September 4, 2026
Irri’s Learning Garden opens new a chapter at Irrawang Public School
Community, School

Irri’s Learning Garden opens new a chapter at Irrawang Public School

Teacher-librarians Michelle Lynch and Rachael Vaughan enjoy the school’s new outdoor learning space. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. A student puts the outdoor chess area to the test at Irri’s Learning Garden. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. Aubree and Alexis enjoy the new outdoor library. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. P&C President Kim Antonio with her granddaughter Iris and the plaque […]

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Staffing is key as locals back push back on Tomaree Hospital upgrade Christen White, Julie Wildman and Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary President Jayne Kilbride at the community meeting.
Community, Government, Health, Local News

Staffing is key as locals back push back on Tomaree Hospital upgrade

Kevin Lynch and Kate Washington MP at the community meeting discussing the future of health care in Port Stephens. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. Christen White, Julie Wildman and Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary President Jayne Kilbride at the community meeting. CALLS for Tomaree Hospital to be upgraded to a Level 3 facility were front and centre when […]

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Illuminate 2026 set to light up Raymond Terrace Time to light up the night with pride in Raymond Terrace. Photo: PSC.
Business, Community, Local News, School

Illuminate 2026 set to light up Raymond Terrace

ILLUMINATE Raymond Terrace 2026 will again light up Boomerang Park on Saturday, 19 September. The free community celebration brings together live music, fire twirlers, fireworks, food, stalls and lanterns in the park from 4 pm to 8 pm. The much-loved event is supported by local schools, community groups, service organisations, residents and businesses. Port Stephens […]

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Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying Bullying No Way Week has ended, however conversations can’t stop. Photo: Shutterstock.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional, School

Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying

FOR Port Stephens families, the end of Bullying No Way Week should not mean the end of conversations about bullying. Parents, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are being encouraged to keep checking in with young people after new Kids Helpline figures highlighted the seriousness of the issue. More than 627,000 students nationally took part […]

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Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments

THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]

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Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost

THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]

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Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Community, Health, Local News

Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date

PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]

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