March 6, 2026
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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Classical sounds and community voices in Dungog The Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra.
Community

Classical sounds and community voices in Dungog

The Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra. The Petrichor Choir. DUNGOG is set to come alive with the sounds of music in the coming weeks, with two very different, yet equally inviting, musical experiences on offer. At the James Theatre on Sunday 8 March, the acclaimed Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra will present First Light, an […]

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Doug Walters Foundation rolls on in support of Dungog cricket Darren Wilkinson with Doug Walters and the new roller.
Community

Doug Walters Foundation rolls on in support of Dungog cricket

A GENEROUS boost from the Doug Walters Foundation has delivered a significant win for cricket in Dungog, with the donation of a new cricket roller for Bennett Park. The funding has supported both the Dungog Senior and Junior Cricket clubs, providing an important piece of equipment that will help maintain the quality and safety of […]

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Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter A previous grant went towards a rainwater tank at the Shelley Street Community Garden in Toronto.
Community

Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter

HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical water-saving outcomes while strengthening community connections. The NSW […]

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Nerong fires continue to burn and smother towns in smoke A water-bombing helicopter refills at a dam on a property near Nerong. Photo: Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS/Facebook.
Community, Health

Nerong fires continue to burn and smother towns in smoke

The 6500ha bushfire sits just a few kilometres north of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. Image: Fires Near Me website. A water-bombing helicopter refills at a dam on a property near Nerong. Photo: Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS/Facebook. Diggers clear burnt trees and open up hidden ground fires near the pine plantation. Photo: Pindimar-Tea Gardens/RFS Facebook. Grass […]

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