roads, and we need to be patient as the team […]

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Regional collaboration key for airport expansion Representatives from Singleton, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Dungog and Newcastle councils attended the airport tour.
Government, Regional

Regional collaboration key for airport expansion

MAYORS and council general managers from across the Hunter took an exclusive tour of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal development on Monday 12 May. The local governments represented are members of the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO), a collaborative body that brings together the ten councils in the region. The tour was led by Newcastle Airport Director […]

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Eviction rules and pet rights change in rental shake-up "Common sense" rental reforms will give tenants more security and end blanket bans on pets. Photo: Flavio Brancaleone/AAP PHOTOS.
Government, Regional

Eviction rules and pet rights change in rental shake-up

LANDLORDS will no longer be able to evict tenants without good cause, marking the end of no-grounds evictions, a reform designed to provide security for millions of renters. The reform came into effect on Monday, alongside two other key changes introduced under the NSW government’s latest rental laws. Premier Chris Minns described the changes as […]

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NSW Gov funds $10m for weed control and eradication Tropical Soda Apple. Photo: NSW DPI.
Government

NSW Gov funds $10m for weed control and eradication

THE NSW Government will deliver $10 million to local councils to target high-risk weeds across the state to protect the state’s primary production and public land. The NSW Government Weeds Action Program funds local councils, known as Local Control Authorities (LCA), to detect and respond quickly to incursions of new high-risk weeds. The program focuses […]

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Historic mine sites reveal critical minerals and high-tech metals A map of the sampled sites. Image: supplied.
Government

Historic mine sites reveal critical minerals and high-tech metals

FOLLOWING a sampling project, 28 current and historic mine sites in NSW have been identified as potentially having critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden inside their old waste, including Stratford. For mines that have closed, the NSW Government says the results could mean new opportunities for production, bringing more jobs and investment opportunities to […]

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