THE latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures indicate that total home approvals for the Hunter grew two percent in 2025 compared to the 2024 calendar year. On the Central Coast, total home approvals grew by 16 percent in the same period. Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director, said the overall growth in approvals is […]
Don and Coral Kafer are known as having introduced the avocado to the Tomaree Peninsula.
IN 1976 Don and Coral Kafer of Bobs Farm planted six avocado trees on the advice of an agronomist from the Department of Agriculture. As there was no information as to whether the trees would grow and fruit this far south, the trees were pretty much left to “fend for themselves”. In the early stages […]
Minister Moriarty with landholder Andrew McIntyre.
A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW. The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years. The control program has been built […]
All new permits and renewals will be available via the Worimi Conservation Lands and National Parks and Wildlife Service websites. Photo: NPWS.
VISITORS planning to drive on the Worimi Conservation Lands at Stockton Bight, between Anna Bay and Stockton, should be aware of a new Beach Vehicle Permit (BVP) system. From 3 March 2026, permits will be purchased online. Existing paper and sticker permits will remain valid until they expire. The cost of permits will not change. […]
The Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection.
A FORMER traffic engineer has expressed urgent safety concerns over two infamous highway intersections, describing the level of risk as “unacceptable”. As reported in NOTA on 21 January 2026, the NSW Government currently has no firm plans to fix the busy and dangerous Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in the foreseeable future. “Further investigations are underway […]
Port Stephens councillor Mark Watson
PORT Stephens Council has reaffirmed its position on potential offshore wind development off the Hunter coast. At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 24 February, councillor Mark Watson moved a multi-faceted motion which called for a series of actions from the Federal Government. Council has confirmed it does not currently support an offshore wind project off […]
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, with expressions of interest now open. Volunteer Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible community organisations that rely on volunteers. The program is designed to strengthen local volunteering by helping […]
SENIOR Constable Alison Stewart has been recognised as Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year for 2026. She was honoured as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which shine a spotlight on visionary thinkers, everyday heroes and trailblazing role models who make a meaningful difference in their communities. This year, 94 women […]
FOUR-YEAR funding is being made available to local organisations to combat the impact of priority weeds, updating a previously annual grant program. The new $40.7 million NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) is a key component of the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Action Plan, with funding being provided to 97 Local Control Authorities (LCA). Minister for Agriculture […]
IDA Lena Collard OAM was born on 8 September 1920 to Henry and Selina Upton. Below are her memories of growing up as the fifth of seven children on a dairy farm in Bobs Farm. To read part one, visit the News Of The Area website or pick up a copy of last week’s paper. […]
