March 20, 2026
Gresford Show ‘ticks all the boxes’ 2026 Gresford Show Junior Young Woman winner Tiahnee Eldridge and runner up Lexie Rayfield.
Community

Gresford Show ‘ticks all the boxes’

2026 Gresford Show Junior Young Woman winner Tiahnee Eldridge and runner up Lexie Rayfield. Mary Kealy Perpetual Trophy winner Jodi Pender and runner up Janelle McKenzie. Guests at the Showgrounds on Thursday night for the opening night of the art show and the Young Woman Presentation. Guests at the Showgrounds on Thursday night for the […]

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Essential Grants applications closing soon The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
Community

Essential Grants applications closing soon

CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]

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Community invited to celebrate the famous Paterson River Oranges Frank Auckett’s Orange Packing Shed opposite Paterson Railway Station, 1922. Photo: Paterson Historical Society.
Community

Community invited to celebrate the famous Paterson River Oranges

RESIDENTS are invited to take part in a creative community workshop celebrating one of the area’s most distinctive pieces of local history, the famous Paterson River Orange. Once widely known for their flavour and quality, the oranges grown in the rich soils along the Paterson River were an important part of the town’s agricultural history. […]

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Get involved with two of Dungog Shire’s much-loved community venues Council is currently inviting expressions of interest from locals to join the James Theatre Section 355 Committee. Photo: Council.
Community

Get involved with two of Dungog Shire’s much-loved community venues

IF ever enjoyed a movie at the James Theatre or attended an event at the Gresford School of Arts Hall, now could be your chance to help support these much-loved community venues. Dungog Shire Council is currently inviting expressions of interest from locals to join the James Theatre Section 355 Committee, with one position available […]

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Paterson project goes global at international community-building conference Julie and Andrew Overton attended the international conference in Goa, India earlier this year. Photo: PCB.
Community

Paterson project goes global at international community-building conference

PATERSON Community Builders (PCB) representatives Julie and Andrew Overton attended an international community-building conference in Goa, India from 27 to 30 January. “Goa’s cultural diversity, scenic environment and historical richness of being a Portuguese colony for over 450 years was a vibrant backdrop for the gathering focused on learning and community exchange,” they said in […]

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Dungog Rodeo rides on through the generations The crowd at last year’s Dungog Rodeo.
Community

Dungog Rodeo rides on through the generations

THE Dungog Rodeo is more than just an annual spectacle. It’s a story that stretches back over 80 years, shaped by community spirit, determination and a love of country life. The first chapter began in 1945, when young local men returned from service in the Army, inspired by American rodeos they had seen staged in […]

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Dungog community unites behind new action plan Attendees at the CWA rooms.
Community

Dungog community unites behind new action plan

MORE than 40 community members gathered at the Dungog CWA rooms the evening of 10 February, to celebrate the launch of the Dungog Community Development Action Plan, a document designed to guide the town’s future through locally driven ideas and initiatives. Hosted by the Dungog/Clarence Town CWA, the event highlighted the strength of community collaboration, […]

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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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A couple’s journey from Thailand to Vacy
Community

A couple’s journey from Thailand to Vacy

VACY has become home to an unlikely love story, one that has benefited the region’s culinary scene. Natthanicha ‘Nim’ Chaiyachin and Pieter Wood began their journey as a couple online, introduced through family connections. Months of daily conversations then led Pieter to travel to Thailand in October 2022 to meet Nim for the first time. […]

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Funding for community groups in the Gloucester and Stroud districts
Community

Funding for community groups in the Gloucester and Stroud districts

THIRTY-THREE community organisations in the Gloucester and Stroud regions have benefited from a share in $92,000 through Stratford Coal’s 2026 Community Support Program. The funding will support a diverse range of local organisations including primary and high schools, rural fire services, creative and cultural associations, historical societies, sporting clubs, community halls, country clubs, preschool services […]

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