PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled. The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed. The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and […]
Bulahdelah wakes up with Today
The Today Show crew brought live television to Bulahdelah. Live from the firepit. Today presenter Tim Davies interacts with locals BULAHDELAH’S Big4 River Myall Holiday Park was the site of a live cross on the TODAY Show last week. Presenter Tim Davies battled the cold conditions to give the national weather forecast and sample some […]

Have we got the makings of a Harmful Algal Bloom in the Port Stephens estuary?
The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and and other marine life. The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and and other marine life. MARINE algal blooms […]
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition. The nation’s science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK. […]
Stinker’s History: The first ship
SSS Salamander. Photo: State Library Victoria. Just imagine what the Worimi thought as the ‘Salamander’ sailed into the port. STUDYING local history, one of the most fascinating events was the sailing of the ship “Salamander” through the heads into the calm waters of Port Stephens late in 1791, becoming the first ship to enter the […]
A celebration of culture as NAIDOC commemorated in Bulahdelah
Barry Syron and his daughter Pauline Syron-Coxon. Barry sharing local history. Pauline’s painting reflects on traditional themes. Traditional artefacts and items were on display. BULAHDELAH Visitor Information Centre (VIC) held a morning tea with a difference to promote NAIDOC week. Activities are held throughout the country in the first week of July each year to […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon
THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]
Stinker’s Fishin’: Bream off the beach
Bundabah champions Hazel and Audrey with a couple of thumping bream caught just behind the shore break. Hazel Sweeny with a monster bream caught along Hawks Nest Beach. AFTER writing as many fishing articles as I have over the years it could be expected that nothing much would surprise me. Well, I must say I […]
Galleries in the Gardens hosts professional judge at Winter Warmer Art Show
Carolyn Fredericks, aka ‘Aquaa’, receiving her award from Ian Morphett and Hannah Matilda. A warm one inside the Gallery saw plenty of artworks up for the prizes. Barbara Peacock was awarded Highly Commended for her abstract work, ‘Winter’. Another highly commended piece, “A Winter Sea” by Bridget Taylor. Carolyn ‘Aquaa’ Fredericks was crowned the winner […]