August 20, 2025
Letter to the Editor: We won’t be silenced on offshore wind
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: We won’t be silenced on offshore wind

DEAR News Of The Area, Labor’s political opportunism, environmental hypocrisy, and bullying continues. Justin Page’s letter (8 May 2025) is yet another example of Labor-funded political hypocrisy. A union and Labor operative now posing as a “local community advocate” at the Hunter Jobs Alliance, Page has the audacity to accuse everyday Australians of “opportunism” and […]

Read More
Letter to the Editor: Provide us the full costings
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Provide us the full costings

DEAR News Of The Area, “It is time to move forward with a proper, fact-based assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of the Hunter offshore wind industry, ensuring the region can seize the opportunities of a clean energy future and it is time to put an end to the misinformation surrounding offshore wind.” Hear, […]

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

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]

Read More
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