DEAR News Of The Area, A CONVERSATION with an Uber driver on my way to Brisbane Airport got me thinking about where Australia is heading. We talked about youth crime, housing, cost-of-living pressures and immigration. I came away wondering whether our political debate focuses too much on who to blame and not enough on what […]
The Søren Larsen, as photographed by Dale Sim.
DEAR News Of The Area, I SNAPPED a few pictures of the Søren Larsen tall ship in Fingal Bay. She sheltered [overnight on 22 September, 2026] in lee of Fingal Island and was still there this morning. According to the Sydney Harbour Tall Ships website, the Søren Larsen, built in 1949, was one of the […]
DEAR Jasminda, MY friend lets her dog ‘prewash’ the dinner plates and dessert bowls by licking up any leftovers before she puts them in the dishwasher. As much as I love going there for dinner, I am disgusted by this unhygienic act. How do I sensitively raise this issue? Isla F. DEAR Isla, PEOPLE with […]
DEAR News Of The Area, THE NSW Government’s proposed changes to bag limits for snapper and yellowtail kingfish should concern every recreational fisher in this state. Once again, recreational fishers appear to be the easiest target when the Government wants to be seen to be doing something about fish stocks. But where is the evidence […]
BECAUSE we are living in similar circumstances to the rest of the Western world, what is the reality for real estate values in our country? International news agency Reuters put together a report on real estate markets in Canada and New Zealand, which has become available in Australia this month. It caught my eye because […]
WHEN astronauts eventually set foot on the Moon for months at a time, or establish the first human settlement on Mars, they’ll face a challenge that’s just as important as rockets and spacesuits: growing fresh food. Taking enough supplies from Earth simply isn’t practical for long missions, so future explorers will need thriving gardens millions […]
THERE’S a great energy building around Raymond Terrace. Over the next few weeks, our town will be in the spotlight with two massive events that will bring the community together. First up is Illuminate this Saturday, 19 September, at Boomerang Park from 4pm to 8pm. It’s going to be a fantastic evening filled with live […]
DEAR Jasminda, MY 18-year-old son is moving out of home. Can you give me some ideas for a gift to take to his share accommodation? He’s moving in with two mates. Kylie B. DEAR Kylie, MOVIING into a house with two mates is idyllic at first. Every day feels like a holiday. Hanging out on […]
DEAR News Of The Area, OUR local MP Kate Washington said her government is “committed to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public ownership” (‘ICONIC FUTURE”, NOTA, 10/9/26). Good on her. But how can she guarantee this after the next State election in six months? What if there’s a change of government? Ms Washington’s a well-respected representative, […]
