September 24, 2026
Pollies put people first in fight for pool
Community, Government, Local News, Regional

Pollies put people first in fight for pool

WINGHAM Memorial Swimming Pool will be rebuilt following a rare but successful collaborative campaign involving grassroots community advocates and elected representatives from all levels of government. The pool was irreparably damaged during the May 2025 one-in-500-year flood event and has remained closed since. The rebuild will now proceed, thanks to $15 million in Federal and […]

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Port Stephens Council plans pest rabbit eradication program A wild rabbit spotted in Nelson Bay. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Port Stephens Council plans pest rabbit eradication program

A wild rabbit spotted in Nelson Bay. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Hole dug by a rabbit in Lorraine Broadway’s garden, Lemon Tree Passage. Photo: Lorraine Broadway. THEY may be cute, but rabbits are one of Australia’s most destructive pests. They cause significant damage to native plants and animals, dig dangerous holes and multiply uncontrollably. After receiving […]

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New motorway extension to ease traffic away from Port Stephens Motorists using the M1 extension will save 10 minutes of travel time, avoiding the notorious Hexham bottleneck. Image: Transport for NSW.
Community, Government, Local News, Regional

New motorway extension to ease traffic away from Port Stephens

AFTER more than two years of construction, $2.24 billion in funding and 1.6 million cubic meters of earth removed, the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace has finally been opened more than a year ahead of schedule. Last month, locals got to walk on foot on a section of the newly completed road, but […]

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MidCoast students urged to dive in and enter student writing competition Kids who take part in the writing comp could win some handy pocket money. Photo: magnific.
Community, Government, Local News, Regional, School

MidCoast students urged to dive in and enter student writing competition

PRIMARY school, high school and homeschool students across the MidCoast are encouraged to get their entries in soon to the National Water Week Junior Writing Prize. Students are encouraged to submit a short story, poem or work of creative non-fiction that explores the theme ‘Water Connects Everything’, with the competition closing on Friday, 25 September. […]

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First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion A sea lion has tested positive for bird flu, sparking fears of a possible extinction event. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Health, Local News, National, Regional

First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion

AUSTRALIA’S rarest seal species has recorded a case of bird flu for the first time, with an animal dying from the disease while recovering from a shark attack. The first case in an Australian sea lion has raised concerns for the species’ already dwindling population. A sea lion at South Australia’s Seal Bay on Kangaroo […]

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Coalition call to make tobacco products legal and affordable to smash black market
Community, Government, Local News, National, Regional

Coalition call to make tobacco products legal and affordable to smash black market

AUSTRALIA must smash the illicit tobacco market that is fuelling organised crime, hurting legitimate businesses and making a mockery of our laws, according to Federal Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold. “Illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime,” Ms Penfold said. “It has become big business for organised crime.” Ms Penfold says she has backed a […]

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Staff’s quick response saved Bob’s life after heart attack Bob Launders and Sue Bailey at the Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Staff’s quick response saved Bob’s life after heart attack

QUICK thinking and even quicker action saved 72-year-old Bob Launders’ life when he had a heart attack and collapsed at Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre and Reviva Reuse Shop in June. When three staff members found Mr Launders unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing, they immediately called triple zero and began CPR. Leading hand Tyla Ralphs […]

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