January 19, 2026
Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too Dolphin friendships can last decades­ - they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research.
Local News

Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too

Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research. Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: […]

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Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country Free camping is available at Chichester State Forest, near Dungog. Photo: NSW State Forests.
Local News

Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country

NSW State Forests are open for free, pet‑friendly camping from the coast to the high country. There are almost 500 State Forests and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome. Campfires are also permitted, outside of fire bans. “State Forests are a fabulous resource for the community,” Manager Tourism and […]

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Stinker’s Fishin’: Mulloway madness Champion Wayne Coles with a monster mulloway caught in one metre of water at Soldiers Point.
Local News

Stinker’s Fishin’: Mulloway madness

MULLOWAY are remarkable fish for many reasons. Growing in excess of 40kg, huge mulloway can be caught in knee deep water or deep water over the outside reefs. Inside the Port, mulloway will roam from the upper reaches of the Karuah River and Tilligerry Creek, throughout North Arm Cove into the Port from Swan Bay […]

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Soldiers Point Lions Club gifts mobility scooter to Anna Bay resident Adelaine road testing her mobility scooter as Lions Club members look on.
Local News

Soldiers Point Lions Club gifts mobility scooter to Anna Bay resident

A SPARKLE of Christmas joy has rolled into the life of Anna Bay resident Adelaine, who has been gifted a brand-new Charger Top Gun Avenger mobility scooter thanks to the Soldiers Point Lions Club, in conjunction with the Lions NSW-ACT Sight and Health Foundation Ltd. The much-needed scooter will allow Adelaine to move independently around […]

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Man charged after elderly woman found dead in Fern Bay
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Man charged after elderly woman found dead in Fern Bay

A MAN has been charged with murder after an elderly woman was found dead at a home in Fern Bay. About 12.30pm on Thursday 18 December 2025, a 61-year-old man attended Newcastle Police Station in relation to an incident at a home in Fern Bay. Officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District attended a […]

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Kids and families flock to Karuah carols
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Kids and families flock to Karuah carols

Georgie, Indie, Mila, Alice and Harper enjoyed a night of wholesome family fun. Photo: KPA. Indie and Georgie got their order in for Christmas Day. Photo: KPA. Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage came from across the bay. Photo: KPA. THE Karuah community came together for a special night of carol singing and festive fun at […]

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Students bring tears of happiness to local nursing home residents The choir in full voice.
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Students bring tears of happiness to local nursing home residents

MEDOWIE Christian School students have brought the Christmas spirit to the community a little earlier this year, warming hearts and brightening days with performances at two local aged care facilities. The school’s talented choir and dance group visited residents at Raymond Terrace Opal Gardens and Hawks Nest Peter Sinclair RSL Lifecare Nursing Homes, delivering a […]

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Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas Port Stephens oysters are the best.
Local News

Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas

HERE is something different for Christmas, an oyster recipe given to me by my old friend Margaret Woods. If you love oysters, you will find more of her oyster recipes in one of my books, “Oysterman”, which is available around town. Mambo Oyster Soup Ingredients: – 2 dozen oysters – 2 tablespoons of cornflour – […]

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Access  to essential medicines during recent bushfires
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Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires

PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]

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