January 28, 2026
Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.
Community

Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator

FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]

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Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
Community

Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth

QANTAS has announced it will be the first airline to offer direct flights from Newcastle to Perth. The new route will launch on 8 September and flights will operate on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. “These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when […]

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New leadership for Gloucester Garden Club
Community

New leadership for Gloucester Garden Club

GLOUCESTER Garden Club has elected a new team to lead the organisation forward into the future. Headed by Di Relf as the new president, there are several fresh faces following the club’s annual meeting last week. Di takes over from Shirley Hazell at the helm of the club, with Aldo Razza as vice president. Secretary […]

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Floods compound issues for Bulahdelah’s primary industries Managing Director Anthony Dorney says the timber industry is under stress.
Local News

Floods compound issues for Bulahdelah’s primary industries

BULAHDELAH’S primary industries have had a difficult year with the recent floods only adding to the stress being experienced by many businesses. A very wet summer leading into the recent East Coast Low and then almost immediately followed by flooding rains, has devastated many local businesses. Anthony Dorney, Managing Director of the Dorney Group Bulahdelah, […]

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The volunteers saving local wildlife
Local News

The volunteers saving local wildlife

ACROSS NSW, over 110,000 native animals from more than 500 species are rescued annually, according to the Department of Environment and Heritage. Organisations like FAWNA (For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid), a not-for-profit group, play a crucial role in helping sick, injured or orphaned native animals, which maximises their chances of returning to their natural habitats. […]

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Council working to dispose of dead livestock Dead livestock on the beach.
Local News

Council working to dispose of dead livestock

MIDCOAST Council is asking for patience and understanding from the community as authorities work to dispose of the vast numbers of dead livestock left behind by recent floods. Mayor Claire Pontin said while the flood had been devastating for so many in the community, the impact on primary producers had been nothing short of catastrophic. […]

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Youth crime committee tables first report
Gloucester District

Youth crime committee tables first report

THE first report of an inquiry into community safety has been tabled, highlighting an urgent need for early intervention to deal with the complex social drivers of youth crime in regional and rural NSW. Since adopting the inquiry on 20 March 2024, the Committee of Law and Safety received almost 200 submissions and conducted hearings […]

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Rattlesnake Willie: from Idaho to Barrington Rattlesnake Willie with his famous namesake.
Local News

Rattlesnake Willie: from Idaho to Barrington

REGULARS at Pizza Night at Roadies have probably been entertained by “Rattlesnake Willie” (aka Ellis Girrard). But how did someone born and raised in the small town of McCammon in the US state of Idaho, who has talent and a deep love of country music, end up in Barrington? Ellis is the eldest of five […]

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Photography competition Pix from the Stix open for submissions Python on a Wire 2024 by Sarah-Jane Eggins.
Community

Photography competition Pix from the Stix open for submissions

PHOTOGRAPHERS of all skill levels, from emerging talents to seasoned hobbyists and professionals, are invited to take part in the 2025 Pix from the Stix competition hosted by the Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council (GACCI). Initiated by local resident Gary Lyford, the competition has been running for 25 years and continues to celebrate the photographic […]

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Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
Local News

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods

HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]

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