HOW to Train Your Dragon is at the top of the schedule for cinemas and families this week, as the beloved franchise transitions to live action. Your kids could probably fill you in on the basics: young Hiccup (Mason Thames) is an innovative but hopeless Viking in training who forms a bond with the dragon […]
From the Mayor’s desk: Newcastle Airport takes off
NEWCASTLE Airport is soaring to new heights – and that’s great news for the people of Port Stephens. Last week, I was honoured to help announce direct international flights to Bali starting in August 2024. Just the week before, we also celebrated the launch of direct flights to Perth. These announcements mark the beginning of […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I am going away with a group of school friends and we are sharing rooms. To save money, we booked a room with two queen beds, but one of our group members has become an incessant snorer. I’m a light sleeper. How do I tactfully ask that she is not my bed companion […]
Wikner’s Halifax bomber named ‘Waltzing Matilda’ at Mascot Airport on 20 June 1946. Photo: John Hopton Collection.
Stinker’s History: Geoffrey Wikner’s extraordinary story
Geoffrey Neville Wikner (1904-1990) was born in Grafton. Wikner’s Halifax bomber named ‘Waltzing Matilda’ at Mascot Airport on 20 June 1946. Photo: John Hopton Collection. The original entry to Halifax Park, then in the early stages of its development. The person in the photograph looking at the big game fish is likely to be Mrs […]
Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba.
First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries
Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. A MAJOR study of NSW estuaries using a novel […]
PSP Hospitality Supplies to partner with Hope Cottage to help families in need
PSP HOSPITALITY Supplies has announced a donation of packaging products to Hope Cottage, a local charity dedicated to supporting families in need in the Port Stephens area. The donation will provide essential products to aid Hope Cottage in delivering meals to families facing hardship. Rev Lissy Vittali-Ross, Pastor at Hope Cottage, said the donation “couldn’t […]
Superintendent Shane Cribb was selected to manage recovery after the Newcastle-Hunter floods in 2022.
Officers honoured with Australian Police Medal
THE Minister for Police and the NSW Police Acting Commissioner have congratulated nine serving officers who have been awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours. Nominations for the awards can be by an officer’s peers, commander or a member of the community, and are announced twice a […]
Port Stephens Mayor pushes for reform at Local Roads Congress
MAYORS, councillors, experts and peak bodies gathered at Parliament House in Sydney on 2 June, for this year’s Local Roads Congress. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson was among the community leaders discussing road-related policy issues. “It’s not just a Port Stephens problem,” she said. “Not just millions, but billions more dollars are needed.” The event […]
First Nations arts residency program now accepting applications
Renae Lamb. Photo: Stuart Marlin The TCI studio space. A CREATIVE arts hub in Newcastle (Muloobimba) is offering a First Nations Artist in Residence program, with applications now open for Hunter-based artists. On offer is a 12-month, rent-free studio residency at The Creator Incubator (TCI) in Hamilton North. TCI is a lively creative hub housing […]
