May 2, 2026
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
Advocacy on the agenda as Nelson Bay CWA branches attend state conference CWA members from Nelson Bay: Byril Cossini and Evelyn Wilson (Nelson Bay CWA Evening Branch), Deb Schaefer (Hunter River Group President), Lee Bootland and Nell Carter (Nelson Bay CWA Branch). Photo: Pauline Cain.
Community, Regional

Advocacy on the agenda as Nelson Bay CWA branches attend state conference

NEWS Of The Area joined more than 600 delegates and another 200 observers at the Country Women’s Association’s 103rd State Conference in Wagga Wagga last week. In a statement to media ahead of the conference, CWA of NSW president Joy Beames said, “The high number of motions delegates will be asked to vote on this […]

Read More
Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
Health, Regional

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods

HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]

Read More