THE message from maritime authorities this summer was clear: slow down, stay alert and respect the rules as a statewide compliance crackdown puts jet ski safety firmly in the spotlight. Operation Cool Your Jets, a week-long joint campaign led by NSW Maritime and NSW Police Marine Area Command, aimed at reducing risky behaviour and keeping […]
Member for Port Stephens, and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
THE NSW Government has launched an intensive pilot program for women leaving prison, which provides accommodation and employment in the Hunter. Funded with a donation from the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, the new residential facility will provide wrap-around support for women leaving custody. Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said, “This is an […]
Pasture dieback can start in small patches. Photo: DPI.
Pasture dieback can start in small patches. Photo: DPI. Pasture dieback can start in small patches. Photo: DPI. THE region’s producers are being urged to report any sign of pasture dieback this Summer to the Department of Primary Industries, following detections in the North Coast and Hunter. Pasture dieback is a destructive condition that targets […]
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH an alarming number of drownings already this season and visitors still flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National […]
The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors. Photo: Leanda Connor.
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to help farmers and primary industries 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 including livestock production, […]
THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in NSW. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or may cause […]
A MINISTERIAL Direction will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks. Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as high risk. The change will come into effect this month (January 2026), […]
The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]
