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 […]
I HAD the very exciting opportunity to be on the first international flight from Newcastle Airport to Bali on 21 October. I funded myself and my kids, Mackenzie and Hunter, for a holiday as a special gift for Hunter’s 18th birthday. MacKenzie and Hunter had never been to Bali before, and getting to take them […]
HOUSING remains one of our biggest challenges in Port Stephens. For the past few years, we’ve known that the lack of diverse and affordable housing has been impacting our local community. The NSW Government has predicted that another 20,000 people will call Port Stephens home over the next 20 years. That’s why we adopted the […]
INVESTING in events, the arts, and culture is about more than just entertainment, it’s about creating better spaces and stronger communities. When we invest in vibrant spaces, we help foster a sense of community and security, while boosting the health and wellbeing of residents. Our Incredible Place Strategy, adopted in 2021, has been a vital […]
LAST week I had the privilege of officially opening the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport, a proud moment for Port Stephens and the entire Hunter region. This new terminal is a gateway, not just to the rest of Australia, but to the world. With year-round international flights now possible, we’re more connected than ever. […]
YOUNG people in Port Stephens never cease to amaze me with their ideas, creativity and passion. It’s clear they want to be a voice for the future. That’s why I’m excited Council is holding its first Youth Summit this month. The Youth Summit is a one-day event that brings together around 50 students from local […]
WE are so lucky to have so many grassroots community groups and individuals providing direct and trusted support to those most in need. They know our towns, our people and our challenges and achieve a lot with very limited resources. Council’s Community Funding program is one way we support and strengthen that work. The program […]
THIS week is Homelessness Week – a timely opportunity to focus on our commitment to housing. We often think of homelessness as a big city problem, but the truth is, it’s happening right here in Port Stephens. The latest NSW Street Count showed the number of people sleeping rough in Port Stephens has doubled since […]
PORT Stephens is a community built on respect, kindness, and diversity. It’s what makes us strong, vibrant, and proud to call this place home. But lately, I’ve been concerned about what I’m seeing online, and I know many of you have noticed it too. In recent months, there’s been a rise in negative and, at […]
RAYMOND Terrace is experiencing exciting growth and development, and this is good news for our community. Over the past year, Council has approved plans for 77 new homes in Raymond Terrace, with another 27 housing units currently under assessment. This shows that people are starting to believe in Raymond Terrace’s bright future and want to […]
