PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]

Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

FARMERS are expecting to dig deep into their pockets as months of rain in a matter of days lash many regions, with some fearing financial ruin. Exhausted cattle and sodden grass can be seen across farmland on NSW’s mid-north coast, which has borne the brunt of deadly floods. Emily Neilson has watched paddocks sink into […]

Work by Jan Clark. Photos: supplied. Work by Fiona Pfennigwerth. Work by Bronwyn Greive. JAN Clark, Bronwyn Greive, Fiona Pfennigwerth met while studying Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle. Their new exhibition “Natural Friends”, marks their first collaboration as a trio and their debut exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery. “Collaboration is less intimidating […]

NSW AMBULANCE has welcomed eight new paramedics to the Hunter, following their official induction into the service. The new paramedics will be based across Hunter Zones 1 and 2, where they will begin 12-month on-road placements to consolidate their training. “We’re thrilled to welcome eight new paramedics to the Hunter – a boost that will […]

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 […]