May 8, 2026
Letter to the Editor: Dutton’s legacy
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Dutton’s legacy

DEAR News Of The Area, PETER Dutton blames “Hate Media” such as the ABC and The Guardian for contributing to his defeat in the election. The fact is that most media in Australia favours the conservative side of politics. The Murdoch-owned The Australian, Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun consistently favour the Coalition. Dutton generously shared […]

Read More
From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Leah Anderson
From The Mayor's Desk

From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Leah Anderson

PORT Stephens is a vibrant region, with each town and village offering something special. Salamander Bay Town Centre is one of our key commercial and community hubs. Over time, it’s grown without a clear plan, but that’s changing. With your help, we’re creating a Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan to shape a vision for […]

Read More
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter. The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year’s resolution are back on the scales. It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy. Do I just give in and give up? Tina P. Dear Tina, […]

Read More
The Write Direction: What’s in it for us?
The Write Direction

The Write Direction: What’s in it for us?

IT was US President Kennedy that said voters should think about what is good for their country rather than the selfish option of asking “what’s in it for me”. I don’t know if my fellow Aussies are that way inclined at present, so I set my thought processes to look harder at what is being […]

Read More
Letter to the Editor:  A haven amid turbulent times
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: A haven amid turbulent times

DEAR News Of The Area, WE live in turbulent times. Internationally we’ve got US President Trump “The Wrecker” trashing treaties and world economic and financial systems, the Ukraine fighting for its life against Putin “The Russian Murderer”, China threatening Taiwan and dissent everywhere. Locally we’ve got the federal election coming up with Albo versus Dutton, […]

Read More
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, Every time I catch up with my friends the conversation always ends up leading to our despair over American politics. I catch up with them to escape negative things and sometimes I now leave feeling worse than when I arrived. What’s the answer? Katie L. Dear Katie, It’s hard to fathom some of […]

Read More
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, WHENEVER I go to the supermarket for a couple of items, I end up leaving with a trolley full. How can I avoid the temptation and stick to my budget? Gloria V. Dear Gloria, It’s easy to feel defeated when you go into the supermarket for eggs and milk and return with two […]

Read More
From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Leah Anderson
Letter to the Editor

From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Leah Anderson

I ALWAYS look forward to National Youth Week – it’s such a great opportunity each year to celebrate the talents and contributions of young people across Australia, especially right here in Port Stephens. This year, Youth Week runs from 9 to 17 April, and the theme – ‘We are the future, and the future is […]

Read More