JACK Laurie, a sixth-generation cattle breeder from Moppy, has been named the 2026 National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) Young Achiever Award recipient. This prestigious honour recognises his exceptional contributions to the cattle industry. Mr Laurie was nominated for the award by Debbie Mills of Holbrook Breeders Australia, who praised his dedication to the […]

DOGS and koalas do not always have positive interactions, with dog attacks being a primary threat to their survival. More than 80 per cent of dog attacks on koalas prove to be fatal. However, it is not all bad news, because dogs are also playing an increasingly important role in helping to locate and save […]

A REPORT has been published examining the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s response to the severe weather event that hit the east coast in May 2025. The review was undertaken by the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority, composed of MPs from across the political spectrum. “This inquiry had a focus on the severe weather […]

THE NSW Government has released an online tool for comparing connectivity quality across the state, producing some surprising outputs for the Hunter and MidCoast regions. The NSW Digital Connectivity Index, accessible via the NSW Government website, breaks digital connectivity down into three key areas: Access: how strong is the coverage, how well the network performs […]

FANS of true crime are in for a treat this month as Gloucester Library’s author event features renowned true crime writer, Alan Leek. Leek is the author of several books including Confronting Murderous Men and Rendezvous with Death. Most people accept that when they leave for work, they will return home safely. But for those […]

SMALL businesses and non-profits who have already successfully applied for the NSW Government’s initial $25,000 flood recovery grant have until 5 June to lodge additional claims. MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin urged business owners and not-for-profits impacted by the May 2025 floods to lodge their applications before it’s too late. Last month Premier Chris Minns […]

NSW FARMERS is warning state and federal governments must urgently respond to an acute cost-of-production shock with new data showing spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices caused by global shortages have slashed confidence. The latest NSW Farmers Farm Business Sentiment Survey suggests 80 percent price increases for fuel and fertiliser have flowed through to freight […]

Sports Star of the Year Jim Grech with his Blind Bowls director/guide Rob Heininger. Winning Junior Team: Gloucester Public School Hockey. Junior Winner Charlie Coombe with Alison Penfold MP. BOWLING sensation Jim Grech has been named Gloucester’s Sports Star of the Year for 2025. He was among the many athletes recognised for their sporting achievements […]

MORE than 708 drivers have been detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which ran from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, focused on roadside testing to identify people who may be driving while affected by alcohol and drugs. During the operation, […]

WITH dry seasonal conditions being experienced in many parts of the region, Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is urging producers to act early on feral pig control. As feed and water become limited, feral pigs are concentrating around remaining resources, increasing the risk of damage to crops, pastures and infrastructure, and putting additional pressure on […]