RISING talent Mathew Thompson has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2026 World Butcher Wars, following an outstanding performance at Sydney Meatstock over the weekend. Competing in front of massive, energetic crowds at the Sydney Showgrounds, Mat demonstrated exceptional skill, precision and creativity in the butchery arena while proudly representing Stroud Butchery. […]

A SPATE of fire bombings could be just the beginning as concerns mount the tax system is driving a burgeoning alcohol black market putting lives and the budget bottom line at risk. Police have not confirmed whether illicit alcohol was behind 15 incidents at hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since 14 April, but the industry […]

POTENTIAL changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax in the federal budget would not be breaking the trust of voters, the treasurer says. As Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, the government faces accusations it is coming after “mum and dad” investors as family trusts join capital gains tax discounts and […]

RECORD-BREAKING saleyard numbers at Scone, Tamworth, and Dubbo signals that cattle producers are selling down, with Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) urging landholders to keep making these proactive decisions as conditions tighten moving into winter. Three key indicators point to increasing pressure on producers. Scone’s largest yarding on record, with more than 4,000 head, reflects […]

EVERY fisherman dreams of catching the big one – the fish that turns an ordinary day on the water into a season-long bragging right. But what if I told you there’s a way to plan your fishing trips like a pro, know when the bite will be at its best, and head home feeling like […]

IT is that time of year for the mature mullet to leave the peacefulness of the NSW estuary systems and swim out into the open ocean with all its dangers – including fishermen. Anytime now, unless it has already happened, huge schools of sea mullet will pour out of the Swansea Channel and the Hunter […]

FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will be throwing its doors open to the public again next month with important safety advice for adults and fun opportunities for the kids. Tea Gardens Fire and Rescue Station will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 9 May, showcasing its fire trucks, equipment and highly-trained firefighters. There […]

Port Stephens Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club members lead the march. Photo: Robert Whiteman. A solemn and well-attended Dawn Service was held at Karuah Memorial Park. Photo: Robert Whiteman. Karuah RSL sub-Branch members at the RSL club. Photo: Robert Whiteman. Port Stephens Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club members lead the march. Photo: Robert Whiteman. ON the 111th […]

AUSTRALIAN fruit and vegetable growers are missing out on the sale of up to a million tonnes of produce annually that never makes it to market. That’s a whopping $2.5 billion a year but a figure dwarfed by the costs linked to such a huge loss. Data shows Australian horticulture experiences average food loss rates […]

WAR in the Middle East and associated spiralling diesel costs could spell the perfect time for truck fleets to keep edging closer to electrification. On Tuesday, the NSW government announced an expansion of heavy vehicle electrification incentives as part of its EV roadmap, along with investment in more fast chargers and kerbside charging stations for […]