SMALL businesses across the Myall Lakes electorate can now access free, independent advice through the new Service NSW Business Bureau Small Business Advisory program. The program provides eligible business owners and people considering starting a business with up to four hours of free one-on-one advice each financial year. Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson said […]
MidCoast Council stands to lose $5 million per year.from July 2027
MidCoast Mayor Cr Claire Pontin. Photo: MidCoast Council. MAYOR Claire Pontin has warned that proposed changes to the distribution of Federal Government Financial Assistance Grants by the NSW Government will force MidCoast Council to look at cutting services to the community. MidCoast Council says it stands to lose $5 million annually from July 2027 and, […]
Illuminate 2026 set to light up Raymond Terrace
ILLUMINATE Raymond Terrace 2026 will again light up Boomerang Park on Saturday, 19 September. The free community celebration brings together live music, fire twirlers, fireworks, food, stalls and lanterns in the park from 4 pm to 8 pm. The much-loved event is supported by local schools, community groups, service organisations, residents and businesses. Port Stephens […]
Newcastle Airport named Australia’s Airport of the Year at 2026 Australian Aviation Awards
Newcastle Airport named best airport in the nation. Photo Althea Guinsberg. The newly designed terminal .Photo Althea Guinsberg. NEWCASTLE Airport has taken out a major national award, being named Australia’s Airport of the Year for 2026. The award was announced at the Australian Aviation Awards in Sydney on 6 August. Newcastle Airport secured the top […]
Eve with a few of her favourite things - eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham.
New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group
Eve with a few of her favourite things – eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham. Freckle, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor of News Of The Area, the family-owned independent local […]
New NSW tourism strategy puts Barrington Coast and Port Stephens in the spotlight
THE Barrington Coast and other select NSW locations are set to receive a tourism boost under a new NSW Government marketing strategy designed to attract more visitors, support local businesses and create jobs across the State. The first phase of the campaign will promote the Barrington Coast, Shoalhaven, Port Stephens, Byron Bay and Sapphire Coast […]
Dyarna Crupi recognised in the Parliament of NSW for launching Support to Independence
TWENTY-year-old Dyarna Crupi has been recognised in the NSW Parliament following the launch of her new business, Support to Independence, a community-based service designed to help young people develop confidence, independence and essential life skills. Local MP Tanya Thompson acknowledged Ms Crupi’s achievement in the Parliament of NSW this week, praising her initiative and determination […]
NSW moves to avert landfill crisis with new food recycling laws
NEW Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling requirements are coming into force. From 1 July, most large food businesses will have to recycle their food waste, with the aim of diverting it from landfill. The changes will also require all councils to provide household food waste recycling services from 2030. “Without action, NSW is […]
Council supporting businesses to get eco-certified
MIDCOAST Council is currently sponsoring local tourism businesses to receive eco-certification through Ecotourism Australia. Three local tourism operators were supported through the process in 2025. Eco-certification indicates that a business meets globally recognised sustainability standards and supports businesses to improve their practices and build long-term resilience. Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant said the Ecotourism […]
CSIRO unveils $3M upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab
THE CSIRO has officially launched the $3 million upgrade of the Renewable Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle. The national science agency says the upgrade will significantly expand Australia’s capability to test, validate and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable, reliable and secure electricity system. The expanded facility includes a […]
