A CELEBRATION of local creativity and community storytelling took centre stage when the Raymond Terrace Writers Group launched its most recent anthology, “The Last Word.” The group, which meets every second Sunday at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, has produced five anthologies over its history. Each has been shaped by a simple formula: enough compelling […]

THE Port Stephens Community Arts Centre is now hosting the exhibition, “Modern Contemporary Art and Photography”. Featuring local artists, it aims to challenge the public through bold, abstract, and provocative installations across a wide variety of different mediums. These include painting, photography, mosaics, craft, pottery, woodworking, cardmaking, and even bonsai. The subjects are just as […]

AFTER a long career in the coal industry, Jacqui Purcell from “In Our Hands Family Farm” decided to study agriculture and transition to a lifestyle of low environmental impact. At a workshop organised by Port Stephens Council, Jacqui shared her secrets for turning waste into a valuable resource for any garden, through composting and worm […]

Danielle Godfrey in one of her Girl Aware self defense workshops. Photo: supplied, Danielle Godfrey. Taking a student through self defence strategies. Photo: supplied, Danielle Godfrey. FORMER detective Danielle Godfrey has swapped her police badge for a powerful new mission: equipping women and girls with the skills and confidence to stay safe.  After a 12-year […]

Eva Wilson with some of her self-designed and produced Litter Ninja badges. School Captain Eva Wilson, leading the charge against litter ending up in waterways. Photo: supplied, Tomaree Public School. A PROMISE made during a school leadership campaign has grown into an environmental movement at Tomaree Public School.  In 2025, Eva Wilson pledged that if […]

A SMALL army of volunteers mobilised for a Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday, disposing of rubbish in Wallaroo State Forest. The community clean-up, coordinated by the NSW and ACT Four Wheel Drive Association, the Hunter 4WD Council, and Forestry Corporation was held on Sunday, 1 March from 8:30am. Forestry Corporation Partnership Leader Alex […]

A VIBRANT new mural celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (HRBG) has been officially unveiled, marking a colourful milestone in the Gardens’ 40th anniversary celebrations. The large-scale artwork, inspired by the tropical orchid house, captures the rich ecosystem that thrives within the popular visitor destination. Created by artists Trevor […]

CAREFULLY planned sandstone repairs are helping safeguard one of Raymond Terrace’s most enduring landmarks. Standing since 1862, the Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist has long been a quiet constant in the centre of town. Today, more than 160 years later, its sweeping lawns and memorial garden remain open spaces for reflection. Generations of […]

By Jacie WHITFIELD The Spritzed party in full swing. Photo: Jacie Whitfield. Jacquie and Chris Cooper with the cutout of their son Leo and best mate George, who were the inspirations behind the fundraiser. A SUN-DRENCHED garden in Corlette became the Amalfi-inspired backdrop for something far deeper than a summer party last month, as grandparents […]

IDA Lena Collard OAM was born on 8 September 1920 to Henry and Selina Upton. Below are her memories of growing up as the fifth of seven children on a dairy farm in Bobs Farm, and life during the Second World War. My grandfather, Phillip Upton, had previously owned the property of 151 acres and […]