MAYOR Digby Rayward has put forward a Mayoral Minute seeking Dungog Shire Council to review its policy relating to the residential occupation of sheds. The current policy, adopted in 2001 and re-adopted in 2003, requires applicants to have full development and construction approvals for a dwelling before permission can be granted to temporarily live in […]
Disaster assistance activated for flood affected local government areas
THE Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Hunter and Mid North Coast following severe weather, including heavy rainfall. The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, […]
Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers
HELICOPTERS have provided isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter. As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there had been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other […]

Fifth death linked to floods as body found in burnt car
A FIFTH person died in a region devastated by floods after dangerous conditions prevented emergency crews from accessing a home. The body of a man believed to be in his 80s was found inside a burnt-out vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, about 50km north-west of Taree. A concern for welfare had been […]

Regional collaboration key for airport expansion
MAYORS and council general managers from across the Hunter took an exclusive tour of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal development on Monday 12 May. The local governments represented are members of the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO), a collaborative body that brings together the ten councils in the region. The tour was led by Newcastle Airport Director […]
Public hearings on renewable energy impacts in NSW
PUBLIC hearings were held in Dubbo and Sydney last week as part of an Upper House inquiry into the impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in New South Wales. The Sydney hearing featured a number of NSW Government agencies involved in REZs, including independent agencies such as the […]
Raffle success boosts Imagination Library
THE winners of a Mother’s Day raffle have been announced, with three fortunate locals taking home beautifully curated baskets of delights donated by businesses in Clarence Town and Dungog. The successful fundraiser was held to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Dungog Shire Community Centre (DSCC). Dedicated volunteer Laurel McBriarty spearheaded the initiative, with […]
Kevin Neilson celebrates milestone 90th birthday
KEVIN Neilson marked his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends at Wallarobba Hall. Born on 4 May 1935 in Dungog, Kevin was educated at St Joseph’s and Maitland Boys High. He married Jean Eyb, and together they have shared 58 years of marriage, raising four children – Sue, Jill, Bruce, and Carol. Now a […]
Dungog and Clarence Town CWA hosting fabric fundraiser
THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) branches of Dungog and Clarence Town are hosting a fabric sale to raise funds for local charities. Coinciding with the Dungog Knitters’ Picnic, the two-day sale will run Saturday and Sunday 24 and 25 May from 10am to 2pm at the Dungog CWA Hall. “On Sunday, take a break at […]
30 years of palliative care support in Dungog Shire
Guests enjoyed sweet treats at the morning tea. Annette O’Neill, Elsie Francis and Margaret Jones cutting the cake. Photo: Lyn Moseley. Some of the current DSPCV volunteers with Kate Bowman from Palliative Care NSW (third from right). Photo: Lyn Moseley. DUNGOG Shire Palliative Care Volunteers (DSPCV) had plenty of reasons to celebrate during Palliative Care […]