April 20, 2026
Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push
Dungog Shire

Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push

THE NSW Government is establishing a panel of caravan suppliers to deliver “At-Home Caravan Programs” for disaster recovery. Activated immediately after a disaster, the program will support the NSW Reconstruction Authority to provide temporary accommodation for residents who have lost their homes. The program will see caravans placed on impacted residents’ private property, allowing them […]

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Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life Mikaela Carroll and her partner Ryan have left Brisbane behind and relocated to Tasmania. Photo: Mikaela Carroll.
Local News

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

GEN Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors. Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 percent considering the […]

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Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file.
Business, Community, Government

Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions

The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file. A concept image of Stratford Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: Yancoal. CONCERNS have been raised about where to accommodate construction workers if a major renewable energy project goes ahead. As reported by NOTA (2/10/2024), the Stratford Coal Mine has come to the end of its useful […]

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A couple’s journey from Thailand to Vacy
Community

A couple’s journey from Thailand to Vacy

VACY has become home to an unlikely love story, one that has benefited the region’s culinary scene. Natthanicha ‘Nim’ Chaiyachin and Pieter Wood began their journey as a couple online, introduced through family connections. Months of daily conversations then led Pieter to travel to Thailand in October 2022 to meet Nim for the first time. […]

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Funding for community groups in the Gloucester and Stroud districts
Community

Funding for community groups in the Gloucester and Stroud districts

THIRTY-THREE community organisations in the Gloucester and Stroud regions have benefited from a share in $92,000 through Stratford Coal’s 2026 Community Support Program. The funding will support a diverse range of local organisations including primary and high schools, rural fire services, creative and cultural associations, historical societies, sporting clubs, community halls, country clubs, preschool services […]

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New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW. Photo: NSW Gov.
Local News

New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW

A MINIMUM age to ride an e-bike is being introduced in NSW. Under current NSW Road Rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and bicycle riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike’s design allows. A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 […]

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Council selects cul-de-sac option as Clarence Town bridge project progresses Council previously received a report outlining community feedback on four proposed design options for the intersection. Photo: Council.
Government

Council selects cul-de-sac option as Clarence Town bridge project progresses

DUNGOG Shire Council has endorsed the implementation of a cul-de-sac at the Durham and Duke Street intersection in Clarence Town, as part of the New Clarence Town Bridge project. “This treatment will support safe pedestrian and cyclist access to the Williams River Holiday Park while accommodating the required heavy vehicle turning movements following completion of […]

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New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing
Local News

New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing

THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]

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Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Local News

Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]

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Historic family set to gather in Paterson Merchants Road in Martins Creek. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Historic family set to gather in Paterson

Merchants Road in Martins Creek. Photo: supplied. Clipping from local newspapers highlight the family’s gatherings over the years. Photos: supplied. Clipping from local newspapers highlight the family’s gatherings over the years. Photos: supplied. DESCENDANTS of the Merchant family will gather in Paterson on Saturday, 21 February, to share anecdotes of a clan with significant historic […]

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