October 17, 2026
Turtles, fish bounce back after devastating Mid North Coast floods An endangered Manning River Turtle being released into the Barrington River by Aussie Ark in February. Photo: Aussie Ark.
Community, Event, Government, Health

Turtles, fish bounce back after devastating Mid North Coast floods

NEW research indicates Manning River turtles are being recorded at pre-flood numbers, 12 months after one of the region’s worst floods on record. Gloucester and its nearby waterways were battered in the floods of May 2025, with serious concerns held about the long-term effects on fish and animals living in the rivers, particularly on the […]

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Crash fears realised at Bucketts Way-Pacific Highway intersection Vehicles queueing at the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in early 2026.
Community, Event, Government, Police

Crash fears realised at Bucketts Way-Pacific Highway intersection

A SERIOUS accident on Friday 15 May has brought safety issues at the Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection into sharp focus once more. In April, News Of The Area reported on the strong concerns held by former Roads and Traffic Authority senior engineer Gordon Chirgwin about the dangerous state of the intersection. “I believe that the […]

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Lyne MP’s response to Federal Budget
Government

Lyne MP’s response to Federal Budget

NATIONALS Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has called the Labor Government’s Federal Budget a “bloodbath for regional Australia”. In her response to Labor’s Federal Budget, delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on 12 May, Ms Penfold said regional and rural communities like those in Lyne had been left behind. “Budgets can make or break the ability […]

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Jim Grech named Sports Star of the Year Sports Star of the Year Jim Grech with his Blind Bowls director/guide Rob Heininger.
Local News

Jim Grech named Sports Star of the Year

Sports Star of the Year Jim Grech with his Blind Bowls director/guide Rob Heininger. Winning Junior Team: Gloucester Public School Hockey. Junior Winner Charlie Coombe with Alison Penfold MP. BOWLING sensation Jim Grech has been named Gloucester’s Sports Star of the Year for 2025. He was among the many athletes recognised for their sporting achievements […]

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Tax, migration and NDIS in coalition’s economic sights Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled his economic vision in a budget reply. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Tax, migration and NDIS in coalition’s economic sights

AUSTRALIA’S tax system would be overhauled, welfare restricted to citizens and immigration slashed under a future coalition government. In his first budget reply speech, Angus Taylor has conceded the Liberals and Nationals still have a long road to win back the confidence of voters, but asked Australians to “begin to believe again”. The opposition leader […]

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700-plus drivers caught during traffic operation Operation RAID was conducted across NSW. Photo: NSW Police.
Local News

700-plus drivers caught during traffic operation

MORE than 708 drivers have been detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which ran from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, focused on roadside testing to identify people who may be driving while affected by alcohol and drugs. During the operation, […]

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Free breast screening in Gloucester The BreastScreen NSW van is coming to town. Photo: Shape Hub.
Community, Health

Free breast screening in Gloucester

THE BreastScreen NSW van will be providing free breast cancer screening in Gloucester from 9 June to 8 July. BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England manager Rebecca Delaporte said a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health. “Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while […]

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Farmers urged to act early on feral pig control Feral pigs are highly adaptable and reproduce rapidly, making ongoing control essential.
Local News

Farmers urged to act early on feral pig control

WITH dry seasonal conditions being experienced in many parts of the region, Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is urging producers to act early on feral pig control. As feed and water become limited, feral pigs are concentrating around remaining resources, increasing the risk of damage to crops, pastures and infrastructure, and putting additional pressure on […]

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Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions
Local News

Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions

A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left half-finished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders. The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW. Independent analysis shows […]

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