MILLIONS of Australians are putting their superannuation at risk by not following-through with proper, and legally binding, beneficiary paperwork, according to a nation-wide survey. Research conducted by Super Consumers Australia, an advocate for people on low and middle incomes in Australia’s superannuation system, shows that more than one in three Australians with super say they […]
Shoaly Collective awarded $200k grant to transform Shoal Bay
THE Shoaly Collective has been awarded $200,000 through the NSW Government’s Uptown Grant Program. The Collective includes Port Stephens Paddle Sports, Shoal Bay Newsagency, The Café, Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Ramada Resort Shoal Bay and the Shoal Bay Country Club. The group is planning to use the funding to transform Shoal Bay into a […]

New Code of Meeting Practice for local councils
A NEW Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released and will come into effect in local councils from 1 January 2026. All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025. Key changes to the […]

Vietnam Veterans Day commemorated in Tea Gardens
Artillery gunner and ‘Nasho’ Merv Mills spoke about the Battle of Long Tan, and his own Vietnam War experiences. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. The skies miraculously cleared after days of rain for the intimate ceremony at Tea Gardens. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Merv Mills with the M2A2 Howitzer at Tea Gardens’ Anzac Park, the same model he […]
Stargazing: that big ball of nuclear fire
THE next time you see the sunrise, take a moment. That big ball of nuclear fire lighting up your morning sky is not just sitting there politely waiting for you to make coffee. It’s racing around the Milky Way at an eye-watering 828,000 km/h, dragging Earth and the rest of the solar system along for […]
Latest round of Community PBL award winners announced
THE Term 3 Week 5 winners of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed. Week 5 winners: Irrawang PS: Isabelle truly leads by example. She works collaboratively with her peers, shows kindness, and treats both students and staff with respect in every situation. Belle actively supports other children in managing their emotions and […]

Myall Coast Surf Lifesavers feted at Rescue of the Year Gala
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club members enjoyed the gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency overlooking Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Photo: Wayne Bower. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, TGHNSLSC club captain Wayne Bower, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, Jack Alterator BM, Hunter Branch President Henry Scruton, Gingerlily Shelton BM, TGHNSLSC Vice President Jackie […]
Legacy gears up for Badge Week
PORT STEPHENS Legacy members are busy preparing for a major annual fundraiser. Legacy Badge Week is an annual fundraising and awareness event held by Legacy Australia to support the widows, children and families of Australian veterans who have lost their lives or are experiencing health issues from their service to our country. Legacy was formed […]
Tea Gardens WWII veteran Roy Day receives medal from Governor-General
Roy received his VP Day commemorative medal from the Governor-General in Canberra. Photo: Facebook. Roy and Lynette at the Tea Gardens Vietnam Veterans Memorial day in Tea Gardens. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Wreaths were laid at the reflecting pool inside the Australian War Memorial before the Last Post. Photo: Facebook. WORLD War Two veteran and Tea […]

Proponents walk away from offshore wind project
PROJECT proponents Equinor and Oceanex Energy have made the decision not to proceed with the Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm. The project partners had, in February 2024, been offered a licence to explore the feasibility of a two gigawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of the Hunter, however this has now been turned down. Minister […]