ABORIGINAL community members are invited to nominate for MidCoast Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group. The reference group provides an opportunity for an Aboriginal voice to guide Council on strategic decisions that affect the Aboriginal community. “The key focus of this group is to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people in the MidCoast region,” Council’s Manager of Libraries, […]
Embedded batteries now accepted at recycling centres
MIDCOAST Council has expanded its Community Recycling Centre (CRC) Battery Collection Program, which now includes the collection of embedded batteries. Embedded batteries, which are often difficult to remove without the use of tools, can now be recycled through participating CRCs across the MidCoast region. These types of batteries are commonly found in products such as: […]
Intrepid walkers spend month exploring region’s trails
Overlooking the bay on Broughton Island. Low tide at Piggy Beach, Pindimar. Anne Johnson on the Newcastle Memorial Walk. MEMBERS of the “Thursday Walkers” from Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and surrounds covered trails all over the region last month, pushing back against inclement weather to get out and see the sights. Beginning the month of […]
Fire station opens its doors for annual open day
TEA Gardens Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is throwing open its doors for its annual Open Day on Saturday, 10 May 2025. Tea Gardens Fire Station will be open from 10.00am to 2.00pm with a range of free activities including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations. Families can also see the fire trucks, firefighting […]
Hundreds of locals and holidaymakers attend rescheduled Myall River Fest
IT was a hot Autumn day for the hundreds of locals and visitors who finally gathered at the Tea Gardens riverfront for the Myall River Festival. Originally slated for March, the rainy vanguard of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred had forced a rescheduling. However, on Sunday 13 April, Marine Drive was transformed into an alleyway of stalls […]
Applications open for ‘Grant for Good’
BANK of Sydney has opened applications for its $20,000 Grant for Good community grant program. Organisations and initiatives that promote social inclusion activities, health and wellbeing, sports and other fields that benefit local communities are encouraged to apply. Since 2021, Bank of Sydney’s annual Grant for Good has distributed $90,000 to local organisations supporting Australian […]

Stroud partners with Rural Aid for historic ‘Community Builders’ event
STROUD community groups and residents have united in a history-making initiative. Close to 200 gathered at the Rural Aid Community Builders event at the Stroud Country Club on Thursday 20 March. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone – (02) 4981 8882. Email – media@newsofthearea.com.au The workshop […]

Bulahdelah Rural Fire Brigade assists in rescue of 81yo man from bush
BULAHDELAH Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) volunteers were involved in a major joint rescue operation near Mungo Brush, Myall Lakes National Park, saving the life of an 81-year-old male. “We attended a call to a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) being set off in the National Park,” Rod Paar, the captain of Bulahdelah RFB, told News Of […]
Councillor Smith retires from MidCoast Council
GREENS councillor Dheera Smith has announced her retirement from MidCoast Council due to a serious illness. Cr Smith was first elected to MidCoast Council in 2021 and was most recently re-elected in the September 2024 local government elections. Her retirement was effective as of Monday 7 April. In acknowledging the contributions of Councillor Dheera Smith […]
Gloucester District’s gardeners talking ‘Permaculture at the Pub’
WHEN the word “permaculture” is uttered, some readers might have a vision of someone clad in well-worn gardening gear, with an old tattered hat, clutching a freshly dug bunch of carrots or spuds. Few would imagine a smartly dressed group, beers in hand, chatting animatedly at the local pub about gardening in general, […]