A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW. Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months. Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations […]

A SHUTTLE bus trial in the Tomaree Headland precinct has sparked renewed calls for a broader, long-term transport strategy across Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, as pressure from tourism and development continues to mount. At its meeting on 24 March, Port Stephens Council resolved to review the findings of the Tomaree Headland shuttle bus trial […]

FIVE animal rehoming organisations across the Hunter are sharing in more than $150,000 in funding, delivered as part of the first round of the NSW Government’s $6 million Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grants program. This funding will support projects like the construction of a new cattery, and subsidising desexing, microchipping and vaccination. Successful grant […]

The march to the Dawn Service. Photos: Amanda Green. Medowie RSL sub-Branch President Bernie Edmonds. The Catafalque Party. Medowie Public School captain Arthur Christie with Squadron Leader James Ward Chaplin. Ilsa Harvey, a 101-year-old war widow, lays a wreath. Liam Bennett and Marley Douglass from Irrawang High Drum Corps. Catherine McAuley Catholic College representatives. Wirreanda […]

THE NSW Government is encouraging young women and girls in the Hunter to seek opportunities in emergency services through the Girls on Fire program. Girls on Fire received over $180,000 in funding under the government’s Investing in Women grants, to provide teenage girls in regional and remote areas with a hands-on, practical program of what […]

Street party sailors getting festivities underway. Photo: Port Stephens Council. Love That Hat band kept the crowd raising hands. It was all hands on deck as huge crowds kept the vibes high. THE streets of Port Stephens came alive for the 2026 Sail Port Stephens Street Party, with locals and visitors taking to social media […]

Some of the toys in the pop-up shop staffed by Frank Seysener. Photo: Men’s Shed. Some of the toys in the pop-up shop staffed by Frank Seysener. Photo: Men’s Shed. Some of the toys in the pop-up shop staffed by Frank Seysener. Photo: Men’s Shed. RAYMOND Terrace Men’s Shed has been recognised on the national […]

Bill and Margaret Taylor celebrate 60 years married on 9 May. Photo: supplied. Bill with the device that famously saved Kerry Packer. Photo: NSW Ambulance. Kerry Packer in 1991. Photo: Melbourne Press Club. IN a quiet corner of Medowie, Bill and Margaret Taylor are preparing to celebrate a diamond milestone.  Their 60-year marriage is a […]

CALLS  for transparency around the Port Stephens Animal Refuge continue, with community advocates and authorities publicly addressing allegations that euthanasia rates are double the state average. Earlier this week, animal welfare advocate Callie Parnell raised concerns about Port Stephens Council’s lack of direct engagement. She called for open dialogue and a more transparent process of […]