The seahorses are lowered into the water for their release. Photo: NSW DPIRD. Baby seahorses amongst the seagrass. Photo: NSW DPIRD. MORE than 1200 captive-bred White’s seahorse babies have been released into their new home at Port Stephens. The baby seahorses were released into underwater ‘seahorse hotels’, an artificial habitat made to provide shelter and […]
$500k to boost community road safety across NSW
TRANSPORT for NSW has announced $500,000 in funding for the latest round of its Community Road Safety Grants program. Chadi Chalhoub, Executive Director for Transport Safety at Transport for NSW, said this funding matches the significant investment made in 2024 and reflects the importance of community-led efforts to help make roads safer. “Local communities know […]
Pedestrian dies following crash at Medowie
A PEDESTRIAN has tragically died following a crash in Medowie. About 1.40am on Sunday 3 August 2025, emergency services were called to Medowie Road following reports of a crash. Officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District arrived to find a man had been hit by a car. The man – believed to be aged […]
‘The physical scars are there for all to see’: floods the focus of Penfold’s maiden speech
THE ongoing challenges of the May floods were the focus of Alison Penfold’s maiden speech to Federal Parliament on Wednesday 30 July. Ms Penfold was elected the new Nationals MP for Lyne on 3 May. The poll was yet to be officially declared when record flooding hit parts of the electorate, claiming lives and livestock, […]
Shoal Bay tree replenishment underway to revive vandalised foreshore
PORT Stephens Council has begun replenishing trees vandalised along the Shoal Bay foreshore. Mayor Leah Anderson said the regeneration effort is in response to damage caused to the trees earlier this year. “We take any act of vandalism very seriously,” Mayor Anderson said. “The damage to public trees along the Shoal Bay foreshore in March […]
Stinker’s History: The wreck of SS Florence Irving
FOR some unknown reason shipwrecks and islands have always intrigued me. When a ship runs aground on an island I am doubly interested. Such was the case of the SS Florence Irving which struck Fingal Island in 1877, 15 years after the Outer Lighthouse was established. I wish to acknowledge the excellent research conducted by […]
Nominate now for 2026 Australian of the Year awards
TIME is running out to nominate for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. With days remaining, organisers are urging people across the country to nominate those whose actions, leadership or impact deserve recognition. Nominations will close at midnight AEST on Thursday 31 July 2025. This is the final opportunity to help bring the stories […]
Port Stephens Community Arts Centre exhibition explores the elements
Artist Robyn Killen. Robyn Killen’s oil painting entitled ‘Dunes’. PORT Stephens Community Arts Centre is currently showing an exhibition of works with an environmental theme. The artists on display have explored the elements and the sights and sounds of the world, from nature to urban development. The exhibition runs from 30 July to 8 September, […]
Medowie student wins NAIDOC art prize
MATILDA Moore, a year 11 student at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie, has been recognised as the winner of the M1 to Raymond Terrace NAIDOC Week Art Prize at an event on site at Heatherbrae. Matilda’s work includes elements of dreaming stories such as the rainbow serpent and seven sisters, and symbols which fade out […]
Have your say on proposed road reserve sales
PORT Stephens Council is inviting local residents to share their views on the proposed closure and sale of 11 road reserves to help fund road repairs and upgrades. The plan includes road reserves at the end of Morna Point Road, Anna Bay; on Kingsley Drive, Boat Harbour; on Meredith Avenue, Lemon Tree Passage; on Ocean […]