Young Jack Gliddon struggles with a Geographe Bay squid as big as himself. Dad Sam Gliddon wrestles with a cracker Dhufish. I HAVE just returned from a trip to Western Australia which can be best described with one word – big! Everything in WA seems to be bigger than we have to offer in NSW. […]
Stinker’s History: The first ship
SSS Salamander. Photo: State Library Victoria. Just imagine what the Worimi thought as the ‘Salamander’ sailed into the port. STUDYING local history, one of the most fascinating events was the sailing of the ship “Salamander” through the heads into the calm waters of Port Stephens late in 1791, becoming the first ship to enter the […]
A celebration of culture as NAIDOC commemorated in Bulahdelah
Barry Syron and his daughter Pauline Syron-Coxon. Barry sharing local history. Pauline’s painting reflects on traditional themes. Traditional artefacts and items were on display. BULAHDELAH Visitor Information Centre (VIC) held a morning tea with a difference to promote NAIDOC week. Activities are held throughout the country in the first week of July each year to […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon
THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]
Stinker’s Fishin’: Bream off the beach
Bundabah champions Hazel and Audrey with a couple of thumping bream caught just behind the shore break. Hazel Sweeny with a monster bream caught along Hawks Nest Beach. AFTER writing as many fishing articles as I have over the years it could be expected that nothing much would surprise me. Well, I must say I […]
Galleries in the Gardens hosts professional judge at Winter Warmer Art Show
Carolyn Fredericks, aka ‘Aquaa’, receiving her award from Ian Morphett and Hannah Matilda. A warm one inside the Gallery saw plenty of artworks up for the prizes. Barbara Peacock was awarded Highly Commended for her abstract work, ‘Winter’. Another highly commended piece, “A Winter Sea” by Bridget Taylor. Carolyn ‘Aquaa’ Fredericks was crowned the winner […]
Stroud market calls on local producers to join the buzz
FOLLOWING the success of its debut on 15 June, the Magpie Market at Stroud District Country Club is calling on local growers and producers to take the market to the next level. Organised by new Stroud local Victoria Henderson, the market drew a strong crowd and a vibrant mix of stalls showcasing handmade goods, art, […]
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads
FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads this week. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland. On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature […]

Stinker’s History: The war years
DURING the early years of the Second World War, when there was a large Army presence in the Nelson Bay area, US army engineers constructed a sealed road, which was to form part of the Nelson Bay Road. In the 1940s wartime era there was an army camp for Australian troops (Far North Coast 2/2nd […]