January 23, 2026
Vendors and crafters invited to Community Market Fair at East Gresford on 17 and 18 January Ceramics at the markets in 2025. Photo: Gresford Community Market/Facebook Page.
Community

Vendors and crafters invited to Community Market Fair at East Gresford on 17 and 18 January

VENDORS and crafters are being invited to take part in a Community Market Fair set to run across two days in East Gresford on Saturday 17 January and Sunday 18 January 2026. The Community Market Fair will be held at 12 Park Street. It provides a weekend opportunity for makers, creatives and small businesses to […]

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Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis.
Community

Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s

Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis. Some of the dancers in action. FOR Joy Tull of Stroud, age is just a number.  At 86, she’s still leading a group of line dancers at Stroud Road […]

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Shannon’s year in review
Community

Shannon’s year in review

OVER the past year, reporting for News Of The Area has given me a front-row seat to something quietly powerful unfolding across Dungog and its surrounding villages: a renewed confidence in community, creativity and connection. One of the clearest signs of this has been the appetite for live music. From the unmistakable harmonies of The […]

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Port Stephens-Hunter Police step up community engagement this summer S/C Fred Saba and Inspector David Donovan with the Sista Speak students at Lemon Tree Passage police station. Photo: PSHPD.
Community, Police

Port Stephens-Hunter Police step up community engagement this summer

Kids and families checked out the paddy wagon at Karuah police station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Karuah locals touring the station. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Youth Liaison Officer S/C Leanne Mann, S/C Michelle Chandler, and S/C Fred Saba from Lemon Tree Passage. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. ACLO Jemma McLeay, YLO S/C Leanne Mann and Inspector David Donovan at […]

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Paterson youth to lead new environmental project
Community

Paterson youth to lead new environmental project

YOUNG people in Paterson are set to take an active role in caring for their local environment and strengthening community connections through a new youth-led initiative backed by state-wide funding. Local changemaker Julie Overton has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Backing the Future program for her “Cultivating Futures For Our Youth” initiative. The […]

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Big dreams for small-town singer Reese Lawrence Reese sings with Amber Lawrence.
Community

Big dreams for small-town singer Reese Lawrence

TEN-YEAR-OLD Reese Lawrence from Clarence Town is quickly making a name for herself on the local country music scene, driven by a love of classic ballads and a determination well beyond her years. Inspired by legends such as Patsy Cline and LeAnn Rimes, Reese stepped onto the stage for the first time just four months […]

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Carols bring cheer to Clarence Town community Charlee Jones and partner Jordan Ward enjoyed the carols.
Community

Carols bring cheer to Clarence Town community

Charlee Jones and partner Jordan Ward enjoyed the carols. Taking in the market stalls and attractions. SANTA paid an early visit to Clarence Town on Saturday 6 December. The Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade gave him a lift to the Courthouse Museum for the Clarence Town Community Christmas Carols. Soaring temperatures and bushfire smoke did […]

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Inclusive ageing in focus at Dungog community drop-in session
Community

Inclusive ageing in focus at Dungog community drop-in session

OLDER members of the LGBTQI+ community in Dungog are being invited to a free, supportive, drop-in information session designed to help them better understand their ageing and aged care options in a safe and respectful environment. The LGBTQI+ Ageing Drop-In Support Session will be held at the Dungog Shire Community Centre on Tuesday, 16 December […]

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