THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in New South Wales. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or […]
Shannon’s year in review
OVER the past year, reporting for News Of The Area has given me a front-row seat to something quietly powerful unfolding across Dungog and its surrounding villages: a renewed confidence in community, creativity and connection. One of the clearest signs of this has been the appetite for live music. From the unmistakable harmonies of The […]
S/C Fred Saba and Inspector David Donovan with the Sista Speak students at Lemon Tree Passage police station. Photo: PSHPD.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police step up community engagement this summer
Kids and families checked out the paddy wagon at Karuah police station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Karuah locals touring the station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Youth Liaison Officer S/C Leanne Mann, S/C Michelle Chandler, and S/C Fred Saba from Lemon Tree Passage. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. ACLO Jemma McLeay, YLO S/C Leanne Mann and Inspector David Donovan at […]
New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website
THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]
Dungog Rumble hands huge cheque to Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers, Rumble committee members and the new car. Malcolm Marquet presented the giant cheque to Margaret Jones. Dungog Rumble members with the giant cheque and new car. REPRESENTATIVES from the Dungog Rumble and Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers met on Sunday afternoon, 7 December at the Bank Hotel, Dungog. The Rumble […]
Paterson youth to lead new environmental project
YOUNG people in Paterson are set to take an active role in caring for their local environment and strengthening community connections through a new youth-led initiative backed by state-wide funding. Local changemaker Julie Overton has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Backing the Future program for her “Cultivating Futures For Our Youth” initiative. The […]
Trial to reduce hours at Stroud customer service point and library
MIDCOAST Council will trial reduced hours of operation at the Stroud Customer Service Point and Library. From 5 January, the service will open from Tuesday to Thursday 9am – 12pm each week for a three-month period. According to Council, the aim of the trial is to align opening hours with service usage by the community. […]
Tocal partnership with Shoretrack celebrates new graduates
A PARTNERSHIP between Tocal Agricultural College and Nambucca Valley-based youth support organisation ShoreTrack has facilitated a group of young students graduating with a Certificate II in Rural Operations. The partnership, which has been going since 2023, has seen 19 students complete the vocational qualification which is tailored to align with Shoretrack’s hands-on learning activities, including […]
Additional steps to combat modern slavery in NSW Government procurement
A MINISTERIAL Direction will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks. Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as ‘high risk’. The change will come into effect in January, with a […]
