Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils.
A NEW Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released and will come into effect in local councils from 1 January 2026. All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025. Key changes to the […]
Karuah Public School Principal Toni Lyle (holding sign) with Elders involved in the judging of the award. Photo: KPS.
Karuah Public School Principal Toni Lyle (holding sign) with Elders involved in the judging of the award. Photo: KPS. KPS students engaging in Indigenous-focused class activities. Photo: KPS. Narragunnawali Awards Judging Panel members Professor Grace Sarra, Sharon Davis and Professor Joe Sambono. Photo: Tom Hoy, Wirrim Media. KARUAH Public School (KPS) has been named a […]
The paused subdivision on Eagle Avenue. Photo: supplied.
The paused subdivision on Eagle Avenue. Photo: supplied. Concerned residents attended a meeting in Hawks Nest on Saturday, 23 August. Photo: supplied. MORE than 100 local residents attended an information session on the Eagle Avenue subdivision at the Hawks Nest Community Hall on Saturday, 23 August. A further 35 joined the meeting online, which was […]
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 […]
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 […]
Who will inherit your superannuation nest-egg… and are you sure?
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 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 […]
The Thursday Walkers on a rainy day in Newcastle. Photo: Robyn.
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 […]
Regional Australia Bank has branches across the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
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 […]
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 […]
