PILAR Patterson is a Clarence Town artist whose skill in making and decorating ceramic works is deservedly gaining attention. Recently, at the Dungog Arts Society “Faces and Places” exhibition, her work “the Brig O’Johnston Bridge” won first prize in Ceramics. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. […]

Multibillion-dollar benefit of reproductive leave
AUSTRALIA loses more than $21 billion in productivity every year due to absenteeism but providing workers with one day of reproductive leave a month would significantly mitigate this economic cost. A report into the costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement has found the policy would improve mental health and workforce […]
A full circle life in Dungog for Jenny Akers
AFTER 40 years away, Jenny Akers has come full circle, trading the bustle of Sydney for the soul of Dungog – and she’s never looked back. Born at Newcastle’s Mater Hospital and schooled at Lochinvar, Jenny always dreamed of returning to the region. But it wasn’t until her retirement in 2018 that she made the […]
Manley to contest Lyne for Legalise Cannabis Party
FORMER state election candidate Keys Manley will contest the 2025 federal election for the Legalise Cannabis Party in the seat of Lyne. Mr Manley, who took about nine percent of the Myall Lakes vote in the 2023 NSW election, told NOTA he is a “passionate advocate for cannabis legalisation”. Advertise with News of The Area […]
Easter Saturday equals egg-cellent Gresford Billy Cart racing
THE much-loved Gresford Billy Cart Derby, a project of the Rotary Club of Dungog, is back this Easter Saturday (19 April). The event promises a fun-filled day for the whole family, packed with racing, entertainment, and plenty of community spirit. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. […]
State of Origin twist at the Stroud Show
THE 2025 Stroud Show is set to bring a whirlwind of family fun to the region from 25-27 April. This three-day event celebrates country life, showcasing agriculture, horse and split post competitions, and a variety of eccentric contests, along with products and produce from the Stroud Valley and beyond. Advertise with News of The Area […]
Nominations now open for 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll
THE community has an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who volunteer their time to make a difference, by nominating them for the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. The Honour Roll, an initiative by the NSW Government, highlights the vital contributions of female volunteers across rural, regional and remote New South Wales. Since its inception […]
Behaviour programs a piece of the puzzle to end abuse
BREAKING the cycle of domestic and family violence requires further commitment to early intervention and programs that support men, anti-violence advocates say. Men’s behaviour change programs have been used in Australia to work with perpetrators of domestic and family violence to reduce or prevent abuse towards a partner or family member. Advertise with News of […]
Nationals announce $20 billion future fund
RURAL and regional Australians could share in billions of dollars to fill gaps in infrastructure, childcare and health services that local authorities can’t afford. The Nationals have pledged a regional Australian future fund worth $20 billion, if the coalition wins the 3 May election, with $1 billion to be set aside for projects each year. […]

Murder rate soars as killers claim multiple victims
MURDERS have spiked in Australia’s most populous state, driven by multiple-victim homicides including a shopping centre massacre in which six people were killed. A total of 85 people were murdered in NSW in 2024, up from 56 in the previous year and the highest toll since 2014, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reports. […]