THOUSANDS of early childhood educators, including at Gloucester, wore pink to highlight the “Start Strong, Pay Fair” campaign on Wednesday 18 March, calling for urgent government action to address what has been described as a deepening workforce crisis in the sector. Rallies and community events were held, with educators, parents and advocates arguing that those […]
Fresh wave of baby names for NSW
NSW PARENTS are embracing a new wave of contemporary baby names, with eight fresh entries joining the state’s Top 100 in 2025. Newly released data from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages shows a growing preference for names that feel meaningful and distinctive. Boys’ names saw particularly strong movement, with Fletcher making the […]
Stargazing: What if we had no Moon?
IMAGINE a world where the Moon never showed up for its nightly shift. No silver spotlight draped across oceans, no quiet companion hanging above late-night thinkers. Just a blazing Sun clocking out each evening and leaving us with… a blackout. Romantic? Not exactly. Mysterious? Maybe – but mostly inconvenient. Let’s start at the beach. Without […]
Less pain at the power point. Interest in electric cars is rising as petrol prices soar. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge
DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began. But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia. Pickles released details of […]
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises. The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. […]
Inaugural Singapore service takes off from Newcastle Airport
FOR the first time, travellers across the Hunter region can depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am on Tuesday. Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic […]
Dungog fuel prices surge as farmers and regions are hardest hit
THE fuel crisis continues to deepen as diesel prices in Dungog Shire surge well over the $3 dollar a litre mark. Petrol bowsers in various parts of regional NSW are running dry, with prices of up to $3.43 a litre seen in the local area. According to NSW Government statistics released on 24 March, out […]
Mission Australia opens 25th Youth Survey to NSW young people
MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on […]
New Stroud SES building set to finish on time
THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas. AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming […]
