January 14, 2026
School captain inspired to help end polio (L-R) Phineas, Brody, Dylan and Troy.
Regional

School captain inspired to help end polio

WHEN young Gloucester Rotarian Brodie Taylor heard a talk by visiting Rotarian Ken Hall from Tamworth on polio eradication, his heart stirred. He had some knowledge of polio and hearing that it is almost being eradicated was exciting. The Gloucester High School Year 12 student and Captain immediately knew that he wanted to be part […]

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Hundreds of Scouts setting up camp at Dungog Showground
Local News

Hundreds of Scouts setting up camp at Dungog Showground

DUNGOG Showground is hosting the Hunter and Coastal Regional Scout Corroboree camp this week. More than 250 Scouts are attending the event, representing the Hunter and Coastal Region as well as Sydney, the Blue Mountains and other areas of NSW. In addition, around 100 Scout leaders will be busy organising and keeping an eye on […]

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The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
Regional

The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched

AS families across the Hunter prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are worried about […]

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Report seeks more corporate transparency
Gloucester District

Report seeks more corporate transparency

“THERE are currently no disclosure standards for Australian companies’ charitable spending’” said a spokesperson for the Australia Institute when recently releasing a report titled “Bringing transparency to corporate charity.” “This means claims of corporate giving are hard to verify and frequently dubious.” The report, which called for clear and consistent disclosure standards that would help […]

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NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost
Local News

NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost

FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]

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Cuppa and Company brings generations together in Gloucester Cuppa and Company students meet Mayor Claire Pontin. Photo: supplied
Community, School

Cuppa and Company brings generations together in Gloucester

Cuppa and Company students meet Mayor Claire Pontin. Photo: supplied Guests at Cuppa and Company. Photo: supplied LAUNCHED in May 2025 as a community-focused initiative, Cuppa and Company is a fortnightly morning tea event for the over 65’s held at Gloucester’s Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall.  Beginning as a pilot event, it has been extended […]

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Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis.
Community

Stroud’s Joy Tull is still line dancing, well into her 80s

Yvonne Lowrey., Linda Benson, John Rosenbaum, Joy Tull (teacher), Annette Ritter, Sheila Murray, Kaylene Gorton and Carol Bennett. Absent: Bethany Ritter, Elizabeth Bartlett and Gail Ellis. Some of the dancers in action. FOR Joy Tull of Stroud, age is just a number.   At 86, she’s still leading a group of line dancers at Stroud Road […]

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Gloucester Australia Day celebration set to celebrate community spirit Margery Phair and Christine Bolton at the CWA refreshment table at last year’s event.
Regional

Gloucester Australia Day celebration set to celebrate community spirit

GLOUCESTER’S annual Australia Day celebrations will be held at the Gloucester Showground on Monday, 26 January 2026. The community-run event is supported by the voluntary efforts of individuals, service clubs and local businesses and organised by the Gloucester Australia Day Committee. Festivities commence in the showground’s undercover function area with a free breakfast available from […]

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