THE Hunter has been chosen for Building Commission NSW’s first major campaign of 2026. The three-day trip, from 16-18 March, saw Building Commission NSW inspectors and the NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, visit Singleton and areas of Maitland and Newcastle. “This is a great opportunity for Building Commission NSW to connect with community and better […]
Dungog Arts Society gears up for the Archies
THE Dungog Art Society (DAS) is gearing up for “the Archies” once more. To prepare locals for the region’s version of the Archibald Price, DAS is hosting a ‘paint and sip’ evening on Thursday, 26 March at the Bank Hotel Dungog. The subjects of the night’s artworks will be those in attendance. Attendees will set […]
The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push
RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]
Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure
AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]
Farmers share insights on mental health realities in the bush
RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land. Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows […]
Hunter and Central Coast housing approvals expand in 2025
THE latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures indicate that total home approvals for the Hunter grew two percent in 2025 compared to the 2024 calendar year. On the Central Coast, total home approvals grew by 16 percent in the same period. Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director, said the overall growth in approvals is […]
Women underrepresented on councils across NSW
LOCAL Government NSW ((LGNSW) is calling for more female representation on elected councils in NSW. Council representatives from across the state gathered in Sydney on Friday for the peak body’s International Women’s Day event. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the role of women […]
‘New and improved’ soft plastics recycling program
DUNGOG Shire Council has partnered with ReSmart to make it easier for residents to recycle soft plastics locally. As of 1 March, residents can drop off soft plastics for free at the Dungog Waste Management Facility on Short Street, where they will be properly processed and repurposed through the new program. “Without programs like this, […]
Review into feral animal management in NSW
A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW. The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years. The control program has been built […]
Rock art the focus of Dungog’s fourth instalment in ‘Illuminating Women’ series
Archaeologist Dr June Ross will speak at the James Theatre on 20 March. Archaeologist Dr June Ross will speak at the James Theatre on 20 March. THE fourth instalment of the “Illuminating Women” talks will be held in the James Theatre on 20 March. Hosted by the Dungog-Clarence Town branch of the CWA, “Painting The […]
