FOLLOWING the success of its debut on 15 June, the Magpie Market at Stroud District Country Club is calling on local growers and producers to take the market to the next level. Organised by new Stroud local Victoria Henderson, the market drew a strong crowd and a vibrant mix of stalls showcasing handmade goods, art, […]
Category D support now available for primary producers
ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025. This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW […]
Nabiac Library to close after MidCoast Council decision
MIDCOAST Council voted to close the Nabiac Library at its meeting on Monday 30 June. According to Council, the library branch was flagged by the State Library of NSW in 2023 as not meeting public library minimum standards, which triggered Council to undertake a review of the facility. Council says approximately $100,000 in building works, […]
Trial to keep soggy grounds maintained
WITH some of the region’s sports fields still soggy after the recent floods, MidCoast Council has been trialling innovative ways to keep them maintained. Heavy equipment including tractors with slashers and zero-point mowers are usually used to keep growth under control, but the sheer weight of the machines causes damage to the playing surface. Instead, […]
NSW residents urged to purchase firewood collection authorisations this winter
FORESTRY Corporation is reminding residents to purchase firewood authorisations before collecting wood from State forests. Recent updates have been made to Forestry Corporation’s online firewood permit page. The conditions for firewood collection have also been updated and should be understood prior to entering State forests. The system now distinguishes some locations between pine and native […]
Pilot safety seminar to be held at Taree
THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is inviting pilots of all licence categories to attend an upcoming pilot safety seminar in Taree this weekend. Each year, CASA’s aviation safety advisors host free seminars across Australia to help pilots refresh their skills, enhance their knowledge, and improve flight safety. Effective communication is essential to flight safety, […]

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely
NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]
New paramedic interns for the Hunter
TEN new paramedic interns set to begin the on-road component of their 12-month internships in the Hunter region, taking their next steps towards becoming fully qualified paramedics. Four of the interns will be based in Hunter Zone 1, with the remaining six heading to Hunter Zone 2. Zone 1 is a smaller geographical area which […]

Regional platypus initiative pushes forward
Rachel Barry, platypus mascot ‘Becan’ and Callaghan kids at May’s Tocal Field Day. Photo: supplied. Regional Platypus Initiative coordinators Sian Ineson, Rachel Barry and Julie Overton during a planning session. Photo: supplied. Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied. THE “Barrington Rivers […]
New Billabong Park footbridge nears completion
The nearly completed new bridge. The bridge adjacent to the present crossing. THE long-awaited Billabong Park footbridge is set to be open for pedestrians very soon. In March 2021 parts of Gloucester were inundated by floodwaters which reached parts of the central business district, flooding several shops. As the torrent pored through the nearby Billabong […]