The number of emergency and urgent care patients is the highest since reporting began.
THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025. There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in […]
THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in New South Wales. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or […]
Council has commenced a pothole trial to help identify longer lasting repair options, with results feeding into the Roads Futures Strategy.
PORT Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed the development of a Roads Futures Strategy to “strengthen long-term planning and deliver more resilient and sustainable local roads”. The Strategy will outline Council’s long-term vision to support population growth, improve safety and strengthen sustainability of local roads across Port Stephens. Port Stephens Council manages a road network of […]
Judy Washington receives the Mander Jones Award for ‘Paradise Interrupted’, presented by President Hannah Hibbert.
WHEN Judy Washington learned she had won the Australian Society of Archivists’ Mander Jones Award for her book Paradise Interrupted: Tomaree Headland Port Stephens in World War II, her reaction was immediate and overwhelming. “Immense disbelief,” she said. “It was an Australia-wide award and only one book was chosen in its category. “On reflection, the […]
Legatee Wendy Barwick, VP Nelson Bay Torchbearers Judy Chapman, Chair Port Stephens Legacy Division Doug Jacka, and Lemon Tree Passage Torchbearers president Carol Brindley.
PORT Stephens Legacy has recognised the valuable support of local businesses and individuals at an Appreciation Luncheon held at Nelson Bay Bowling Club. Doug Jacka, Chair of Port Stephens Legacy, praised the tremendous support of the local community. “This support has helped our Division continue to look after over 174 widows and 19 children in […]
TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]
The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]
Birubi Point is a hot-spot for tourists during the summer season.
PORT STEPHENS Council is implementing measures to support a better experience for locals and visitors at Birubi Point during the busy summer holiday period. General Manager Tim Crosdale said, “Our peak season management plan guides our approach, and this holiday period it will include extra linemarking, additional onsite signage, increased Council Ranger presence, VMS early […]
SURF Life Saving drones will be in the air earlier and for longer this summer as the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) steps up shark surveillance. The NSW Government has allocated an extra $2.5m for shark management following the recent deaths of a female tourist near Crowdy Bay and a local surfer on Sydney’s Northern […]
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with workers at the Tomago smelter.
MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]
