February 4, 2026
Man charged following alleged hammer assault in Shoal Bay
Police

Man charged following alleged hammer assault in Shoal Bay

A MAN has been charged following an alleged assault with a hammer at Shoal Bay on Anzac Day. About 6pm on Friday 25 April 2025, police were called to Shoal Bay Road following reports a man had been assaulted with a hammer. A 23-year-old man was treated at the scene for a head injury by […]

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Police legal action rates rise across most offences
Police

Police legal action rates rise across most offences

THE NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new report examining the proportion of recorded crimes that result in an offender being charged by NSW Police. The study, “Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023”, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 […]

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NSW Gov moves to crackdown on illegal tree clearing
National

NSW Gov moves to crackdown on illegal tree clearing

THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW. An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework. A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has […]

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Stinker’s History: More than farmers on Marsh Road At the time oysters were grown on leases with racks made from black mangrove ‘sticks’. Black mangroves were harvested in all estuaries along the entire coastline.
Port Stephens

Stinker’s History: More than farmers on Marsh Road

LAST October I released my final local history book, “Marsh Road”. The book told of the endeavours of the dairy farming community which branched out to grow and sell vegetables of the highest quality. Not all residents along Marsh Road were dependent on the land however. The rich waters of Tilligerry Creek, which flow adjacent […]

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Nelson Bay commemorates Anzac Day The RAAF Catafalque Party march to the memorial.
Regional

Nelson Bay commemorates Anzac Day

The RAAF Catafalque Party march to the memorial. Nelson Bay RSL President Mark Balsarini opens proceedings. Wing Commander Nicholson gives the main address. The moment an F-35A Lightning aircraft from RAAF Williamtown performed a flypast. Personnel from RAAF Williamtown march through Nelson Bay. Veterans lead the march to the Nelson Bay memorial. Musicians Private Luke […]

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Take Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey
Community

Take Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey

PORT Stephens residents are invited to provide feedback on Council’s facilities and services through the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey. Mayor Leah Anderson said the annual Community Satisfaction Survey provides an important opportunity for Council to learn what the community thinks is working well and those areas that need improvement. “The feedback from the community helps […]

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‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling Polling has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor ahead with voters but many remain undecided. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Election, Government

‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling

A LABOR majority is becoming increasingly likely as the prime minister declares he’s in for the long haul, but a vast number of voters remain undecided. Recent polls show Labor gaining momentum, widening the two-party preferred gap and putting a majority government in reach as the coalition campaign falters. Labor is ahead 54.5 to 45.5 […]

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New clubhouses unveiled at Ingenia over 55s communities Residents at the ribbon cutting event at Fullerton Cove.
Regional

New clubhouses unveiled at Ingenia over 55s communities

OVER 55s communities Ingenia Lifestyle Element in Fullerton Cove and Natura in Bobs Farm have unveiled new multimillion-dollar resident clubhouses. Ingenia’s Executive General Manager Acquisitions and Development Michael Rabey said he was excited to celebrate the opening of the resident clubhouses, both of which were designed to draw on the natural beauty of the region. […]

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Council trialling hot coal bin at Little Beach Council encourages all visitors to Little Beach during the trial period to use the new hot coal bin and remain responsible for their waste.
Local News

Council trialling hot coal bin at Little Beach

PORT Stephens Council is addressing the issue of discarded hot coals in popular public spaces with the launch of a hot coal bin trial at Little Beach. The dedicated bin is being trialled during the busy Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, a period known for increased BBQ activity in the area. “This hot coal […]

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Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award Sylvia Reczek’s highly commended (2D) painting.
Regional

Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award

ARTISTIC talent from across the country was celebrated at the official opening of the 2nd Biennial Anderson Art Award (AAA) at The Gallery in Tea Gardens on Saturday 12 April. The venue, which is home to the artists known as Galleries in the Garden (GiG), was packed with guests perusing the walls as they enjoyed […]

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