Gillian and William Maher receive their certificate. Photo: supplied. A young Adav family at the ceremony with Mayor Claire Pontin. Photo: supplied. MIDCOAST Council hosted its annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming new Australian citizens from across the MidCoast community. The ceremony recognised the commitment made by participants as they formally became Australian citizens, marking […]

MIDCOAST Council recently reminded residents that keeping chemicals out of waterways starts with simple, everyday choices made at home. What runs off driveways, roads and hard surfaces does not disappear. It flows into stormwater drains and ends up in rivers, lakes and beaches, often without treatment. Council continues to encourage residents to be mindful of […]

Kayaking on the Wilson River was a popular activity. For some, it was all about balance. CANOEING, rock climbing and camel riding were just some of the sporting activities enjoyed by 436 Scouts and their leaders at Dungog Corroboree 2026. Converging on the town were groups from across the Hunter and Upper Hunter, as well […]

BRENDA McDonald has had to contend with ill health for most of her life.  When she was five, she contracted polio, though she recalls her symptoms were mild. At 13, she spent three months in hospital with thyroid problems, and at  22, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Since then, Brenda has faced cancer in various […]

BARRINGTON Hall will host the markets on Australia Day, bringing locals and visitors together for a morning of community, food and handmade goods. The Australia Day markets will run from 8.30am until 12.30pm at Barrington Hall, offering a wide range of stalls including cakes, woodwork, pickles, jams, candles, handicrafts and jewellery. Visitors can enjoy a […]

DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties. The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences. Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, […]

THERE is still no relief in sight for long-suffering motorists trying to turn right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway during busy periods. On 8 January 2025, News Of The Area reported that “those travelling south from Gloucester will, for the foreseeable future at least, continue experiencing the often-long delays, and significant risks associated […]

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 […]

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 […]

LOCALS enjoyed a day of art, craft and entertainment at a Family Fun Day held at the Gloucester Baptist Church on Saturday, 22 November. Organiser Francis Wood said the purpose was to raise funds for Angel Tree Australia. Run by Prison Fellowship Australia, Angel Tree works with churches and volunteers to purchase and deliver Christmas […]