October 25, 2026
Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Local News

Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]

Read More
604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation
Local News

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

Read More
Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud
Local News

Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast. Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including […]

Read More
Probus hears about Newcastle Airport’s amazing growth
Regional

Probus hears about Newcastle Airport’s amazing growth

Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. RETURNING members of the popular Hawks Nest and District Probus Club were treated to a fascinating review of the recent upgrade of Newcastle Airport at their first meeting of 2026, held […]

Read More
Applications open for Council funding opportunities
Myall Coast

Applications open for Council funding opportunities

APPLICATIONS for several funding opportunities are open from 2 February to 13 March 2026. A total funding pool of over $235,000 is available via MidCoast Council. Last year’s funding rounds helped the community deliver over 50 projects. Some of the supported projects included the Forster Main Beach Mural, the purchase of back up power supplies […]

Read More
Myall Coast locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign Walking to work can improve mental health. Photo: Walk to work Day.
Local News

Myall Coast locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide. The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black […]

Read More
Schools across region come together to collaborate and celebrate Staff from Gloucester, Barrington, Stratford, Stroud Road, and Stroud primary schools and Gloucester High School.
School

Schools across region come together to collaborate and celebrate

GLOUCESTER High School hosted Gloucester, Barrington, Stratford, Stroud Road and Stroud primary schools for a morning dedicated to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and celebrating collective achievements within the public school community. Michael Wisely, Deputy Principal of Gloucester High School, set the tone for the gathering. “This morning brings us together to celebrate successes, look […]

Read More
Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes. Photo: NSW Police.
Police

Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown

POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour. Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called ‘fat bikes’ and other throttle-only devices. The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group […]

Read More
End of era for local fashion retailer Russell and Monica from Tea Gardens Post Office with Diane and Harry from BT’s. Photo: Tea Gardens Post Office.
Business, Community

End of era for local fashion retailer

AN ERA has ended for a major local business, with BTs for Fashion closing its doors for the last time at Tea Gardens’ Myall Quays shopping centre. Nearly 20 years ago, Harry, Diane, Nicole, Adam, and their families, who hailed from Townsville in Queensland, brought a new outlet for fashion and accessories to Tea Gardens, […]

Read More