LAKE Macquarie-based botanical artist Lauren May SK is presenting her first solo exhibition, Botanical Observations, at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens this month. The exhibition brings together a curated collection of original watercolour paintings of local native plants, with eucalyptus leaves and native flora as recurring subjects. Each piece reflects Lauren’s deep commitment to observation, […]

Examples of the wildlife cared for by WINC volunteers. Examples of the wildlife cared for by WINC volunteers. Examples of the wildlife cared for by WINC volunteers. WILDLIFE in Need of Care Inc. (WINC) is a dedicated volunteer organisation committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. WINC provides […]

HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive. Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families. There is a particular need for people to care […]

THE Hunter has been chosen for Building Commission NSW’s first major campaign of 2026. The three-day trip, from 16-18 March, saw Building Commission NSW inspectors and the NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard, visit Singleton and areas of Maitland and Newcastle. “This is a great opportunity for Building Commission NSW to connect with community and better […]

A FIFTH-GENERATION family timber operation in Bulahdelah says it is absorbing an almost $8000 weekly fuel surge to keep hardwood moving to Australia’s cities. Anthony Dorney and his brothers operate two hardwood sawmills, SA Relf and Newells Creek, continuing a timber cutting tradition which has lasted for more than a century. Last week, Anthony pulled […]

FOUR $1,000 scholarships have been awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions in business, sport, health and community leadership across Port Stephens. The recipients of the 2026 International Women’s Day Scholarships were announced by Port Stephens Council during an event held on Saturday 7 March at Soldiers Point Bowling Club. Council’s International Women’s Day Scholarship program […]

PREPARE yourself to be confused. As a permanent resident of the coastal hamlet of Fingal Bay for over 50 years, it could be assumed that I have learnt the names of local beaches, bays and islands. The truth is that I’m still confused after all this time and I will attempt to explain why. When […]

RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]

THE Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group (MWWCG) will host a community forum to inform local residents about the potential impacts of Port Stephens Council’s Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan. Greens spokesperson for environment and planning Sue Higginson MLC will speak at the event, joined by wetland scientist Dr Tom Headley and architect Murray Wood. […]

THE Federal Government will provide grant funding for new mobile base stations at Karuah, Taree and Wauchope in the latest round of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), delivering 4G and 5G mobile coverage to these areas. Each site will include back-up power, with some also incorporating additional hardening measures to reinforce mobile telecommunications infrastructure. […]