December 4, 2025
Celebrating volunteers on National Meals on Wheels Day Volunteers Bill Murray, Pam Coote, Olley Murray, Elaine Murray, Sharon Galvin, Leanne Parish, Julienne Huntriss, Rob Butcher, Priscilla Warby and Gail Ellis.
Community

Celebrating volunteers on National Meals on Wheels Day

BUCKETTS Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) joined communities across Australia in celebrating National Meals on Wheels Day, hosting an afternoon tea to honour local volunteers on Wednesday, 27 August. National Meals on Wheels Day recognises the invaluable contribution of approximately 14,000 volunteers across Australia who deliver far more than meals – they bring connection, care, and […]

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Matthew Rozynski, 9, is saving the planet one bottle at a time
Business, Community

Matthew Rozynski, 9, is saving the planet one bottle at a time

FOR local nine-year-old Matthew Rozynski, recycling cans and bottles has become a passion. “I want to save the planet,” he told News Of The Area. Matthew, who has autism, is also using this passion to contribute to the local community. “When a child has autism, they become hyper-focused,” said Linda Rozynski, Matthew’s mother. “Saving the […]

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Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker Member for Oxley Michael Kemp discusses flood recovery with Premier Chris Minns and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders in May. Photo: Michael Kemp FB.
Community, Government

Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker

THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]

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Call for volunteers to join Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Event in Wingham Rural Aid has offered a lifeline to farmers in need since 2015. Photo: Rural Aid.
Local News

Call for volunteers to join Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Event in Wingham

THE charity Rural Aid has put the call out for volunteers willing to lend a hand at this coming week’s Farm Recovery Event in Wingham. Like many on the Mid North Coast and hinterland, the town is still reeling from May’s record-breaking floods. From 7-13 September, teams will be on the ground helping local farmers […]

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Applications open for National Youth Parliament
School

Applications open for National Youth Parliament

A NEW National Youth Parliament program has been launched, designed to inspire greater civic participation among Year 10 students across Australia. Students aged 16–17 are invited to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their federal electorate in an immersive five-day parliamentary experience in Canberra. One student from each of Australia’s 150 electorates will be […]

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Funding available for community projects in Gloucester
Gloucester District

Funding available for community projects in Gloucester

COMMUNITY groups in Gloucester, Stroud and the surrounding district are being encouraged to apply for funding in the next round of Stratford Coal’s Community Support Program. The 2026 Community Support Program is funded by Yancoal Australia and provides financial assistance to local groups working in the areas of health, community, environment, arts, culture, education and […]

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Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords
Local News

Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords

THE NSW Government has begun consultation on potential offences for landlords who knowingly lease premises to retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. The consultation includes engagement with landlord representatives, retailers, health advocates, partner government agencies and other key stakeholders. The outcomes of the consultation will be reviewed by the Government’s cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco […]

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Changes to government payments and deeming rates
Gloucester District

Changes to government payments and deeming rates

A NUMBER of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 September 2025. People receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment will see a $29.70 boost to their fortnightly payment. People receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over), and Parenting Payment […]

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New Code of Meeting Practice for local councils Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils.
Local News

New Code of Meeting Practice for local councils

A NEW Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released and will come into effect in local councils from 1 January 2026. All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025. Key changes to the […]

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Members to vote on Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank merger Regional Australia Bank has branches across the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
Local News

Members to vote on Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank merger

THE Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has given the green light to a proposed merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank. Regional Australia Bank currently operates 39 bank branches across the New England, North West, Central West, Riverina, Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of NSW, whilst Summerland operates 10 branches across the NSW […]

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