_Port Stephens Archives - Port Stephens News Of The Area

University of Newcastle staff and alumni recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

UNIVERSITY of Newcastle staff and alumni were among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with ten individuals acknowledged for their contributions across education, health, public service, community welfare and defence. University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated the recipients and praised their achievements. “Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the […]

Local News

How a female-owned farm aims to support those in need.

Camille Scott suddenly found herself running the farm, alongside her sisters Alexis and Bridie, and she’s determined to give back to the community. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham. One acre of land on the farm might be turned into a free, inclusive community space. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham. REDGATE Farm Seaham operates on a guiding premise: […]

Community, Entertainment

Public called on to judge winner of One Square Foot art competition

THE community will decide which of the 40 artworks featured in the One Square Foot exhibition receive the People’s Choice prizes. The competition, organised by Lion Studios, challenged artists from all around Australia to paint creative pieces, on a square-foot canvas, in any style. Artists were permitted to choose oils, acrylics, and even mixed media. […]

Health

Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program 2026 opens for community environmental projects

A GRANTS program that last year helped plant 123,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers will return in 2026. Grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 are available to support the native planting projects of Landcare groups, Bushcare, Coastcare and Dunecare groups, local governments, natural resource management organisations, not-for-profit organisations and First Nations organisations. It is the second […]

Community

New Dogs in Public Places Plan seeks community feedback to balance dog friendly areas and safety

PORT Stephens Council is asking for feedback from the community to develop a plan that will decide how dogs get to use parks, beaches, and public spaces. The Dogs in Public Places Plan, which follows a decision made in the July 2025 Council meeting, will review where dogs can run freely, where they must be […]

Local News

How Oyster Cove earnt its name

Oyster Cove with the Stella Maris hard at work. Photo: Supplied. Before hardwood oyster racks, black mangroves were used to grow oysters. Photo: Supplied. IT is difficult to believe that the tiny hamlet of Oyster Cove on the shores of Port Stephens was, at one time, considered to be the focus of the “biggest oyster […]

School

Positive Behaviour for Learning weekly winners

HERE are Port Stephens’ Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Term 2, Week 7 winners. Each week, students are recognised for demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best. Over the years, this has led to positive changes in how our students represent our school and engage with the wider Port Stephens community. It […]

Business, Food

Local Medowie farmers a fresh option

Pumpkins for sale at Farmer Bob’s Medowie Fresh Produce stall. Fresh fruit and vegetables displayed at Tomatoes at Abundance in Medowie. LONG-TIME locals will remember Medowie for its once‑thriving peach farms. Those orchards may be gone, but Medowie hasn’t lost its connection to fresh, home‑grown produce. A handful of small farms still operate quietly across […]

National

Port Stephens Marine Rescue volunteer receives Australian Bravery Medal

Suzanne Freeman on deck with Marine Rescue, where she has served for 24 years. Volunteer Suzanne Freeman’s bravery and professionalism has again been recognised. A VOLUNTEER who has served Marine Rescue NSW for almost a quarter of a century has been honoured with an Emergency Services Medal in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. Suzanne […]

Health

The Port Stephens community stands strong for cancer warrior Lucy through song

SINGERS in a Port Stephens community choir are raising their voices for a little girl facing the battle of her young life. The Seaside Singers Community Choir of Port Stephens will present Songs for Lucy at Soldiers Point Bowling Club on June 27, with all proceeds helping four-year-old Lucy and her family as they navigate […]