Social media ban: How parents can help kids stay connected safely
AS Australia’s social media ban for under-16s edges closer, children are already worried about losing touch with their friends. But while the onus is on social media platforms to act, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) say the real battle will be at home – where parents must enforce the rules, manage their […]
From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Leah Anderson
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 […]
Letter to the Editor: Climate alarmism over beach changes
DEAR News Of The Area, IAIN Watt’s recent opinion piece (“Where are all our beaches going?”) paints a dramatic picture of doom for Port Stephens’ coastline, but as usual, it’s heavy on climate alarmism and light on facts. Let’s start with the obvious: beaches have been changing shape, size, and location for thousands of years. […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I was recently being led to my medical appointment by a young intern when I accidentally broke wind. It was loud and it was pretty clear that I was the culprit. I am in my mid-fifties. I was mortified. Should I have said something to him? Brook S. Dear Brook, First of all, […]
Doctor AI
The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world.
Drawing clouds and coconuts: Why cartoonists never tire of the Pearly Gates and the Desert Island
The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world. The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world. YOU would think that after decades, cartoonists would have wrung out every last drop of humour from two of […]
OPINION: Where are all our beaches going?
PORT Stephens beaches are vital for tourism and recreation, but sea level rise is causing beach narrowing, increasing erosion, and threatening local coastal infrastructure and recreational amenity. Beaches are defined as sandy areas that extend over 20 metres in length, with their upper sections remaining dry at high tide, forming a natural barrier against wave […]
On the couch with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, OUR home was adorned with beautifully framed photographic memories of our travels and adventures. Over the past few visits from in-laws, these memories have all been replaced with watercolours. Is this something to embrace or something to mourn? Brett P. Dear Brett, What an unusual conundrum. Are you suggesting your in-laws are perhaps […]
From the Mayor’s Desk: Our Incredible Place Strategy
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 […]
