December 21, 2025
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’ The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
Local News

Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’

The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]

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Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy
Local News

Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy

TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]

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Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media.
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Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges

Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. TOCAL College agriculture and stock horse students have put their abilities and knowledge […]

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Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires
Local News

Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires

PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]

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Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with workers at the Tomago smelter.
Local News

Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear

MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]

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AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package Anna Meares said it took her three Olympic cycles to have the confidence to be backed financially. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package

SPORTING mums and retiring athletes are key targets of a $50 million funding package from the Australian Olympic Committee. It’s being hailed as the AOC’s most significant athlete-funding initiative since the buildup to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Capitalising on a boost from its sizeable investment portfolio, the AOC will set up the $20 million Olympian […]

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Firies stretched as bushfires rage near Bulahdelah
Local News

Firies stretched as bushfires rage near Bulahdelah

The smoke clouds as the fire began. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Smoke drifts over the coast, leaving a thick blanket above the water at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Recon and water-bombing aircraft land, refuel and take off from Bulahdelah Showground. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. The blackened median and verge forest along the Pacific Highway […]

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Changed traffic conditions on Gostwyck Bridge, Paterson
Local News

Changed traffic conditions on Gostwyck Bridge, Paterson

MOTORISTS are advised of changed traffic conditions on Gostwyck Bridge on Dungog Road, Paterson, for structural work. Transport for NSW will carry out maintenance work on the bridge to upgrade sections of the decking and support its ongoing safe operation. Work will be carried from Tuesday 9 December from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday. […]

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Dungog and Gloucester property markets well positioned for 2026
Local News

Dungog and Gloucester property markets well positioned for 2026

McGrath Gloucester principal Jonny Tighe is confident the local market will continue to surge in 2026. Dillon & Sons principal Tavis Chivers says Dungog is a unique market given the low levels of property turnovers in the smaller shire. THE inland lifestyle belt stretching from Gloucester to Dungog is finishing 2025 with renewed momentum as […]

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Kemp calls out Premier’s flood recovery comments Premier Chris Minns discussed flood recovery on the Mid North Coast in May with Oxley MP and former NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders.
Local News

Kemp calls out Premier’s flood recovery comments

MEMBER for Oxley Michael Kemp has called out Premier Chris Minns for “out-of-touch comments” on morning TV show Sunrise regarding the recovery of communities impacted by flooding in May. When asked by host Matt Shirvington what NSW should be most proud of in the past year, the Premier responded: “I think the thing we should […]

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