DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December. The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years. Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches. Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the […]
Gloucester Environment Group walkers conquer Alum Mountain
AFTER tackling Peppers Mountain at Stroud Road earlier this year, Gloucester Environment Group bushwalkers took on the challenge, for their last walk of 2025, to scale another local peak – Bulahdelah mountain, also known as Alum Mountain. The mountain, which was once the site of an alum mine, is now State Forest. The “Australian Alum […]
From Poley’s Place to Invercargill: mateship echoes across the sea
A SIMPLE but heartwarming hello and wide grin has brought about a friendship spanning 79 years and two countries. Bob Atley recalls his family moving to Invercargill in New Zealand when he was six. Soon after, John Stanway, who lived on the same street, came up to say “Hello” and befriended him. Their childhood years […]
Brody Taylor returns to Rotary Public Speaking Award finals
Brody Taylor. Troy McBride, Brody Taylor, Phineas Hester and Dylan Crossley. FOR the second consecutive year, Brody Taylor has reached the finals of the Rotary Public Speaking Awards. This annual competition involves a four-tiered process: club, area, semi-finals, and finals. The 2025 finals will take place in Coffs Harbour on November 22, with four students […]
St Joseph’s Primary School launch Fire In The Tops book
Sami Bayly and Amelia Butchers. St Joseph’s students bring the story to life. St JOSEPH’S Primary School students launched their new literary work, “Fire in the Tops”, on Monday, 10 November. Supported by author and illustrator Sami Bayly, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participated in both writing and illustrating the book. Principal Amy […]
Brigade captains honoured at Wards River RFS
A NEW honour board dedicated to previous captains and life members was unveiled at the last meeting of Wards River Rural Fire Service (RFS). Previous captains Lorraine Bruce and Darby Melmeth were present, alongside current captain Sean Raynes. Darby shared stories and photos of his time as captain, when the firefighting unit was a simple […]
Variety Postie Bike Dash raises key funds for regional kids
Posties set off from the starting line at Nabiac. Photo: supplied. Nabiac Public School gets the first cheque of the ride. Photo: supplied. NEARLY 100 riders set off on Sunday 2 November for the 12th annual Variety Postie Bike Dash. The six-day charity ride aims to raise $400,000 to help regional children […]
Support for community recovery after flood
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 […]
Fundraising concert organised for Gloucester woman Chloe Haynes
A FUNDRAISING concert has been organised for Gloucester woman Chloe Haynes, following a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Chloe is a former Captain of Gloucester High School and a keen drama student who played a major role in the school’s 2013 production of Hairspray. In response to her diagnosis, former Gloucester High peers have organised a […]
Gloucester Library has resources to keep the whole family entertained
THE Gloucester Library is doing its bit to help alleviate cost-of-living pressures, offering a diverse range of free information and entertainment resources. While libraries historically have been hubs of learning, today’s libraries provide so much more. In addition to books, DVDs, daily newspapers and information provided by many organisations including MidCoast Council, there is a […]
