STATE Government, Council and sailing enthusiasts are predicting the expansion of Newcastle Airport will further propel the Sail Port Stephens regatta in future years. The Sail Port Stephens Performance Series took place from 25-27 April, with thousands of spectators flocking to catch the regatta in action. The Sail Port Stephens Bay Series follows from 2-4 […]

Palm Lake residents make donation to Free Clinic Bus
RESIDENTS from across Palm Lake Resort Tea Gardens pitched in to donate a significant sum to the local Free Clinic Bus charity, presented at a special Good Friday get-together in the Promenade on Friday, 18 April. The donated funds, totalling $2030, were raised through a volunteer effort led by members of the Palm Lake Workshop […]
Exploring end-of-life options in Bulahdelah
A casket and urns created by Men’s Shed members. Bob Bonner, Gary Haynes and Royce Ford of the Men’s Shed. Kim O’Donnell, event organiser and End of Life Doula. Leonie Reisberg from Personalised Urns. Garry from MidCoast Council Cemeteries. Emma Rowles from Winter Legal. Nicky Hammerl, event organiser and End of Life Doula. A FREE […]
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 […]
‘Unbelievable’ support for Anzac Day commemoration in Bulahdelah
Locals gather for the Dawn Service in Bulahdelah. Locals gather for the Dawn Service in Bulahdelah. Locals gather for the Dawn Service in Bulahdelah. Members of the RSL sub-Branch. The traditional march gets underway. Bulahdelah school students show their respect. Floral tributes are left at the memorial. ANZAC Day in Bulahdelah saw those who have […]
Police legal action rates rise across most offences
THE NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new report examining the proportion of recorded crimes that result in an offender being charged by NSW Police. The study, “Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023”, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 […]
Investigation continues into fatal Stroud crash
POLICE inquiries are ongoing after a woman died following a crash in Stroud. About 1.30pm on Thursday 24 April 2025, emergency services were called to a showground on Cowper St, Stroud, following reports of a crash. Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two women – aged 72 and 82 – had […]
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 […]

Stinker’s History: More than farmers on Marsh Road
LAST October I released my final local history book, “Marsh Road”. The book told of the endeavours of the dairy farming community which branched out to grow and sell vegetables of the highest quality. Not all residents along Marsh Road were dependent on the land however. The rich waters of Tilligerry Creek, which flow adjacent […]

Tea Gardens commemorates 110 years since Anzac Cove landing
Aquatic Club members salute as the Dawn Service unfolds. Saluting as the Last Post is played. Pindimar-Tea Gardens RFS volunteers served breakfast at the Country Club. The wreaths ready to be laid at the Anzac Memorial. A symbolic landing at Anzac Park at dawn. Volunteer service clubs marched down Marine Drive. Children, parents and staff […]