THE Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) has joined community groups in accusing Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen of attempting to revive the region’s failed offshore wind proposal by rebranding it research and demonstration (R&D). Mr Bowen announced on Friday that he had opened applications for R&D licences in Australia’s six offshore wind zones, […]
Dungog Shire celebrates its incredible citizens
The winners of the Dungog Shire Council Australia Day awards. Joint Citizen of the Year Gillian Finch and Annette Ellicott with Australia Day Ambassador Viv Kartsounis, MP Dave Layzell and Mayor Digby Rayward. The Shire’s two newest citizens Carina Ryan and Rodelyn Jones. THE people who help make Dungog such a special place to live […]
Even if parked in the shade with the windows partially down, dogs can die in a car in less than six minutes. Photo: GabesDotPhotos/Pexels.
Government flags tougher penalties for animal cruelty including jail time for leaving dogs in hot cars
DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties. The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences. Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, […]
Still no fix for dangerous Bucketts Way intersection
THERE is still no relief in sight for long-suffering motorists trying to turn right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway during busy periods. On 8 January 2025, News Of The Area reported that “those travelling south from Gloucester will, for the foreseeable future at least, continue experiencing the often-long delays, and significant risks associated […]
Hundreds of Scouts set up camp at Dungog Showground
DUNGOG Showground is hosting the Hunter and Coastal Regional Scout Corroboree camp this week. More than 250 Scouts are attending the event, representing the Hunter and Coastal Region as well as Sydney, the Blue Mountains and other areas of NSW. In addition, around 100 Scout leaders will be busy organising and keeping an eye on […]
Push for accessibility improvements at Paterson Station
Photos of the station from every angle highlight the lack of accessibility. Photos of the station from every angle highlight the lack of accessibility. Photos of the station from every angle highlight the lack of accessibility. Photos of the station from every angle highlight the lack of accessibility. Photos of the station from every angle […]
Extreme weather increasing health risks in rural and remote Australia
THE Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says extreme weather across Australia is increasing health risks for rural, remote and First Nations communities and placing growing pressure on local health services. ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says prolonged and severe weather events are affecting the health of rural communities and will continue to […]
NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost
FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
Unskilled workers critical to ensuring agriculture sustainability
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for a renewed focus on a sustainable agricultural workforce, urging policymakers to ensure the needs of regional communities are properly addressed. In a submission to the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia inquiry, the NFF said while skilled migrants play an important supporting role in the agricultural workforce, […]
Exemptions for farmers under new gun laws in NSW
PRIMARY producers across NSW will operate under tighter firearm regulations following new legislation. The State Government emphasises that the reforms recognise the legitimate needs of farmers while strengthening community safety. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 24 December in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi […]
