THE NSW Government’s Local Land Services recently teamed up with BirdLife Australia and the Hunter Bird Observers Club to deliver a series of shorebird workshops aimed at inspiring greater understanding and protection of these remarkable migratory species. The ‘Securing the Sanctuaries of Ramsar and Priority Wetlands for Migratory and Marine Species’ project is funded by […]

COFFS HARBOUR MP Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders last week. It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024. Mr […]

ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050. This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed. Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor […]

THE Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) elected a new committee at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 17 November, appointing long-time local resident Sandra Bourke as President. The executive team for 2026 includes Vice President Thomas O’Keefe, Treasurer Kay Jones, and Secretary Bruce Murray. Returning committee members Leigh Allen (Life Member) and Sherrie […]

IN A boost for the region’s global connectivity, Jetstar has introduced a new flight service from Newcastle to Singapore, via Bali. From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop […]

THE Hunter New England Local Health District team has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to health care at the 2025 NSW Health Awards. The annual event celebrates the dedication, kindness, innovation and achievements of those who make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities. “I’m incredibly proud to celebrate the […]

Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins. The moon was 30 percent brighter than normal. Photo: Sis Higgins. SKYWATCHERS across the region looked to the heavens last Tuesday night as the biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rose over the horizon. Amateur astronomer Dennis Hughes explained to News Of The Area why the […]

A NEW program has been launched to support local recovery efforts after the devastating May 2025 floods. Funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the program aims to strengthen the region’s ability to recover through community-led action, partnerships, practical support and the funding of a Community Recovery Officer at MidCoast Council. MidCoast Council’s Director of Liveable […]

PESKY plastic tags on loaves of bread, tiny soy sauce fish bottles and detachable bottle tops are all being binned by a state government battling a mounting rubbish crisis. The ambitious clean-up is part of an expanded ban by NSW coinciding with the start of National Recycling Week. The NSW Plastic Plan 2.0, will see […]

At The Rivermouth. Photo: Robyn. Flannel Flowers along the track at Fingal Head. Photo: Bea. It was a very windy day at the Newcastle Obelisk. Photo: Bea. The Great Dripping Wall at Mudgee. Photo: Thursday Walkers. SPRING sunshine shone for the Thursday Walkers, who started October with a breezy one. Making up for lost days […]