DEAR Jasminda, Real tree or fake? Kids are nagging me for a real one, but I have a tree on the mezzanine that I can just drag down and decorate. Katherine E. Dear Katherine, I don’t want to alarm you, but do you realise we are heading towards the pointy end of Christmas? With just […]
Parents List
On the couch with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, MY husband’s Netflix viewing history shows an abnormal amount of True Crime shows, serial killer series, and murder mysteries. Should I be worried? Petra L. Dear Petra, For some strange reason, many people like having the living daylights scared out of them for relaxation. I’m not one of them, and it sounds as […]
From the Mayor’s desk: Keeping it local during the festive season
THE holiday season has arrived and so has summer. Whether you’re a local or visitor, there’s nothing quite like spending the summer in Port Stephens. From beaches to shops and places to eat, there’s something for everyone. We also have plenty of events and activities throughout the season to keep the family entertained. The It’s […]
Stable
Letter to the Editor: Peace and joy in the Christmas rush
DEAR News Of The Area, CHRISTMAS is nearly here again! Is the pace of life getting faster? Christmas brings family gatherings and presents. We wish each other “Merry Christmas” and, hopefully, we have a good time. But Christmas can be busy and stressful, so please pause for just a moment. You’ve likely heard, in a […]
13th Day Christmas
From the Mayor’s desk: Coastal Management Program
THE Port Stephens coastline is central to our lifestyle and economy, offering stunning beaches, thriving marine life and vibrant places to live, work and visit. These coastal areas are more than just beautiful backdrops, they are the heart of our community, supporting tourism, recreation, biodiversity and the lifestyle we value so highly. Protecting these natural […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, FOR five years, I have been minding a friend’s dog (Minty) while they go on holidays. This is usually no problem; the dog and I get on very well. This time, though, I was left with instructions that Minty (who is 15) now eats breakfast at 4.30am and dinner at 3.00pm every day, […]
Stargazing: The secret star maps of moths
ON a moonless night, when the world goes quiet and even the gum trees seem to hold their breath, something small is commuting through the darkness. Not a drone. Not a late-night bird. Just a moth, humble, silent, and roughly the size of your thumb flying with the confidence of a seasoned pilot. Inside that […]
