March 6, 2026
Offshore wind farm on Hunter Coast back on the table as government invites R&D applications The Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities have spent years protesting against a proposed wind farm. Photo: NOTA file.
Local News

Offshore wind farm on Hunter Coast back on the table as government invites R&D applications

The Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities have spent years protesting against a proposed wind farm. Photo: NOTA file. The designated zone runs between Norah Head and Port Stephens. THE Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) has joined community groups in accusing Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen of attempting to revive the region’s failed […]

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CSU study reveals the ‘ecosystem’ feeding on great whites
Local News

CSU study reveals the ‘ecosystem’ feeding on great whites

A WORLD-FIRST study by Charles Sturt University (CSU) has identified an ecosystem of parasites inside great white sharks. The global study by researchers in CSU’s School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, and the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture Water and Environment, found evidence of at least 116 parasites inside the apex predator. Professor in Veterinary […]

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Stinker’s History: Broughton Island a ‘must-visit’ This Greek fisherman's hut on Broughton Island was destroyed in a raging fire.
Local News

Stinker’s History: Broughton Island a ‘must-visit’

ONCE a little-known NSW island, Broughton has become a ‘must visit’ destination for fishermen, boaties and day trippers. Over recent years, the island has changed socially, for the better, with an influx of families rather than a domination of fishermen. Bird watching, hiking, photography, snorkelling and of course, fishing, are all part of the island […]

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Government flags tougher penalties for animal cruelty including jail time for leaving dogs in hot cars Even if parked in the shade with the windows partially down, dogs can die in a car in less than six minutes. Photo: GabesDotPhotos/Pexels.
Local News

Government flags tougher penalties for animal cruelty including jail time for leaving dogs in hot cars

DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties. The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences. Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, […]

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Port Stephens Council urges residents to prepare for hot January days
Local News

Port Stephens Council urges residents to prepare for hot January days

RESIDENTS of Port Stephens were urged to prepare for the heat as January temperatures reached the high 30s. The Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe to extreme heatwave conditions across southeastern NSW on 10 January, including in coastal areas like Port Stephens. From Monday 12 January, coastal winds remained mostly east to northeasterly. By the end […]

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Stinker’s History: still much to learn
Local News

Stinker’s History: still much to learn

THIS is my 50th year in Port Stephens and I still feel like I am scratching the surface. Being a Fingal Bay resident for all those years I know every rock on the land and in the water. Fishing in my tinny everywhere from the Outer Light south to Rocky Point for all those years, […]

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NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost Member for Port Stephens and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
Local News

NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost

FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]

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Free legal help available for fire-affected residents
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Free legal help available for fire-affected residents

LEGAL Aid NSW is urging anyone impacted by the recent bushfires in the Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and Central West NSW to seek free legal help early. The Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) can advise people about issues relating to insurance claims, tenancy rights, accessing disaster grants and payments, […]

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New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
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New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather than mutated genes acting alone. Lead researcher Dr Andres […]

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