A magnificent local site, the future of which will be decided by the community. Tomaree Lodge has a fascinating history. OVER the past 50 years I have wandered through Tomaree Lodge on numerous occasions, mainly on the way to the headland where I fished for bream off the Tomaree Torpedo Tube. I often thought of […]

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely
NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]
Leadership competition invites young leaders to life-changing Power Trip in Canberra
YOUNG rural women and non-binary students in Years 10 to 12 from across Australia will have the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Power Trip’ to the nation’s capital. Country to Canberra’s (C2C) prestigious Leadership Competition launched on Monday, opening the door for young rural leaders to embark on a four-day leadership experience designed to help […]
New PFAS guidelines released for drinking water
THE National Health and Medical Research Council has published updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which confirm new, lower values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian drinking water supplies. PFAS are a class of more than 4,000 manufactured chemicals that are not found naturally in the environment. These chemicals have been widely used in […]
This week’s Positive Behaviour for Learning award winners
THE latest winners of the Raymond Terrace Community Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards have been revealed. Irrawang PS: Cian is one of the school’s youngest PBL representatives and always leads by example. He works well with others, shows kindness and is respectful to both students and staff in all settings. Cian is dedicated to […]
Aboriginal Business Roundtable comes to Murrook
THE next NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable will be on 3 July at the Murrook Cultural Centre in Williamtown. This free event is specifically designed for Aboriginal business owners and operators, or those with an interest in the industry. This year’s theme is “Walking Together to Create Cultural Tourism Experiences”. The roundtable will give business owners […]
Colourful Koori Colours Mural unveiled in smoking ceremony at Taylors Beach
The smoking ceremony at the base of the mural. Additional paintings by artist Jason Russell and gifted to PSP owners Basma and Spiro, represent the Andrea family. The scale of the mural as seen through the smoking ceremony. A MAMMOTH mural was unveiled at the Port Stephens Packaging (PSP) building in […]

Tree donation to assist koalas in care
Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader Alex Capararo and PSKH Head of Wildlife Nikki Manning with one of the koala hospital locals Digger. Alex Capararo, Nikki Manning and Jackie Chan. PORT Stephens Koala Hospital (PSKH) is expanding its conservation efforts thanks to a koala feed tree donation from Forestry Corporation. The only wildlife hospital between Sydney and […]
Potential breakthrough to tackle ‘forever chemicals’ in water
RESEARCHERS are attempting to develop a device capable of degrading a carcinogenic form of the so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS in water in as little as six minutes using low-wavelength ultraviolet light. PFAS – used in firefighting foam, products such as non-stick pans, and by many industries – repel oil, grease and water, but persist in […]
Report paints ‘catastrophic picture’ of environment
THE NSW Government tabled the 2024 State of the Environment Report last week. Compiled by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the report is published every three years. According to EPA CEO Tony Chappel, the 2024 report indicates that climate change is already a major factor impacting many environmental trends. “In 2021-22, greenhouse gas emissions […]