October 31, 2025
Letter to the Editor: Councils deserve praise
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Councils deserve praise

DEAR News Of The Area, IT is with some surprise that I find myself compelled to write this letter of commendation and appreciation of our past Dungog Councils. Like everyone else in the community, for years, indeed half my lifetime, if I saw two or more people engaged in earnest conversation, I could bet they […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, HOW do I get my kids to pick up after themselves? It seems so simple, and yet we follow a continual pattern of them being told to pick up, falling back into bad habits, me getting annoyed and doing it for them, and returning to the beginning again. It’s driving me crazy. Gabrielle […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, My friend gave me a book for my birthday. When I started to read it this week, I noticed it had been signed by the author but addressed to her, not me! Should I bring this up with her? It’s obviously second-hand. I’m a bit offended. Miriam L. Dear Miriam, People have very […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY partner wants to go travelling around Australia, camping along the way. While this sounds great in theory, I’m wondering if the reality will be feasible. We both have jobs that are about 70 percent office-based. Rachael O. Dear Rachael, It sounds like the most wonderful adventure. What an experience. ‘Sounds’ being the […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, AFTER a couple of weeks away, my husband and I have realised that we get along much better when we are away from home. Our relationship improved, we both relaxed for the first time in a long time, and it became apparent that we are soft touches and often feel that others take […]

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