COMMUNITIES across the Port Stephens Council area will come together over the Australia Day weekend to enjoy family-friendly celebrations, from pool parties and community breakfasts to citizenship ceremonies and live entertainment. With events planned across several suburbs, residents and visitors are encouraged to take part while being mindful that times or activities may be adjusted […]
Questions over fairness of exclusion zones trial in Port Stephens
Shoal Bay Boat Ramp is one of only two with signage prompting water users to have their say on the trial. Photo: Ian Roberts. BOATING associations have united in their call for the trial of powered vessel exclusion zones in Port Stephens to be fair and equitable. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says the trial, which […]
Representatives and volunteers for the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group, Grenville Stevens, Peter Clough and Leon Squires.
Community applauds holiday shuttle trial in the Tomaree Headland
AN experimental holiday shuttle bus service trialled over the Christmas and New Year period in the Tomaree Headland area has proven an overwhelming success, with organisers reporting demand well beyond expectations. The free Tomaree Shuttle, operated in partnership with Port Stephens Coaches and ran from 24 December to 6 January. Looping between Nelson Bay, Shoal […]
Rescue, recovery and hope: Inside Sea Shelter’s fight to save Port Stephens’ green sea turtles
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 […]
The selfless heroes of Port Stephens reflect on the night Marine Rescue needed rescuing in 2016
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 […]
Voices united: Port Harmony’s concert raises over $10,500 for ovarian cancer
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 […]
Grant to support the restoration of Fingal Bay foreshore
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 […]
Extreme weather increasing health risks in rural and remote Australia
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.
148 volunteers in Nelson Bay and Tomaree recognised for 6,158 trips, and transporting 321 cancer patients
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 […]
Meanings and memories: gifts that matter long after Christmas
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 […]
