March 9, 2026
CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab Demonstrating Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in CSIRO's Renewable Energy Integration Facility.
Business, Government

CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab

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 […]

Read More
Volunteers clean up Wallaroo State Forest Volunteers ready for action in Wallaroo State Forest.
Community

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 […]

Read More
New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby. Photo: NSW Gov.
Business

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 […]

Read More
Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform The reforms include a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten. Photo: Michael Kemp MP.
Government, Police

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 […]

Read More
Have your say on estuary management A draft Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program is now open for public feedback. Photo: Simon Patterson.
Community

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 […]

Read More
Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship Port Authority of NSW Port Officer Tilley Murgatroyd. Photo: Port Authority of NSW.
Local News

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, […]

Read More
Rural residents urged to report connectivity issues
Local News

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 […]

Read More
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.
Community, Health

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 […]

Read More
Declining volunteer numbers impacting Myall Coast service groups Tea Gardens Lions volunteers have mastered the art of the barbecue fundraiser. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Community

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 […]

Read More
Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push
Myall Coast

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 […]

Read More