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 […]

THE Hunter New England Local Health District team has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to health care at the 2025 NSW Health Awards. The annual event celebrates the dedication, kindness, innovation and achievements of those who make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities. “I’m incredibly proud to celebrate the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

THE premier could use compulsory acquisition powers to increase gas supplies for industry and help secure the future of the nation’s biggest aluminium smelter. Federal and NSW government leaders have been scrambling to keep the Tomago Aluminium facility running, with a bailout reportedly worth more than $1 billion on offer. The operators of the Hunter […]

IT’S nesting season for the threatened shorebirds that visit the Myall Coast, with residents called upon to “Share the Shore”. Prime nesting areas for the endangered Beach Stone-curlews, Pied Oystercatchers and Little Terns include the beaches around Harrington, Farquhar/Manning Point and the Winda Woppa area. Their numbers are in decline as they struggle to find […]