January 23, 2026
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’ The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
Regional

Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’

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 […]

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NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Regional

NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions

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, […]

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DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done
Myall Coast

DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done

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 […]

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Additional steps to combat modern slavery in NSW Government procurement
Myall Coast

Additional steps to combat modern slavery in NSW Government procurement

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), […]

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Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

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 […]

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Stinker’s History: the fate of the Italia Star The Italia Star aground in the middle of the harbour.
Local News

Stinker’s History: the fate of the Italia Star

IT WAS in the early evening of Sunday March 15 1959, that a cyclone had built a huge sea with crashing surf and whitewater breaking across the entrance to Port Stephens. The sea was rolling into the Port as far as Corlette. Conditions on the water were extremely hazardous. Sydney based, Italian owned trawlers had […]

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New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
Myall Coast

New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather than mutated genes acting alone. Lead researcher Dr Andres […]

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Study shows being social slows ageing in dolphins Dolphin friendships can last decades. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research.
National

Study shows being social slows ageing in dolphins

NEW research shows male bottlenose dolphins with strong friendships age more slowly than their solitary peers. The University of NSW (UNSW) study is the first to reveal that social bonds in non-human species can slow ageing at the cellular level. Lead author Dr Livia Gerber conducted the study and now works at CSIRO’s National Research […]

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Climate targets cooked without methane action: report
Myall Coast

Climate targets cooked without methane action: report

IMPROVED methane capture at six high-emission coal mines appears the state’s best bet to hit climate targets. A report released by climate advisory group Common Capital said NSW could help reach emissions targets with best-practice abatement at the six mines, which produce half the state’s coalmine emissions despite delivering less than 10 percent of the […]

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