October 26, 2026
ORRCA raises funds for rescue drone to help marine mammals off Port Stephens One of the biggest challenges during a whale rescue is keeping sight of the entangled animal so rescue teams can reach it. Photo: ORRCA.
Community, Local News, Regional

ORRCA raises funds for rescue drone to help marine mammals off Port Stephens

A WHALE caught in ropes can be clearly visible one moment and gone beneath the water the next. For ORRCA volunteers watching through binoculars from the beach, finding it again is far from easy. Now the Port Stephens and Newcastle pod is asking the community to help buy a drone so volunteers can better track […]

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A ‘terrible starvation event’ is decimating NSW flying fox camps Flying foxes are vital pollinators in Australia. Photo: WIRES.
Community, Local News, National, Regional

A ‘terrible starvation event’ is decimating NSW flying fox camps

A MASS starvation event is killing flying foxes across large tracts of NSW. Residents across the state are taking to social media to report uncharacteristic daytime behaviour and close suburban encounters with the flying mammals as they desperately search for food and water. The Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) recently shared news of […]

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MidCoast Council extends season for pools, but reduces some opening hours under trial Gloucester Pool is one of three that will open for shorter hours this swimming season. Photo: MidCoast Council.
Community, Local News, Regional

MidCoast Council extends season for pools, but reduces some opening hours under trial

THIS summer’s outdoor swimming season will be extended until 24 April next year, following community calls over the past two years for pools to remain open longer. MidCoast councillors voted in favour of a trial extension to Saturday, 24 April 2027. All of the LGA’s outdoor pools will remain open during the April school holidays, […]

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Penfold welcomes Coalition’s Australia-First Migration Plan Member for Lyne Alison Penfold believes the Coalition’s new migration plan meets regional needs while managing demands on housing, infrastructure and services.
Community, Government, Regional

Penfold welcomes Coalition’s Australia-First Migration Plan

THE Coalition’s Australia-First Migration Plan would reduce pressure on housing and essential services while protecting the workforce needs of regional communities, according to Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold. Penfold said the policy recognises that Australia needs both a sustainable level of migration and targeted arrangements to help regional employers fill genuine shortages. “Lyne residents […]

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Transgrid’s bushfire prevention work complete Transgrid's bushfire prevention helicopter patrols. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Local News, Regional

Transgrid’s bushfire prevention work complete

WITH much of Australia bracing for heightened bushfire danger this summer and authorities calling for early preparations for the season ahead, Transgrid has completed its bushfire prevention throughout NSW. Transgrid’s transmission network spans 12,200km and its prevention work included extensive surveys, inspections and preventative maintenance. About half of Transgrid’s annual maintenance expenditure is directed to […]

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Fair helps Tea Gardens community prepare for emergencies Stroud SES unit members educate passers-by on the breadth of the SES’ operations. Photo: Tea Gardens Red Cross.
Community, Local News, Police, Regional

Fair helps Tea Gardens community prepare for emergencies

Stroud SES unit members educate passers-by on the breadth of the SES’ operations. Photo: Tea Gardens Red Cross. Members of the Tea Gardens 471 Fire and Rescue brigade showed off the array of gear they use. Photo: Tea Gardens Red Cross. Tea Gardens Red Cross members enjoyed some cover from the springtime sun on ANZAC […]

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The Nationals’ NSW incumbent Ross Cadell wins preselection
Government, Regional

The Nationals’ NSW incumbent Ross Cadell wins preselection

LEADER of The Nationals Matt Canavan has congratulated The Nationals’ News South Wales incumbent Senator Ross Cadell on winning preselection for the next federal election. Senator Canavan said Senator Cadell has made an enormous contribution to The Nationals and deserved the top spot for the Party on the next Coalition Senate ticket. “Ross has been […]

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