July 23, 2025
Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed The writs were returned to Governor-General Sam Mostyn on 12 June by Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope. Photo: AEC.
Government, National

Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed

RESULTS of the 2025 Federal Election have been finalised and the writs returned to the Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This marks the end of the electoral process for the House of Representatives and Senate and paves the way for the opening of the 48th Parliament on 22 July. Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the election […]

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AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, who represents the National Party.
Government, National

AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP

ALISON Penfold is now officially the Federal Member for Lyne, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) formally declared the ballot result last Wednesday. In an electorate reeling from the recent flood disaster, Ms Penfold said the news came at a time when it was difficult to focus on anything other than supporting the community on […]

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Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October Minister Steve Kamper at Newcastle Airport for the announcement.
Community, National

Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October

JETSTAR will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali) from 21 October. Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries. The service is set to be run three times a week, and will be the first international route offered from Newcastle’s new international terminal. Minister for Jobs and […]

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Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub The Hunter region is lagging on indicators of a shift to an economy powered by decarbonised exports. Photo: Michael Gorton/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub

SLOW project approvals, energy storage gaps and investment uncertainty are proving hurdles to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry. For the Hunter, a region eyeing off green industrial exports as global demand for its coal wanes, the transition has not been all smooth sailing. Government support for clean tech innovation and steps to retrain […]

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School holidays marred by hazardous surf and beach weather Crashing waves at Bennetts Beach, which was closed on Good Friday.
National

School holidays marred by hazardous surf and beach weather

SCHOOL resumes this week after holidays plagued by storms and hazardous conditions. The weather forced the closure of several beaches in and around Port Stephens over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends. Holiday favourite, Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest, was subjected to hazardous swell and waves whipped up by Ex-tropical Cyclone Tam, which had […]

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NSW Gov moves to crackdown on illegal tree clearing
National

NSW Gov moves to crackdown on illegal tree clearing

THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW. An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework. A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has […]

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Residents of Peter Sinclair Gardens reflect ahead of Anzac Day services Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch President Mal Motum welcomed veterans and family at the nursing home.
National

Residents of Peter Sinclair Gardens reflect ahead of Anzac Day services

A SOLEMN service was held on Wednesday 16 April, for veterans and family members at RSL LifeCare’s Peter Sinclair Gardens in Hawks Nest. Organised by the Tea Gardens RSL sub-Branch, the service allowed residents to pay their respects in the lead-up to Anzac Day. After the “Myall Melodians” sang the recessional hymn, Rear Admiral Peter […]

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Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award Sylvia Reczek’s highly commended (2D) painting.
National

Winners named in Tea Gardens’ second biennial Anderson Art Award

ARTISTIC talent from across the country was celebrated at the official opening of the second biennial Anderson Art Award (AAA) at The Gallery in Tea Gardens on Saturday 12 April. The venue, which is home to the artists known as Galleries in the Garden (GiG), was packed with guests perusing the walls as they enjoyed […]

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Have your say on estuary management plan
National

Have your say on estuary management plan

RESIDENTS can have their say on how MidCoast Council will work to protect our waterways from a range of threats over the next ten years. Council is developing a Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program to identify and manage issues impacting lakes, lagoons and river systems from Wallabi Point to Karuah River. MidCoast estuaries are facing […]

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Aerobridge installed as airport prepares for international arrivals The international terminal is nearing completion.
National

Aerobridge installed as airport prepares for international arrivals

NEWCASTLE Airport’s first ever aerobridge has been installed, as the facility prepares to officially become an international port of entry to Australia in August 2025. A new baggage carousel and key terminal finishes have also been completed. Interim CEO Andrew Warrender said watching the 31-tonne, 20-metre-long aerobridge being installed was an emotional moment. “The aerobridge’s […]

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