THE CSIRO has officially launched the $3 million upgrade of the Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle. The national science agency says the upgrade will significantly expand Australia’s capability to test, validate and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable, reliable and secure electricity system. The expanded facility includes a […]
Volunteers clean up Wallaroo State Forest
A SMALL army of volunteers mobilised for a Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday, disposing of rubbish in Wallaroo State Forest. The community clean-up, coordinated by the NSW and ACT Four Wheel Drive Association, the Hunter 4WD Council, and Forestry Corporation was held on Sunday, 1 March from 8:30am. Forestry Corporation Partnership Leader Alex […]
New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency
SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month. From filling potholes to rebuilding flood‑damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network. Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle […]
The reforms include a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten. Photo: Michael Kemp MP.
Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform
NSW MINISTER for Police Yasmin Catley is calling on the NSW Liberals and Nationals to “come clean” about a plan to “water down” the state’s new gun laws passed in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack. Minister Catley cited comments made on radio by Shadow Minister Anthony Roberts (Liberals), which suggested that the Coalition […]
A draft Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program is now open for public feedback. Photo: Simon Patterson.
Have your say on estuary management
RESIDENTS can now provide feedback on MidCoast Council’s draft Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program (CMP) that aims to protect the lakes, lagoons and river systems stretching from Wallabi Point to Karuah River. “Our estuaries are such an important asset to the community because of their recreational, environmental, social and cultural significance,” said MidCoast Council’s Natural […]
Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship
HUNTER trainee Tilley Murgatroyd is taking her first steps into a maritime career as a Port Officer with Port Authority of NSW, after completing a hands-on traineeship delivered through a unique collaboration with Port of Newcastle and Svitzer. Through the Newcastle-based industry traineeship, Ms Murgatroyd rotated across towage, pilotage support, on-water safety and port operations, […]
Rural residents urged to report connectivity issues
FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”. The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas. A total of 4,285 complaints were made by people in NSW, up […]
Thursday Walkers limber up for another year of tramping trails
The Thursday Walkers somewhere in the depths of Myall Lakes National Park. Photo: Thursday Walkers. The Walkers hiked their way to Johnson’s Hill and beach in the Myall Lakes National Park. Photo: Thursday Walkers. THE Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Thursday Walkers group will head off on its first trek for 2026 in early March. The […]
Tea Gardens Lions volunteers have mastered the art of the barbecue fundraiser. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Declining volunteer numbers impacting Myall Coast service groups
Tea Gardens Lions volunteers have mastered the art of the barbecue fundraiser. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. The Moira Parade toilet block before the Progress Association gardeners hit it. Photo: HNTGPA. Freshly cut by the HNTGPA in time for Australia Day. Photo: HNTGPA. Local volunteers keep public amenities clean and usable. Photo: HNTGPA. Planter boxes along the […]
Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push
THE NSW Government is establishing a panel of caravan suppliers to deliver “At-Home Caravan Programs” for disaster recovery. Activated immediately after a disaster, the program will support the NSW Reconstruction Authority to provide temporary accommodation for residents who have lost their homes. The program will see caravans placed on impacted residents’ private property, allowing them […]
