February 2, 2026
Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords
Local News

Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords

THE NSW Government has begun consultation on potential offences for landlords who knowingly lease premises to retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. The consultation includes engagement with landlord representatives, retailers, health advocates, partner government agencies and other key stakeholders. The outcomes of the consultation will be reviewed by the Government’s cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco […]

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Final approval sought for Stockton beach protection The Extended Stockton CMP covers a geographical area stretching from Little Beach to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary. Photo: City of Newcastle.
Local News

Final approval sought for Stockton beach protection

CITY of Newcastle will seek the final tick of approval from the NSW Government for a $63 million plan to buffer Stockton’s coastline from erosion. Councillors voted unanimously at last week’s Council meeting to endorse the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) and formally submit it to the NSW Environment Minister for certification. City of […]

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Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker Member for Oxley Michael Kemp discusses flood recovery with Premier Chris Minns and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders in May. Photo: Michael Kemp FB.
Community, Government

Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker

THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]

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New recruits join the Port Stephens Hunter Police District Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison welcomed the new recruits at Maitland Police Station.
Police

New recruits join the Port Stephens Hunter Police District

PORT Stephens Hunter Police District welcomed seven new probationary constables last week, who will be stationed at Maitland and Port Stephens police stations. The new recruits were officially welcomed into the NSW Police Force at the Goulburn Police Academy last month. The class of 314 officers was the largest in 13 years, delivering a significant […]

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Latest round of Community PBL award winners announced
School

Latest round of Community PBL award winners announced

THE Term 3 Week 6 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed. Week 6 winners: Irrawang PS: Drewe has been nominated for his generosity, kindness and empathy. Without hesitation, he gave another student the extra money he needed to buy a school hat when he didn’t have enough. Raymond Terrace PS: […]

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Have your say on Hunter Transmission Project
Local News

Have your say on Hunter Transmission Project

HUNTER residents are encouraged to have their say on the Hunter Transmission Project’s environmental impact statement (EIS), which is now on public display and open for submissions. EnergyCo lodged the EIS with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure last week, which will be on public exhibition until 5pm on Wednesday 24 September. According to […]

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Upgrades officially unveiled at Hunter River High School Some of the upgrades at Hunter River High School.
School

Upgrades officially unveiled at Hunter River High School

Some of the upgrades at Hunter River High School. Some of the upgrades at Hunter River High School. Some of the upgrades at Hunter River High School. Some of the upgrades at Hunter River High School. MAJOR upgrades were unveiled last week at Hunter River High School in Heatherbrae. Eight demountables have been removed and […]

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Man charged with alleged online grooming offences
Local News

Man charged with alleged online grooming offences

A 32-YEAR-OLD man has faced court following an investigation into alleged online grooming offences. On Monday 25 August 2025, a woman attended Liverpool Police Station to report that her 10-year-old daughter had allegedly been groomed online via a chat function on a gaming console. Following inquiries by Liverpool Police, the matter was referred to detectives […]

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Elizabeth Crouch AM appointed as Hunter Water chair Elizabeth Crouch AM.
Local News

Elizabeth Crouch AM appointed as Hunter Water chair

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 […]

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