September 23, 2026
First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion A sea lion has tested positive for bird flu, sparking fears of a possible extinction event. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Health, Local News, National, Regional

First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion

AUSTRALIA’S rarest seal species has recorded a case of bird flu for the first time, with an animal dying from the disease while recovering from a shark attack. The first case in an Australian sea lion has raised concerns for the species’ already dwindling population. A sea lion at South Australia’s Seal Bay on Kangaroo […]

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Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force.
Community, Local News, Police

Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation

The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. THIRTY-SIX illegal e-bikes have been seized in Sydney after new laws came into […]

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Lodge Myall Masons donate to Tea Gardens school for third year Tony Ward (left) and Bob Burbank presenting the cheque to Tea Gardens school principal Mark Clemson. Photo: Lodge Myall.
Community, Local News, School

Lodge Myall Masons donate to Tea Gardens school for third year

FREEMASONS from Lodge Myall 1058 have again donated $1000 to Tea Gardens Public School to help support local families in need. The money is the third $1000 donation the school has received from the lodge. “We make these donations in the hope that underprivileged or needy children in the local area can benefit,” Lodge Myall’s […]

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Coalition call to make tobacco products legal and affordable to smash black market
Community, Government, Local News, National, Regional

Coalition call to make tobacco products legal and affordable to smash black market

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 […]

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Keep the lifeline flying On the ground in Gloucester. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Government, Health, Local News

Keep the lifeline flying

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 […]

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Roadworks may bring minor delays in Gloucester, Wingham
Community, Government, Local News

Roadworks may bring minor delays in Gloucester, Wingham

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, […]

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Kiralea’s fight to get help and stay with her family Kiralea at Rankin Park with her son, who lives with autism, and her daughter.
Community, Health, Local News

Kiralea’s fight to get help and stay with her family

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, […]

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Illuminate 2026 set to light up Raymond Terrace Time to light up the night with pride in Raymond Terrace. Photo: PSC.
Business, Community, Local News, School

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 […]

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