A PARLIAMENTARY committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW. The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions. The Committee will look into issues such as: ● current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and […]
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is encouraging everyone to be alert to signs of avian influenza in commercial and domestic poultry, and wildlife. Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally, however there is a risk the disease may be introduced by wild birds that migrate […]
Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group members at a community fundraiser.
THE TOMAREE Breast Cancer Support Group is a grassroots, self-funded organisation providing support to residents on the Tomaree Peninsula impacted by breast cancer. The group provides, free of charge: – Transport to cancer related medical appointments in Newcastle/Maitland area – House cleaning, lawn mowing, child minding (at the discretion of the committee) – Wigs, scarves […]
Politicians, Jetstar and Airport representatives announce the new route.
IN A boost for the region’s global connectivity, Jetstar has introduced a new flight service from Newcastle to Singapore, via Bali. From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop […]
Across the four days, 752 people were arrested and charged, with 275 arrest warrants executed. Photo: NSW Police.
Headed up by NSW Police, Operation Amarok XII ran from Wednesday 12 November to Saturday 15 November 2025. The Domestic and Family Violence Command-led operation also involved officers from each regions’ Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team (DVHROT), along with specialist officers from Raptor Squad, Youth Command, State Crime Command’s Child Protection Register, Traffic and […]
THE TOP Blokes Foundation has wrapped up its ”Lift the Load” challenge with over $500,000 raised by the end of October to support men’s mental health programs. The foundation challenged people to carry 10kg for 50km throughout the month, representing the heavy burden men carry during mental health struggles. “Putting on a vest isn’t just […]
Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins.
Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins. The moon was 30 percent brighter than normal. Photo: Sis Higgins. SKYWATCHERS across the region looked to the heavens on Tuesday night as the biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rose over the horizon. Amateur astronomer Dennis Hughes explained to News Of The Area why the […]
THE Term 4 Week 3 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed. Week 3 winners: Irrawang PS: Stephanie has been nominated for consistently helping others at preschool. She demonstrates patience, cooperation, and a willingness to support her peers in their learning. Stephanie greets everyone with a smile and ‘hello’, making preschool […]
THE Hunter New England Local Health District team has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to health care at the 2025 NSW Health Awards. The annual event celebrates the dedication, kindness, innovation and achievements of those who make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities. “I’m incredibly proud to celebrate the […]
This fire started very close to the road, in a drainage gully. Photo: NACCAi.
This fire started very close to the road, in a drainage gully. Photo: NACCAi. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire thanks to locals raising the alarm. Photo: NACCAi. ARSON is the suspected cause of several recent fires in the North Arm Cove area, which have followed a pattern of regularity that locals find difficult […]
