February 2, 2026
Extreme weather increasing health risks in rural and remote Australia
Community, Health

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 […]

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148 volunteers in Nelson Bay and Tomaree recognised for 6,158 trips, and transporting 321 cancer patients 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.
Community, Health

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 […]

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Hunter Wetlands Centre unveils upgraded Sensory Trail Trinity Catholic College Students working on the Sensory Trail.
Community

Hunter Wetlands Centre unveils upgraded 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 […]

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Beyond the byline: One reporter’s reflection of the year that was Attending the Tomaree Friendship Group 30th anniversary gala dinner.
Community

Beyond the byline: One reporter’s reflection of the year that was

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 […]

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Tragic house fire reminds residents to check smoke alarms and their battery safety knowledge The Tukana’s Raymond Terrace house after a battery fire destroyed it in November 2025.
Community

Tragic house fire reminds residents to check smoke alarms and their battery safety knowledge

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 […]

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Paradise interrupted: Tomaree WWII story captures nation’s attention and an award Judy Washington receives the Mander Jones Award for ‘Paradise Interrupted’, presented by President Hannah Hibbert.
Community, National

Paradise interrupted: Tomaree WWII story captures nation’s attention and an award

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 […]

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Port Stephens Legacy recognises strong community support Legatee Wendy Barwick, VP Nelson Bay Torchbearers Judy Chapman, Chair Port Stephens Legacy Division Doug Jacka, and Lemon Tree Passage Torchbearers president Carol Brindley.
Community

Port Stephens Legacy recognises strong community support

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 […]

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Entrances to Tomaree Coastal Walk in Boat Harbour funded to undergo restorative maintenance The southward entrance and the areas planned for rehabilitation.
Community

Entrances to Tomaree Coastal Walk in Boat Harbour funded to undergo restorative maintenance

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 […]

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