October 8, 2026
Eighteen-dwelling rural residential proposal in flood-prone land proceeds to Gateway Aerial photograph of the proposed residential development site at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane. Photo: Metromap.
Community, Government, Local News

Eighteen-dwelling rural residential proposal in flood-prone land proceeds to Gateway

Aerial photograph of the proposed residential development site at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane. Photo: Metromap. Preliminary masterplan. Photo: sala4D. AGAINST staff recommendations, Port Stephens Council (PSC) has approved a residential planning proposal at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane, Hinton, to be sent for Gateway consideration. “As a planner, I would say that in most instances I […]

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Dogs at risk as hot car laws languish in Parliament Dogs can die in hot cars and can suffer burns from ute trays. Photo: magnific.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Dogs at risk as hot car laws languish in Parliament

EVERY year in NSW, authorities receive hundreds of calls about animals left in hot vehicles. Temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels and can rapidly reach more than double the outside temperature – even on mild days. Tinting, parking in the shade or leaving the windows open do not help to reduce the […]

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Port Stephens Council aims to deliver more affordable housing The new action plan is designed to curb the increasing homelessness rates. Photo: Affordable Housing Action Plan, Port Stephens Council.
Community, Government, Local News, Regional

Port Stephens Council aims to deliver more affordable housing

The new action plan is designed to curb the increasing homelessness rates. Photo: Affordable Housing Action Plan, Port Stephens Council. While more than 20,000 households qualify for affordable housing in Port Stephens, very little is available. Photo: Affordable Housing Action Plan, Port Stephens Council. PORT Stephens Council (PSC) has put the new draft Affordable Housing […]

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Port Stephens’ first refuge for women and children escaping violence opens Minister Jodie Harrison speaks at the opening of Aunty Colleen’s Place, with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington looking on. Photo: Office of Jodie Harrison.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Police, Regional

Port Stephens’ first refuge for women and children escaping violence opens

Minister Jodie Harrison speaks at the opening of Aunty Colleen’s Place, with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington looking on. Photo: Office of Jodie Harrison. The shared living room inside the newly opened refuge. Photo: Office of Jodie Harrison. One of the bedrooms prepared for children staying at Aunty Colleen’s Place. Photo: Office of Jodie Harrison. […]

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New motorway extension to ease traffic away from Port Stephens Motorists using the M1 extension will save 10 minutes of travel time, avoiding the notorious Hexham bottleneck. Image: Transport for NSW.
Community, Government, Local News, Regional

New motorway extension to ease traffic away from Port Stephens

AFTER more than two years of construction, $2.24 billion in funding and 1.6 million cubic meters of earth removed, the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace has finally been opened more than a year ahead of schedule. Last month, locals got to walk on foot on a section of the newly completed road, but […]

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Staffing is key as locals back push back on Tomaree Hospital upgrade Christen White, Julie Wildman and Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary President Jayne Kilbride at the community meeting.
Community, Government, Health, Local News

Staffing is key as locals back push back on Tomaree Hospital upgrade

Kevin Lynch and Kate Washington MP at the community meeting discussing the future of health care in Port Stephens. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. Christen White, Julie Wildman and Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary President Jayne Kilbride at the community meeting. CALLS for Tomaree Hospital to be upgraded to a Level 3 facility were front and centre when […]

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Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost

THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]

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