September 7, 2025
Police blitz on drunk and drugged drivers Police conducted 9166 drug tests during the three-day blitz. Photo: NSW Police.
Local News

Police blitz on drunk and drugged drivers

NSW POLICE have targeted motorists affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue during a three-day operation. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) ran from 21-23 August across all NSW roads. During this period, police conducted more than 87,000 breath tests and 9166 drug tests. There were 186 drink driving offences detected and 660 positive drug samples. […]

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Housing package announced in response to floods Homes across the Hunter and Mid North Coast suffered damage due to the flooding event in May.
Local News

Housing package announced in response to floods

THE State and Federal Governments have announced a $50 million Housing Support Package to assist eligible homeowners, renters and primary producers impacted by recent severe flooding. Caravans and self-contained pod homes will be deployed for eligible flood-hit residents and primary producers whose homes were uninsured and uninhabitable so they can stay on their property during […]

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Defibrillator installed on Tomaree Mountain walk The defibrillator could be vital for a cardiac emergency
Local News

Defibrillator installed on Tomaree Mountain walk

The defibrillator could be vital for a cardiac emergency The new defibrillator on the Tomaree Mountain walk One of the stunning views from near the top of Mount Tomaree IF you’ve ever climbed Mount Tomaree, you’ll know why it’s the most popular visitor attraction in Port Stephens. On busy days, more than 500 people an […]

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Female pilots won’t let gendered headwinds divert them Amelia Johnson made a mid-career switch to become an aviator and now mentors young female pilots. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Female pilots won’t let gendered headwinds divert them

A GROWING number of female pilots are making their mark in one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, saying more women should fly planes. “The aircraft doesn’t care what gender you are. It responds to skill and judgment,” pilot Amelia Johnson tells AAP. “The feeling of flying yourself for the first time is unlike […]

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Information session to update community on future of Tomaree Lodge
Local News

Information session to update community on future of Tomaree Lodge

SHAC Managing Director Justin Hamilton, Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and SHAC Senior Designer Justin Pearson. A detailed site assessment from SHAC considered the site’s significant cultural, heritage and environmental value, as well as the constraints that limit future use. PRELIMINARY concepts for the future of Tomaree Lodge will be unveiled at a public […]

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Appeal for information following serious injury crash at Nerong
Local News

Appeal for information following serious injury crash at Nerong

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious motor vehicle crash north at Nerong. On Friday 8 August 2025, emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Nerong, 80km north of Newcastle, following reports of a crash between a black Mercedes sedan and a Kenworth semi-trailer. The driver of the Mercedes, a 26-year-old woman, and […]

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Sick sea turtles washing up on Port Stephens beaches
Local News

Sick sea turtles washing up on Port Stephens beaches

MULTIPLE sea turtles have been found washed up on beaches between Anna Bay and Hawks Nest in recent weeks. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters has confirmed that up to 16 turtles have now been found – some dead, others alive and in distress – around the region in the last three weeks alone. One such […]

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‘My First Speech’ competition launched in Australian high schools
Local News

‘My First Speech’ competition launched in Australian high schools

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, has launched the “My First Speech” competition for high school students across Australia. Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging students from across the electorate to take part in this unique opportunity to learn more about Parliament and public speaking. The annual […]

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Tomaree’s wildflowers are a winter-spring treat The wildflower walk gets going.
Local News

Tomaree’s wildflowers are a winter-spring treat

John Simpson highlights beautiful pea flowers Pink Wax Flower, Eriostemon australasius. The wildflower walk gets going. A SERIES of bushwalks will bring attention to the region’s “often under appreciated” wildflowers. “We’re offering a series of short slow-paced walks, just 2-2.5 hours, with different leaders, including National Parks Association (NPA) Hunter Region President John Simpson,” said […]

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