A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne. Authorities have […]
Belt from TV series ‘Castaway’ returned to its Bonny Hills maker
The Bonny Hills-made belt gifted to the cast and crew of Castaway. Mike Dodkin and Ross Bennett with the Castaway belt. A LEATHER belt gifted to one of the cast and crew of the ABC TV series “Castaway” has been returned to its maker, Ross Bennett of Bonny Hills. Castaway was a 1974 Australian drama […]
Kavasil Pty Ltd Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas and lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar. Photo: SCU.
Research looks to boost hempseed yields and supercharge production
A NEW Southern Cross University (SCU) research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to 50 percent. The university describes the research as a potential “game-changer for the industry’s productivity and profitability”. The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
Increased rate of NSW adults getting sunburnt
ALMOST one million adults across the state were sunburnt at least once over a four-week period, according to a new report from the Cancer Institute NSW. The “Sun Protection Behaviours Report”, released last week, shows 15 percent of people surveyed reported being sunburnt, up from 12 percent in the previous report. The research analyses data […]
‘Spirit of the Bush’ competition returns to celebrate life on the land
RURAL Aid has launched the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, inviting Upper Hunter residents to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land. Running from 14 July to 31 August 2025, the much-loved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell […]
Marine Rescue NSW boosts flood readiness in North Coast exercise
Participants displayed a great degree of skill. During weather emergencies Marine Rescue NSW can be requested to assist by NSW SES. Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels were used in the exercise. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast took part in the Red Rock exercise. MORE than […]
KoaLaMan hits the road to find a home
DO not be alarmed if you encounter a large koala with a blue head trudging along the road to Sydney – it is simply “KoaLaMan looking for a home”. The 550km, 30-day walk from Coffs Harbour to Parliament House in Sydney, is the latest in Peter Elzer’s efforts to halt logging of koala habitat. He […]
Heart of the Haven: Graham Lee
DISINTERESTED in the limelight, Camden Haven’s Graham Lee spends his days quietly helping out his community. “I just want to get on with helping where I can,” he said humbly. Telling NOTA about his life’s journey, Graham reflects on an upbringing typical of the era. “I grew up in a family of six,” Graham said. […]
Designed by Gensler in partnership with the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Guulabaa in Cowarra State Forest is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre.
Guulabaa shortlisted for World Architecture Festival award
GUULABAA – Place of Koala has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 Awards, recognised in the Completed Buildings: Civic and Community category. Held annually, the WAF is one of the world’s most respected design events, celebrating the best in built and future architecture across a broad range of categories. This year’s shortlist […]
