THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

ONE of my favourite parts of my role with the NOTA is sharing incredible local history accounts, often directly from those who experienced it firsthand! The story below came from Rob Robinson, who shares memories of life as the son of a lightkeeper on Fingal Island at the completion of World War One. “Five and […]

RAYMOND Terrace has welcomed home one small yet extremely adventurous local. One-year-old budgerigar “Guinness” staged what can only be described as an attempt at a one-bird pub crawl to meet his namesake. The bright yellow youngster, hand-raised by Robin Dualsky’s grandson Jakk, was gifted to fill Robin’s heartache after she lost her cockatoo companion “Cookie”, […]

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide. The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black […]

A 21-YEAR- OLD man has died following a crash in Anna Bay. About 4.40pm on Friday 6 February, emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of Nelson Bay Road, near Frost Road, Anna Bay. Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District found two vehicles – a Toyota Yaris and […]

THE final quarter of 2025 delivered Newcastle Airport’s highest ever passenger results for any quarter. A total of 340,778 passengers travelled through the terminal in October, November and December, ending a successful year for the airport which included the completion of the expanded terminal and new direct flights to Bali, Perth and Hobart. December alone […]

RISING Australian discus thrower Ashlyn Blackstock proved a smash hit with Port Stephens junior athletes at a Throws Clinic last Saturday at Nelson Bay’s Dick Burwell Oval. Twenty-one-year-old Ashlyn – who won gold for Australia in the Women’s Discus at the Oceania Cup in Tonga last November – enjoyed educating a talented crop of home-spun […]

RAYMOND Terrace Man Walk participants meet out the front of the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed every Wednesday morning at 8am and provide a way for local men to connect, support one another and stay active. The weekly walk brings men together to walk, talk and share in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The group walks […]

Volunteers set up food prep areas on Australia Day. Photo: Marine Rescue Port Stephens. Delivering steak sandwiches and bacon and egg rolls to hungry crowds. Photo: Marine Rescue Port Stephens. EIGHTEEN volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Stephens gave their time on Australia Day, supporting fundraising efforts at Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay, in challenging heat […]