Walking track in the Tomaree National Park. Photo: I Konya.
VISITORS to some of the Hunter and MidCoast region’s most popular national parks could benefit from improved facilities and infrastructure under a new $130 million funding commitment announced in the NSW Budget. The NSW Government says the funding will be used to upgrade and maintain national park infrastructure across the state, including walking tracks, campgrounds, […]
THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026. A detection of H5 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. This is the […]
Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals.
Wilma with her gifts of love. Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals. YOU never know what happens when you hand over a gift to someone. Will it be appreciated, loved, packed away, passed onto someone else or – worse – sent to the Op Shop? Wilma Whysall, a retired bank teller who had relocated from […]
ATWEA College has confirmed it will phase out all accredited training programs by 30 June, 2026, following a strategic review of its operations. While Alesco Secondary College will continue to expand, including exploration of new campus opportunities, the closure of ATWEA’s training arm will affect students undertaking vocational qualifications across NSW. The news shocked students […]
The CMP will result in a combined effort from Council and external organisations. Pictured, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Mike Shaw from the Shoal Bay West Landcare Group. Photo: Port Stephens Council
A PLAN to protect and improve the coastline from Fingal Bay to Stockton Beach has been certified by the State Minister for the Environment, marking a significant milestone for Port Stephens Council. Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) is a long-term strategy to address coastal hazards, safeguard community assets, and increase resilience to climate change. The […]
During Simon’s performances, the venue is turned into a makeshift church. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan
During Simon’s performances, the venue is turned into a makeshift church. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan Spiky hair and tattoos are not the usual look for a religious teenager, but Simon Vaughan made it work. Photo: Supplied by Simon Vaughan WHAT is it like growing up in a deeply religious household? And […]
The cover image of the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan remains on Council's website. Community groups say the key area affected by Council's proposal is the strip of bushland visible behind the shopping centre on the left of the image - the land adjoining the Worimi Drive Estate that is now being offered for Expressions of Interest.
PORT Stephens Council has defended proposed changes to the Salamander Bay Town Centre, insisting strong environmental protections remain in place, while community groups argue the plans threaten one of the area’s most important environmental buffers. In a statement released recently, Council said proposals affecting land at 155 Salamander Way and 10 Central Avenue had been […]
Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season.
Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season. The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree. WHALE watching season is officially underway in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback […]
LGBTQ+ families across New South Wales will benefit from expanded antenatal education and pregnancy support services after the NSW Government announced $250,000 in funding for a statewide program. The one-off funding contribution will support LGBTQ+ organisation Rainbow Families to deliver culturally appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy support throughout the next three years. NSW Minister for […]
University of Newcastle alumni receive King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: newcastle.edu.au
UNIVERSITY of Newcastle staff and alumni were among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with ten individuals acknowledged for their contributions across education, health, public service, community welfare and defence. University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated the recipients and praised their achievements. “Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the […]
