LOCAL business the Original Tea Gardens Ferry is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Small Business Awards. The owners of this much-loved local service, which carries a large chunk of local tourism back and forth across Port Stephens Bay, will head to Sydney on 2 May for the awards. “The ferry has such a special […]

An antique hauling an antique, with another antique car trailing behind. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS firefighters showed off their new Tatra truck and its fire-stopping power. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Two Jaguars from very different times. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. This centenarian Nash Tourer was not the oldest on the field. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. TGHN […]

STROUD author Rachel Barry has released a new children’s book inspired by the creeks, wildlife and landscapes of the region. Set in Worimi Country, the story invites children to slow down and observe the quiet beauty of a bushland creek. It was inspired by Rachel’s own experiences exploring local waterways with her children. “‘Where Ripples […]

CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]

MIDCOAST Council’s Bootawa koala research program has yielded some fantastic results, especially for one koala nicknamed “Drake”. Drake was caught along with 37 other koalas when Council partnered with The University of Sydney’s Koala Health Hub team to conduct the research program in 2025. When caught, Drake was in poor condition, tested positive for chlamydia, […]

IN August 2023, NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig announced that pensioners could apply for up to $250 in rebates on their ordinary council rates and waste charges. Further rebates of $87.50 for water rates and another $87.50 for sewerage rates, were also available. But the rebates were not new. They were introduced in […]

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]

GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the […]

Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. RETURNING members of the popular Hawks Nest and District Probus Club were treated to a fascinating review of the recent upgrade of Newcastle Airport at their first meeting of 2026, held […]

MISERABLE grey skies in the morning, followed by daytime gloom, have joined the biting odour of smoke across the Myall Coast and regions nearby in the aftermath of the Nerong fires, lingering in place thanks to a natural meteorological pattern called the “inversion layer”. While ordinary atmospheric conditions usually see cooler air temperatures at higher […]