WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet. “A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications […]
Philanthropy Australia pushes for donations to be equal. Photo: Julia M. Cameron.
HUNTER residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need. But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could. The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, up from […]
Measuring soil moisture is just one factor in responding to seasonal conditions.
NEW analysis from Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is providing practical insights for producers looking to make timely decisions as seasonal conditions tighten, with distinct patterns emerging between the Upper and Lower Hunter. The latest data combines Meat and Livestock Australia saleyard throughput, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the […]
Angus Taylor is being accused of trying to replicate One Nation's anti-immigration stance. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]
Port Stephens beaches, such as Birubi at Anna Bay, prove attractive to city-dwellers seeking a change. Photo: Scott Mansfield.
A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers. While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining […]
Sail Port Stephens 2025 Performance Series - Div 1 IRC winner Hooligan. Photo: Promocean Media
Sail Port Stephens 2025 Performance Series – Div 1 IRC winner Hooligan. Photo: Promocean Media The three-week festival brings more than 300 boats and thousands of sailors to the region. Photo: Council. SAIL Port Stephens returns from 13 April, shaping up to be Australia’s largest sailing regatta. The three-week festival is projected to attract 300 […]
Kerrie casts off with visitors in Tea Gardens for the Hot Rods Run on 7 March. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
LOCAL business the Original Tea Gardens Ferry is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Small Business Awards. The owners of this much-loved local service, which carries a large chunk of local tourism back and forth across Port Stephens Bay, will head to Sydney on 2 May for the awards. “The ferry has such a special […]
Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]
GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms.
GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the […]
Volunteers Ing, Hannah and Katherine with Take 3 co-founder Tim Silverwood at Birubi Beach.
TAKE 3 For The Sea has come to the Port Stephens region. On Saturday 21 February, the environmental initiative joined Port Stephens Council and NSW National Parks in hosting a clean-up day at Birubi Beach. It started with Take 3 volunteer Leela Siva giving a presentation detailing the effects of plastic pollution on Australian beaches. […]
