August 4, 2026
Citizen scientists photograph and catalogue fungi The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens participated in the Great Aussie Fungi Hunt for the first time. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Community, Local News, Regional

Citizen scientists photograph and catalogue fungi

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens participated in the Great Aussie Fungi Hunt for the first time. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Professor Tim Roberts performing an introductory talk about fungi. Photo: Nico Lombardo. A stinkhorn, one of the many fungi growing in the area. Photo: Nico Lombardo. THE Great Aussie Fungi Hunt 2026 is on, and community […]

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Local Lions clubs back life-changing domestic violence project Assistant Manager of PSFNS, Ann Fletcher, receiving the $10,000 donation from combined Lions Clubs. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Local News, Regional

Local Lions clubs back life-changing domestic violence project

FIVE Port Stephens Lions Clubs have joined forces to help create a brighter future for women, children and young people escaping domestic and family violence. The clubs recently donated $10,000 towards the region’s new Domestic Violence Core and Cluster development. The combined contribution from the Lions Clubs of Raymond Terrace, Tilligerry, Soldiers Point, Medowie and […]

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Black pelican highlights lasting impact of oil spill The oiled pelican was photographed at Woodville, around 140km north of the chemical spill in the Alexandria Canal.
Community, Local News, Regional

Black pelican highlights lasting impact of oil spill

The oiled pelican was photographed at Woodville, around 140km north of the chemical spill in the Alexandria Canal. Connor’s keen eye and honed lens spotted and clearly captured the oiled pelican on film. Photos: Connor Nash. A STRIKING photograph of an almost completely black Australian pelican has become a powerful reminder that environmental disasters can […]

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New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group Eve with a few of her favourite things - eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham.
Business, Community, Local News, Regional

New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group

Eve with a few of her favourite things – eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham. Freckle, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor of News Of The Area, the family-owned independent local […]

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Blueys Beach Village concept design adopted
Regional

Blueys Beach Village concept design adopted

THE final Blueys Beach Village concept design aims to improve pedestrian and motorist safety while enhancing the area’s visual amenity and preserving the area’s relaxed, coastal atmosphere. The chosen design was adopted by MidCoast Council following community consultation. Two concept designs were placed on public exhibition for community feedback. During the consultation period, Council staff […]

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New visitor sign brings the younger generations together for Raymond Terrace Kids were asked to participate in surveys to give feedback about the future of Raymond Terrace. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Government, Regional

New visitor sign brings the younger generations together for Raymond Terrace

Kids were asked to participate in surveys to give feedback about the future of Raymond Terrace. Photo: Nico Lombardo. A bus stop in the vicinity of the new sign will be decorated by Up&Up using ideas submitted by schoolchildren. Photo: Nico Lombardo. AS one of the first sights that greets visitors coming to Raymond Terrace, […]

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Australian records first case of H5 bird flu
Health, National, Regional

Australian records first case of H5 bird flu

THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026. A detection of H5 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. This is the […]

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Wilma’s crochet animals bring joy to children Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals.
Health, Regional

Wilma’s crochet animals bring joy to children

Wilma with her gifts of love. Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals. YOU never know what happens when you hand over a gift to someone. Will it be appreciated, loved, packed away, passed onto someone else or – worse – sent to the Op Shop? Wilma Whysall, a retired bank teller who had relocated from […]

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Council’s program to safeguard the coastline gets certification from the State Minister for the Environment The CMP will result in a combined effort from Council and external organisations. Pictured, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Mike Shaw from the Shoal Bay West Landcare Group. Photo: Port Stephens Council
Government, Regional

Council’s program to safeguard the coastline gets certification from the State Minister for the Environment

A PLAN to protect and improve the coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach has been certified by the State Minister for the Environment, marking a significant milestone for Port Stephens Council. Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy to address coastal hazards, safeguard community assets, and increase resilience to climate change. The […]

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