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 ‘committed to parking solutions’ in Dowling Street
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 dog-friendly camping from coast to high country
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 […]
Free legal help available for fire-affected residents
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, […]
Plan your summer journey – allow extra time on the Pacific Highway at Hexham
TRANSPORT for NSW is encouraging motorists travelling on the Pacific Highway through Hexham to plan their trip and allow extra travel time during the Christmas New Year period, with high traffic volumes and delays expected. The M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and the Pacific Highway at Hexham are linked via John Renshaw Drive and the […]
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’
The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]
Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy
TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]
Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges
Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. TOCAL College agriculture and stock horse students have put their abilities and knowledge […]
Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires
PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]
