April 9, 2026
Salvation Army accepting donations to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal The community is encouraged to give the gift of happiness.
Community

Salvation Army accepting donations to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal

DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December. The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years. Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches. Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the […]

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Enhanced water-quality monitoring on Lake Innes The new water quality buoy automatically records key water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water level every 15 minutes.
Regional

Enhanced water-quality monitoring on Lake Innes

ADVANCED water-quality monitoring technology has been installed at Lake Innes to improve understanding of the lake’s condition. The new water quality buoy automatically records key water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water level every 15 minutes. This live data is transmitted to the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) website, where it […]

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Gurmesh Singh wins NSW Nationals leadership after shock Saunders exit Newly elected NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh addresses the media.
Editor's Picks

Gurmesh Singh wins NSW Nationals leadership after shock Saunders exit

COFFS HARBOUR MP Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders earlier this week. It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024. […]

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Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero Locally-produced renewable energy, like solar power, benefits communities.
Local News

Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero

ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050. This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed. Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor […]

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Letter to the Editor: A decision made for the people
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: A decision made for the people

DEAR News Of The Area, I AM pleased that the Liberal Party has finally made a decision for the people rather than continue their political posturing to the United Nations and the corporate media that initiated and promoted the hoax of man-made global warming. Hopefully, it is just the first step toward abandoning the renewable […]

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St Joseph’s tennis stars ace Todd Woodbridge Cup State Finals St Joseph’s Laurieton tennis stars Maddie Elliott, Harper Kelly, Billie Vial, Summer Randall, Sophie Whatson, Dean Hartog, Aiden Koenig, Flynn Isaac, Stanley Randall and Declan Dollery with Assistant Coach Elwood Dollery (left) and Teacher Mrs Jessica Koenig (right). Photo: supplied.
Sport

St Joseph’s tennis stars ace Todd Woodbridge Cup State Finals

St Joseph’s Laurieton tennis stars Maddie Elliott, Harper Kelly, Billie Vial, Summer Randall, Sophie Whatson, Dean Hartog, Aiden Koenig, Flynn Isaac, Stanley Randall and Declan Dollery with Assistant Coach Elwood Dollery (left) and Teacher Mrs Jessica Koenig (right). Photo: supplied. Assistant Coach Elwood Dollery delivering his final instructions. Photo: supplied. THE Stage 2 tennis stars […]

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Heartbeat of the Hastings: Pink Ladies The Pink Ladies committee.
Opinion

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Pink Ladies

DURING a recent stay at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the amazing women known as the Pink Ladies. Their dedication to the hospital and the community is truly inspiring. One of the many ways they support the hospital is through fundraising events like “Brickfest”, held annually in […]

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3/57 Norman Street Laurieton is on the market with Harcourts Laurieton
Property

3/57 Norman Street Laurieton is on the market with Harcourts Laurieton

3/57 Norman Street, Laurieton.Open for inspection: Saturday 15 November, 9:30am WELCOME to your new lifestyle in the heart of Laurieton. This charming two-bedroom townhouse is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Ideal for first-home buyers, downsizers, or savvy investors. Step into a spacious and inviting living area, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. […]

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Legal Hypothetical: The high price of proof
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: The high price of proof

SALLY and Harry have been married for 25 years. Sally transfers her home into joint names with Harry as “joint tenants”. Five years later, Sally is moved into a care facility and passes-away two years later at the age of 85. Sally leaves a daughter from a previous relationship, Penny. When Penny discovers that as […]

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