February 4, 2026
Drones provide eyes in the sky for Fisheries Officers
Local News

Drones provide eyes in the sky for Fisheries Officers

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is harnessing the power of drones to enhance fisheries compliance operations. DPIRD Director Fisheries Compliance Mika Malkki said fisheries officers are responsible for monitoring the vast coastline and inland lakes and rivers across NSW and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are proving to be a game […]

Read More
Police target DFV offenders across the state Police laid 1316 charges and conducted 1276 bail compliance checks and 12,926 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with a total of 535 breaches identified.
Police

Police target DFV offenders across the state

POLICE have charged 627 people with more than 1300 offences during a four-day statewide operation targeting domestic and family violence (DFV). “Operation Amarok X” ran from Wednesday 14 May to Saturday 17 May 2025, and involved officers from all police area commands and police districts across NSW. The Domestic and Family Violence Command-led operation also […]

Read More
NSW Gov funds $10m for weed control and eradication Tropical Soda Apple. Photo: NSW DPI.
Government

NSW Gov funds $10m for weed control and eradication

THE NSW Government will deliver $10 million to local councils to target high-risk weeds across the state to protect the state’s primary production and public land. The NSW Government Weeds Action Program funds local councils, known as Local Control Authorities (LCA), to detect and respond quickly to incursions of new high-risk weeds. The program focuses […]

Read More
Stinker’s History: The Thompson family
Community

Stinker’s History: The Thompson family

Henry Thompson. Henry’s second wife, Mary Anne (Polly) Diemar THE first of the Thompson family to arrive in Port Stephens was Henry, an interesting man shrouded in some degree of mystery. It is recorded that Henry was born onboard a ship off Norway in the North Sea in 1839. Other records show that he was […]

Read More
Local Sarah Chippindale inspires MS fundraising walk
Community, Health

Local Sarah Chippindale inspires MS fundraising walk

BOAT Harbour’s Sarah Chippindale, a beloved member of the Port Stephens community, podcast co-host of the popular The Chronically Unbalanced, and marriage celebrant, is the inspiration behind an ambitious fundraising effort for MS Australia. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a teenager, Sarah has lived bravely with the condition for 16 years. However, a recent […]

Read More
‘Floral Fantasia’ for Port Stephens Community Arts Centre
Local News

‘Floral Fantasia’ for Port Stephens Community Arts Centre

Local artists have used the theme “Floral Fantasia” to create an exciting array of works for a new exhibition at the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre. Flowers and gardens bring delight to the exhibition, from a single elegant bloom, to a profusion of colour, shape and perfume. The featured artist for this exhibition is Marianne […]

Read More
Regional consultation guide released by NSW Government
Port Stephens

Regional consultation guide released by NSW Government

A NEW guide has been released which aims to strengthen NSW Government consultation practices with regional, rural and remote communities across the state. The “Regional Communities Consultation Guide” outlines the Government’s approach to consulting with regional, rural and remote communities, including Aboriginal communities. The release of the guide follows the introduction of the Regional Communities […]

Read More
Council calls for EOIs to join disability inclusion group
Community

Council calls for EOIs to join disability inclusion group

PORT Stephens Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the community to join its newly established Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Group (DIAAG). The group aims to ensure Council decision-making is informed by diverse perspectives on disability. This initiative is a critical step in successfully delivering Council’s Community Wellbeing Strategy and Disability Inclusion […]

Read More
Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group join forces with Lifeline for Volunteer Week Volunteers from TBCSG joined forces with Lifeline in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay.
National

Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group join forces with Lifeline for Volunteer Week

Volunteers from TBCSG joined forces with Lifeline in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay. Christine Walton, volunteer with TBCSG and Lifeline, with Danielle Robinson. The specially dressed Lifeline shop window for Volunteer Week. NATIONAL Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be next held on 19-25 May 2025. This special event highlights the […]

Read More
Marathon seven-hour rescue returns stranded boaters to shore Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lemon Tree 30 spent almost seven hours on water during the mission. Photos: supplied.
Community

Marathon seven-hour rescue returns stranded boaters to shore

Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lemon Tree 30 spent almost seven hours on water during the mission. Photos: supplied. Marine Rescue NSW vessel Lemon Tree 30 tracking down the Myall River at sunset. Volunteers from Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage towed the disabled vessel to Mungo Brush Boat Ramp. A VOLUNTEER crew from Marine Rescue Lemon […]

Read More