SANDON Smith is hopeful he and Fletcher Sharpe could both feature in the same starting Newcastle NRL team as Justin Holbrook rules out playing Sharpe from the newly-extended bench. The first-year Knights coach has not decided which man will partner star recruit Dylan Brown in the starting halves this year after both started the 28-18 […]

FAMILIES across the shire can give their children a chance to try soccer before joining a team in 2026, with Dungog Soccer Club running its popular Mini-Boomerangs program. Mini-Boomerangs is a four-week “come and try” program designed especially for children turning 5, 6 or 7 in 2026 who have never played soccer before. Coach Michael […]

Kayaking on the Wilson River was a popular activity. The Scouts tested their skills during a raft building exercise. Camel riding was one of the more unique activities on offer. For some, it was all about balance. CANOEING, rock climbing and camel riding were just some of the sporting activities enjoyed by 436 Scouts and […]

MPs and surfers at the announcement. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and NSW Premier Chris Minns enjoy a surf in Newcastle. THE HUNTER is set to make waves on the world stage, with the NSW Government announcing that a World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series event will headline Newcastle Surfest in 2027. Newcastle Surfest, Australia’s […]

RAYMOND Terrace Athletics Centre is bubbling with junior talent in their track and field ranks. Twenty five of the club’s best young hopefuls demonstrated their athletic prowess at this year’s Port Hunter Zone Athletics Championships at Mallabula Sports Complex. A feature was the record-breaking feats of top prospects Scarlett Lodge, Asher MacDonald, Audrey Russell and […]

THE last time Australia went 2-0 up in the Ashes, they went on to blow a golden chance to win the series outright, but Marnus Labuschagne pointed to one passage of play from the Brisbane Test when asked how the team would stop history repeating. Mitchell Starc’s second player-of-the-match performance from as many Tests this […]

LANE Edwards has had a dominant year on the Australian bronc riding scene. In September, 21-year-old Lane was named the 2025 Rookie Xtreme Broncs Australia Champion by the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA), after another strong showing at the Marrar Madness campdraft and rodeo in the NSW Riverina. “The weekend was special because grandparents Des […]

Ride Dungog members on a recent Fosterton Loop ride. Ride Dungog members on a recent Fosterton Loop ride. CYCLING enthusiast Allen Shrimpton is encouraging Dungog Shire locals to join a weekly social ride. Each Tuesday the Ride Dungog group meets at about 8:30am to cycle the Fosterton Loop, an easy 22-kilometre loop ride from Dungog […]

SAM Konstas will return to the scene of where he made his case for Test selection last summer, with the axed opener given a chance to face England with the Prime Minister’s XI. Dropped by Australia’s selectors after a poor start to the summer, Konstas was on Monday confirmed as a big-name inclusion for the […]

NEWCASTLE Knights excitement machine Fletcher Sharp was popular with students when Tomaree High School hosted its fourth annual All Abilities Touch Football Carnival. The dynamic NRL back was a special guest at the Gala Day, which attracted schools from across the Hunter region, including Dungog High. Hunter River High School players produced skilful performances to […]