ELIZABETH Crouch AM has been announced as Chair of the Hunter Water Board of Directors for a three-year term. In a statement to media, Hunter Water said that Ms Crouch brings extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a distinguished career in governance, infrastructure and public policy. She currently chairs the boards […]
Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media
HUNTER region residents are being urged to stay alert as cyber criminals step up efforts to recruit so-called “money mules” through social media, fake job offers and online scams. NGM Group, the parent company of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has reported a 20 percent rise in fraudulent online account openings, with criminals attempting to […]
Life without laundry: How astronauts survive in space
SPARE a thought for the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They may float 400 kilometres above Earth at 28,000 km/h, eating their dinner out of pouches while gazing down at the swirling blue planet below – but they have one very down-to-earth problem: laundry. Or rather, the complete lack of it. That’s right. […]

Karuah Public School named a finalist in reconciliation award
Karuah Public School Principal Toni Lyle (holding sign) with Elders involved in the judging of the award. Photo: KPS. KPS students engaging in Indigenous-focused class activities. Photo: KPS. Narragunnawali Awards Judging Panel members Professor Grace Sarra, Sharon Davis and Professor Joe Sambono. Photo: Tom Hoy, Wirrim Media. KARUAH Public School (KPS) has been named a […]
State Government to convene regional advisory group
THE Premier and Minister for Regional NSW will convene an advisory group to address the challenges faced by people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of the state. Announced at the 2025 Bush Summit, the NSW Premier’s “Rural, Remote & Regional Advisory Council” (PRRRAC) will meet twice annually with Premier Chris Minns […]
Nelson Bay Rotary Club plans garden extension to support Tomaree Hospital staff
THE Rotary Club of Nelson Bay is planning an extension to Tomaree Community Hospital Rotary Garden. It was completed two years ago and has been called an “outstanding success”. “The garden was built on a barren area adjacent to the patient wards and is in constant use by patients and visitors to the hospital,” a […]
Residents are demanding action on Oyster Cove Road’s potholes
Signs have been posted to warn drivers to slow down due to the dangerous conditions. Oyster Cove Road has been full of potholes for weeks now. PORT Stephens residents are once again voicing their concerns about hazardous road conditions. Oyster Cove Road has been a recent source of frustration, with potholes covering the full length […]
Concept plans for Tomaree Lodge unveiled at community information session
Around 200 people attended the public information session. A snapshot of the proposed precinct concept, as presented by architect Justin Hamilton of SHAC. Tomaree Lodge is situated in Worimi Country and is state heritage-listed. CONCEPT plans for Tomaree Lodge were shared with around 200 community members during a public information session on Wednesday 27 August. […]
Local pub joins ‘Steptember’
“STEPTEMBER” is Australia’s leading virtual health and wellness fundraising challenge, supporting life-changing research, therapy and services for people living with cerebral palsy. This September, the team at The Salamander Hotel are using their bar steps as fitness steps as they take part in STEPtember. From bartenders to kitchen crew, the whole team is committed to […]
Changes to government payments and deeming rates
A NUMBER of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 September 2025. People receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment will see a $29.70 boost to their fortnightly payment. People receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over), and Parenting Payment […]