December 6, 2025
Pulling the plug on pokies in bid to curb gambling harm
Local News

Pulling the plug on pokies in bid to curb gambling harm

TENS of thousands of poker machines will be switched off at dawn to allow problem gamblers to revive and survive. NSW is second only to Nevada, home to casino-lined Las Vegas, when it comes to the number of gaming machines with nearly 90,000 across the state. More than 670 clubs will be mandated to shut […]

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Telstra upgrading 4G and new 5G in Martins Creek
Local News

Telstra upgrading 4G and new 5G in Martins Creek

TELSTRA will be upgrading its mobile base station at Martins Creek from 12-16 December. “The upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion,” Telstra said in a statement. Mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway. Regional General Manager Northern NSW […]

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Councillor keeps pushing for Return and Earn facility in Paterson
Local News

Councillor keeps pushing for Return and Earn facility in Paterson

COUNCILLOR Alexandria Carruthers is keeping up the fight to establish a Return and Earn facility in Paterson. She presented a Notice of Motion at Council’s 26 November meeting, seeking Council support to renew engagement with TOMRA Cleanaway, who recently rejected requests to install a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in the Paterson area. Paterson has been […]

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Changed traffic conditions on Stroud Hill Road, Dungog
Local News

Changed traffic conditions on Stroud Hill Road, Dungog

MOTORISTS are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Stroud Hill Road at Cooreei Bridge, Dungog, for essential maintenance work. Transport for NSW is planning to start work to rehabilitate Cooreei Bridge in early 2026. In preparation for this, early work is being carried out including vegetation clearing and delivery of materials. This […]

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Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero Locally-produced renewable energy, like solar power, benefits communities.
Local News

Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero

ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050. This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed. Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor […]

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Tocal College completes 31st cultural exchange with agricultural college in Japan The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand.
Local News

Tocal College completes 31st cultural exchange with agricultural college in Japan

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian agricultural education firsthand. TOCAL Agricultural College hosted 26 students and two staff from Japan’s Gifu Prefectural […]

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Dungog community learns about the world of waste The Dungog Waste Management team and Plastic-free Dungog Champion Michelle Dado presented Food Organics and Garden Organics concepts. (L-R) Michelle Dado, Jodie Cowan, Harrison Elloy, Aithyn Grove, Owen Judd, Darren Grove, Balaji Seshadri and Mayor Digby Rayward.
Local News

Dungog community learns about the world of waste

DUNGOG Shire Council’s Waste Management Team hosted a well-attended Recycling and Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) information session on Wednesday, 12 November, as part of National Recycling Week. The full Waste Management Team along with Council’s Environmental Compliance Officer Jodie Cowan and Plastic-free Dungog Champion Michelle Dado, were present to facilitate discussions and answer […]

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National recognition for Barrington farmer Liam Mowbray. Photo: Angus Australia.
Local News

National recognition for Barrington farmer

BARRINGTON’S Liam Mowbray has been announced as one of seven participants in Cattle Australia’s 2025-26 National Beef Leaders (NBL) program. Liam is a cattle veterinarian, Angus breeder, and a Research and Development Specialist at Angus Australia. Based in the Barrington area, Liam works with producers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to deliver genetic research outcomes and […]

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Another boost for Hunter-to-Asia connectivity Politicians, Jetstar and Airport representatives announce the new route.
Local News

Another boost for Hunter-to-Asia connectivity

IN A boost for the region’s global connectivity, Jetstar has introduced a new flight service from Newcastle to Singapore, via Bali. From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop […]

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War on waste: more single-use plastics banished
Local News

War on waste: more single-use plastics banished

PESKY plastic tags on loaves of bread, tiny soy sauce fish bottles and detachable bottle tops are all being binned by a state government battling a mounting rubbish crisis. The ambitious clean-up is part of an expanded ban by NSW coinciding with the start of National Recycling Week. The NSW Plastic Plan 2.0, will see […]

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