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 […]
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp discusses flood recovery with Premier Chris Minns and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders in May. Photo: Michael Kemp FB.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils.
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 […]
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 […]
The joy in sharing a patchwork life
Marrabooka Place resident Gail Cady. Some of the quilts on display, including Gail’s. WHILE many seniors fear going into a residential aged care facility for various reasons, 92-year-old Gail Cady simply trusted in her God. Gail moved from Armidale some months ago to live with her daughter Vicky in Gloucester. She had worried where she […]
