September 17, 2026
Two Hunter schools earn top marks for HSC improvement
Port Stephens

Two Hunter schools earn top marks for HSC improvement

HUNTER region schools have been recognised among the most improved in New South Wales, following strong performances in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC). Hunter River High School, Hunter Sports High School, Lake Macquarie High School and Maitland High School were named in a select group of 45 public schools across the state acknowledged for […]

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Inquiry into community safety concludes
Port Stephens

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]

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No new mines but coal expansions given green light Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
Port Stephens

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]

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Government extends funding for two key programs
Port Stephens

Government extends funding for two key programs

THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”).  The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]

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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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