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 […]
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington was joined by NACCAi President John Kugel and VP Terri Horton for the official ribbon-cutting. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. A large group of locals gathered for morning tea. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. NORTH Arm Cove residents gathered to celebrate the completion of upgrades at Yallarwah Park and the official opening of the […]
Judy Washington receives the Mander Jones Award for ‘Paradise Interrupted’, presented by President Hannah Hibbert.
WHEN Judy Washington learned she had won the Australian Society of Archivists’ Mander Jones Award for her book Paradise Interrupted: Tomaree Headland Port Stephens in World War II, her reaction was immediate and overwhelming. “Immense disbelief,” she said. “It was an Australia-wide award and only one book was chosen in its category. “On reflection, the […]
Legatee Wendy Barwick, VP Nelson Bay Torchbearers Judy Chapman, Chair Port Stephens Legacy Division Doug Jacka, and Lemon Tree Passage Torchbearers president Carol Brindley.
PORT Stephens Legacy has recognised the valuable support of local businesses and individuals at an Appreciation Luncheon held at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. Doug Jacka, Chair of Port Stephens Legacy, praised the tremendous support of the local community. “This support has helped our Division continue to look after over 174 widows and 19 children in […]
The southward entrance and the areas planned for rehabilitation.
The southward entrance and the areas planned for rehabilitation. The potential rehabilitation area at the northward entrance is marked in yellow. A MAJOR environmental restoration project is set to transform the northern and southern entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk, following the announcement of new funding through a partnership between Bupa and Landcare Australia. The […]
The International tractor ‘after’ restoration. Arise students cleaning the wheel hub. OVER the past year, an unlikely project tucked inside a Hamilton North workshop has been quietly transforming the lives of local high school students. Members of the Rotary Club of Medowie-Williamtown, working alongside students from Callaghan College and Arise Christian School, have been restoring […]
Medowie performing artist Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa.
Medowie performing artist Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa. Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa won this year’s Port Stephens Battle of the Arts. GIFTED Medowie teenager Conway Oakhill-Saarenpaa has often dreamt of a prosperous career in the performing arts. At the tender age of 13, the budding performer is well on the way to realising that goal after outstanding achievements on the […]
