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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
THE NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the University of NSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), has released a report highlighting the pervasive and complex issue of neglect affecting older people and adults with disability across New South Wales. Funding was provided by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The ADC […]
Malcolm Marquet presented the giant cheque to Margaret Jones.
Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers, Rumble committee members and the new car. Malcolm Marquet presented the giant cheque to Margaret Jones. Dungog Rumble members with the giant cheque and new car. REPRESENTATIVES from the Dungog Rumble and Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers met on Sunday afternoon, 7 December at the Bank Hotel, Dungog. The Rumble […]
Stroud Customer Service Point and Library.
MIDCOAST Council will trial reduced hours of operation at the Stroud Customer Service Point and Library. From 5 January, the service will open from Tuesday to Thursday 9am – 12pm each week for a three-month period. According to Council, the aim of the trial is to align opening hours with service usage by the community. […]
DUNGOG Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address parking concerns in Dowling Street, Dungog following feedback from local retailers regarding the availability of main street CBD parking spaces. Concerns have been raised that retail employees are occupying these spaces for extended periods, making it difficult for customers to access businesses in the area. “Council […]
Free camping is available at Chichester State Forest, near Dungog. Photo: NSW State Forests.
NSW State Forests are open for free, pet‑friendly camping from the coast to the high country. There are almost 500 State Forests and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome. Campfires are also permitted, outside of fire bans. “State Forests are a fabulous resource for the community,” Manager Tourism and […]
LEGAL Aid NSW is urging anyone impacted by the recent bushfires in the Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and Central West NSW to seek free legal help early. The Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) can advise people about issues relating to insurance claims, tenancy rights, accessing disaster grants and payments, […]
