CONSTRUCTION of Medowie’s first public high school will begin this September. “After decades of lobbying, Medowie families will finally have a high school right here at home,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said. “No more having to send our kids out of town; this is a massive investment in our growing town and in […]
Local featured in Nelson Bay Artisan Collective’s July exhibition
Robyn Bailey with her bonsai collection. Ocean pastel by Robyn Bailey. The Robyn Bailey exhibition. Another of Robyn’s ocean views. LOCAL artist Robyn Bailey is featured in the latest exhibition being hosted by Nelson Bay Artisan Collective during July. Robyn’s multiple talents include being an award winning artist, Tai Chi instructor, and bonsai creator. Her […]
Medowie Christian School celebrates 100 days of learning in style
Students and teachers join in the fun. Students dressed up in wigs, glasses and pearls. MEDOWIE Christian School’s kindergarten students have just celebrated 100 days of learning. To mark the milestone, students dressed as though they were 100-years-old. The cohort could be seen sporting glasses, walking sticks and grey wigs, with some students even drawing […]
EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon
THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
Port Stephens Council to tighten moderation on social media
PORT Stephens Council has resolved to improve moderation on its social media accounts. The motion was introduced by Mayor Leah Anderson in response to a perceived increase in negative comments and interactions on various social media pages related to the Council and local community groups. “For too long, we have been tolerating poor behaviour on […]

Port Stephens Council votes to remove carbon emissions targets
PORT Stephens Council has voted to suspend Carbon Neutral and Net Zero emissions targets for at least the next five years. At the council meeting on Tuesday 8 July, the Emissions Reduction Action Plan was on the agenda for discussion. By offsetting emissions, Port Stephens has reduced its carbon footprint by 40 percent since the […]
No creature too great or small for WINC
AS any pet owner will tell you, with no government subsidies such as Medicare, treating injury and illness in companion animals can be an expensive prospect. What hope is there, then, when native animals are struck by cars, or traumatised by bushfires? That’s where the volunteers of Wildlife In Need Of Care (WINC) get involved. […]
$40k Heritage Grant to help protect Birubi Point Aboriginal Place
PORT Stephens Council has received a grant of $40,000 for the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. The grant was awarded under the NSW Heritage Grants Program. This year the program awarded a record $8.56 million to 140 grant recipients, with the aim to protect and restore heritage sites across NSW. “Our record investment highlights the Minns […]

Process begins for urgent care clinic in Maitland
AN expressions of interest (EOI) process to establish a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Maitland closed on 15 July. The EOI was open to existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Fifty new Medicare UCCs were announced in the 2025-26 Budget, set to provide walk-in, bulk-billed treatment for urgent […]