Pumpkins for sale at Farmer Bob’s Medowie Fresh Produce stall. Fresh fruit and vegetables displayed at Tomatoes at Abundance in Medowie. LONG-TIME locals will remember Medowie for its once‑thriving peach farms. Those orchards may be gone, but Medowie hasn’t lost its connection to fresh, home‑grown produce. A handful of small farms still operate quietly across […]
Raymond Terrace is forecast to see significant growth during the next 20 years. Photo: Port Stephens Council
Commercial Collective hosts event to discuss investments in Raymond Terrace
RAYMOND Terrace isn’t just a sleepy service town. Port Stephens Council and Commercial Collective identifies the area as a growing market ripe for investments and a projected population growth of more than 5,400 people in the next 20 years. To explore the future opportunities that await Raymond Terrace, Port Stephens Council and Commercial Collective hosted […]
BUSINESS SHOWCASE: Exposed to asbestos or silica dust?
FOR many in our community, hard work in industries like timber, farming, power generation, construction and mining has been a way of life. But for some, that work has come at a hidden cost. Diseases caused by asbestos and silica dust often take decades to appear. By the time symptoms develop, the connection to past […]
Kristen Nicol, a finalist in the Woman Changing the World Awards, co-owns and runs Allynview Farm. Photo: supplied.
Global recognition for Gresford regenerative farm leader
AN AGRICULTURAL innovator from Gresford is gaining international recognition, with Allynview Farm co-founder Kristen Nicol named a finalist in the prestigious Woman Changing the World Awards. The award winners will be announced in Paris on 11 April. Kristen, who runs Allynview Farm alongside her husband Ben just outside Gresford, has been shortlisted in multiple categories, […]
The inaugural Newcastle to Singapore service was a cause for celebration last Tuesday. Photo: supplied.
Inaugural Singapore service takes off from Newcastle Airport
FOR the first time, travellers across the Hunter region can depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am on Tuesday. Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic […]
Clarence Town entrepreneur named finalist in Rural Women’s Award
CLARENCE TOWN’S Emma Spartalis has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The Award celebrates women who are driving change through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, while addressing complex social, economic and workforce challenges facing regional Australia. Ms Spartalis is the founder of Spartalis Consulting, an artificial intelligence and digital […]
George Trinkler knows where all the snapper hide.
SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month. From filling potholes to rebuilding flood‑damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network. Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle […]
Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship
HUNTER trainee Tilley Murgatroyd is taking her first steps into a maritime career as a Port Officer with Port Authority of NSW, after completing a hands-on traineeship delivered through a unique collaboration with Port of Newcastle and Svitzer. Through the Newcastle-based industry traineeship, Ms Murgatroyd rotated across towage, pilotage support, on-water safety and port operations, […]
CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab
THE CSIRO has officially launched the $3 million upgrade of the Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle. The national science agency says the upgrade will significantly expand Australia’s capability to test, validate and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable, reliable and secure electricity system. The expanded facility includes a […]
Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers
UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay. Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly […]
