March 18, 2026
Housing options, health services top concerns for country women
Port Stephens

Housing options, health services top concerns for country women

THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns. Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW. The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the […]

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Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push
Port Stephens

Government calls for caravan partners in disaster recovery push

THE NSW Government is establishing a panel of caravan suppliers to deliver “At-Home Caravan Programs” for disaster recovery. Activated immediately after a disaster, the program will support the NSW Reconstruction Authority to provide temporary accommodation for residents who have lost their homes. The program will see caravans placed on impacted residents’ private property, allowing them […]

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Investigation continues following fatal crash at Kooragang
Port Stephens

Investigation continues following fatal crash at Kooragang

AN INVESTIGATION is continuing after a Port Stephens couple in their 70s tragically died following a horror crash at Kooragang. About 9.25am on Tuesday 17 February, emergency services were called to Cormorant Road, Kooragang, following reports of a crash. At the scene, police were told that a Subaru sedan and a van had crashed in […]

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Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population
Port Stephens

Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population

NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]

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$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
Port Stephens

$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce

THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]

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Additional public holiday to follow Anzac Day
Port Stephens

Additional public holiday to follow Anzac Day

AN additional public holiday has been announced for NSW this year. It falls on the Monday following Anzac Day, 25 April, which falls on a weekend. “Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn on Anzac Day to commemorate and remember those who have served,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said. “The additional holiday […]

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Hunter’s new pilot program supports women leaving prison
Port Stephens

Hunter’s new pilot program supports women leaving prison

THE NSW Government has launched an intensive pilot program for women leaving prison, which provides accommodation and employment in the Hunter. Funded with a donation from the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, the new residential facility will provide wrap-around support for women leaving custody. Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said, “This is an […]

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New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
Port Stephens

New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals

PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]

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DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done
Port Stephens

DFV strategy welcomed but more to be done

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 […]

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