A VOLUNTEER crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head. Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said the skipper of a 11-metre sailing catamaran called radio operators at the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre at 10 […]

LITTLE terns in NSW have experienced another strong breeding season, with more than 900 nests counted across the state, the second-highest number in 24 years. Each spring, these tiny seabirds migrate thousands of kilometres across the ocean to nest on Australian shores, including on the beaches and islands of Port Stephens. NSW National Parks and […]

SES flood-boat operators and trained rescuers along a flooded street near Emu. Photo: Forster FRNSW. Humans and pets rescued from flooded residences. Photo: Forster FRNSW. Tea Gardens Fire & Rescue’s Alex Sinclair with one of the lucky people rescued from the recent floods.Photo: Forster FRNSW. Multi-agency responders, including SES and Fire & Rescue NSW, descended […]

DEMENTIA Australia has visited Harbourside Port Stephens to provide care staff with simulation training using virtual reality (VR). By using this cutting-edge technology along with traditional interactive methods, staff gained deep insights and practical knowledge in a balanced and dynamic learning environment. The first immersive workshop, “Enabling EDIE”, allowed participants to see the world through […]

PORT Stephens Council is addressing the issue of discarded hot coals in popular public spaces with the launch of a hot coal bin trial at Little Beach. The dedicated bin is being trialled during the busy Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, a period known for increased BBQ activity in the area. “This hot coal […]

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 […]

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 […]

NELSON Bay locals Sue Ismay and Jo Clifton are the volunteers behind the drop-in morning teas at the Yacaaba Centre. You’ll find them serving tea and iced cakes between 10am -11.30am on Thursdays. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone  – (02) 4981 8882. Email – media@newsofthearea.com.au […]

NATIONAL Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) teams hit the water at Port Stephens on Friday to practice the critical and complex task of disentangling whales, ahead of the start of the annual humpback migration season. NPWS Team Leader Conservation Doug Beckers said, “Whale-watching is an increasingly popular activity right along NSW’s Coast, and it’s humbling […]