May 22, 2025
From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Claire Pontin
From The Mayor's Desk

From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Claire Pontin

COUNCIL has released the draft Delivery Program 2025–2029, the Operational Plan for 2025–26, and the accompanying budget for public comment. These documents guide everything we do – from maintaining local roads and parks to investing in infrastructure and delivering community services. They outline the projects and priorities for the years ahead, as well as how […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, WE are organising a large birthday function and there are relatives that don’t get along with each other. How do we ensure no one feels left out while still making it an enjoyable experience for everyone? Harriet P. Dear Harriet, If your large family events traditionally look like an episode of Dr Phil, […]

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The Write Direction: Insuring a result
The Write Direction

The Write Direction: Insuring a result

WHEN writing my weekly opinion piece for this publication and expressing a view on the matter being considered, it is refreshing to take a look back at past articles in order to see if I was on the right track, right from the start. My favourite daily news service is provided online by the ABC […]

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Letter to the Editor: Provide us the full costings
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Provide us the full costings

DEAR News Of The Area, “It is time to move forward with a proper, fact-based assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of the Hunter offshore wind industry, ensuring the region can seize the opportunities of a clean energy future and it is time to put an end to the misinformation surrounding offshore wind.” Hear, […]

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Letter to the Editor: Stop ignoring community voices
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Stop ignoring community voices

DEAR News Of The Area, JUSTIN Page’s recent comments regarding offshore wind opposition in Port Stephens are a masterclass in political spin, misinformation, and hypocrisy. It is astonishing to see someone accuse community members of spreading “MAGA-style disinformation” simply because they dare to question the impact of a massive industrial development off our coast. Residents […]

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Letter to the Editor: We won’t be silenced on offshore wind
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: We won’t be silenced on offshore wind

DEAR News Of The Area, Labor’s political opportunism, environmental hypocrisy, and bullying continues. Justin Page’s letter (8 May 2025) is yet another example of Labor-funded political hypocrisy. A union and Labor operative now posing as a “local community advocate” at the Hunter Jobs Alliance, Page has the audacity to accuse everyday Australians of “opportunism” and […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]

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