HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive. Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families. There is a particular need for people to care […]
Rachel and her family, including new twins, at the Bower Collective near Stroud. Photo: supplied.
STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region. Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek. It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children. “‘Where Ripples […]
The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]
MIDCOAST Council’s Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results, especially for one koala nicknamed “Drake”. Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney’s Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025. When caught, Drake was in poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, […]
IN August 2023, NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig announced that pensioners could apply for up to $250 in rebates on their ordinary council rates and waste charges. Further rebates of $87.50 for water rates and another $87.50 for sewerage rates, were also available. But the rebates were not new. They were introduced in […]
Sawmill operator Anthony Dorney. Photo: Dorney Group.
A FIFTH-GENERATION family timber operation in Bulahdelah says it is absorbing an almost $8000 weekly fuel surge to keep hardwood moving to Australia’s cities. Anthony Dorney and his brothers operate two hardwood sawmills, SA Relf and Newells Creek, continuing a timber cutting tradition which has lasted for more than a century. Last week, Anthony pulled […]
Attendees at the 99th World Day of Prayer, held locally this year at the Tea Gardens Baptist Church.
AROUND 40 people from the four Christian churches in Tea Gardens gathered to celebrate the 99th World Day of Prayer at the Tea Gardens Baptist Church on Friday. World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which will celebrate its centenary in March 2027. Australia was part of the first International World Day of […]
Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]
The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]
THE Federal Government will provide grant funding for new mobile base stations at Karuah, Taree and Wauchope in the latest round of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), delivering 4G and 5G mobile coverage to these areas. Each site will include back-up power, with some also incorporating additional hardening measures to reinforce mobile telecommunications infrastructure. […]
