SPARE a thought for the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They may float 400 kilometres above Earth at 28,000 km/h, eating their dinner out of pouches while gazing down at the swirling blue planet below – but they have one very down-to-earth problem: laundry. Or rather, the complete lack of it. That’s right. […]

THE Premier and Minister for Regional NSW will convene an advisory group to address the challenges faced by people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of the state. Announced at the 2025 Bush Summit, the NSW Premier’s “Rural, Remote & Regional Advisory Council” (PRRRAC) will meet twice annually with Premier Chris Minns […]

THE Rotary Club of Nelson Bay is planning an extension to Tomaree Community Hospital Rotary Garden. It was completed two years ago and has been called an “outstanding success”. “The garden was built on a barren area adjacent to the patient wards and is in constant use by patients and visitors to the hospital,” a […]

Around 200 people attended the public information session. A snapshot of the proposed precinct concept, as presented by architect Justin Hamilton of SHAC. Tomaree Lodge is situated in Worimi Country and is state heritage-listed. CONCEPT plans for Tomaree Lodge were shared with around 200 community members during a public information session on Wednesday 27 August. […]

“STEPTEMBER” is Australia’s leading virtual health and wellness fundraising challenge, supporting life-changing research, therapy and services for people living with cerebral palsy. This September, the team at The Salamander Hotel are using their bar steps as fitness steps as they take part in STEPtember. From bartenders to kitchen crew, the whole team is committed to […]

MILLIONS of Australians are putting their superannuation at risk by not following-through with proper, and legally binding, beneficiary paperwork, according to a nation-wide survey. Research conducted by Super Consumers Australia, an advocate for people on low and middle incomes in Australia’s superannuation system, shows that more than one in three Australians with super say they […]

A NEW Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released and will come into effect in local councils from 1 January 2026. All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025. Key changes to the […]

THE next time you see the sunrise, take a moment. That big ball of nuclear fire lighting up your morning sky is not just sitting there politely waiting for you to make coffee. It’s racing around the Milky Way at an eye-watering 828,000 km/h, dragging Earth and the rest of the solar system along for […]

THE Term 3 Week 5 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed. Week 5 winners: Irrawang PS: Isabelle truly leads by example. She works collaboratively with her peers, shows kindness, and treats both students and staff with respect in every situation. Belle actively supports other children in managing their emotions and […]

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club members enjoyed the gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency overlooking Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Photo: Wayne Bower. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, TGHNSLSC club captain Wayne Bower, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Jack Alterator BM, Hunter Branch President Henry Scruton, Gingerlily Shelton BM, TGHNSLSC Vice President Jackie […]