June 20, 2026
Students bring tears of happiness to local nursing home residents The choir in full voice.
Local News

Students bring tears of happiness to local nursing home residents

MEDOWIE Christian School students have brought the Christmas spirit to the community a little earlier this year, warming hearts and brightening days with performances at two local aged care facilities. The school’s talented choir and dance group visited residents at Raymond Terrace Opal Gardens and Hawks Nest Peter Sinclair RSL Lifecare Nursing Homes, delivering a […]

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Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas Port Stephens oysters are the best.
Local News

Stinker’s Fishin’: Oysters for Christmas

HERE is something different for Christmas, an oyster recipe given to me by my old friend Margaret Woods. If you love oysters, you will find more of her oyster recipes in one of my books, “Oysterman”, which is available around town. Mambo Oyster Soup Ingredients: – 2 dozen oysters – 2 tablespoons of cornflour – […]

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National campaign to place Shark Bite Kits on every Australian beach Kai McKenzie, founder Danny Schouten, Toby Begg, and GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan. Photo: supplied.
Regional

National campaign to place Shark Bite Kits on every Australian beach

THREE surfers and shark attack survivors are leading the call for the roll out of life-saving emergency response kits on beaches across Australia. One year after creating Community Shark Bite Kits, founder Danny Schouten has deployed more than 150 kits on beaches across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. “We’re not going to stop […]

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Access  to essential medicines during recent bushfires
Local News

Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires

PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]

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Record urgent care and surgery demand across Hunter New England Health district The number of emergency and urgent care patients is the highest since reporting began.
Government, Health

Record urgent care and surgery demand across Hunter New England Health district

THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025. There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in […]

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DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done
Port Stephens

DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done

THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in New South Wales. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or […]

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Council endorses Roads Futures Strategy and undertakes pothole trial Council has commenced a pothole trial to help identify longer lasting repair options, with results feeding into the Roads Futures Strategy.
Local News

Council endorses Roads Futures Strategy and undertakes pothole trial

PORT Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed the development of a Roads Futures Strategy to “strengthen long-term planning and deliver more resilient and sustainable local roads”. The Strategy will outline Council’s long-term vision to support population growth, improve safety and strengthen sustainability of local roads across Port Stephens. Port Stephens Council manages a road network of […]

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Paradise interrupted: Tomaree WWII story captures nation’s attention and an award Judy Washington receives the Mander Jones Award for ‘Paradise Interrupted’, presented by President Hannah Hibbert.
Community, National

Paradise interrupted: Tomaree WWII story captures nation’s attention and an award

WHEN Judy Washington learned she had won the Australian Society of Archivists’ Mander Jones Award for her book Paradise Interrupted: Tomaree Headland Port Stephens in World War II, her reaction was immediate and overwhelming. “Immense disbelief,” she said. “It was an Australia-wide award and only one book was chosen in its category. “On reflection, the […]

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Port Stephens Legacy recognises strong community support Legatee Wendy Barwick, VP Nelson Bay Torchbearers Judy Chapman, Chair Port Stephens Legacy Division Doug Jacka, and Lemon Tree Passage Torchbearers president Carol Brindley.
Community

Port Stephens Legacy recognises strong community support

PORT Stephens Legacy has recognised the valuable support of local businesses and individuals at an Appreciation Luncheon held at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. Doug Jacka, Chair of Port Stephens Legacy, praised the tremendous support of the local community. “This support has helped our Division continue to look after over 174 widows and 19 children in […]

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