THE deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia, the Australian Government confirmed on 20 June, 2026. A detection of H5 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in a single brown skua (migratory seabird) in an isolated area in southern Western Australia. This is the […]
Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals.
Wilma with her gifts of love. Some of Wilma’s many crochet animals. YOU never know what happens when you hand over a gift to someone. Will it be appreciated, loved, packed away, passed onto someone else or – worse – sent to the Op Shop? Wilma Whysall, a retired bank teller who had relocated from […]
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 […]
A TEA Gardens man whose commitment to serving others has spanned decades has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Robert Smith was honoured for his service to the community through emergency response welfare organisations, adding another achievement to a remarkable record of public service. State […]
OVER 80 members of the Hawks Nest & District Probus Club gathered for a speech by Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings, a not-for-profit air transport service for sick children in remote regions, on Friday 5 June. Little Wings was established in 2012, after a retired pilot spoke with an oncology nurse at a major […]
The spectacular coastline viewed from the summit of Mount Tomaree.
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 […]
University of Newcastle alumni receive King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: newcastle.edu.au
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 […]
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
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. […]
Kate Dunn has been appointed Local Connector for the MidCoast under The Welcome Experience program. Photo: communityconnector.com.au.
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 […]
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 […]
