October 24, 2026
Whale watching season officially under way in Port Stephens The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree.
Community

Whale watching season officially under way in Port Stephens

Views from Mount Tomaree, a popular vantage point for spotting migrating humpback whales during the annual whale watching season. The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree. WHALE watching season is officially underway in Port Stephens, with locals and visitors already gathering along the coastline in the hope of spotting the first humpback […]

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University of Newcastle staff and alumni recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours University of Newcastle alumni receive King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: newcastle.edu.au
Regional

University of Newcastle staff and alumni recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

UNIVERSITY of Newcastle staff and alumni were among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with ten individuals acknowledged for their contributions across education, health, public service, community welfare and defence. University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated the recipients and praised their achievements. “Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the […]

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Public called on to judge winner of One Square Foot art competition The top 40 artworks in the competition have made it to Lion Studios, and it’s now the public’s turn to judge. Photo: Nico Lombardo
Community

Public called on to judge winner of One Square Foot art competition

THE community will decide which of the 40 artworks featured in the One Square Foot exhibition receive the People’s Choice prizes. The competition, organised by Lion Studios, challenged artists from all around Australia to paint creative pieces, on a square-foot canvas, in any style. Artists were permitted to choose oils, acrylics, and even mixed media. […]

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Kate Dunn appointed Local Connector for MidCoast under The Welcome Experience Kate Dunn has been appointed Local Connector for the MidCoast under The Welcome Experience program. Photo: communityconnector.com.au.
Local News

Kate Dunn appointed Local Connector for MidCoast under The Welcome Experience

REGIONAL Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) has appointed Kate Dunn as the new Local Connector for the MidCoast local government area, with the role commencing on 1 July. The appointment follows the NSW Government’s decision to expand The Welcome Experience into the MidCoast Local Government Area, with RDAMNC delivering the program across MidCoast, Port […]

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MidCoast Council announces more than $140,000 for community projects and events
Local News

MidCoast Council announces more than $140,000 for community projects and events

COMMUNITY groups, artists, volunteers and event organisers across the MidCoast will benefit from more than $140,000 in funding announced by MidCoast Council. The funding will support a wide range of projects designed to strengthen communities, encourage cultural participation and deliver events throughout the region. Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills, said the […]

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Motorcycle rider killed in Bulliac crash
Police, Regional

Motorcycle rider killed in Bulliac crash

 A MOTORCYCLE rider died following a crash west of Gloucester on Sunday 14 June. Emergency services were called to Bundook Road, Bulliac, about 14km west of Gloucester, just after 1pm following reports of a crash. Officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District attended and found a motorcycle and a utility had collided. The motorcycle rider, […]

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Stinker’s History: How Oyster Cove earnt its name
Local News

Stinker’s History: How Oyster Cove earnt its name

Oyster Cove with the Stella Maris hard at work. Photo: Supplied. Before hardwood oyster racks, black mangroves were used to grow oysters. Photo: Supplied. IT is difficult to believe that the tiny hamlet of Oyster Cove on the shores of Port Stephens was, at one time, considered to be the focus of the “biggest oyster […]

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Changes to MidCoast Council Urban Release Areas Have your say on changes to Urban Release Areas.
Government

Changes to MidCoast Council Urban Release Areas

MIDCOAST Council has conducted a review of the Urban Release Areas report conducted in 2021 and made several changes. Council is now calling on residents to provide feedback on the amendments. Urban release areas are identified sites that may be considered for future housing or employment opportunities, subject to planning approvals. Urban release areas are […]

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