APPLICATIONS are now open for Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects across Australia. Eligible not-for-profit groups from New South Wales can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving connection and mental wellbeing in their local communities. Since 2020, Australia Post […]
Progress Association to map defibrillator locations
Kelly Pietsch instructing local tennis club members how to use their new device. The AED in Tea Gardens Coles is only available during business hours. The AED outside Hawks Nest IGA is available 24/7. An external AED between the new and old buildings at Hawks Nest Community Centre is also available 24/7. PROGRESS is being […]

First aid facilities upgraded at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club
Newly built walls and false ceilings divide the original space. The frame of the new wall going in. Photo: David Lau. First aid was relegated to a bed in the corner of the old single room. Photo: David Lau. The plastic table and chairs will be upgraded with a proper kitchenette for lifesavers on duty. […]

Regional platypus initiative pushes forward
Rachel Barry, platypus mascot ‘Becan’ and Callaghan kids at May’s Tocal Field Day. Photo: supplied. Regional Platypus Initiative coordinators Sian Ineson, Rachel Barry and Julie Overton during a planning session. Photo: supplied. Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied. THE “Barrington Rivers Platypus Initiative” has been […]
Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFB welcomes vintage truck to new home
The new recruit hitched a ride with Green and White Transport to get from Lochinvar to Tea Gardens. Captain David Bright, with ‘maintenance men’ Gary, Keith and Karl (driving) near the Tea Gardens Station. David and Karl air out the compartments. THE latest addition to the Pindimar-Tea Gardens Rural Fire Brigade fleet is a vintage […]
Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October
JETSTAR will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali) from 21 October. Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries. The service is set to be run three times a week, and will be the first international route offered from Newcastle’s new international terminal. Minister for Jobs and […]
King tides add to coastal flooding
KING tides flooded the coastlines and estuaries around Port Stephens from Thursday 29 May, coinciding with the riverine flooding that rocked the hinterland and Mid North Coast. Masses of seaweed and sand were lifted by the tides over the roads at Pindimar North and South, leaving salty flooding, seaweed and debris in its wake. This […]
Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator
FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]
‘Thursday Walkers’ group treads carefully in wild weather
A grey day on the harbour. Photo: Ray Hughes. On the way to Robinson’s Flat. Photo: Ray Hughes. Coffee and a chat replaced a scheduled walk after wet weather intervened. Photo: Ray Hughes. Walkers in the rain in Columbey National Park. Photo: Ray Hughes. BIG plans have been washed away for the ‘Thursday Walkers’ group, […]
Stinker’s Fishin’: Give the Leatherjacket a go
OF all the fishing articles I have written over the past 40 years, very few have featured leatherjacket. Appropriately named, this weird looking fish has sandpaper skin and no scales with a spike protruding from the head. They have a mean set of dentures which they are keen to use if you get too close, […]