LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
Stinker’s Fishin’: Bream off the beach
Bundabah champions Hazel and Audrey with a couple of thumping bream caught just behind the shore break. Hazel Sweeny with a monster bream caught along Hawks Nest Beach. AFTER writing as many fishing articles as I have over the years it could be expected that nothing much would surprise me. Well, I must say I […]
Regional buses get real-time travel technology
Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information. All buses are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology. FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices. All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional […]

Stinker’s History: The war years
DURING the early years of the Second World War, when there was a large Army presence in the Nelson Bay area, US army engineers constructed a sealed road, which was to form part of the Nelson Bay Road. In the 1940s wartime era there was an army camp for Australian troops (Far North Coast 2/2nd […]
Category D support for primary producers
ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025. This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW […]
Port Stephens Council launches new Community Funding Program
WITH over $450,000 available across various grants and scholarships, the 2025 to 2026 Port Stephens Community Funding Program offers vital financial support to community groups, event organisers, athletes, businesses and schools, dedicated to enhancing the Port Stephens region. Mayor Leah Anderson said the launch of this year’s program ensures the continued support of initiatives that […]
Worimi Conservation Lands’ beach driving open for school holidays
THE Worimi Conservation Lands reopened at first light on Saturday 5 July following severe weather from the recent East Coast Low. The following entry points remain closed to vehicles: Fern Bay 4WD entry at Fern Bay, and selected sites in Ganyamalbaa campground. Visitors are reminded to exercise caution along the beachfront as well as the […]
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads
FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads this week. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland. On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature […]
Stinker’s History: The importance of Tomaree Lodge
A magnificent local site, the future of which will be decided by the community. Tomaree Lodge has a fascinating history. OVER the past 50 years I have wandered through Tomaree Lodge on numerous occasions, mainly on the way to the headland where I fished for bream off the Tomaree Torpedo Tube. I often thought of […]

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely
NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]