May 2, 2026
Top marks for sports uniform proposal to boost students’ physical activity University of Newcastle’s Belinda Peden of HMRI’s Population Health Research program.
School

Top marks for sports uniform proposal to boost students’ physical activity

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 […]

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Port Stephens to Mid North Coast sees sustained migration as regional living remains in demand Port Stephens beaches, such as Birubi at Anna Bay, prove attractive to city-dwellers seeking a change. Photo: Scott Mansfield.
Regional

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 […]

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Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System approved by regulator
Port Stephens

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 […]

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Sail Port Stephens set to be the biggest yet Sail Port Stephens 2025 Performance Series - Div 1 IRC winner Hooligan. Photo: Promocean Media
Regional

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 […]

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Global recognition for Gresford regenerative farm leader Kristen Nicol, a finalist in the Woman Changing the World Awards, co-owns and runs Allynview Farm. Photo: supplied.
Business, Community

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, […]

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Grants open for port communities
Port Stephens

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 […]

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MidCoast Council proposes tighter controls on paper subdivisions
Government

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) […]

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