April 21, 2026
Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas Port Stephens oysters are the best.
Local News

Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas

HERE is something different for Christmas, an oyster recipe given to me by my old friend Margaret Woods. If you love oysters, you will find more of her oyster recipes in one of my books, “Oysterman”, which is available around town. Mambo Oyster Soup Ingredients: – 2 dozen oysters – 2 tablespoons of cornflour – […]

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Access  to essential medicines during recent bushfires
Local News

Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires

PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]

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Council endorses Roads Futures Strategy and undertakes pothole trial Council has commenced a pothole trial to help identify longer lasting repair options, with results feeding into the Roads Futures Strategy.
Local News

Council endorses Roads Futures Strategy and undertakes pothole trial

PORT Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed the development of a Roads Futures Strategy to “strengthen long-term planning and deliver more resilient and sustainable local roads”. The Strategy will outline Council’s long-term vision to support population growth, improve safety and strengthen sustainability of local roads across Port Stephens. Port Stephens Council manages a road network of […]

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Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy
Local News

Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy

TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]

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Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Local News

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

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Peak season measures to be implemented at Birubi Point Birubi Point is a hot-spot for tourists during the summer season.
Local News

Peak season measures to be implemented at Birubi Point

PORT STEPHENS Council is implementing measures to support a better experience for locals and visitors at Birubi Point during the busy summer holiday period. General Manager Tim Crosdale said, “Our peak season management plan guides our approach, and this holiday period it will include extra linemarking, additional onsite signage, increased Council Ranger presence, VMS early […]

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Earlier start to shark surveillance on NSW beaches
Local News

Earlier start to shark surveillance on NSW beaches

SURF Life Saving drones will be in the air earlier and for longer this summer as the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) steps up shark surveillance. The NSW Government has allocated an extra $2.5m for shark management following the recent deaths of a female tourist near Crowdy Bay and a local surfer on Sydney’s Northern […]

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Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with workers at the Tomago smelter.
Local News

Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear

MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]

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Four youths charged after alleged pursuit
Local News

Four youths charged after alleged pursuit

THREE teens and a child have been charged after an alleged highway pursuit. About 6.50am on Tuesday 9 December 2025, officers attached to Port-Stephens Hunter Police District attempted to stop a vehicle on the Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae. When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle allegedly continued towards […]

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