May 2, 2026
Stinker’s History: The ‘Dawn’ – Part 1 Newcastle wharf 1957. The ‘Dawn’ tied up with John Plooy in the foreground and Ted Johansson mending their nets. Smoke can be seen coming from the old Stockton vehicular ferry. The fisherman with Ted is Bill Collett who built and worked the ‘Redfish’ and later the ‘Bodalla Star’.
Local News

Stinker’s History: The ‘Dawn’ – Part 1

IT was 1865 when a lone seaman on board a Norwegian sailing ship jumped off the deck onto the wharf in Stockton and ran from the authorities. The illegal immigrant changed his name and became known as Captain Henry Thompson – so beginning the long line of Thompsons, a family who have made a major […]

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Stargazing: Dreamtime astronomy
Community

Stargazing: Dreamtime astronomy

HAVE you ever wondered who the first astronomers were? What an interesting question. Astronomy is the oldest science, but it’s also the newest. Everything we know about the night sky has been passed down through history, and we find the oldest continuous culture on Earth, the Australian Aboriginal people, were very likely the world’s first […]

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Practical insights for producers across the Hunter Measuring soil moisture is just one factor in responding to seasonal conditions.
Regional

Practical insights for producers across the Hunter

NEW analysis from Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is providing practical insights for producers looking to make timely decisions as seasonal conditions tighten, with distinct patterns emerging between the Upper and Lower Hunter. The latest data combines Meat and Livestock Australia saleyard throughput, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the […]

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Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body
Port Stephens

Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body

THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]

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Works on East Seaham Road now complete Port Stephens Council Mayor Leah Anderson, State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and Federal Lyne MP Alison Penfold.
Government

Works on East Seaham Road now complete

ROADWORKS on East Seaham Road are now complete, following investments from all levels of government. The project included reconstructing the entire 3.1km unsealed section of East Seaham Road to become sealed and match road widths of previously constructed stages; upgraded drainage infrastructure to cater for large storm events and flooding; and installation of road safety […]

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Students get hands-on saving rare threatened plant at Tomaree The Tomaree students have engaged with a hands-on environmental education project.
School

Students get hands-on saving rare threatened plant at Tomaree

The Tomaree students have engaged with a hands-on environmental education project. The Tomaree students have engaged with a hands-on environmental education project. STUDENTS at Tomaree Public School are stepping up to protect one of New South Wales’ rarest plants through a hands-on environmental education project delivered by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program. The […]

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Community planting days to enhance the Tomaree Coastal Walk Volunteers planting along the Tomaree Coastal Walk.
Community

Community planting days to enhance the Tomaree Coastal Walk

Volunteers planting along the Tomaree Coastal Walk. Bruce clearing Bitou Bush ready for planting. MORE than 1,500 trees, shrubs and ground covers will be planted across the Boat Harbour entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk this autumn. This significant environmental project is enabled by a BUPA Landcare grant; one of only 28 projects funded by  […]

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Racing in the Hunter at full gallop Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris (centre) opening the new facilities at Scone. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Racing in the Hunter at full gallop

MINISTER for Gaming and Racing David Harris officially opened new facilities at Scone Race Club on Tuesday, 7 April, as part of a $36 million investment into racing in the Hunter. He also visited upgrade works at Muswellbrook and Cessnock race clubs. At Scone, the NSW Government’s Racing for the Regions program allocated $20 million […]

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Liberals’ migration plan ‘strange’, from ‘another time’ Angus Taylor is being accused of trying to replicate One Nation's anti-immigration stance. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Liberals’ migration plan ‘strange’, from ‘another time’

THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics.  Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]

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M1 extension set to open a year earlier than planned Local MPs celebrate the progress with the project team.
Local News

M1 extension set to open a year earlier than planned

THE M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is now expected to open to traffic in late 2026, more than a year earlier than originally planned. The accelerated timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete. The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening […]

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