APPLICATIONS are now open for MidCoast Council’s Water Wiser Grants. Schools, community groups and other eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to co-fund projects and activities that increase water conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awareness-raising initiatives. Now in its second year, the program awarded more than $45,000 to […]

THE role that compost plays in providing humans with healthy and nutritious food is often overlooked, but International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) has highlighted its vital place in the food chain. ICAW was celebrated between 4-10 May. According to the Centre for Organic Research & Education (CORE), the week of activities, events and publicity was […]

FOR over 35 years, the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) has supported Gloucester residents. This year’s Neighbourhood Centre Week, which runs until 18 May, is giving BWNG the chance to stop and reflect on the nationwide theme, “Ripples of Change”. “Every action, no matter how small, has the power to create a ripple effect — […]

THE Sydney Writers’ Festival has been a cornerstone of Australia’s literary landscape since 1977, celebrating books and ideas from within Australia and overseas. A decade ago, the festival expanded its reach by offering a free livestream of sessions to libraries and community centres across regional Australia. This initiative, known as Live & Local, allows regional […]

MEMBER for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has called out a “lack of urgency” to address post-mining land use in the electorate following the release of a NSW Parliament report. A NSW parliamentary inquiry was established on 14 May 2024 to inquire into and report on “beneficial and productive post-mining land use”, with the final report […]

ALLIGATOR weed has been spotted in the Barrington area, and MidCoast Council is currently working with the local community to find and remove it. MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare raised the alert after spotting the aggressive weed in the Tibbuc area. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. […]

RURAL and regional Australians could share in billions of dollars to fill gaps in infrastructure, childcare and health services that local authorities can’t afford. The Nationals have pledged a regional Australian future fund worth $20 billion, if the coalition wins the 3 May election, with $1 billion to be set aside for projects each year. […]

COLES and Woolworths are two of the most powerful and profitable supermarkets in the world but should not be split up, the competition watchdog has found in a major review of the sector. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its final report into supermarkets on Friday, finding major chains had little incentive to be […]

ALMOST 2,000 entries and exhibitions were on show at this year’s local Gloucester Show, which ran from 21-22 March. Over 1,000 entries were entered across the pavilion halls, ranging from flowers, farm and garden produce, handicrafts and the arts. The photography section received record entries this year, said steward Adele Compton. “The judge was very […]

GLOUCESTER born and bred Allan “Joe” Smith was a talented second rower with the Gloucester Rugby League team that won the premiership in 1958. Even after he had hung up his boots, Joe attended most matches as a trained first aider and founded the local mixed touch football competition. Rugby league was not Joe’s only […]