Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals.
Wilma with her gifts of love. Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals. YOU never know what happens when you hand over a gift to someone. Will it be appreciated, loved, packed away, passed onto someone else or – worse – sent to the Op Shop? Wilma Whysall, a retired bank teller who had relocated from […]
ATWEA College has confirmed it will phase out all accredited training programs by 30 June, 2026, following a strategic review of its operations. While Alesco Secondary College will continue to expand, including exploration of new campus opportunities, the closure of ATWEA’s training arm will affect students undertaking vocational qualifications across NSW. The news shocked students […]
The CMP will result in a combined effort from Council and external organisations. Pictured, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Mike Shaw from the Shoal Bay West Landcare Group. Photo: Port Stephens Council
A PLAN to protect and improve the coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach has been certified by the State Minister for the Environment, marking a significant milestone for Port Stephens Council. Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy to address coastal hazards, safeguard community assets, and increase resilience to climate change. The […]
During Simon’s performances, the venue is turned into a makeshift church. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan
During Simon’s performances, the venue is turned into a makeshift church. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan Spiky hair and tattoos are not the usual look for a religious teenager, but Simon Vaughan made it work. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan WHAT is it like growing up in a deeply religious household? And […]
The cover image of the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan remains on Council's website. Community groups say the key area affected by Council's proposal is the strip of bushland visible behind the shopping centre on the left of the image - the land adjoining the Worimi Drive Estate that is now being offered for Expressions of Interest.
PORT Stephens Council has defended proposed changes to the Salamander Bay Town Centre, insisting strong environmental protections remain in place, while community groups argue the plans threaten one of the area’s most important environmental buffers. In a statement released recently, Council said proposals affecting land at 155 Salamander Way and 10 Central Avenue had been […]
Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season.
Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season. The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree. WHALE watching season is officially underway in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback […]
LGBTQ+ families across New South Wales will benefit from expanded antenatal education and pregnancy support services after the NSW Government announced $250,000 in funding for a statewide program. The one-off funding contribution will support LGBTQ+ organisation Rainbow Families to deliver culturally appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy support throughout the next three years. NSW Minister for […]
University of Newcastle alumni receive King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: newcastle.edu.au
UNIVERSITY of Newcastle staff and alumni were among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with ten individuals acknowledged for their contributions across education, health, public service, community welfare and defence. University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated the recipients and praised their achievements. “Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the […]
One acre of land on the farm might be turned into a free, inclusive community space. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham.
Camille Scott suddenly found herself running the farm, alongside her sisters Alexis and Bridie, and she’s determined to give back to the community. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham. One acre of land on the farm might be turned into a free, inclusive community space. Photo: Redgate Farm Seaham. REDGATE Farm Seaham operates on a guiding premise: […]
The top 40 artworks in the competition have made it to Lion Studios, and it’s now the public’s turn to judge. Photo: Nico Lombardo
THE community will decide which of the 40 artworks featured in the One Square Foot exhibition receive the People’s Choice prizes. The competition, organised by Lion Studios, challenged artists from all around Australia to paint creative pieces, on a square-foot canvas, in any style. Artists were permitted to choose oils, acrylics, and even mixed media. […]
