THE family of Tinonee resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old. Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc. The vehicle was found abandoned the following day, parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road. The […]
Statewide land clearing data raises alarm
ALARM bells are ringing after the release of statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) data. It shows that 66,498 hectares of native vegetation, including 32,847ha of forest and woodland, was cleared across NSW in 2023, compared to the clearing of 47,388ha of native vegetation and 21,137ha of forest and woodland in 2022. This represents a […]
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 […]

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 […]
Muriel Fuller celebrates a century of life, love and service
NAMBUCCA Valley resident Muriel Milton Fuller marked her 100th birthday last week, surrounded by family and friends at a special celebration held at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club. The milestone celebration was not only a tribute to Muriel’s longevity, but also a reflection of a life filled with love, faith and generosity. Muriel was born […]
‘Free For All’ for the flood affected in Macksville
Clothing, furniture, kitchen equipment, toys, DVDs and books were all on offer. Photo: supplied. The community came together to help donate, set up, and pack down the Free For All event at the Macksville Senior Citizens Centre. Photo: supplied. MACKSVILLE Senior Citizens Centre has played host to a community-led effort to support those in need […]
EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon
THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
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 […]
NSW farmers gather for annual conference
FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition. NSW Farmers’ Chief Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a […]