March 15, 2026
Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins
Regional

Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins

A recently received scam email. A Commonwealth Bank infographic illustrates that Aussies are scam-aware, but a third of us still miss the clues. Image: CBA. THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline. Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the […]

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Port Stephens named a trending Winter holiday destination Shoal Bay’s Zenith Beach from Tomaree Mountain viewpoint.
Regional

Port Stephens named a trending Winter holiday destination

PORT Stephens has been named a trending winter school holiday destination by travel booking site Wotif. “Port Stephens’ popularity is well and truly booming this year,” said travel expert Rebecca Hurley. “It’s great to see the momentum continue into the winter school holidays as a trending destination, especially following its crowning as the 2025 Aussie […]

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Uncle and niece take on the outback in fundraising rally Keerly Newton with the JL Trailblazers vehicle.
Regional

Uncle and niece take on the outback in fundraising rally

UNCLE and niece duo Keerly and Richard are getting ready to set off across the Australian Outback in a car held together by zip ties. A convoy of teams will make the journey later this year in the “Shitbox Rally” – Australia’s largest independently run fundraiser for Cancer Council Australia. Participants set off from Alice […]

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Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks A family runs towards the sea at Booti Booti National Park, where park entry fees for motor vehicles apply. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE.
Regional

Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks

THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders. Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW’s 895 national parks and reserves. A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free. The pass is […]

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Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions Minister Ryan Park says it's time to position the Hunter as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Nikki Short.
Regional

Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions

THE 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions. “The Authority will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions – the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal […]

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New terminal gets tested during Mass Passenger Exercise Participants from across the Hunter volunteered for the exercise.
Regional

New terminal gets tested during Mass Passenger Exercise

NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise. With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers. They moved through […]

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Offshore wind continues to divide opinions in the Hunter The development of an offshore wind industry off the Hunter coast has divided opinions in recent years.
Regional

Offshore wind continues to divide opinions in the Hunter

A COALITION of unions, business groups, industry representatives and environment advocates have called for a “full-scale commitment from both federal and state governments” on the “responsible” delivery of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter. “While offshore wind became a campaign issue in the seat of Paterson, voters ultimately backed Labor’s renewable energy agenda,” said […]

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First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba.
Regional

First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries

Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. A MAJOR study of NSW estuaries using a novel […]

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Port Stephens Mayor pushes for reform at Local Roads Congress
Regional

Port Stephens Mayor pushes for reform at Local Roads Congress

MAYORS, councillors, experts and peak bodies gathered at Parliament House in Sydney on 2 June, for this year’s Local Roads Congress. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson was among the community leaders discussing road-related policy issues. “It’s not just a Port Stephens problem,” she said. “Not just millions, but billions more dollars are needed.” The event […]

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Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb.
Health, Regional

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains

Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

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