MISSION Australia’s annual Youth Survey is open now and the national charity is urging NSW young people aged 14-19 to share their views in the largest survey of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, the Youth Survey gives young people the chance to express themselves and share their opinions on […]
THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
SES and council representatives at the site. Photo: Council.
THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]
Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds.
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen […]
RECENTLY released data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) demonstrates that crime rates in NSW have generally been stable or have declined over the past two years. The statistics also show that those living in regional NSW, and in postcode 2422 in particular, are generally much less impacted by crime than […]
WANDERING around a graveyard may seem like a strange thing to do, but that’s exactly what Debbie Hicks has been doing for the past several years. “I moved to Gloucester in December 2020 during Covid and you were allowed to go about on your own,” she told NOTA. “Gloucester Cemetery was close by and I […]
Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties. Photo: supplied.
THE MidCoast Council Koala Safe Spaces team will host an interactive stall at the Nabiac Market on Saturday 28 March, helping residents to improve koala habitats across the region. Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties and speak directly with experts about how to establish and maintain koala-friendly landscapes. Attendees […]
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]
Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021.
Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021. Gloucester District Park in January 2025 A NEWLY released report has highlighted how climate change is placing a significant strain on MidCoast Council finances, and on its residents. The report released last week from the Climate Council, titled “Breakneck Speed: Summer of Climate Whiplash” examines what this just-gone summer […]
The official handover of the Tangaras in Broadmeadow in 1988. Photo: supplied.
ALMOST 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the establishment of two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff. This NSW Government investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter region. The […]
