RECOGNITION has been awarded to MidCoast Council for its efforts in helping local primary producers diversify their businesses through agritourism. Council’s agritourism product development and mentoring program recently earned the economic development team a highly commended excellence award at the Local Government Professionals awards. The program was designed to help primary producers build the skills, […]

A TEA Gardens man whose commitment to serving others has spanned decades has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Robert Smith was honoured for his service to the community through emergency response welfare organisations, adding another achievement to a remarkable record of public service. State […]

OVER 80 members of the Hawks Nest & District Probus Club gathered for a speech by Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings, a not-for-profit air transport service for sick children in remote regions, on Friday 5 June.  Little Wings was established in 2012, after a retired pilot spoke with an oncology nurse at a major […]

REGIONAL Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) has appointed Kate Dunn as the new Local Connector for the MidCoast local government area, with the role commencing on 1 July. The appointment follows the NSW Government’s decision to expand The Welcome Experience into the MidCoast Local Government Area, with RDAMNC delivering the program across MidCoast, Port […]

COMMUNITY groups, artists, volunteers and event organisers across the MidCoast will benefit from more than $140,000 in funding announced by MidCoast Council. The funding will support a wide range of projects designed to strengthen communities, encourage cultural participation and deliver events throughout the region. Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills, said the […]

Oyster Cove with the Stella Maris hard at work. Photo: Supplied. Before hardwood oyster racks, black mangroves were used to grow oysters. Photo: Supplied. IT is difficult to believe that the tiny hamlet of Oyster Cove on the shores of Port Stephens was, at one time, considered to be the focus of the “biggest oyster […]

On the cliff face with Diamond Head in the distance. Photo: Jane. Looking towards North Brother over Lake Haven. Photo: Anita. Along the Queens Lake boardwalk. Photo: Bea. The fernery at the Botanic Gardens. Photo: Judy. A wet Thursday morning at the Coffee Club. Photo: Robyn. AUTUMN has brought mixed results for the Thursday Walkers […]

THE Tea Gardens Country Club Bowling Club has established a sustainable funding source by taking part in Return and Earn. Both the Tea Gardens Country Club and Tea Gardens Hotel support the club’s Return and Earn collections, by setting aside empty cans and bottles in collection bins managed by the bowling club. “We’ve been participating […]

A REPORT has been published examining the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s response to the severe weather event that hit the east coast in May 2025. The review was undertaken by the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority, composed of MPs from across the political spectrum. “This inquiry had a focus on the severe weather […]