TEN years ago, on the evening of 20 April, a highly destructive East Coast Low (ECL) slammed into the coast just north of Hawks Nest causing damage in all directions. Local observations saw wind gusts in excess of 145km/h, and rainfall exceeding 300mm within a 24-hour period. Waves reached heights of 10m, and coastal erosion […]
Stinker’s History: Fred on the farm
FARMER and lobster fisherman Frederick Henry ‘Fred’ Blanch (b 1883), son of John Blanch and Eliza Lorman (Eagleton), married Ella West in 1913. Fred worked on his father’s farm on Marsh Road from the age of 14 and went net fishing near Mosquito Island. In 1979 Fred died at the age of 95 years, being […]
Lyne and Paterson vote in 2025 Federal Election
DEMOCRACY was exercised yet again across the country last week, with voters of the Federal electorates of Lyne and Paterson heading to the polls to have their say on the nation’s future leadership. Candidates’ volunteer armies mobilised at polling places across the electorates, wearing distinctive campaign t-shirts and brandishing ‘How-to-Vote’ cards. Polling places around the […]
Photo Album: Anzac Day in Raymond Terrace
Irrawang High School captain Daniel Cobby and vice captain Jack Skaines. Photo: Amanda Green. Grahamstown Public School students in quiet contemplation. Photo: Amanda Green. The Salvation Army Hope Community Choir in full voice. Photo: Amanda Green. The community lined the streets for the procession. Photo: Amanda Green. The Irrawang High School Drum Corps. Photo: Amanda […]
Newcastle Airport expansion to boost Sail Port Stephens regatta
STATE Government, Council and sailing enthusiasts are predicting the expansion of Newcastle Airport will further propel the Sail Port Stephens regatta in future years. The Sail Port Stephens Performance Series took place from 25-27 April, with thousands of spectators flocking to catch the regatta in action. The Sail Port Stephens Bay Series follows from 2-4 […]
Community invited to join bush regeneration on One Mile Beach headland
THE Friends of Tomaree National Park group is continuing work to regenerate bush and improve the resilience of coastal forest on One Mile Beach headland. The community is invited to join the effort on Saturday morning, 10 May, when volunteers will tackle invasive Bitou Bush and undertake planting in bare areas. “[The] community have already […]
Nelson Bay commemorates Anzac Day
The RAAF Catafalque Party march to the memorial. Nelson Bay RSL President Mark Balsarini opens proceedings. Wing Commander Nicholson gives the main address. The moment an F-35A Lightning aircraft from RAAF Williamtown performed a flypast. Personnel from RAAF Williamtown march through Nelson Bay. Veterans lead the march to the Nelson Bay memorial. Musicians Private Luke […]
New clubhouses unveiled at Ingenia over 55s communities
OVER 55s communities Ingenia Lifestyle Element in Fullerton Cove and Natura in Bobs Farm have unveiled new multimillion-dollar resident clubhouses. Ingenia’s Executive General Manager Acquisitions and Development Michael Rabey said he was excited to celebrate the opening of the resident clubhouses, both of which were designed to draw on the natural beauty of the region. […]
Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award
ARTISTIC talent from across the country was celebrated at the official opening of the 2nd Biennial Anderson Art Award (AAA) at The Gallery in Tea Gardens on Saturday 12 April. The venue, which is home to the artists known as Galleries in the Garden (GiG), was packed with guests perusing the walls as they enjoyed […]
Parish leaders call for 2025 to be a ‘Season of Hope’
LOCAL leaders of the Anglican Church are calling for a “season of hope” on the back of Easter. Reverend Richard Goscombe from the Parish of Bulahdelah and Tea Gardens with Karuah, said the national initiative is called “Hope25”. “When I ask people what they hope for, some say ‘not much’ with a grim face, as […]