Work by Jan Clark. Photos: supplied. Work by Fiona Pfennigwerth. Work by Bronwyn Greive. JAN Clark, Bronwyn Greive, Fiona Pfennigwerth met while studying Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle. Their new exhibition “Natural Friends”, marks their first collaboration as a trio and their debut exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery. “Collaboration is less intimidating […]
Eight new paramedics for the Hunter
NSW AMBULANCE has welcomed eight new paramedics to the Hunter, following their official induction into the service. The new paramedics will be based across Hunter Zones 1 and 2, where they will begin 12-month on-road placements to consolidate their training. “We’re thrilled to welcome eight new paramedics to the Hunter – a boost that will […]

Apply for a Water Wiser Grant
APPLICATIONS are now open for MidCoast Council’s Water Wiser Grants. Schools, community groups and other eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to co-fund projects and activities that increase water conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awareness-raising initiatives. Now in its second year, the program awarded more than $45,000 to […]
Gloucester’s ‘King of Compost’ an advocate for healthier soils and healthier food
THE role that compost plays in providing humans with healthy and nutritious food is often overlooked, but International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) has highlighted its vital place in the food chain. ICAW was celebrated between 4-10 May. According to the Centre for Organic Research & Education (CORE), the week of activities, events and publicity was […]

Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group providing ‘Ripples of Change’
FOR over 35 years, the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) has supported Gloucester residents. This year’s Neighbourhood Centre Week, which runs until 18 May, is giving BWNG the chance to stop and reflect on the nationwide theme, “Ripples of Change”. “Every action, no matter how small, has the power to create a ripple effect — […]
Gloucester to host free livestream of Sydney Writers Festival
THE Sydney Writers’ Festival has been a cornerstone of Australia’s literary landscape since 1977, celebrating books and ideas from within Australia and overseas. A decade ago, the festival expanded its reach by offering a free livestream of sessions to libraries and community centres across regional Australia. This initiative, known as Live & Local, allows regional […]
Layzell slams ‘lack of urgency’ on post-mining land use transition
MEMBER for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has called out a “lack of urgency” to address post-mining land use in the electorate following the release of a NSW Parliament report. A NSW parliamentary inquiry was established on 14 May 2024 to inquire into and report on “beneficial and productive post-mining land use”, with the final report […]

Alligator weed bites in Barrington
ALLIGATOR weed has been spotted in the Barrington area, and MidCoast Council is currently working with the local community to find and remove it. MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare raised the alert after spotting the aggressive weed in the Tibbuc area. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. […]
Nationals announce $20 billion future fund
RURAL and regional Australians could share in billions of dollars to fill gaps in infrastructure, childcare and health services that local authorities can’t afford. The Nationals have pledged a regional Australian future fund worth $20 billion, if the coalition wins the 3 May election, with $1 billion to be set aside for projects each year. […]
Coles, Woolies guilty of increasing margins: watchdog
COLES and Woolworths are two of the most powerful and profitable supermarkets in the world but should not be split up, the competition watchdog has found in a major review of the sector. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its final report into supermarkets on Friday, finding major chains had little incentive to be […]