March 22, 2026
Clarence Town entrepreneur named finalist in Rural Women’s Award
Business

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 […]

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George Trinkler knows where all the snapper hide. Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby. Photo: NSW Gov.
Business

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 […]

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Hunter trainee lands port role after Newcastle traineeship Port Authority of NSW Port Officer Tilley Murgatroyd. Photo: Port Authority of NSW.
Business

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, […]

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CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab Demonstrating Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in CSIRO's Renewable Energy Integration Facility.
Business, Government

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 […]

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Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
Business

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 […]

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Finalists named in 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Finalists will be recognised and winners announced at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala on Thursday 30 October at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre.
Business

Finalists named in 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards

THE finalists of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have been announced for 2025, recognising the breadth and capability of the manufacturing sector across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and surrounding regions. A record number of entries were received this year, reflecting a strong mix of first-time entrants, emerging start-ups and established industry leaders. […]

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Expanded terminal officially opens at Newcastle Airport The evening opened with a spectacular RAAF flyby.
Business

Expanded terminal officially opens at Newcastle Airport

NEWCASTLE Airport officially opened its new international terminal last Thursday evening, 25 September. Around 300 guests including dignitaries, industry leaders and community representatives gathered to celebrate the expanded terminal. The evening opened with a spectacular RAAF flyby, followed by a Welcome to Country from Worimi Elder Uncle John Ridgeway and a Smoking Ceremony led by […]

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Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media Locals are being urged to be aware of scammers. Photo: supplied.
Business

Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media

HUNTER region residents are being urged to stay alert as cyber criminals step up efforts to recruit so-called “money mules” through social media, fake job offers and online scams. NGM Group, the parent company of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has reported a 20 percent rise in fraudulent online account openings, with criminals attempting to […]

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Shoaly Collective awarded $200k grant to transform Shoal Bay The businesses will use the funding to elevate Shoal Bay’s profile.
Business, Community, Government

Shoaly Collective awarded $200k grant to transform Shoal Bay

THE Shoaly Collective has been awarded $200,000 through the NSW Government’s Uptown Grant Program. The Collective includes Port Stephens Paddle Sports, Shoal Bay Newsagency, The Café, Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Ramada Resort Shoal Bay and the Shoal Bay Country Club. The group is planning to use the funding to transform Shoal Bay into a […]

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Energy reference group expands as Hunter projects ramp up EnergyCo is now working across five major projects in the Hunter and Central Coast. Photo: EnergyCo.
Business

Energy reference group expands as Hunter projects ramp up

HUNTER region residents have the chance to shape five renewable energy-related projects in their area. EnergyCo is expanding the Hunter Transmission Project’s Regional Reference Group (RRG) into a broader Hunter-Central Coast RRG. “This change reflects the portfolio of EnergyCo projects in the Hunter and will ensure the region’s voice will continue to inform future energy […]

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