IT was a hot Autumn day for the hundreds of locals and visitors who finally gathered at the Tea Gardens riverfront for the Myall River Festival. Originally slated for March, the rainy vanguard of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred had forced a rescheduling. However, on Sunday 13 April, Marine Drive was transformed into an alleyway of stalls […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Parish leaders call for 2025 to be a ‘Season of Hope’
LOCAL leaders of the Anglican Church are calling for a “season of hope” on the back of Easter. Reverend Richard Goscombe from the Parish of Bulahdelah and Tea Gardens with Karuah, said the national initiative is called “Hope25”. “When I ask people what they hope for, some say ‘not much’ with a grim face, as […]
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 […]
Public input sought on hemp industry’s future
A DRAFT NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is now open for public comment. The draft plan from the NSW Government proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW. “Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities […]
Applications open for ‘Grant for Good’
BANK of Sydney has opened applications for its $20,000 Grant for Good community grant program. Organisations and initiatives that promote social inclusion activities, health and wellbeing, sports and other fields that benefit local communities are encouraged to apply. Since 2021, Bank of Sydney’s annual Grant for Good has distributed $90,000 to local organisations supporting Australian […]

‘Mountain to climb’ for PM as Labor ascends in polling
A LABOR majority is becoming increasingly likely as the prime minister declares he’s in for the long haul, but a vast number of voters remain undecided. Recent polls show Labor gaining momentum, widening the two-party preferred gap and putting a majority government in reach as the coalition campaign falters. Labor is ahead 54.5 to 45.5 […]

Ten candidates to contest Lyne as ballot positions locked-in
VOTERS in Lyne will choose from 10 candidates for the House of Representatives in the Federal Election on 3 May. The final number was revealed at the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) office in Taree on Friday just before a blindfolded official drew ballot positions from numbered balls in a bingo-like cage. A total of 1456 […]