A NEW National Youth Parliament program has been launched, designed to inspire greater civic participation among Year 10 students across Australia. Students aged 16–17 are invited to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their federal electorate in an immersive five-day parliamentary experience in Canberra. One student from each of Australia’s 150 electorates will be […]
Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords
THE NSW Government has begun consultation on potential offences for landlords who knowingly lease premises to retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. The consultation includes engagement with landlord representatives, retailers, health advocates, partner government agencies and other key stakeholders. The outcomes of the consultation will be reviewed by the Government’s cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco […]
Australians warned to pay attention to superannuation paperwork
MILLIONS of Australians are putting their superannuation at risk by not following-through with proper, and legally binding, beneficiary paperwork, according to a nation-wide survey. Research conducted by Super Consumers Australia, an advocate for people on low and middle incomes in Australia’s superannuation system, shows that more than one in three Australians with super say they […]
Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media
HUNTER region residents are being urged to stay alert as cyber criminals step up efforts to recruit so-called “money mules” through social media, fake job offers and online scams. NGM Group, the parent company of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has reported a 20 percent rise in fraudulent online account openings, with criminals attempting to […]
Thursday Walkers group brave elements for August treks
THE Myall Coast’s “Thursday Walkers” group stayed active despite August’s heavy rains, pounding the pavement for a variety of walks around the Hunter region. “The first Thursday’s (August 7) plan for a jaunt through the Wallaroo National Park was squashed by all the prior rain reducing the target destination to mud, slips and puddles, so […]
Members to vote on Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank merger
THE Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has given the green light to a proposed merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank. Regional Australia Bank currently operates 39 bank branches across the New England, North West, Central West, Riverina, Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of NSW, whilst Summerland operates 10 branches across the NSW […]
Changes to government payments and deeming rates
A NUMBER of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 September 2025. People receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment will see a $29.70 boost to their fortnightly payment. People receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over), and Parenting Payment […]
Artillery gunner and ‘Nasho’ Merv Mills spoke about the Battle of Long Tan, and his own Vietnam War experiences. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorated in Tea Gardens
Artillery gunner and ‘Nasho’ Merv Mills spoke about the Battle of Long Tan, and his own Vietnam War experiences. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. The skies miraculously cleared after days of rain for the intimate ceremony at Tea Gardens. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Merv Mills with the M2A2 Howitzer at Tea Gardens’ Anzac Park, the same model he […]
Stargazing: that big ball of nuclear fire
THE next time you see the sunrise, take a moment. That big ball of nuclear fire lighting up your morning sky is not just sitting there politely waiting for you to make coffee. It’s racing around the Milky Way at an eye-watering 828,000 km/h, dragging Earth and the rest of the solar system along for […]
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club members enjoyed the gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency overlooking Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Photo: Wayne Bower.
Myall Coast Surf Lifesavers feted at Rescue of the Year Gala
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club members enjoyed the gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency overlooking Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Photo: Wayne Bower. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, TGHNSLSC club captain Wayne Bower, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Jack Alterator BM, Hunter Branch President Henry Scruton, Gingerlily Shelton BM, TGHNSLSC Vice President Jackie […]
