DUNGOG Shire Council considered several key matters at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Hunter Water support for advocacy Mayor Digby Rayward put forward a Mayoral Minute acknowledging and welcoming formal letters of support received from Hunter Water Corporation endorsing Council’s advocacy on two key issues: road recategorisation and improved river health governance. “The […]
SES and council representatives at the site. Photo: Council.
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 […]
Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds.
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 […]
WESTPAC customers in Dungog can now access face-to-face banking support with a new Community Banking Service. In November 2025 Westpac announced it will be piloting the new service with local communities and councils to deliver banking in regional towns. Dungog is one of three initial towns in regional NSW involved in the pilot alongside Manilla […]
MidCoast Council’s Stroud customer service point and library. Photo: supplied.
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 […]
The concept of a space elevator is simple but astonishing. Photo: supplied, Dave Reneke.
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 […]
FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. Photo: NSW Gov.
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 […]
RSL LifeCare staff at the launch. Photo: Meryl Swanson MP FB.
THE new Hunter Veterans’ and Families’ Hub was officially opened on Tuesday, 17 March, offering support to the 22,000 current and former serving veterans and their families who call the Hunter home. Located at 48 Ken Tubman Drive in Maitland, the Hub is centrally situated for Australian Defence Force personnel based at the Singleton Military […]
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]
