LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises. The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. […]

FOR the first time, travellers across the Hunter region can depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am on Tuesday. Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic […]

THE fuel crisis continues to deepen as diesel prices in Dungog Shire surge well over the $3 dollar a litre mark. Petrol bowsers in various parts of regional NSW are running dry, with prices of up to $3.43 a litre seen in the local area. According to NSW Government statistics released on 24 March, out […]

MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on […]

THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]

Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.  AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming […]

THE future operating hours and services of MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library will be discussed at Council’s 29 April meeting. Following a period of community engagement, a feedback report is now available at the facility and online. “We thank everyone who provided feedback on the reduced hours that is being trialled for […]

IMAGINE stepping into an elevator, pressing the “up” button, and eight days later stepping out into space. No rocket roar. No fiery launch. No crushing G-forces. Just a ride straight up. It sounds unbelievable, yet the idea of a space elevator is beginning to look surprisingly real. The concept is simple but astonishing. Picture a […]

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has written to the chief executives of the major fuel companies to seek information to inform the state’s response to fuel distribution challenges arising from the war in the Middle East. While the Federal Government has confirmed that fuel deliveries to Australia continue to arrive as planned, NSW and other […]

THE NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing. At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel. FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel […]