MISERABLE grey skies in the morning, followed by daytime gloom, have joined the biting odour of smoke across the Myall Coast and regions nearby in the aftermath of the Nerong fires, lingering in place thanks to a natural meteorological pattern called the “inversion layer”. While ordinary atmospheric conditions usually see cooler air temperatures at higher […]

LONGTIME Gloucester resident Julie Lyford and newcomer Sonja Duncan have discovered a common passion: social justice. The two women are organising an event in Gloucester titled ‘Hidden In Plain Sight: Connection with Purpose’, which aims to spark community conversation about social justice issues both locally and internationally. Both women bring more than 25 years of […]

DEBATE over the merits of an offshore wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence. Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn […]

NEW research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance lead a $4.2 million NSW Government initiative to keep people safer in the water this summer. The investment follows an unprecedented number of attacks in recent weeks and the need for better education and community messaging on shark behaviour – particularly before and after weather events. Surf […]

Crews have driven the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. Photos: TfNSW. Crews have driven the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. Photos: TfNSW. CREWS working on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace […]

AS families across the Hunter prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are worried about […]

Firefighters continue to monitor active fires at Nabiac and Bulahdelah. A map released by the RFS shows the extent of lightning strikes over four hours on 3 January. THE NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging everyone to remain vigilant, with higher temperatures forecast to return later this week. The bushfire near Bulahdelah is still […]

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to guide farmers and primary industries so they can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity and sustainability. The NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors […]

HEAT can kill. That’s the message from the Red Cross and Health Direct as we face the prospect of heatwave conditions over the summer months. According to the Institute of Health and Welfare there were 2.143 hospital admissions related to extreme heat between 2019 and 2022. These included 348 patients from New South Wales, 410 […]

FOLLOWING the record-breaking floods which hammered the region in May, impacted residents were instructed by the NSW Government’s Reconstruction Authority to apply for Disaster Relief Grants. According to MidCoast Council, the Authority is now refusing some grant applications due to homes being classified as within a flood zone. Council says this is despite the Authority […]