THE first report of an inquiry into community safety has been tabled, highlighting an urgent need for early intervention to deal with the complex social drivers of youth crime in regional and rural NSW. Since adopting the inquiry on 20 March 2024, the Committee of Law and Safety received almost 200 submissions and conducted hearings […]
Students from across the region have been recognised for their positive impacts.
A MASSIVE group of local students have been recognised for having a positive impact on the people and communities around them. Here are the latest recipients of Raymond Terrace Community Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards. Irrawang PS: Sage has been nominated for respectfully representing Irrawang Public School at the Raymond Terrace ANZAC Service. She […]
AN off-duty police officer has been charged after allegedly refusing to leave a licenced premise. About 12.55am on Saturday 28 December 2024, police were called to a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, following reports a group were refusing to leave. Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived and were told three people were physically […]
THE NSW Government says it is “working around the clock” to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet following the recent severe weather event on the east coast. Service NSW Centres that were closed due to dangerous conditions, including in Taree, Wauchope, Kempsey and Port Macquarie, have now reopened, with the last centre resuming […]
Marine Parks are not all about fishing.
WITH the Marine Park Advisory Committee soon to be announced it is time for all of us in the community to consider the best possible outcome for the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park (PS-GLMP). The largest by area of the six Marine Parks in NSW, the PS-GLMP stretches from Forster in the north along the […]
Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.
FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]
Repairs to Shoal Bay Beach, August 2024.
AFTER two disastrous events hit Shoal Bay in 2024, Port Stephens Council (PSC) was again urged by concerned locals to provide an alternate access road to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay. Following a series of meetings with local groups, the Council released its Delivery Program (2025-2029) and Operational Plan (2025-2026). In response, the Tomaree Headland […]
The corner of Cunningham St and Curlew Ave shows sand washed over the low beach, cutting access.
KING tides flooded the coastlines and estuaries around Port Stephens from Thursday 29 May, coinciding with the riverine flooding that rocked the hinterland and Mid North Coast. Masses of seaweed and sand were lifted by the tides over the roads at Pindimar North and South, leaving salty flooding, seaweed and debris in its wake. This […]
Dedicated waste crews have been deployed across the region.
PORT Stephens Council has launched a coordinated waste management response to support residents impacted by the recent natural disaster. Council teams have been working closely with emergency services and impacted communities to assess damage, and help residents safely manage waste from flood-affected properties. Mayor Leah Anderson said the recovery effort is focused on making it […]
On Wednesday 28 May strike force detectives executed a search warrant and arrested Mr Pene.
THE former director of the Connect Global drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility has been granted bail after being charged with allegedly perverting the course of justice by falsifying reports about client drug use. Ross Pene, 68, was arrested last Wednesday at the controversial Swan Bay facility, following a year-long investigation. Strike Force Toopuntul was established […]
