THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026. A detection of H5 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. This is the […]
Mayor Digby Raywood continues to lobby on what he believes are road funding inequities. Photo: dungog.nsw.gov.au
Dungog Mayor Digby Raywood pushes for fairer road funding
DUNGOG Shire’s roads continue to cop criticism and Shire Mayor Digby Raywood has laid responsibility firmly on what he believes are inequities in the way funding is calculated. Cr Raywood has highlighted that Dungog Shire Council continues to lobby for increased support to maintain the region’s extensive road network. Speaking in his latest ‘Council Connect’ […]
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon recently acknowledged 140 years of Business Hunter. Photo: @Sharon Claydon MP
Business Hunter celebrates 140 years of growth
BUSINESS Hunter is celebrating a significant milestone, marking 140 years of supporting industry, enterprise and economic development across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Founded in 1886 when a group of local business leaders gathered at Newcastle’s Great Northern Hotel to establish a Chamber of Commerce, the organisation has played a central role in shaping the […]
Entries open for 2026 NSW Tidy Towns awards
ENTRIES are now open for the 2026 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns awards, with communities, councils, organisations, businesses and individuals encouraged to showcase their environmental achievements. Since 1981, Keep Australia Beautiful NSW has recognised projects and initiatives that demonstrate environmental leadership, sustainability and strong community spirit across the state. The long-running awards program celebrates […]
The Hooke Street Emergency Warning Siren is a key part of Dungog’s flood warning network and underwent planned testing on 12 June. Photo: @dungogcouncil
Dungog emergency warning siren testing
PLANNED testing of the Hooke Street Emergency Warning Siren took place on Friday, 12 June, as Dungog Shire Council and emergency service partners worked to ensure the system remained ready for future flood events. Dungog Shire Council is conducting the testing in partnership with NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and […]
Murrurundi’s Ray Shoobert OAM and Vicki Woods AM were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to community service. Photo: @TheHunterRiverTimes.
King’s Birthday Honours recognise Ray Shoobert and Vicki Woods for decades of service
Murrurundi’s Ray Shoobert OAM and Vicki Woods AM were recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their significant contributions to community service. Photo: @TheHunterRiverTimes. Vicki Woods AM has long been hailed for her legendary contribution to tourism, hospitality and community service. Photo: @HMRIAustralia. TWO respected Upper Hunter community leaders have been recognised in the […]
Green reflector markers now guide heavy vehicle drivers to 10 additional informal rest areas along the Golden and New England highways in the Upper Hunter. Photo: Towards Zero Safer Roads Program
New green reflectors flag heavy vehicle rest stop access
HEAVY vehicle drivers travelling through the Upper Hunter now have 10 new places to stop, rest, and reduce their risk of a fatigue-related crash. The NSW Government has expanded its green reflector program with new sites along sections of the Golden and New England highways. It is expected this will make it easier for truck […]
Motorcycle rider killed in Bulliac crash
A MOTORCYCLE rider died following a crash west of Gloucester on Sunday 14 June. Emergency services were called to Bundook Road, Bulliac, about 14km west of Gloucester, just after 1pm following reports of a crash. Officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District attended and found a motorcycle and a utility had collided. The motorcycle rider, […]
Look out for wildlife campaign
The four-week campaign encourages drivers to look out for wildlife. Photo: TfNSW. Kangaroos were involved in the highest number of fatal crashes involving animals. Photo: TfNSW. MOTORISTS are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual “Animals on Country Roads” safety campaign. Between 2016 and 2025, […]
Dungog Palliative Care volunteers are among the top four groups in NSW
Co-ordinator Annette O’Neill at the Dungog Palliative Care office. Volunteers Margaret Jones, Lynne Moseley, Joy Berry and Annette O’Neill with Hebe Thomas, Principal Policy Officer, NSW Ministry of Health, and Felicity Burns, President, Palliative Care NSW. Photo: Palliative Care NSW REPRESENTATIVES from Dungog Shire Palliative Care volunteers recently attended an invitation-only award presentation in Sydney. […]
