RESPECTED Port Stephens representative netball mentor Emma Penfold has been recognised for excellence in coaching. The experienced campaigner, who has given sterling service to the Port Stephens Netball Association, has been named as one of two finalists for the 2026 Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award. Inner West Netball Association stalwart Therri Ellison is also in […]

CORLETTE paddler Tony Compton has made a habit of winning world championship titles in elite outrigger canoe racing. The 73-year-old iron man returned from Singapore recently where he bagged a fifth gold medal after helping his  combined Newcastle-Tweed Coast-based crew clinch the Platinum Master Mens V12 500m sprint final at Marina Bay. He achieved the […]

SYDNEY will host the 2027 Super Netball Grand Final for the first time since the competition began, in what will be the largest Netball World Cup in history. The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 visitors to Sydney and inject more than $4 million into the NSW visitor economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, pubs, […]

SALAMANDER Bay golfer Lachlan Pearson has earned another major accolade on his distinguished sporting journey. The former Tomaree High schoolboy represented Team NSW at last week’s Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne and picked up a bronze in the Level 5 Division 2 category. Competing over three days at Sandy Golf Links, Lachlan was […]

Nelson Bay FC under-16 boys team capped a memorable season by capturing a Newcastle Football Community inter-district championship double and the club’s Most Distinguished Team Award. Pictured, from left, are team manager Louise Farrell, head coach Chris Farrell, and assistant coaches Arran McKenzie and Jake Parmigiana. Photo: Nelson Bay FC. Nelson Bay’s championship-winning under-16 players […]

SALAMANDER Bay’s  Luke Noble continues to make an extraordinary impact in the Port Stephens sporting community. The 44-year-old father of two can regularly be spotted at the Tomaree Sporting Complex, helping to maintain the Nelson Bay Netball Association (NBNA) courts. You’ll also find him on match days setting up and running the weekly barbecue or […]

WHEN looking for inspiration on the netball court, Nelson Bay’s Annalise Jones has the perfect role model close at hand. The talented goalkeeper is following in the steps of her elder sibling Ella, a representative wing defence of the highest calibre. 21-year-old Ella was named Players’ Player for the all-conquering Hunter Netball 2 team that […]

MEDOWIE Rugby Club stalwart Sam Holbert embodies all the traits of a forward leader. A power running back rower and no-nonsense defender who leads by example, the teak-tough campaigner has proved an asset to the Marauders throughout the past two decades. ‘Slamming Sam’ has only ever pulled on the Medowie Marauders jumper throughout his rugby […]

PROMISING Nelson Bay FC juniors Elke Moltzen and Zoe Wild have been selected for the Newcastle Football Player Development Program. The up-and-coming 10-year-olds impressed selectors with their natural ability and high-level skill in elite company at the two-day trials in Tarro recently. Some of the finest boys and girls soccer juniors aged 10 to 16 […]

NELSON Bay’s Mick Lennon and Martin Shiner have returned home with international gold medals from the 2026 Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan. The Port Stephens touch football wizards were part of the triumphant Australian Emus Men’s 55s team that toppled traditional rivals New Zealand 6-2 in the championship decider. Staged in the city […]