A burned-out track through the pine plantation, leading to Tea Gardens Aquifer. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Flames leapt among the plantation pines. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Pyro-cumulus clouds formed above the aquifer and pine plantation overnight, seen Sunday morning. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. DRINKING water supplies for the towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens were saved during […]
Field Managers needed for Census 2026. Photo: Manuel Guillén Vega/Pexels.com
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting more than 2,700 Field Managers to help deliver the 2026 Census, providing job opportunities on the Mid North Coast. The roles form a critical part of the Census workforce, supporting communities across Australia to take part in one of the nation’s most important data collections. Field Managers […]
Gillian and William Maher receive their certificate. Photo: supplied.
Gillian and William Maher receive their certificate. Photo: supplied. A young Adav family at the ceremony with Mayor Claire Pontin. Photo: supplied. MIDCOAST Council hosted its annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming new Australian citizens from across the MidCoast community. The ceremony recognised the commitment made by participants as they formally became Australian citizens, marking […]
North Beach on Broughton Island. Photo: supplied.
ONE of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “where can I catch a fish around Broughton Island?” The beaches around the island are spectacular with excellent fishing for whiting and flathead in the summer months. It is the surrounding reef system that provides ideal habitat for snapper, mulloway, teraglin, a growing population of […]
Be water wise: haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/our-water-our-future.
MIDCOAST Council recently reminded residents that keeping chemicals out of waterways starts with simple, everyday choices made at home. What runs off driveways, roads and hard surfaces does not disappear. It flows into stormwater drains and ends up in rivers, lakes and beaches, often without treatment. Council continues to encourage residents to be mindful of […]
The Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities have spent years protesting against a proposed wind farm. Photo: NOTA file.
The Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities have spent years protesting against a proposed wind farm. Photo: NOTA file. The designated zone runs between Norah Head and Port Stephens. THE Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) has joined community groups in accusing Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen of attempting to revive the region’s failed […]
The front-mounted monitor can shoot water at 800L/min, around 30m ahead. Tea Gardens’ fleet includes the new Tatra (L), Cat 1 and Cat 7. The cabin resembles a spaceship, still with room for more buttons. Size matters when the Tatra holds 7000L of water, and is still a firefighting machine. […]
A WORLD-FIRST study by Charles Sturt University (CSU) has identified an ecosystem of parasites inside great white sharks. The global study by researchers in CSU’s School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, and the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture Water and Environment, found evidence of at least 116 parasites inside the apex predator. Professor in Veterinary […]
This Greek fisherman's hut on Broughton Island was destroyed in a raging fire.
ONCE a little-known NSW island, Broughton has become a ‘must visit’ destination for fishermen, boaties and day trippers. Over recent years, the island has changed socially, for the better, with an influx of families rather than a domination of fishermen. Bird watching, hiking, photography, snorkelling and of course, fishing, are all part of the island […]
Even if parked in the shade with the windows partially down, dogs can die in a car in less than six minutes. Photo: GabesDotPhotos/Pexels.
DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties. The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences. Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, […]
