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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

Some of the damage caused by May’s floods in Mid North Coast and Hunter State Forests. Photos: Forestry Corporation. THE region’s State Forests are progressively reopening following the floods and severe weather of May but the Forestry Corporation is urging users to check the status of trails and campgrounds in advance, and to exercise extreme […]

THIS year’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Golf Day Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, 28 June. The emergency service has been operating in the Hunter region, including Gloucester, since 1975. It proudly provides emergency aeromedical assistance 24/7, encompassing search and rescue operations as well as inter-hospital transfers. In May 2025, the Rescue Helicopter completed a total […]

This chimney was originally installed by an amateur and had never been swept. Creosote was visible on the roof. Craig Baldwin uncovers inappropriate lead flashing, which allowed water to rust the roof below. What a perfectly clean and safe chimney looks like, free of ugly black creosote residue. FIRE safety around chimneys is an area […]

A NATIVE invader is threatening the long-term survival of the endemic Manning River turtle, which is only found in the freshwater creeks and rivers of the Manning River system. This ancient, unique creature is at risk of extinction because of its limited population size and a range of other threats. Of all the pressures on […]

THUNDERBOLTS Way will remain closed about 40 kilometres north of Gloucester near Bretti in the short term, as crews work to clear landslips and repair bridges. MidCoast Council crews are repairing the road which connects Gloucester to the New England region to achieve access to more damaged sections. Repairs are currently being done on Leslie’s […]