May 26, 2026
Turtles, fish bounce back after devastating Mid North Coast floods An endangered Manning River Turtle being released into the Barrington River by Aussie Ark in February. Photo: Aussie Ark.
Community, Event, Government, Health

Turtles, fish bounce back after devastating Mid North Coast floods

NEW research indicates Manning River turtles are being recorded at pre-flood numbers, twelve months after one of the region’s worst floods on record. Waterways in the Hunter and Mid North Coast were battered in the floods of May 2025, with serious concerns held about the long-term effects on fish and animals living in the rivers, […]

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Private landholders’ key role in the future of koalas
Community

Private landholders’ key role in the future of koalas

THE Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative is keen to hear from local landholders interested in having koala habitat trees planted on their properties. The initiative is a collaboration between the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia (WWF-Australia) and carbon farming service provider, Climate Friendly, supported by the NSW Government and HP Inc. This first-of-its-kind carbon farming […]

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Crash fears realised at Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection Vehicles queueing at the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in early 2026.
Community, Event, Government, Police

Crash fears realised at Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection

A SERIOUS accident on Friday 15 May has brought safety issues at the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection into sharp focus once more. In April, News Of The Area reported on the strong concerns held by former Roads and Traffic Authority senior engineer Gordon Chirgwin about the dangerous state of the intersection. “I believe that the […]

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Community invited to support SES with Wear Orange Wednesday Members of Dungog and Stroud SES Units. Photo: Dungog SES.
Community

Community invited to support SES with Wear Orange Wednesday

COMMUNITIES across the Dungog Shire are encouraged to wear orange today (20 May) as part of Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), showing support for the more than 11,000 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who respond to floods, storms and other emergencies across the state. In the past year alone, NSW SES volunteers contributed almost […]

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Zonta launches online club for regional and rural members An online meeting of the Zonta e-Club of NSW and ACT.
Community

Zonta launches online club for regional and rural members

THE Zonta e-Club of NSW and ACT has been established as a new online branch of Zonta International, a global organisation with over 100 years of history. The small but growing group is looking for others who want to help build an effective online advocacy community focused on key issues affecting women and girls. This […]

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A celebration of volunteers in Paterson
Community

A celebration of volunteers in Paterson

RESIDENTS of Paterson and surrounding communities will come together on Sunday, 24 May for a National Volunteer Day Community Celebration. The event, to be held in John Tucker Park, Paterson from 10am to 1pm, will recognise local volunteers and encourage more people, especially young people, to get involved. Volunteer organisations from Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy, […]

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From Army to SES leader, Peter Todd keeps giving back
Community

From Army to SES leader, Peter Todd keeps giving back

FOR Brookfield’s Peter Todd, service has never been just a job – it’s been a lifelong commitment to community, family, and country. Growing up in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west, Peter’s early years were grounded in local schools and a strong sense of community. But at just 18, he made a decision that would shape the […]

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Stroud Butchery’s Mathew Thompson named Apprentice of the Year
Community

Stroud Butchery’s Mathew Thompson named Apprentice of the Year

RISING talent Mathew Thompson has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2026 World Butcher Wars, following an outstanding performance at Sydney Meatstock over the weekend. Competing in front of massive, energetic crowds at the Sydney Showgrounds, Mat demonstrated exceptional skill, precision and creativity in the butchery arena while proudly representing Stroud Butchery. […]

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Appeal for information following suspicious fires
Community

Appeal for information following suspicious fires

DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a series of recent grass fires in the Hunter Valley. Between Monday 2 March 2026 and Friday 24 April 2026, a total of 24 grass fires were reported in areas surrounding Singleton. The fires have occurred along Golden Highway at Warkworth, and Mitchell Line of Road, Jerrys Plains Road, […]

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