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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader Alex Capararo and PSKH Head of Wildlife Nikki Manning with one of the koala hospital locals Digger. Alex Capararo, Nikki Manning and Jackie Chan. PORT Stephens Koala Hospital (PSKH) is expanding its conservation efforts thanks to a koala feed tree donation from Forestry Corporation. The only wildlife hospital between Sydney and […]

Police have charged three men and seized a commercial fishing boat. Photos: NSW Police. ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives have charged three men for their alleged role in a conspiracy to supply 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in NSW. Strike Force Blaine was established by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – with the NSW Crime Commission […]

TEN new paramedic interns set to begin the on-road component of their 12-month internships in the Hunter region, taking their next steps towards becoming fully qualified paramedics. Four of the interns will be based in Hunter Zone 1, with the remaining six heading to Hunter Zone 2. Zone 1 is a smaller geographical area which […]

WITH the mullet schools moving on, it was one of the last schools of fish that surprised even the fishermen. As the fish were hauled closer to the beach it was noticed that the mullet were different to all the fish that had been caught earlier in the season. These mullet were monsters, all weighing […]

RECENTLY I wrote about the amazing life and times of Geoffrey Wikner. I mentioned in that article that I was introduced to Mr Wikner by my neighbour, a lady by the name of Daphne Rooke. As it was with Mr Wikner, Daphne has an extraordinary story to tell. The following is a small part of […]