POLICE are urging motorists to take extra care these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest […]

Rare poultry breeds on display at Maitland Showground
THE Rare Poultry Breeders’ Association are preparing for their 19th Annual Show on Saturday, 17 May at Maitland Showground. The show attracts breeders from the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter regions who promote rare breeds and rare colour varieties of pure bred domestic fowl, with over $1300 in cash prizes. It will be held in […]
Police conducting bail checks on ‘weak’ legal basis
POLICE in Australia’s largest state have been slammed for regularly entering the private property of former inmates out on bail to conduct compliance checks, without a court order. A damning report from the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission says police have been stretching their authority and powers by relying on a weak legal principle to […]

Hawks Nest Probus gets insight into RAAF Williamtown
AIR Force representatives spoke at the first ordinary meeting of the Hawks Nest and District Probus Club on Friday 4 April, educating the more than 100 members present about the key regional defence base. “Not everyone in the RAAF flies, only a small percentage actually do, and we have many roles including dog handling, technicians, […]
Grant funding vital to koala protection in Port Stephens
A THREE-YEAR Federal grant continues to support Port Stephens Council to deliver proactive koala conservation initiatives. In 2023, Council was awarded over $160,000 under the Federal Government’s Koala Community Grants Round 1, focusing on collaboration between researchers and land managers to deliver outcomes for koalas. Council’s Environmental Strategy Team Leader Kimberly Baker emphasised the significance […]
Community plans now open for public comment
PORT Stephens Council’s Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents are on public exhibition until Thursday 8 May 2025. Mayor Leah Anderson said these IP&R documents will not only set the vision for Port Stephens, but will cover all council operations for the next few years. “These plans ensure that Council’s activities are transparent, well-resourced, […]
Hunter bookshops join Global Book Crawl
AUSTRALIANS know all about a pub crawl, but how about a book crawl? Hunter region bookshops will participate in a new international initiative, the Global Book Crawl (GBC), from 21 to 27 April. The GBC will bring together bookstores and book lovers from around the world with a simple yet powerful idea: to unite local […]
Port Stephens homeowners taking up battery incentive scheme
ONE hundred and one batteries have been installed in premises across Port Stephens through the State Government’s household battery incentive. Since the incentive was launched in November, more than 7,800 batteries have been installed in homes and businesses across NSW. Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said the scheme was “making a real difference”. “This […]
Greens announced Thornton’s Paul Johns as election candidate
THORNTON’S Paul Johns has been announced as the Greens candidate for Paterson in the May Federal Election. Born in Kurri and raised in the Maitland area, Mr Johns is legally blind and has been visually impaired since birth. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone – […]
Legalise Cannabis Party announce Paterson candidate
AFTER running as the Legalise Cannabis candidate for the seat of Maitland in the 2023 State Election, Daniel Dryden will now contest the Federal Election in May. “After two years I’m back once more, this time as the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for the seat of Paterson in the 2025 Federal Election,” Mr Dryden announced. […]