Band leader Sarah Soupidis with the 2025 Windstars band. Photo: supplied.
GLOUCESTER Public School (GPS) is expanding its band program in 2026, offering opportunities for students at each stage of their primary education. The program aims to provide clear pathways to a high school band and, ultimately, a possible community band. For many years the school has had a basic band known as Windstars. Presently during […]
The Bretti Reserve river crossing.
A REPORT on a tragic incident during flooding at Bretti Reserve in March has been prepared and forwarded to the NSW Coroner. On 29 March, emergency services were called to Bretti Reserve on Thunderbolts Way after reports that an SUV towing a caravan had been swept into floodwaters from the reserve. A coordinated multi-agency search […]
The initiative utilises dash-mounted cameras on waste collection vehicles to collect digital imagery of road defects, including potholes, cracks, street litter, faded line markings, and damaged signs and guideposts.
THE Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT, in collaboration with Transport for NSW, is conducting an innovative trial using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist maintenance teams in planning, managing, and repairing roads. According to the MidCoast Council Roads Strategy, the Council’s road network spans over 3,600km, approximately the same distance as […]
The community is encouraged to give the gift of happiness.
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 […]
The walkers at the Ted Baker Lookout.
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 […]
News Of The Area reporter Bob Teoh pointing out John (left) and Bob (right).
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. 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 […]
Sami Bayly and Amelia Butchers.
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 […]
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 […]
Posties set off from the starting line at Nabiac. Photo: supplied.
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 […]
