July 4, 2026
Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon recently acknowledged 140 years of Business Hunter. Photo: @Sharon Claydon MP
Business, Regional

Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth

BUSINESS Hunter is celebrating a significant milestone, marking 140 years of supporting industry, enterprise and economic development across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Founded in 1886 when a group of local business leaders gathered at Newcastle’s Great Northern Hotel to establish a Chamber of Commerce, the organisation has played a central role in shaping the […]

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King’s Birthday Honours recognise Ray Shoobert and Vicki Woods for decades of service Murrurundi’s Ray Shoobert OAM and Vicki Woods AM were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to community service. Photo: @TheHunterRiverTimes.
Business, Government, Regional

King’s Birthday Honours recognise Ray Shoobert and Vicki Woods for decades of service

Murrurundi’s Ray Shoobert OAM and Vicki Woods AM were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to community service. Photo: @TheHunterRiverTimes. Vicki Woods AM has long been hailed for her legendary contribution to tourism, hospitality and community service. Photo: @HMRIAustralia. TWO respected Upper Hunter community leaders have been recognised in the […]

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New green reflectors flag heavy vehicle rest stop access Green reflector markers now guide heavy vehicle drivers to 10 additional informal rest areas along the Golden and New England highways in the Upper Hunter. Photo: Towards Zero Safer Roads Program
Business, Government, Health, Regional

New green reflectors flag heavy vehicle rest stop access

HEAVY vehicle drivers travelling through the Upper Hunter now have 10 new places to stop, rest, and reduce their risk of a fatigue-related crash. The NSW Government has expanded its green reflector program with new sites along sections of the Golden and New England highways. It is expected this will make it easier for truck […]

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Clarence Town Community Builders launch Community Development Action Plan and workshop Historic Clarence Town’s Community Action Plan to be celebrated and shared with the community. Photo: visitnsw.com
Business, Regional

Clarence Town Community Builders launch Community Development Action Plan and workshop

CLARENCE Town residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of their community with the launch of the newly completed Community Development Action Plan. The Clarence Town Community Builders Task Team will officially unveil the plan at a community launch and interactive workshop on Thursday 18 June at the Clarence Town Bowling Club. Sacha […]

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Global recognition for Gresford regenerative farm leader Kristen Nicol, a finalist in the Woman Changing the World Awards, co-owns and runs Allynview Farm. Photo: supplied.
Business, Community

Global recognition for Gresford regenerative farm leader

AN AGRICULTURAL innovator from Gresford is gaining international recognition, with Allynview Farm co-founder Kristen Nicol named a finalist in the prestigious Woman Changing the World Awards. The award winners will be announced in Paris on 11 April. Kristen, who runs Allynview Farm alongside her husband Ben just outside Gresford, has been shortlisted in multiple categories, […]

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Clarence Town entrepreneur named finalist in Rural Women’s Award
Business

Clarence Town entrepreneur named finalist in Rural Women’s Award

CLARENCE TOWN’S Emma Spartalis has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The Award celebrates women who are driving change through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, while addressing complex social, economic and workforce challenges facing regional Australia. Ms Spartalis is the founder of Spartalis Consulting, an artificial intelligence and digital […]

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New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby. Photo: NSW Gov.
Business

New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency

SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month. From filling potholes to rebuilding flood‑damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network. Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle […]

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Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship Port Authority of NSW Port Officer Tilley Murgatroyd. Photo: Port Authority of NSW.
Business

Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship

HUNTER trainee Tilley Murgatroyd is taking her first steps into a maritime career as a Port Officer with Port Authority of NSW, after completing a hands-on traineeship delivered through a unique collaboration with Port of Newcastle and Svitzer. Through the Newcastle-based industry traineeship, Ms Murgatroyd rotated across towage, pilotage support, on-water safety and port operations, […]

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Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file.
Business, Community, Government

Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions

The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file. A concept image of Stratford Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: Yancoal. CONCERNS have been raised about where to accommodate construction workers if a major renewable energy project goes ahead. As reported by NOTA (2/10/2024), the Stratford Coal Mine has come to the end of its useful […]

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Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
Business

Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers

UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay. Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly […]

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