December 27, 2025
‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling Polling has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor ahead with voters but many remain undecided. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Election, Government

‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling

A LABOR majority is becoming increasingly likely as the prime minister declares he’s in for the long haul, but a vast number of voters remain undecided. Recent polls show Labor gaining momentum, widening the two-party preferred gap and putting a majority government in reach as the coalition campaign falters. Labor is ahead 54.5 to 45.5 […]

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New clubhouses unveiled at Ingenia over 55s communities Residents at the ribbon cutting event at Fullerton Cove.
Regional

New clubhouses unveiled at Ingenia over 55s communities

OVER 55s communities Ingenia Lifestyle Element in Fullerton Cove and Natura in Bobs Farm have unveiled new multimillion-dollar resident clubhouses. Ingenia’s Executive General Manager Acquisitions and Development Michael Rabey said he was excited to celebrate the opening of the resident clubhouses, both of which were designed to draw on the natural beauty of the region. […]

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Council trialling hot coal bin at Little Beach Council encourages all visitors to Little Beach during the trial period to use the new hot coal bin and remain responsible for their waste.
Local News

Council trialling hot coal bin at Little Beach

PORT Stephens Council is addressing the issue of discarded hot coals in popular public spaces with the launch of a hot coal bin trial at Little Beach. The dedicated bin is being trialled during the busy Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, a period known for increased BBQ activity in the area. “This hot coal […]

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Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award Sylvia Reczek’s highly commended (2D) painting.
Regional

Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award

ARTISTIC talent from across the country was celebrated at the official opening of the 2nd Biennial Anderson Art Award (AAA) at The Gallery in Tea Gardens on Saturday 12 April. The venue, which is home to the artists known as Galleries in the Garden (GiG), was packed with guests perusing the walls as they enjoyed […]

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Free nutritional webinar for Port Stephens families International Women’s Day scholarship winners including Melanie Peers (middle), who is offering a free nutritional webinar for families.
Community

Free nutritional webinar for Port Stephens families

NUTRIONIST Melanie Peers will host a free educational webinar in May, tackling the topic of fussy eating in children. Ms Peers was the recipient of a $1000 International Women’s Day scholarship from Port Stephens Council in 2025. She entered the scholarship program in the hope of securing funds to help parents feel less alone and […]

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Ten candidates to contest Paterson as ballot positions locked-in
Government

Ten candidates to contest Paterson as ballot positions locked-in

Rod Holding (Independent). Photo: FB. Meryl Swanson (Labor). Photo: FB. Arnon Wither (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation). Photo: FB. Philip Penfold (Independent). Photo: FB. Paul Johns (Greens). Photo: FB. Laurence Antcliff (Liberals). Photo: FB. Sandra Lyn Briggs (Family First). Photo: Family First website. April Maree Scott (Independent). Photo: FB. Peter N Arena (Trumpet of Patriots). Photo: […]

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Raymond Terrace social houses to be converted to affordable townhouses Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Hume Community Housing’s Dan Lincoln Paterson MP Meryl Swanson and Mayor Leah Anderson.
National

Raymond Terrace social houses to be converted to affordable townhouses

THREE ageing social houses on Phillip Street, Raymond Terrace are to be transformed into 13 two-bedroom townhouses, supporting approximately 32 people to access affordable housing. Following DA approval from Port Stephens Council, the project will be delivered by Hume Housing, through a $6million investment from the Federal Government through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) […]

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Letter to the Editor:  A haven amid turbulent times
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: A haven amid turbulent times

DEAR News Of The Area, WE live in turbulent times. Internationally we’ve got US President Trump “The Wrecker” trashing treaties and world economic and financial systems, the Ukraine fighting for its life against Putin “The Russian Murderer”, China threatening Taiwan and dissent everywhere. Locally we’ve got the federal election coming up with Albo versus Dutton, […]

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Nelson Bay Gropers primed for big clash with Brown Snakes Nelson Bay’s talented flanker Sam Rocher shows his lineout skills during the recent trial match against Quirindi Lions at Bill Strong Oval. Photo: Amber Barber.
Sport

Nelson Bay Gropers primed for big clash with Brown Snakes

“ANOTHER year, another title challenge” is the motto for Nelson Bay Gropers’ top grade men’s rugby squad in 2025. Rocked by their shock exit in last year’s Hunter Suburban Rugby first grade preliminary final, the Gropers are a club on a mission this season and regaining the Presidents Cup premiership trophy is high on the […]

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