January 12, 2026
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, AFTER a couple of weeks away, my husband and I have realised that we get along much better when we are away from home. Our relationship improved, we both relaxed for the first time in a long time, and it became apparent that we are soft touches and often feel that others take […]

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Letter to the Editor: Mooring restrictions
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Mooring restrictions

DEAR News Of The Area, BOAT and yacht club members, mooring holders and marine industries in Port Stephens are very concerned about the recent restrictions imposed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on acquisition, disposal and modifications to moorings. As I understand it, these restrictions and changes of policy were developed by DPI in […]

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Letter to the Editor: Well done on the waterfront
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Well done on the waterfront

DEAR News Of The Area, THE Mayor and her councillors, not forgetting staff, have done a terrific job at Shoal Bay waterfront. With the planting of trees, seating and electric BBQs residents and visitors can now enjoy our pristine waterways. Now all we need is a designated and managed parking area that will be close […]

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Letter to the Editor: Cost-of-living failure
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Cost-of-living failure

DEAR News Of The Area, UP until recently diabetics on a chronic health care plan received their five visits bulk billed to the podiatrists. Now podiatrists demand we pay a gap of about $30 per visit… on a pension this is another cost-of-living failure by the government. Why doesn’t the government arrange Medicare to pay […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert. Why is there so much interest? Jerry P. Dear Jerry, Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It’s one thing to drive a loved […]

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