The Scotch Broom infestation near Polblue in 2023, which has now been cleared. A large area recently cleared of Scotch Broom by the mechanical muncher. LIKE many other plant and animal pests, Scotch Broom was brought to Australia by the early European settlers. Apparently, it was imported here in the early 1800s by Governor King […]

THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics.  Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]

A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers. While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining […]

WHILE each church in Gloucester gathered over the Easter weekend, they came together to observe Easter Sunday in a combined 6am service at Kia Ora lookout. This year Gloucester Baptist Church was rostered to organise the service while the Uniting Church provided tea, toast and a warm fire. Members from the Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican and […]

Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021. Gloucester District Park in January 2025 A NEWLY released report has highlighted how climate change is placing a significant strain on MidCoast Council finances, and on its residents. The report released last week from the Climate Council, titled “Breakneck Speed: Summer of Climate Whiplash” examines what this just-gone summer […]

GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the […]

STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region. Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek. It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children. “‘Where Ripples […]

Gloucester RFS is always on call. A Manning River turtle. Photo: NSW Dept Climate Change, Energy & Environment. Sustainable ecosystems require people to act mindfully. THE Gloucester Show on 20-21 March will feature a “Sustainability Corner”, where locals can learn what it takes to build a resilient community. Gloucester Transitions approached the show committee with […]

IN August 2023, NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig announced that pensioners could apply for up to $250 in rebates on their ordinary council rates and waste charges. Further rebates of $87.50 for water rates and another $87.50 for sewerage rates, were also available. But the rebates were not new. They were introduced in […]

“FROM the Heart” is the third joint exhibition by Fred Bullen and Tracey Sales, currently on display at the Gloucester Gallery. About four years ago, Fred and Tracey found themselves on the sales desk roster at the Hastings Valley Fine Art Gallery. “We critiqued each other’s paintings, which was mutually beneficial, so we decided to […]