July 23, 2026
Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa shares the joys and challenges of raising free-range heritage chickens The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied.
Featured

Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa shares the joys and challenges of raising free-range heritage chickens

The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied. Healthy chooks at Barrington Brahmas free-ranging in the sunshine. Photo: Supplied. FREE-ranging heritage chickens are more than a hobby for Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa Hunt, who says every bird has its own personality and an important role in the flock. […]

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BreastScreen NSW mobile van offering free breast screens for women The BreastScreen NSW mobile van travels around the Hunter and New England Region to provide free mammograms to women. Photo: Supplied.
Health

BreastScreen NSW mobile van offering free breast screens for women

MORE women in Bulahdelah will have easier access to free breast cancer screening when the BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van visits the town from 16 July to 24 July from 8.40am to 4pm. The mobile clinic will be located outside Bulahdelah Community Hospital on Richmond Street, with one female radiographer working to provide the free […]

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Blueys Beach Village concept design adopted
Regional

Blueys Beach Village concept design adopted

THE final Blueys Beach Village concept design aims to improve pedestrian and motorist safety while enhancing the area’s visual amenity and preserving the area’s relaxed, coastal atmosphere. The chosen design was adopted by MidCoast Council following community consultation. Two concept designs were placed on public exhibition for community feedback. During the consultation period, Council staff […]

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One six-year-old girl’s dreams a reality after Lions clubs pools funding From left to right: Lions Club members Pat Gaffney, Tilligery; Tanya Roy, Soldiers Point; Denise Bruce, Gloucester; Alec Bruce, Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Fund; and Brad Rostron and Kim Wright, Soldiers Point; with Elsie. Photos: Supplied.
Highlights

One six-year-old girl’s dreams a reality after Lions clubs pools funding

From left to right: Lions Club members Pat Gaffney, Tilligery; Tanya Roy, Soldiers Point; Denise Bruce, Gloucester; Alec Bruce, Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Fund; and Brad Rostron and Kim Wright, Soldiers Point; with Elsie. Photos: Supplied. Elsie on her race runner. SIX-YEAR-old Elsie couldn’t stop smiling as she climbed onto her new Race Runner for […]

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Mysterious solar‑powered boxes appear across Medowie
Highlights

Mysterious solar‑powered boxes appear across Medowie

Residents across Medowie have been left puzzled by a series of new solar‑powered boxes appearing on residential streets, with no clear indication of who installed them or what purpose they serve. The boxes, each fitted with a small solar panel, have sparked lively online discourse, with locals trading theories ranging from practical to tongue‑in‑cheek. Some […]

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Mullets and Mackerels’ winter solstice swim Mullets swimmers brace for the early winter’s morning swim at Jimmys Beach. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Event

Mullets and Mackerels’ winter solstice swim

Mullets swimmers brace for the early winter’s morning swim at Jimmys Beach. Photo: Supplied. Proof they took to the waters. Photo: Supplied. Refreshing was an understatement for many swimmers after the event. Photo: Supplied. TWO local swimming groups took to the water on the brisk, early winter morning on a special day – the Winter […]

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Stinker reunited with rescuers
Highlights

Stinker reunited with rescuers

EMERGENCY services personnel involved in the rescue of John ‘Stinker’ Clarke have reunited with the 77-year-old fisherman following his remarkable survival at sea. About 6pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were alerted after Mr Clarke failed to return home from a fishing trip. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was launched involving […]

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Tomaree Museum seeks shipwreck treasures
Community

Tomaree Museum seeks shipwreck treasures

FOLLOWING the outstanding success of its Valerie Taylor exhibition, which attracted more than 4500 visitors to the Tomaree Heritage Precinct, and the recent ANZAC exhibition at the Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre, the Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) is preparing to launch its third major public exhibition for 2026. Opening in September, the exhibition will explore […]

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Little Street Forster boat ramp closure During its shutdown, the Little Street boat ramp will remain out of use both day and night. Picture: MidCoast Council.
Highlights, Local News

Little Street Forster boat ramp closure

THE Little Street boat ramp, in Forster, will remain closed during December and January, with some changes, following a two-year trial. The Little Street boat ramp will remain open without restrictions for the rest of the year. At its meeting on Monday 29 June, Council considered a range of options for how the Little Streetramp […]

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