A VIBRANT new mural celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (HRBG) has been officially unveiled, marking a colourful milestone in the Gardens’ 40th anniversary celebrations. The large-scale artwork, inspired by the tropical orchid house, captures the rich ecosystem that thrives within the popular visitor destination. Created by artists Trevor […]

CAREFULLY planned sandstone repairs are helping safeguard one of Raymond Terrace’s most enduring landmarks. Standing since 1862, the Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist has long been a quiet constant in the centre of town. Today, more than 160 years later, its sweeping lawns and memorial garden remain open spaces for reflection. Generations of […]

By Jacie WHITFIELD The Spritzed party in full swing. Photo: Jacie Whitfield. Jacquie and Chris Cooper with the cutout of their son Leo and best mate George, who were the inspirations behind the fundraiser. A SUN-DRENCHED garden in Corlette became the Amalfi-inspired backdrop for something far deeper than a summer party last month, as grandparents […]

IDA Lena Collard OAM was born on 8 September 1920 to Henry and Selina Upton. Below are her memories of growing up as the fifth of seven children on a dairy farm in Bobs Farm, and life during the Second World War. My grandfather, Phillip Upton, had previously owned the property of 151 acres and […]

A ‘Curious Legends’ giant seagull at Sunday’s Wings Over Wetlands launch. Photo: Jacie Whitfield. Chalk art and bird mask making at the fair in Apex Park. Photo: Jacie Whitfield. ART, conservation and international collaboration have come together with the launch of Wings Over Wetlands, a new initiative designed to raise awareness of migratory birds and […]

John and Beth Fuller on an adventure to Uluru. John and Beth with their children Joel and Chantal at the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay, when John became president. Beth Fuller in Maggie Beer’s kitchen in Adelaide. FOR John Fuller, love did not end the day he farewelled his beautiful wife.   It simply found a […]

THE Lions Club of Raymond Terrace has successfully completed its Shade Sail Project at Riverside Park. Installed by Australian Playground and Shade Solutions, the sails will provide much-needed comfort and protection for families and visitors enjoying the popular community space. The project was made possible through a combined effort that included funds raised by the […]

RAYMOND Terrace resident Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner, has been named a finalist in the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards. It recognises her decades-long commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW. A proud Kamilaroi woman who lives on Worimi land, the 55-year-old leader said the nomination carries deep personal […]

HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical water-saving outcomes while strengthening community connections. The NSW […]

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]