HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]

Study: Prescribed burning threatens survival of skinks and other wildlife
AS Australia and the world grapple with global warming and increased bushfire risks, University of South Australia ecologists are turning their attention to the impact of prescribed burning on native animals. In a new study published in “The International Journal of Wildland Fire”, researchers investigated the maximum temperatures that lizards could experience during prescribed (controlled) […]
Chance to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets
LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August. Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will […]
Registrations soar for Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
MORE than 13,000 students from over 200 schools across the Hunter will put their numeracy and problem-solving skills to the test this week in the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition. The competition is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running primary school mathematics contests, giving participants a unique opportunity to shine. Newcastle Permanent spokesperson […]
Court rules against Martins Creek hard rock quarry expansion
THE Land and Environment Court (LEC) has dismissed an appeal to expand the Martins Creek Quarry. The seven-month-long case ended on 24 July, when the court ruled that the negative effects the expansion would have on the area’s community, outweigh the benefits for local infrastructure and the area’s construction industry. “The negative consequences are particularly […]
Cricketing great Doug Walters honoured with home-town statue
Doug Walters inspecting the statue after it was unveiled. Dungog cricket royalty Doug Walters has been immortalised in stone. A NEW statue honouring Australian cricket great Doug Walters was unveiled outside the Dungog Visitor Information Centre on Saturday. The delivery of the statue was a joint effort between Dungog Shire Council and the Doug Walters […]
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition. The nation’s science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK. […]
Brig O’Johnston Bridge reopens to traffic
THE Brig O’Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town has reopened to traffic following the early completion of essential maintenance and safety improvement work. Pedestrian and vehicle access across the bridge returned to normal on Friday. For more information on this work, visit www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/240007, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701. To receive updates […]

New grants to help bush connectivity
THE Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia. The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity. Regional Tech Hub General Manager, Jennifer Medway, said the program is about […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]