August 21, 2026
Façon Magazine announces winner of the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship
Event, Featured

Façon Magazine announces winner of the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship

From the left: Kirrah McClelland, Head of Community and Sustainability at Greater Bank; painter Jasmine Christie; digital artist Nicole Smede; musician Aimee Hannan; writer Aaron Taylor; dancer Holly Faulds; director Liam Forrest; accessory designer Robbie Hartigan; fashion designer Kartika Medcraft-Smith; photographer Raymond Kelly; and Indigenous Employment Partner Simone Jordan. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Jasmine Christie’s artwork, […]

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PROBUS hears about the history of poisons
Event

PROBUS hears about the history of poisons

POISON was on the menu at the Hawks Nest & District Probus Club’s July meeting, with a special presentation by local Alan Barr, on the topic of ‘Poison – A History of Potions, Powders and Murderous Practitioners from the Medieval royal courts of Europe to Leongatha, Victoria’. The 82 members and one visitor heard from […]

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Christmas comes twice a year at St Andrews Op Shop
Event

Christmas comes twice a year at St Andrews Op Shop

ST ANDREWS Anglican Church in Tea Gardens once again held its famous Christmas in July sale, offering everything from toys to tableware. The event was held last Friday and Saturday, 10-11 July, and featured a massive display that was sorted and presented by a team of dedicated volunteers led by Sue Nicholls. The op shop […]

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Where have all the Port Stephens squid gone What once was a typical catch of squid that could be caught in all the quiet bays from Broughton Island to Boat Harbour. Photo: Supplied by ‘Stinker’.
Fishing

Where have all the Port Stephens squid gone

I WAS reading through some old articles I wrote years ago when I came across this story of squid. I can clearly recall when catching squid did not offer a challenge. Anywhere from Kiddies Corner in Fingal, south to Big Rocky, squid could be found in every protected bay. Simply by tossing out a squid […]

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Henry Olonga speaks and sings at Surf Club event
Event

Henry Olonga speaks and sings at Surf Club event

Henry Olonga speaks of his time in exile around the world. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Locals gathered overlooking Bennetts Beach to listen to Henry. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. INTERNATIONAL cricketer and singing star Henry Olonga spoke to a room full of people at the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Club on Tuesday 23 June, by invitation from […]

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Mullets and Mackerels’ winter solstice swim Mullets swimmers brace for the early winter’s morning swim at Jimmys Beach. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Event

Mullets and Mackerels’ winter solstice swim

Mullets swimmers brace for the early winter’s morning swim at Jimmys Beach. Photo: Supplied. Proof they took to the waters. Photo: Supplied. Refreshing was an understatement for many swimmers after the event. Photo: Supplied. TWO local swimming groups took to the water on the brisk, early winter morning on a special day – the Winter […]

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John ‘Stinker’ Clarke tells of his rescue Battered and bruised, ‘Stinkpot’ comes home.
Fishing

John ‘Stinker’ Clarke tells of his rescue

MY wife Ella and I arrived in Fingal Bay in 1975. My first impressions were how beautiful the beaches, conical mountains, islands and rocky headlands were. Coming from a fishing family in Tweed Heads, I weighed up the fishing opportunities inside the port, along the beaches and the offshore reefs. The reefs off Fingal come […]

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Fishing Stinker History Part 3 'Nowadays, if anyone sees a shark, it always is a great white.' Photo: freepik.
Fishing

Fishing Stinker History Part 3

Part 3: See earlier editions of NOTA for Parts 1 and 2.  “In 1945, my first year in the Narrowgut Crew, I earned £450 in two months. That was a lot of money for a young bloke,” said Ken Barry. “Did you ever come face-to-face with a great white shark?” I quizzed “Probably have,” replied […]

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Best spots to land rock blackfish in Port Stephens If you’re fishing off the rocks, wear a lifejacket and try to fish with a mate.
Fishing

Best spots to land rock blackfish in Port Stephens

FROM recent reports black drummer, also known as rock blackfish, are keen to rumble off the rocks anywhere between Fingal and Rocky Point. Best baits include fresh or salted cunjevoi, or bread and prawns tossed into a bread berley trail. A 2/0 hook and just enough lead to get you into the strike zone, which […]

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Absolute waterfront at North Arm Cove
Property

Absolute waterfront at North Arm Cove

115 Promontory Way, North Arm Cove 4 Bed, 3 Bath, 5 Car Expressions of interest POSITIONED in one of the most sought-after absolute waterfront locations on the East Coast, 115 Promontory Way presents a rare opportunity to secure a beautifully renovated waterfront residence with breathtaking west-facing views and unforgettable sunsets. Set on a generous parcel […]

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