THE Namoi CWA Group has generously supported the Gloucester CWA Evening Branch, providing a much-needed gift of $500 for businesses affected by recent flooding. The amount was immediately matched by local members. The combined total of $1000, will be distributed to several Gloucester businesses. “We want to let businesses know that we see their struggles […]
Business Hunter: Few surprises for Hunter in ‘conservative’ Budget
THERE were few surprises for the Hunter and little relief for businesses battling challenging economic conditions from a conservative NSW Budget handed down last week, according to the region’s peak business body. Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes described Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s third budget as “anti-climactic for the Hunter”, with the big-ticket new investments having been […]
Pilot safety seminar to be held at Taree
THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is inviting pilots of all licence categories to attend an upcoming pilot safety seminar in Taree this weekend. Each year, CASA’s aviation safety advisors host free seminars across Australia to help pilots refresh their skills, enhance their knowledge, and improve flight safety. Effective communication is essential to flight safety, […]
Report paints ‘catastrophic picture’ of environment
THE NSW Government tabled the 2024 State of the Environment Report last week. Compiled by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the report is published every three years. According to EPA CEO Tony Chappel, the 2024 report indicates that climate change is already a major factor impacting many environmental trends. “In 2021-22, greenhouse gas emissions […]

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely
NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]
New paramedic interns for the Hunter
TEN new paramedic interns set to begin the on-road component of their 12-month internships in the Hunter region, taking their next steps towards becoming fully qualified paramedics. Four of the interns will be based in Hunter Zone 1, with the remaining six heading to Hunter Zone 2. Zone 1 is a smaller geographical area which […]

Estimated thousands trapped in Australian farm slavery
A BACKPACKER hoping for a memorable working holiday on an Australian farm finds himself crammed into a house with 17 people, eating dry bread and deprived of sunshine and fresh air. After arriving on a visa from China, the young man had headed to a small town on the NSW coast in 2024 to pick […]

Regional platypus initiative pushes forward
Rachel Barry, platypus mascot ‘Becan’ and Callaghan kids at May’s Tocal Field Day. Photo: supplied. Regional Platypus Initiative coordinators Sian Ineson, Rachel Barry and Julie Overton during a planning session. Photo: supplied. Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied. THE “Barrington Rivers […]
Home schooled students get their hands dirty with Stroud Landcare
Platypus mascot ‘Yappi’ (platypus in Gathang language) with Connor and Rachel Barry at a Stroud Jr Landcare event. Photo: Rachel Barry. Stroud Jr Landcare Group at a water quality testing workshop for home schooled students. Photo: Stroud Landcare. Jonathon Quaken of Landcare and Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway plant a red cedar tree at Mill […]
New Billabong Park footbridge nears completion
The nearly completed new bridge. The bridge adjacent to the present crossing. THE long-awaited Billabong Park footbridge is set to be open for pedestrians very soon. In March 2021 parts of Gloucester were inundated by floodwaters which reached parts of the central business district, flooding several shops. As the torrent pored through the nearby Billabong […]