April 30, 2026
MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked Lyne MP Alison Penfold recently met with NDIS providers from across the region.
Regional

MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked

FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is calling on the Federal Government to urgently revoke the latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing changes, warning of the “significant negative impacts on people with a disability living in regional and remote areas”. The changes, announced following the Government’s NDIS Annual Pricing Review, came into effect on […]

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Annual farm census underway across NSW The Annual Land and Stock Return helps paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Regional

Annual farm census underway across NSW

NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census. The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks. Landholders must lodge […]

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Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins
Regional

Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins

A recently received scam email. A Commonwealth Bank infographic illustrates that Aussies are scam-aware, but a third of us still miss the clues. Image: CBA. THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline. Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the […]

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More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely RAI CEO Liz Ritchie with her partner Tom, daughter Chloe, and dog Cricket at their new home in the Bega Valley.
Regional

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely

NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]

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Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions Minister Ryan Park says it's time to position the Hunter as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Nikki Short.
Regional

Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions

THE 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions. “The Authority will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions – the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal […]

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New terminal gets tested during Mass Passenger Exercise Participants from across the Hunter volunteered for the exercise.
Regional

New terminal gets tested during Mass Passenger Exercise

NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise. With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers. They moved through […]

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First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba.
Regional

First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries

Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. A MAJOR study of NSW estuaries using a novel […]

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Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October Minister Steve Kamper at Newcastle Airport for the announcement.
Regional

Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October

JETSTAR will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali) from 21 October. Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries. The service is set to be run three times a week, and will be the first international route offered from Newcastle’s new international terminal. Minister for Jobs and […]

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Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster Authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the recent natural disaster through fake fundraising appeals. Photo: NSW SES.
Community, Regional

Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster

PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]

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