August 19, 2026
Support for rural, regional and remote families when a child is seriously ill Celebrating the opening of the new facility at Westmead are, from left: Donna Davis, Member for Parramatta; Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, CEO Christina Keneally; Claire Barber, CEO Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney; and the NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park. Photo: NSW Health.
Community, Health, Local News, National, Regional

Support for rural, regional and remote families when a child is seriously ill

FAMILIES from regional, rural and remote NSW with seriously ill children will benefit from new facilities at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead that can provide overnight accommodation for up to 10 families at a time. The accommodation is located on Level 9 of the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building, close to the cardiac and critical […]

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Gendered abuse is a threat to democracy Women should not have to choose between public office and personal safety. Photo: Magnific.
Community, Government, Local News, National, Regional

Gendered abuse is a threat to democracy

GENDERED abuse and intimidation is discouraging strong female candidates from standing for office or applying for executive roles, a NSW survey has revealed. The Women for Election survey found 89 per cent of respondents, or almost nine out of 10, had experienced online abuse. Three-quarters said it had worsened over the past two years, and […]

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Honouring those who bring us together in harmony If you know someone who is helping people from diverse cultural backgrounds feel connected,put in an Honour Roll nomination. Photo: Magnific.
Community, Local News

Honouring those who bring us together in harmony

DO you know someone in the community who is making, or has made, an outstanding contribution to our multicultural society by fostering belonging, inclusion and understanding? The NSW Government is calling for nominations for the 2027 Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll. These prestigious awards celebrate people and organisations from across the state. The Multicultural […]

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Honour history by nominating a person or place for a Blue Plaque commemoration A Blue Plaque commemorating the historic 1965 Freedom Ride advocating for Aboriginal rights. Photo: Heritage NSW.
Community, Government, Local News

Honour history by nominating a person or place for a Blue Plaque commemoration

An opportunity exists to help preserve and honour history by nominating inspiring people and defining moments that have helped shape the state of New South Wales. The NSW Government is inviting everyone, from individuals to community organisations, to share a story that deserves to be immortalised with a Blue Plaque. There are more than 70 […]

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Farmers say it’s time to end the regional mobile black spots
Local News

Farmers say it’s time to end the regional mobile black spots

REGIONAL Australians are calling on the Federal Government to act now on domestic mobile phone roaming and take farmers’ connectivity concerns seriously. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into domestic mobile roaming but says regional communities should not have to wait any longer for things to […]

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Clean out the chemicals: Dungog farmers urged to register for disposal opportunity Register your chemicals for disposal with Agsafe by 31August. Photo Agsafe.
Local News

Clean out the chemicals: Dungog farmers urged to register for disposal opportunity

DUNGOG Shire farmers, primary producers and agribusinesses with unwanted or expired agricultural chemicals are being encouraged to register for the upcoming ChemClear collection. The program provides a safe and responsible way to dispose of eligible Group 2 agricultural chemicals that cannot be accepted through the drumMUSTER program. Financial assistance is available for eligible participants, thanks […]

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1 in 4 Australians forego heating or cooling due to cost
Local News

1 in 4 Australians forego heating or cooling due to cost

TEMPERATURE extremes at either end of the thermometer carry inherent risk for vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children, yet more than one in four admit they’ve gone without in times of need due to the cost. A recent survey revealed that 27 per cent of Australians, which is 5.7 million people, fell […]

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Timeline of adulthood has changed
Local News

Timeline of adulthood has changed

IF you’re 31 years old and still living with your parents, you shouldn’t be, according to new research based on the answers of more than 1000 respondents. 1010 Australians were asked to weigh in on what age is ‘too old’ to still be living at home. The harshest critics were the youngest and oldest Aussies, […]

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A funding boost puts rural local community halls in line for an upgrade The upgraded Rowena Community Hall, originally built in 1934. Photo: Supplied
Community, Local News, Regional

A funding boost puts rural local community halls in line for an upgrade

The upgraded Rowena Community Hall, originally built in 1934. Photo: Supplied Community Association member Vanessa Radford standing at the Rowena Community Hall. Photo: Supplied FOR many rural towns, the local hall is far more than a building. It is where neighbours gather, volunteers organise events, children perform in concerts, emergency information is shared and communities […]

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