AUSTRALIA must smash the illicit tobacco market that is fuelling organised crime, hurting legitimate businesses and making a mockery of our laws, according to Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold. “Illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime,” Ms Penfold said. “It has become big business for organised crime.” Ms Penfold says she has backed a […]
On the ground in Gloucester. Photo: Supplied.
Helicopter approaching Gloucester. Photo: Supplied. On the ground in Gloucester. Photo: Supplied. MANY regional residents are accustomed to hearing or seeing the Westpac helicopter in the skies above or near their town. Unfortunately, the presence of the helicopter indicates that someone is in urgent need of medical care. Over the past three years, the Westpac […]
Anne Higgins (at right) sorting and cataloguing in Books & More Bookshop with literacy group volunteer, Barbara Fisher. The eye-catching, life-sized cut-out of Dolly Parton in the Books & More Bookshop. A RAY of hope has lightened the grief that descended on Dungog’s Books & More Bookshop following the news of Dolly Parton’s recent passing. […]
MOTORISTS can expect minor delays from roadwork planned in Gloucester and Wingham over the coming fortnight. In Gloucester, reconstruction work is planned for King Street between the railway and Ravenshaw Street. Roadwork crews will also repair Wingham’s Isabella Street roundabout. Pothole patching is also planned for both towns and others throughout the MidCoast Council LGA, […]
Kiralea at Rankin Park with her son, who lives with autism, and her daughter.
Kiralea at Rankin Park with her son, who lives with autism, and her daughter. Kiralea at her mother’s home with her sisters. (Photos: Courtesy of Kiralea Powell.) THE turning point in Kiralea Powell’s life came in October 2020, when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. The aggressive meningioma would soon upend her health, […]
Time to light up the night with pride in Raymond Terrace. Photo: PSC.
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 […]
Bob Launders and Sue Bailey at the Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre. Photo: Supplied.
QUICK thinking and even quicker action saved 72-year-old Bob Launders’ life when he had a heart attack and collapsed at Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre and Reviva Reuse Shop in June. When three staff members found Mr Launders unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing, they immediately called triple zero and began CPR. Leading hand Tyla Ralphs […]
THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]
Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]
