LOCAL parents have raised concerns after discovering that Physics will not be offered to Years 11 and 12 students at Irrawang High School in 2026 and 2027. The decision has prompted broader questions about subject availability in regional public schools. University of Newcastle sociologist Dr Karen van Lonkhuyzen said common challenges for regional students include […]
Mixed response to new environment laws
THEY said it couldn’t happen, but the Federal Labor Government has worked with the Greens to pass reforms to the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act after negotiations fell through last November. The reforms include a new environment watchdog agency; national standards to safeguard nature; federal laws to apply to native forest logging by mid-2027; […]
Bushfires rage across Myall Coast hinterland
The smoke clouds as the fire began. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Smoke drifts over the coast, leaving a thick blanket above the water at Bennetts Beach. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Recon and water-bombing aircraft land, refuel and take off from Bulahdelah Showground,Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. The blackened median and verge forest along the Pacific Highway north of Nerong […]
Gold medal haul for rookie Anna Bay sprinter Indiana Weine
ANNA Bay siblings Brayden and Landen Weine are regarded as two of the most promising young athletes in the region with an impressive collection of silverware in both track and field. Now their gifted six-year-old sister Indiana, has proven a phenomenal talent after her gold medal haul at the recent Port-Hunter Zone Athletics Championships at […]
Premier Chris Minns discussed flood recovery on the Mid North Coast in May with Oxley MP and former NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders.
Kemp calls out Premier’s flood recovery comments
MEMBER for Oxley Michael Kemp has called out Premier Chris Minns for “out-of-touch comments” on morning TV show Sunrise regarding the recovery of communities impacted by flooding in May. When asked by host Matt Shirvington what NSW should be most proud of in the past year, the Premier responded: “I think the thing we should […]
Entrances to Tomaree Coastal Walk in Boat Harbour funded to undergo restorative maintenance
The southward entrance and the areas planned for rehabilitation. The potential rehabilitation area at the northward entrance is marked in yellow. A MAJOR environmental restoration project is set to transform the northern and southern entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk, following the announcement of new funding through a partnership between Bupa and Landcare Australia. The […]
Natural disaster declarations made for six LGAs following bushfires
THE State and Federal Governments have activated disaster assistance to the MidCoast local government area (LGA) due to ongoing bushfires. The declarations activate a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers, and councils. People whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial help as well as clean-up, rebuilding and recovery […]
Clean-up works begin at notorious Gan Gan Road site
CLEAN up works have begun at the site of the former Anna Bay Tourist Resort site on Gan Gan Road. After years sitting idle, the site was sold in October 2025 to the Sydney-based S & C Group. The new owner has met with Port Stephens Council staff and confirmed that initial clean-up and improvement […]
Yacht returned to safety in overnight operation off Broughton Island
Port Stephens 31 and the disabled yacht at the marina. Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Stephens 31. VOLUNTEERS from Marine Rescue Port Stephens responded to a late-night call for assistance after a 12–15 metre yacht lost steerage between Seal Rocks and Broughton Island while transiting from Lord Howe Island late on Sunday 7 December. Radio […]
Firefighter dies as communities stay on high fire alert
A FIREFIGHTER has died after being struck by a tree while battling a bushfire threatening homes, as authorities warn the risk of dangerous fires is likely to linger for months. The NSW National Parks firefighter was hit by a falling tree about 10.45pm on Sunday, while trying to contain a fierce fire near Bulahdelah on […]
