KEEPING domestic cats inside has never been more important, experts say, as the number of confirmed H5N1 avian influenza cases on Australian soil hits 20 and affects four states. While all detections of the highly infectious bird flu have so far been among migratory seabirds, the variant is known to affect more than 100 species […]

EVERY 10 days, Australia loses a farmer to suicide. Behind that number are families, communities and generations forever impacted. As many farming families continue recovering from drought, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters while navigating increasing financial pressures, the need for support has never been greater. This August, Australians are being urged to register, donate […]

A NEW national warning system, AusAlert, is being rolled out and a test message will be sent next Monday, 27 July, at 2pm. Dave Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter, has issued a message to constituents, informing them to expect the message and reassuring people that the Monday afternoon message is simply a test. “We […]

WINTER has claimed two more lives in separate house fires, prompting Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to issue an urgent reminder for residents to check smoke alarms and take extra care with heating appliances. Two people, both believed to have been in their 70s, died in separate residential fires within five days of each other. […]

“I HAVE just returned from a fantastic overseas holiday where the weather was perfect and the fishing excellent. Magnificent scenery and a fascinating local history. Travel time by boat around about 40 minutes from the entrance to Port Stephens.  “Broughton Island is an absolute wonderland with high peaks rolling down to long golden beaches. The […]