portstephens NOTA, Author at Port Stephens News Of The Area

Funding on offer for ‘Gone Fishing Day events

FISHING clubs and associated organisations are being encouraged to join in the state-wide ‘Gone Fishing Day’ festivities on Sunday 19 October by hosting their own events.  NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Director Fisheries Management, Bryan Van Der Walt said clubs can apply for a fishing package or grants up to […]

School

Bush poetry event to support Raymond Terrace’s oldest colonial home

Sketchley Pioneer Cottage. Photo: Tomaree Museum. A sketch of William Sketchley. Photo: Tomaree Museum. AN afternoon of Bush Poetry will take place on 28 June at the Raymond Terrace Community Church. Renowned bush poet Bob Skelton, also known as the “Minmi Magster”, will be at the event. Skelton has authored seven poetry collections and won […]

Business, Health

Whiteley opens new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago

Whiteley Executive Chairman Dr Greg Whiteley with Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington at last Thursday’s opening. The new Human Therapeutics Plant will create 30 new jobs. FAMILY-OWNED Australian manufacturer Whiteley has officially opened its new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for […]

Regional

Uncle and niece take on the outback in fundraising rally

UNCLE and niece duo Keerly and Richard are getting ready to set off across the Australian Outback in a car held together by zip ties. A convoy of teams will make the journey later this year in the “Shitbox Rally” – Australia’s largest independently run fundraiser for Cancer Council Australia. Participants set off from Alice […]

Port Stephens

Potential breakthrough to tackle ‘forever chemicals’ in water

RESEARCHERS are attempting to develop a device capable of degrading a carcinogenic form of the so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS in water in as little as six minutes using low-wavelength ultraviolet light. PFAS – used in firefighting foam, products such as non-stick pans, and by many industries – repel oil, grease and water, but persist in […]

Printed Edition

Printed Edition 26 JUNE 2025

Community, Police

Increase in domestic violence, sexual assaults and retail theft, data shows

NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline […]

Sport

Gropers outclass Heelers to stay in Hunter Rugby top four

DEPTH of talent is a key element for sporting clubs when formulating a playing roster. For young Nelson Bay rugby playmaker Kade Redmond, it has been a chance to nail down the number nine jumper with his beloved Gropers in this year’s Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition. Despite an embarrassment of halfback riches at the […]

Government

Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes

LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities. Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on […]

Regional

Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks

THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders. Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW’s 895 national parks and reserves. A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free. The pass is […]