APPLICATIONS are now open for Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects across Australia. Eligible not-for-profit groups from New South Wales can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving connection and mental wellbeing in their local communities. Since 2020, Australia Post […]
Dungog Shire off-leash dog area progressing
FOLLOWING consultation which resulted in 276 submissions made by the community, Council has endorsed to proceed to investigate two primary locations to determine the feasibility of off-leash dog exercise areas. Key findings of the survey are: – 67.8 percent of respondents travel to exercise their dog; – 37.3 percent of respondents utilise a Council park/sportsground […]

Regional platypus initiative pushes forward
Rachel Barry, platypus mascot ‘Becan’ and Callaghan kids at May’s Tocal Field Day. Photo: supplied. Regional Platypus Initiative coordinators Sian Ineson, Rachel Barry and Julie Overton during a planning session. Photo: supplied. Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied. THE “Barrington Rivers Platypus Initiative” has been […]
Gloucester Business Chamber concerned by National Parks fee hikes
A NSW GOVERNMENT consultation paper has proposed introducing a six-tier system for camping in NSW National Parks that would make the rate for some campgrounds as much as $97 a night or $679 a week. Public consultation on the changes closed on 25 May. Concerns have been raised that the tiered pricing could leave camping […]
Dungog community invited to support art for peace project
THE creator of a ground-breaking art project dedicated to fostering peace and understanding, is calling on the Dungog community’s support to help bring its powerful message home from Vietnam. Led by acclaimed artist and educator Dr Sasi Victoire, the project has been in Da Nang, Vietnam, where the legacy of the Vietnam War is still […]
Dungog’s ‘death café’ sparks community conversation
AS AUSTRALIA’S population ages and health services strain to meet growing demands, there’s a renewed focus on how we die and how we can support each other through the process. The federal government has announced a one-off $25,000 payment to help more Australians die at home, a response to the fact that while 70 percent […]
Dungog’s Earth & Elm Studio triumphs at Hunter Business Awards
IN A landmark moment for regional and queer-owned businesses, Earth & Elm Studio in Dungog has taken out both the “Business of the Year” and “Personal Services” categories at the prestigious 2025 Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards. The awards, the largest of their kind in NSW, saw Earth & Elm triumph over competitors from across […]
Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
QANTAS has announced it will be the first airline to offer direct flights from Newcastle to Perth. The new route will launch on 8 September and flights will operate on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. “These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when […]

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 […]
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, […]