THE work of local author Ray Keipert is featured in a compendium of short stories, launched at the NSW State Library on Monday 10 November. Ray’s “Desperation” was included in this year’s NSW Seniors’ book of short stories, which is available for free online via the NSW Government Seniors’ Stories website. “Following a statewide competition […]

MEMBER for Oxley Michael Kemp has called out Premier Chris Minns for “out-of-touch comments” on morning TV show Sunrise regarding the recovery of communities impacted by flooding in May. When asked by host Matt Shirvington what NSW should be most proud of in the past year, the Premier responded: “I think the thing we should […]

Port Stephens 31 and the disabled yacht at the marina. Marine Rescue NSW vessel Port Stephens 31. VOLUNTEERS from Marine Rescue Port Stephens responded to a late-night call for assistance after a 12–15 metre yacht lost steerage between Seal Rocks and Broughton Island while transiting from Lord Howe Island late on Sunday 7 December. Radio […]

THE State and Federal Governments have activated disaster assistance to the MidCoast local government area (LGA) due to ongoing bushfires. The declarations activate a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers, and councils. People whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial help as well as clean-up, rebuilding and recovery […]

A FIREFIGHTER has died after being struck by a tree while battling a bushfire threatening homes, as authorities warn the risk of dangerous fires is likely to linger for months. The NSW National Parks firefighter was hit by a falling tree about 10.45pm on Sunday, while trying to contain a fierce fire near Bulahdelah on […]

AS the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season. Each year the annual Toy Drive delivers thousands of gifts to children and families facing hardship at Christmas time. […]

MAVERICK MP Barnaby Joyce will join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party. After weeks of speculation, the New England MP and former deputy prime minister has confirmed he would move to the far-right party, after previously representing the Nationals. He will sit in the House of Representatives for the rest of the parliamentary term as a […]

NEWCASTLE Airport has taken out two major honours at the Australian Airports Association’s 2025 National Airport Industry Awards, held last week in the Gold Coast. The Williamtown airport won the Airport Excellence Award for Infrastructure for its landmark International Terminal Expansion project, as well as the Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability. CEO Linc Horton said […]

THE state government launched the $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program on Monday, aiming to strengthen and expand the seafood industry’s economic contribution to NSW. The program is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp, and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts. “By investing in […]

GALLERIES in the Gardens, Tea Gardens is hosting the “Mambo on the Myall, from Mombassa to Cuba” art exhibition from 6 December to 31  January 2026.  The exhibition has multiple themes including artist and musician Reg Mombassa (real name Cristopher O’Doherty), Mambo surf wear, mambo music and dancing, Cuba and South American art. The exhibition […]