November 27, 2025
Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero Locally-produced renewable energy, like solar power, benefits communities.
Local News

Pros and cons after Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero

ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050. This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed. Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor […]

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Progress Association elects new committee and sets priorities for 2026 The annual Seniors Festival will have an expanded arts focus in 2026.
Local News

Progress Association elects new committee and sets priorities for 2026

THE Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) elected a new committee at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 17 November, appointing long-time local resident Sandra Bourke as President. The executive team for 2026 includes Vice President Thomas O’Keefe, Treasurer Kay Jones, and Secretary Bruce Murray. Returning committee members Leigh Allen (Life Member) and Sherrie […]

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Another boost for Hunter-to-Asia connectivity Politicians, Jetstar and Airport representatives announce the new route.
Local News

Another boost for Hunter-to-Asia connectivity

IN A boost for the region’s global connectivity, Jetstar has introduced a new flight service from Newcastle to Singapore, via Bali. From 29 March 2026, Jetstar will operate direct services between Newcastle and Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with all four weekly Jetstar flights to continue on to Singapore, via a 90-minute stop […]

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Supermoon lights up Australian skies Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins.
Local News

Supermoon lights up Australian skies

Supermoons are the closest to earth. Photo Greg Higgins. The moon was 30 percent brighter than normal. Photo: Sis Higgins. SKYWATCHERS across the region looked to the heavens last Tuesday night as the biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rose over the horizon. Amateur astronomer Dennis Hughes explained to News Of The Area why the […]

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Support for community recovery after flood
Local News

Support for community recovery after flood

A NEW program has been launched to support local recovery efforts after the devastating May 2025 floods. Funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the program aims to strengthen the region’s ability to recover through community-led action, partnerships, practical support and the funding of a Community Recovery Officer at MidCoast Council. MidCoast Council’s Director of Liveable […]

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War on waste: more single-use plastics banished
Local News

War on waste: more single-use plastics banished

PESKY plastic tags on loaves of bread, tiny soy sauce fish bottles and detachable bottle tops are all being binned by a state government battling a mounting rubbish crisis. The ambitious clean-up is part of an expanded ban by NSW coinciding with the start of National Recycling Week. The NSW Plastic Plan 2.0, will see […]

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Better weather allows Thursday Walkers to hit their stride At The Rivermouth. Photo: Robyn.
Local News

Better weather allows Thursday Walkers to hit their stride

At The Rivermouth. Photo: Robyn. Flannel Flowers along the track at Fingal Head. Photo: Bea. It was a very windy day at the Newcastle Obelisk. Photo: Bea. The Great Dripping Wall at Mudgee. Photo: Thursday Walkers. SPRING sunshine shone for the Thursday Walkers, who started October with a breezy one. Making up for lost days […]

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Newcastle Airport showcased on international stage Airport representatives at the Future-Proofing Airport Development workshop in Singapore.
Local News

Newcastle Airport showcased on international stage

Airport representatives at the Future-Proofing Airport Development workshop in Singapore. Burcak Sezer GAICD, Executive General Manager People Communications at Newcastle Airport. NEWCASTLE Airport was represented on the international stage last week at the Future-Proofing Airport Development workshop in Singapore, hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Bringing together decision-makers from across […]

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Stinker’s History: German mine washed ashore at Anna Bay A German mine of the type washed up at Anna Bay.
Local News

Stinker’s History: German mine washed ashore at Anna Bay

A SIGNIFICANT local event in Port Stephens occurred on 21 May 1919 when a German mine was washed ashore at Birubi Beach, Anna Bay. The Newcastle Sun (22 May 1919, page 2) was the first paper to break the story that was to attract much local attention, and which could have ended in tragedy. “An […]

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