RURAL Aid has launched the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, inviting Upper Hunter residents to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land. Running from 14 July to 31 August 2025, the much-loved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell […]
Kavasil Pty Ltd Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas and lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar. Photo: SCU.
Research looks to boost hempseed yields and supercharge production
A NEW Southern Cross University (SCU) research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to 50 percent. The university describes the research as a potential “game-changer for the industry’s productivity and profitability”. The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing […]
Feedback sought on farm connectivity program
THE Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the “On Farm Connectivity Program” to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round. Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, the government says thousands of primary producers have been […]
From Gloucester High School to a Qantas cockpit
ANY Gloucester local catching a Qantas Airbus 330 out of Sydney to Tokyo, Manilla, Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangalore might recognise the familiar voice of Second Officer Karly Hawkins. Both of Karly’s parents grew up in Gloucester, and although Karly was born in Newcastle in 1993, the family moved back to this area when she […]
Arrests over ‘abhorrent’ child-like sex doll imports
SEVERAL middle-aged men have been arrested for trying to get child-like sex dolls shipped to their homes in rural towns. Australian Border Force officers raided and searched properties around the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area arresting four people over the span of about a year in their crackdown on the “disturbing rise in attempted importations.” […]
Gloucester poet Alison Gorman launches first collection
NEW Gloucester resident Alison Gorman has released her first collection of poetry, titled “A Woman Speaks To Her Tongue”. Alison has previously had poems published in journals including Meanjin, Cordite Poetry Review, Contrapasso and Southerly. In 2016, she won the Dorothy Porter Poetry Prize, and in 2023 was awarded a Varuna Residential Fellowship. “Spectacular” was […]
The NOTA needs you! News Of The Area is seeking quality writers to join the team
TELLING the incredible stories of Gloucester is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about. The independently-owned NOTA is proud to keep locals up to date with the happenings of the area. Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team in Gloucester. “If you have a […]
Samaritan’s Purse clocks up 9000 hours of hands-on help for flood-hit Mid North Coast communities
Ray Vasukinausori, Tarai Kubukawa and Semi Kubunavanua rolled up their sleeves to help rebuild lives and communities. Photo: supplied. Ray Vasukinausori and Tarai Kubukawa install new windows as they rebuild homes one frame at a time. Photo: supplied. SAMARITAN’S Purse officially wrapped-up more than 9000 hours of hands-on flood disaster response, on Tuesday 1 July. […]
Readily found in shallow estuarine waters, cockles are popularly harvested by recreational fishers for bait and are important culturally for Aboriginal communities as a food source.
Seeding the future for Sydney Cockles in flood affected estuaries
Readily found in shallow estuarine waters, cockles are popularly harvested by recreational fishers for bait and are important culturally for Aboriginal communities as a food source. Readily found in shallow estuarine waters, cockles are popularly harvested by recreational fishers for bait and are important culturally for Aboriginal communities as a food source. THE NSW Department […]
Mayor: More funding required for flood recovery
MIDCOAST Council Mayor Claire Pontin has celebrated the announcement of Category D funding for primary producers impacted by recent floods, but said more funding is required for others in the community too. Cr Pontin wants to see increased funding extended to business owners, homeowners, renters and for public infrastructure. “The Category D funding for primary […]
