NEW research suggests most Australians support a simple change that could significantly boost children’s physical activity levels: letting students wear sports uniforms every day. The majority of young Australians are still not active enough, despite well-established evidence that regular physical activity improves children’s physical and mental health. Schools are seen as an important setting to […]
Driver charged following fatal two-vehicle crash in Salamander Bay
A DRIVER has been charged following a fatal crash in Salamander Bay earlier this year. About 7.25pm on Saturday 17 January 2026, emergency services were called to Nelson Bay Road, Salamander Bay, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. The driver of a Toyota Rav4 – a 77-year-old woman – died at the scene. The passengers […]
Port Stephens beaches, such as Birubi at Anna Bay, prove attractive to city-dwellers seeking a change. Photo: Scott Mansfield.
Port Stephens to Mid North Coast sees sustained migration as regional living remains in demand
A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers. While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining […]
Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System approved by regulator
THE NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the 400 megawatt-hour Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Proposed by Ausgrid, the BESS will be located within an existing 132 kV electricity substation in Mayfield West. Set within the Hunter and Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, the BESS is intended to provide network stability and […]
Sail Port Stephens set to be the biggest yet
Sail Port Stephens 2025 Performance Series – Div 1 IRC winner Hooligan. Photo: Promocean Media The three-week festival brings more than 300 boats and thousands of sailors to the region. Photo: Council. SAIL Port Stephens returns from 13 April, shaping up to be Australia’s largest sailing regatta. The three-week festival is projected to attract 300 […]
Kristen Nicol, a finalist in the Woman Changing the World Awards, co-owns and runs Allynview Farm. Photo: supplied.
Global recognition for Gresford regenerative farm leader
AN AGRICULTURAL innovator from Gresford is gaining international recognition, with Allynview Farm co-founder Kristen Nicol named a finalist in the prestigious Woman Changing the World Awards. The award winners will be announced in Paris on 11 April. Kristen, who runs Allynview Farm alongside her husband Ben just outside Gresford, has been shortlisted in multiple categories, […]
Another exciting year ahead for the Probus Club of Port Stephens
MEMBERS of the Probus Club of Port Stephens have ushered in a new chapter, celebrating their Annual General Meeting with a Changeover Lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club on Thursday 12 March. The event marked a transition in leadership, and also the close of what has been described as a highly successful year for the […]
Grants open for port communities
LOCAL organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program. Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working […]
MidCoast Council proposes tighter controls on paper subdivisions
MIDCOAST Council is seeking community feedback on its plans to change the rules around paper subdivisions. These are lots of land in non-urban areas that were historically recognised on paper but have no formed roads, drainage, sewerage or other infrastructure. Council is seeking to amend the State Environment Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) […]
Port Stephens author Morgan Bell launches trio of haiku zines for Newcastle Writers Festival
WRITER, poet, teacher, editor, Marine Rescue volunteer; Port Stephens resident Morgan Bell is all of these and more, and she’s just celebrated the launch of a new trio of haiku zines. In an event held on Thursday 26 March at Tomaree Library as part of the Newcastle Writers Festival 2026, she was joined by friend […]
