Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.
FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]
Repairs to Shoal Bay Beach, August 2024.
AFTER two disastrous events hit Shoal Bay in 2024, Port Stephens Council (PSC) was again urged by concerned locals to provide an alternate access road to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay. Following a series of meetings with local groups, the Council released its Delivery Program (2025-2029) and Operational Plan (2025-2026). In response, the Tomaree Headland […]
The corner of Cunningham St and Curlew Ave shows sand washed over the low beach, cutting access.
KING tides flooded the coastlines and estuaries around Port Stephens from Thursday 29 May, coinciding with the riverine flooding that rocked the hinterland and Mid North Coast. Masses of seaweed and sand were lifted by the tides over the roads at Pindimar North and South, leaving salty flooding, seaweed and debris in its wake. This […]
Dedicated waste crews have been deployed across the region.
PORT Stephens Council has launched a coordinated waste management response to support residents impacted by the recent natural disaster. Council teams have been working closely with emergency services and impacted communities to assess damage, and help residents safely manage waste from flood-affected properties. Mayor Leah Anderson said the recovery effort is focused on making it […]
On Wednesday 28 May strike force detectives executed a search warrant and arrested Mr Pene.
THE former director of the Connect Global drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility has been granted bail after being charged with allegedly perverting the course of justice by falsifying reports about client drug use. Ross Pene, 68, was arrested last Wednesday at the controversial Swan Bay facility, following a year-long investigation. Strike Force Toopuntul was established […]
Minister Steve Kamper at Newcastle Airport for the announcement.
JETSTAR will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali) from 21 October. Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries. The service is set to be run three times a week, and will be the first international route offered from Newcastle’s new international terminal. Minister for Jobs and […]
The brilliantly-coloured sixspine leatherjacket is common over the shallow reefs.
OF all the fishing articles I have written over the past 40 years, very few have featured leatherjacket. Appropriately named, this weird looking fish has sandpaper skin and no scales with a spike protruding from the head. They have a mean set of dentures which they are keen to use if you get too close, […]
A rural landowner is upset about the development of high-voltage lines across his property. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
FILMMAKER Ian Barry hoped to live out his final years in peace and tranquility on his bush property. But Mr Barry, who has motor neurone disease, is instead locked in a fight to save his NSW Hunter sanctuary from being damaged by a planned renewable energy zone. He and his wife Vicki have had a […]
A rare recount in a Sydney electorate will delay confirmation of Australia's next parliament. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
IT could take weeks to confirm the members of Australia’s next parliament, with one seat sitting on a margin of only eight votes and an incumbent in another requesting a second tally. Independent MP Zoe Daniel has requested a recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. The Australian Electoral Commission finalised a margin of 260 […]
Leanne and Kent Sansom in the flooded park grounds. Photos: Oakvale Wildlife Park.
Leanne and Kent Sansom in the flooded park grounds. Photos: Oakvale Wildlife Park. Kent with the flood pump in the background. Ellen is part of the ‘fantastic’ team at Oakvale. The koalas were safe in their trees as they waited for the water to recede. Some of the animals kept comfy and dry indoors. OAKVALE […]
