GLOUCESTER Garden Club members took part in a comprehensive discussion on recycling and waste management at their first meeting for 2026. Guest speaker Jessie Summerville, the Water Resilience Officer with MidCoast Council, highlighted different recycling programs and what waste each bin can take. “Your recycled waste is sent to a Visy material recovery facility where […]
Government extends funding for two key programs
THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”). The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]
GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms.
Plan to grow Gathang language across Birrbay, Warrimay and Guringay Country
GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the […]
‘Drake’ released back into the wild after research program
MIDCOAST Council’s Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results, especially for one koala nicknamed “Drake”. Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney’s Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025. When caught, Drake was in poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, […]
Development continues apace in the MidCoast
MIDCOAST Council had the highest number of development applications lodged in regional NSW for the October-December 2025 quarter, representing a value of $392,358,034. Between 1 October 2025 and 31 December 2025, Council received 1,521 individual customer requests. During this period, Council assessed more applications than any other regional NSW council, at 469 applications. Decisions have […]
Housing options, health services top concerns for country women
THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns. Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW. The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the […]
Council seeks support on disaster recovery and pension rates
MIDCOAST councillors have thrown their support behind issues of funding for disaster recovery and increased financial assistance for pensioners. The issues will be raised at the Australian Local Government Association’s national conference to be held in Canberra in June. Mayor Claire Pontin proposed two motions to take to what is the largest annual gathering of […]
Community conversation explores social justice themes in Gloucester
Anna Burley, Diann Relf, Julie Lyford, Taylah Eyre Hughes and Donna Kemp. Laura Fraser, Sophie Lenehan, Julie Lyford, Nat Simshauser and Dominique Jacobs. GLOUCESTER Transitions Inc brought the community together for a powerful and uplifting afternoon exploring social justice, modern slavery and the strength of community connection on Saturday, 7 March. Around 75 locals attended […]
Stroud author’s new children’s book celebrates the platypus and connecting to Country
STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region. Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek. It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children. “‘Where Ripples […]
Foster care recruitment drive across the Hunter
HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive. Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families. There is a particular need for people to care […]
