NSW residents encouraged to be alert to signs of avian influenza in poultry
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 […]
384 Playfords Road, Comboyne is on the market with Percival Property
384 Playfords Road, ComboynePrice guide: $1,550,000-$1,650,000 PERCHED on the northern escarpment of the Comboyne plateau, ‘Akania’ is less a property and more a way of life. On 50.53 hectares of pristine country, days begin with birdsong and mist lifting through rainforest valleys, and end with sunsets across layered mountain ranges. It is a sanctuary where […]
Brian Tolagsom, Alison Davey, Lyn Murphy and Barbara Bushe at the 2024 launch of the first edition. Photo: supplied.
Stories of dementia resilience wanted for second edition of ‘Unforgettable Voices’
FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition. The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026. “The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived […]
Experts want a national seabird beach monitoring program to help explain why mass deaths happen. Photo: Silke Stuckenbrock/AAP.
The ecological disaster threatening Australian seabirds
BILL Fulton recalls counting 1162 dead birds during a four-and-a-half kilometre morning beach walk. That’s a rough average of one every four metres. But when he tells people about the work and its confronting reality, they’re curiously inclined to dismiss it as kind of normal. “We want people to know that this is different,” Mr […]
The community is encouraged to give the gift of happiness.
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 […]
The new water quality buoy automatically records key water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water level every 15 minutes.
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 […]
Newly elected NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh addresses the media.
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. […]
Locally-produced renewable energy, like solar power, benefits communities.
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 […]
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 […]
