BOAT Harbour Recreation Club has officially opened four purpose-built pickleball courts, marking a major milestone for one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports. More than 60 community members, volunteers, local councillors and special guests gathered on Saturday, 27 June, to celebrate the transformation of an ageing tennis court into a modern facility for players of all ages […]
Proof that you can catch lobsters in a full moon
KEN Barry, a member of the Narrowgut Crew, was a fisherman until 1949 when he branched out into lobstering. He purchased Clatterbang, so that he could work 40-45 hand-woven lobster pots around the reefs and rocky headlands from Fingal south to Rocky Point. Clatterbang was the first motorised boat in Fingal Bay and it was […]
New NSW tourism strategy puts Barrington Coast and Port Stephens in the spotlight
PORT Stephens and other select NSW locations are set to receive a tourism boost under a new NSW Government marketing strategy designed to attract more visitors, support local businesses and create jobs across the State. The first phase of the campaign will promote Port Stephens, Byron Bay, the Barrington Coast, Shoalhaven and Sapphire Coast through […]
Stinker’s fight for survival – how it began and ended
BELOVED News Of The Area fishing writer John ‘Stinker’ Clarke faced every boatie’s worst nightmare and lived to tell the tale. How it began: “Dropping anchor around 2.30pm, I was excited at the prospect of great fishing. “The whales were jumping everywhere, breaching within 20 metres of my tinny, and a huge school of salmon […]
Concept plan for a future Port Stephens performance centre. Image: Tomaree Cultural Development Group.
Tomaree Cultural Development Group’s fight for a performance centre in Port Stephens
FOR years, the Tomaree Cultural Development Group has been fighting for the establishment of a performance centre in Port Stephens, and its efforts have now been recognised by Port Stephens’ Council (PSC). “Port Stephens is a rare LGA that doesn’t actually have a performance arts centre at the moment,” said Cristopher Bowman, of the Tomaree […]
Cr Giacomo Arnott opposed the shortening of the exhibition time for Port Stephens Council’s business papers. Photo: Port Stephens Council.
Port Stephens Council business papers exhibition time pruned back a week
CONTROVERSY erupted at the latest Port Stephens Council (PSC) meeting during a discussion on how to handle the overturning of the new NSW Model Code of Meeting Practices. “What an absolute disgrace this process has been,” said Cr Nathan Errington noting that, in his view, Minister Ron Hoenig failed to listen to councils across NSW […]
Council may look into increased building heights rather than outwards expansion into the wetlands buffer zone. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Council agrees not to build on Mambo-Wanda Wetlands buffer zone
AFTER months of engagement, protests, and community workshops, Port Stephens Council (PSC) has agreed to revise the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan, saying housing will not be built on the last remaining wetlands buffer zone. The decision, unanimously endorsed during the 23 June meeting, mandates that PSC will have to engage in further consultation […]
Tomago could become home to a thermal treatment facility, but the full implications are still unclear. Photo: NSW Government.
Council asks NSW Govt to clarify pros and cons of proposed Tomago Energy from Waste precinct
IN NSW, the recovery of energy from the thermal treatment of waste is prohibited, unless a facility is located in a designated Energy from Waste precinct. Under a proposed change to the NSW Energy from Waste framework by the Environmental Protection Authority, Tomago could become one such precinct. Port Stephens Council (PSC), however, has reported […]
Front row, from left: Nikki Bradshaw, Emma Rose, Mayor Leah Anderson, Peter Law, Jake Feenan, Tex Feenan. Back row: Cr Jason Wells, Cr Peter Francis, Cr Giacomo Arnott, Jennifer Underwood. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Year-long youth project creates a new Community Corner for Raymond Terrace
Front row, from left: Nikki Bradshaw, Emma Rose, Mayor Leah Anderson, Peter Law, Jake Feenan, Tex Feenan. Back row: Cr Jason Wells, Cr Peter Francis, Cr Giacomo Arnott, Jennifer Underwood. Photo: Nico Lombardo. View of the new Raymond Terrace Community Corner. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Emma Rose in front of her artwork. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Nikki […]
Week 8 PBL winners announced
GRAHAMSTOWN Public School hosted the Term 2 Week 8 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards. Here are the winners: Irrawang PS: Madeline is a dedicated school and STAR Leader. She has been nominated for her commitment to our kindergarten students. Madeline ensures that they are greeted with a friendly smile each day and assists them […]
