Community Archives - Port Stephens News Of The Area

Whale watching season officially under way in Port Stephens

Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season. The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree. WHALE watching season is officially underway in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback […]

Community, Entertainment

Public called on to judge winner of One Square Foot art competition

THE community will decide which of the 40 artworks featured in the One Square Foot exhibition receive the People’s Choice prizes. The competition, organised by Lion Studios, challenged artists from all around Australia to paint creative pieces, on a square-foot canvas, in any style. Artists were permitted to choose oils, acrylics, and even mixed media. […]

Community

New Dogs in Public Places Plan seeks community feedback to balance dog friendly areas and safety

PORT Stephens Council is asking for feedback from the community to develop a plan that will decide how dogs get to use parks, beaches, and public spaces. The Dogs in Public Places Plan, which follows a decision made in the July 2025 Council meeting, will review where dogs can run freely, where they must be […]

Community

Port Stephens Community Arts Centre showcases Botanicals and Printmaker exhibitions

Some of the featured paintings in the Botanicals exhibition. Photo: Nico Lombardo Artists at work behind the scenes at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. Photo: Nico Lombardo Long-time artist and member of the centre, Bev Henry. Photo: Nico Lombardo A NEW exhibition, titled Botanicals, has just been set up for display in the Port […]

Community, Fishing

Stinker’s Fishing: The ultimate fishing experience

RECREATIONAL fishers are forever seeking the ultimate fishing experience. Fishing Utopia, the jewel in the crown. Well, I have found it! Two kilometres off the coast between Port Stephens and Forster sits an island wonderland where the fishing opportunities are endless. Three kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Broughton Island is the only island off […]

Community

Council urges Hunter Water not to close Finnan Park playground

THE Finnan Park playground, situated next to the Grahamstown Dam in Raymond Terrace, has been slated for removal in June, having been fenced off for several months. Hunter Water Corporation has stated that the equipment, which they own, is no longer safe to use and they do not operate playgrounds as part of their core […]

Community

Shoal Bay named People’s Choice Winner in tourist town awards

SHOAL Bay has been recognised as the People’s Choice Winner in the Small Tourism Town category at the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, the People’s Choice Award is determined by public vote, recognising destinations that create memorable visitor experiences and meaningful connections with both visitors and locals. Destination […]

Community

Artists called to submit entries for art contest celebrating migratory birds

THE deadline for entering the “Wings Over Wetlands” art competition, organised by the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre in collaboration with the Port Stephens Sister Cities Committee and Port Stephens Council, is rapidly approaching. Those who wish to participate, whether adults or students, have until 31 May to apply for the chance to win a […]

Community, School

Residents raise parking and safety concerns around Catherine McAuley College

Vehicles line both sides of roads surrounding Catherine McAuley College during school periods. Photo: Ruby van de Wijgaart. Residents say increasing parking pressure has become a growing concern near the Catherine McAuley College precinct. Photo: Ruby van de Wijgaart. TRAFFIC and parking concerns are growing for residents surrounding the Catherine McAuley College precinct in Medowie. […]

Community

Street libraries across Medowie are encouraging reading and community connection

Tea Tree Drive’s community street library encourages locals to exchange books. Photo: Ruby van de Wijgaart. The street library on Tea Tree Drive in Medowie. Photo: Ruby van de Wijgaart. STREET libraries across Medowie are helping build community connections while encouraging locals of all ages to read. Tea Tree Drive is a particular hot-spot, with […]