Kiralea at Rankin Park with her son, who lives with autism, and her daughter. Kiralea at her mother’s home with her sisters. (Photos: Courtesy of Kiralea Powell.) THE turning point in Kiralea Powell’s life came in October 2020, when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. The aggressive meningioma would soon upend her health, […]
Illuminate 2026 set to light up Raymond Terrace
ILLUMINATE Raymond Terrace 2026 will again light up Boomerang Park on Saturday, 19 September. The free community celebration brings together live music, fire twirlers, fireworks, food, stalls and lanterns in the park from 4 pm to 8 pm. The much-loved event is supported by local schools, community groups, service organisations, residents and businesses. Port Stephens […]
Unplugged: How parents and caretakers can protect kids from technology overload
PORT Stephens Unplugged, the nonprofit movement that aims to empower the community to counter children’s overuse of technology, was launched recently. “Unplugged is a movement that was created because no one – no parent, no school, no part of the community – is to blame for what’s happening with kids overusing screens,” psychologist and founding […]
Forum puts Port Stephens’ changing coastline under the spotlight
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters’ presentation on the mortality of green sea turtles in 2025. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. EcoNetwork president Ian Watt giving an in-depth presentation on coastal erosion. Photo: Althea Guinsberg. THE changing Port Stephens coastline and the health of its marine life were the focus of a National Science Week forum held at […]
Staff’s quick response saved Bob’s life after heart attack
QUICK thinking and even quicker action saved 72-year-old Bob Launders’ life when he had a heart attack and collapsed at Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre and Reviva Reuse Shop in June. When three staff members found Mr Launders unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing, they immediately called triple zero and began CPR. Leading hand Tyla Ralphs […]
Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments
THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost
THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]
Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date
PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]
Purpose of Port Stephens mystery boxes still unknown
PORT Stephens Council’s investigation into the large electrical cabinets appearing across Medowie and surrounding suburbs is ongoing, with the operator still yet to provide clear information about the purpose or contents of the units. Council previously confirmed the boxes were installed without prior notification and that, during a meeting with the company believed to be […]
Slow down – koalas out and about looking for love
DRIVERS travelling through known koala habitation zones are being urged to slow down and stay alert as the annual koala breeding season gets under way. Warmer weather signals the start of the season and there have been increased sightings of the iconic marsupials attempting to cross roads. Koalas can travel greater distances during this time, […]
