September 16, 2026
First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion A sea lion has tested positive for bird flu, sparking fears of a possible extinction event. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Health, Local News, National, Regional

First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion

AUSTRALIA’S rarest seal species has recorded a case of bird flu for the first time, with an animal dying from the disease while recovering from a shark attack. The first case in an Australian sea lion has raised concerns for the species’ already dwindling population. A sea lion at South Australia’s Seal Bay on Kangaroo […]

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Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force.
Community, Local News, Police

Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation

The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. THIRTY-SIX illegal e-bikes have been seized in Sydney after new laws came into […]

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Tea lovers pouring in this week for Dungog’s quirkiest party of the year For tea lovers, there’s lots to love in Dungog this week.
Community, Local News, Regional

Tea lovers pouring in this week for Dungog’s quirkiest party of the year

For tea lovers, there’s lots to love in Dungog this week. EVERYONE loves a party and this week’s much-loved Dungog Tea Party has something for everyone. Based at historic James Theatre, it’s one of the town’s most delightfully unique events of the year. Beginning on Wednesday, the party attracts more than 1000 locals and visitors […]

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Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments

THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]

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Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Community, Government, Health, Local News

Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost

THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]

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Enter World Photography Day image competition online
Local News

Enter World Photography Day image competition online

NEWCASTLE Airport is calling for residents throughout the broader region to showcase the region through the eyes of the people who know it best. To celebrate World Photography Day, the airport is running an online competition. Photographers can enter across five categories including Junior, Youth, Community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Aviation. Each category […]

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