Spearow, in December 2025 on the road to a healthy recovery and her subsequent release. Photo: Sea Shelter. Spearow on the day of her rescue in Tanilba Bay, September 2025. Photo: Sea Shelter. BEHIND the walls of Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre, the team at Sea Shelter are quietly continuing to write the rescue tales […]
Mayor Leah Anderson, Kate Washington MP, MRPS Unit Commander Ben van der Wijngaart and other members and guests at the anniversary event. MRPS Volunteers Laurie Nolan and Colin Cahil being interviewed by host Matt Coleborne. Photo: Jacie Whitfield. THE air was emotionally charged with reminiscence, gratitude, and awe at the “10 Years On Bravery and […]
Port Harmony ensemble. Photo: Port Harmony.
THE spirit of generosity, community and music was on full display on Sunday 7 December, as Port Stephens locals and friends gathered at Soldiers Point Bowling Club for a special fundraising concert in support of Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA). The concert, titled Peace, Joy and Harmony, drew an enthusiastic crowd of around 200 people, filling […]
Restoration work is underway at Kiddies Corner, Fingal Bay Beach. Photo: supplied.
THE Fingal Bay Community Association has been putting a Port Stephens Council environmental grant to good use. The group is completing important restoration works along the foreshore at Kiddies Corner, which is located at the southern end of Fingal Bay beach. The project is focused on improving the health and resilience of the coastal environment […]
THE Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says extreme weather across Australia is increasing health risks for rural, remote and First Nations communities and placing growing pressure on local health services. ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says prolonged and severe weather events are affecting the health of rural communities and will continue to […]
Committee members Nev Stanfield (President / Treasurer), Richard Yeomans (Secretary/ Patient Co-Ordinator), John Stanbury, John Every (Driver Co-Ordinator) Barry Elliott (Patient Buddy), Iain Woodhill, Max Pride.
TOMAREE Prostate Cancer Support Group and Nelson Bay Cancer Patient Transport Group recently came together for their combined 2025 Annual General Meeting, held at Soldiers Point Bowling Club. The two community groups, established in 2012 and 2014 respectively, work closely to support local residents affected by cancer. Driver Co-ordinator John Every, who has held the […]
CHRISTMAS may be over for another year but as several wise locals can attest, some gifts and memories will bring joy for a lifetime. For Valda Wright, for instance, “Teddy” was never just a toy. He was a miracle. Growing up in the difficult years after the war, money was tight and gifts were practical […]
Trinity Catholic College Students working on the Sensory Trail.
Trinity Catholic College Students working on the Sensory Trail. Sharon Claydon MP talks with Trinity Catholic College Students. Opening Ceremony of the Sensory Trail. Sensory Trail signage. The Sensory Trail. THE Hunter Wetlands Centre has officially opened the first stage of its upgraded Sensory Trail after a year-long restoration program supported by local students, volunteers […]
Attending the Tomaree Friendship Group 30th anniversary gala dinner.
Attending the Tomaree Friendship Group 30th anniversary gala dinner. With fellow Queens of Heart at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party fundraiser. Sailing in the season opening ceremony with the Port Stephens Yacht Club. High Tea Spring Fling at Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. BEING a freelance contributor for News Of The Area has delivered far […]
The Tukana’s Raymond Terrace house after a battery fire destroyed it in November 2025.
A TRAGIC house fire in Raymond Terrace has become an urgent reminder to households across the region about the importance of working smoke alarms and safe charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries. In the early hours of 27 November, a mower battery that was on charge sparked a blaze that destroyed a family’s home, leaving […]
