TWENTY-SEVEN more hospitals across NSW are rolling-out safe staffing levels in their emergency departments. In the broader Hunter region these include Manning Base Hospital, Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. This brings to 40 the number of hospitals across the state that have started operating with safe staffing levels as a result of […]
Gloucester District Park’s roads get some overdue attention
The potholed road at the entrance to the park, before recent repairs. Repairs started within days of NOTA contacting MidCoast Council. GLOUCESTER residents have voiced growing concern over the deteriorating and dangerous condition of several roads within Gloucester District Park. The issue was most evident on the bitumen roadway leading from Thunderbolts […]

Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group celebrates staff achievements
BUCKETTS Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) recognised the hard work, dedication, and professional growth of its team members with a special Award Night at Club Gloucester, on Thursday, 7 August, coinciding with National Aged Care Workers Day. The evening brought together staff, trainees, volunteers and community members to honour the work undertaken by trainees and the […]
Loneliness Awareness Week
LONELINESS is recognised as an important public health issue, although it is something that is not often openly discussed. This week, 4-10 August, is Loneliness Awareness Week. “Loneliness Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the shared experience of loneliness and calls on all Australians, including individuals, communities, workplaces, education and government to take action to […]

Research looks to boost hempseed yields and supercharge production
A NEW Southern Cross University (SCU) research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to 50 percent. The university describes the research as a potential “game-changer for the industry’s productivity and profitability”. The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing […]
Gloucester Machinery Site investigation not yet complete
NSW Crown Lands has yet to complete its investigations into the extent of contamination under the old Gloucester Machinery site opposite Billabong Park in Denison Street. MidCoast Council has been considering acquiring the site for a new visitor information centre. The site was used as a service station until about 15 years ago and has […]
Frog ID Week recordings help identify new species
RESULTS from Australia’s biggest annual frog count, hosted by the Australian Museum last November, have helped inform the scientific description of at least eight new frog species. FrogID coordinator Nadiah Roslan said, “FrogID acoustic data (audio recordings) were used alongside morphology and genetic data to describe these species as new to science.” With over 1.1 […]
Public input sought on hemp industry’s future
A DRAFT NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is now open for public comment. The draft plan from the NSW Government proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW. “Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities […]