THE State Government is investing an additional $3 million to support farmers to develop “natural capital” projects. The funding will extend the Government’s Natural Capital Support Services program for another year, which provides tailored advice and support for landholders to explore natural capital and environmental market opportunities. In farming, natural capital refers to the stock […]
Rookhurst man’s whereabouts remain a mystery
Garry Conwell. Photo: Missing Persons Unit. Garry Conwell. Photo: Missing Persons Unit. THE mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rookhurst local Garry Conwell seems no closer to being solved since he vanished without trace on 26 June 2024. “Garry Conwell, aged 71, was last seen about 11am on Wednesday 26 June 2024, riding a quad bike […]

Cops transfer from other jurisdictions to strengthen NSW Police Force
TWENTY-ONE officers joined the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) last week after graduating from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP). A State Government initiative, the PMP allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to […]

Female pilots won’t let gendered headwinds divert them
A GROWING number of female pilots are making their mark in one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, saying more women should fly planes. “The aircraft doesn’t care what gender you are. It responds to skill and judgment,” pilot Amelia Johnson tells AAP. “The feeling of flying yourself for the first time is unlike […]
Farmsafe launches campaign: ‘Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?’
FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?” It comes with a national call to action. “If you’ve had a near miss on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect […]

Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group celebrates staff achievements
BUCKETTS Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) recognised the hard work, dedication, and professional growth of its team members with a special Award Night at Club Gloucester, on Thursday, 7 August, coinciding with National Aged Care Workers Day. The evening brought together staff, trainees, volunteers and community members to honour the work undertaken by trainees and the […]

Exciting Vision for Gloucester High School
GLOUCESTER High School’s strategic improvement plans were on the agenda during a recent visit by Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business Emily Suvaal. Ms Suvaal MLC met Acting Principal Mik Wisely, the school’s captains and members of the community, to discuss future infrastructure investment. The visit was organised in collaboration with the Gloucester High […]
Funding program to support Gloucester Showground infrastructure upgrade
GLOUCESTER Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Association Incorporated has secured $36,000 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program, with 2025 funding for the Upper Hunter Electorate announced last week. The funds will support the Gloucester Showground infrastructure upgrade, which will put existing overhead power lines underground and relocate a building to replace an unsafe […]

Quad bike standards saving lives as crackdown urged
FARMERS, their families and workers are returning home safely after a day on the land due to stronger quad bike safety standards, but tougher enforcement could save even more lives. Quad bikes have long been a leading cause of deaths on farms, with 10 fatalities in 2024 and 46 reports of injuries, according to Farmsafe […]
Pod housing available for flood-affected farmers
ELIGIBLE primary producers impacted by the May floods can now apply for a “self-contained pod” on their property. Offered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Commonwealth Government, the pods are designed for use in rural environments, and are equipped with generators and water tanks, allowing them to operate independently of existing utilities and infrastructure. […]