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. […]
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 […]
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 […]

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 […]
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 […]
Raymond Terrace’s Leanne Pateman named a finalist in Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards
RAYMOND Terrace resident Leanne Pateman is among this year’s finalists in the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA). The finalists were announced by Jodie Harrison MP and Hugh McDermott MP at Parliament House in Sydney. “Each year, these awards recognise the tireless and selfless contributions of women and girls from across NSW,” Ms Harrison said. “This […]
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 […]
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 […]
‘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 […]
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 […]