June 26, 2025
Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network.
Government

Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes

LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities. Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on […]

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Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday.
Government

Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding

Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. The state government has committed more than $140 million to the agriculture sector. Photo: DPIRD. THE State Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to “safeguard the future of NSW’s agricultural industry”. On […]

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Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington.
Government

Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, […]

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AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, who represents the National Party.
Government, National

AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP

ALISON Penfold is now officially the Federal Member for Lyne, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) formally declared the ballot result last Wednesday. In an electorate reeling from the recent flood disaster, Ms Penfold said the news came at a time when it was difficult to focus on anything other than supporting the community on […]

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MidCoast Mayor pays tribute to former councillor Dheera Smith Dheera Smith, a former teacher and journalist, served on MidCoast Council since 2021.
Government

MidCoast Mayor pays tribute to former councillor Dheera Smith

MIDCOAST Council has announced the passing of former Greens councillor Dheera Smith. Mayor Claire Pontin said she shared the news with a “heavy heart”. “Dheera served on MidCoast Council from 2021 until earlier this year,” Mayor Pontin said. “She gave so much of herself during her time with us – always guided by her caring […]

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Kerbside waste collection only targeting flood-impacted areas Waste piles have been seen outside of the flood-impacted areas. Photo: supplied.
Government

Kerbside waste collection only targeting flood-impacted areas

AS the enormous clean-up effort from the flood continues, MidCoast Council is asking people outside of the flood-impacted areas not to put their waste on the kerbside. Over 15,000 tonnes of waste have already been picked up from kerbsides in areas impacted by flooding and that volume is expected to climb considerably as affected residents […]

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Voters abandoning the two major parties in Lyne
Government, Regional

Voters abandoning the two major parties in Lyne

“OVER the past 40 years the share of votes going to independents and minor parties has risen in both state and federal elections,” the Australia Institute stated in a research article in October 2024. “In the 1980 federal election, the combined primary votes for minor parties and independents accounted for only eight percent.” At the […]

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