AN urgency motion calling on the NSW Government to review new restrictions on councillors has been passed by Port Stephens Council, with elected representatives arguing the changes are making it harder to make informed decisions. The motion centres on the NSW Government’s updated Model Code of Meeting Practice, which governs how councils conduct their business. […]
PORT Stephens is no stranger to dangerous bike riders threatening community safety and Council has vowed to handle the matter by requesting that the NSW Government expand police power and review current legislation. There have been several recent reports from Port Stephens locals regarding electricity- and fuel-powered bikes being used to trespass and damage land, […]
MORE than 90 per cent of Myall Coast residents who responded to a recent survey on gambling advertising supported stronger restrictions and tougher reform. Almost one in three respondents said they, or a member of their family, had been negatively affected by gambling. The survey, conducted by Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold MP, was […]
MORE than 300 residents from across the MidCoast region have taken part in MidCoast Council’s latest Community Conversations series, providing an opportunity to discuss local issues directly with councillors and senior staff. The series recently wrapped up after 14 meetings were held in communities stretching from Johns River in the north to Tea Gardens in […]
The National Australia Day Council is calling on people from NSW to nominate extraordinary people to be recognised and celebrated for the contributions they make to both our state and the nation. Nominations for the 2027 Awards close Friday, 31 July, with four award categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year aged […]
ATWEA College has confirmed it will phase out all accredited training programs by 30 June, 2026, following a strategic review of its operations. While Alesco Secondary College will continue to expand, including exploration of new campus opportunities, the closure of ATWEA’s training arm will affect students undertaking vocational qualifications across NSW. The news shocked students […]
MANUFACTURING heavyweight 3M is vowing to fight a multibillion-dollar lawsuit over widespread use of “forever chemicals” at Australian defence sites – including the RAAF base at Williamtown. The federal government is suing 3M for more than $2 billion to recover costs from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam that contaminated 28 defence […]
MIDCOAST Council’s Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program (CMP) was adopted at its 27 May meeting. The 10-year program aims to protect the lakes, lagoons and river systems from Wallabi Point to the Karuah River. The CMP has been developed with funding and technical support from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and […]
LOCAL organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program. Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working […]
THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
