DEAR News Of The Area, A SIMPLE Google search for correlation between increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature shows that Wayne Dunesbury’s contrary assertions (“At least we agree on something’, NOTA 21/8/26) are nonsense, unless tens of thousands of scientists worldwide over the past 50 years have been wrong. Given that we have passed peak […]
Enter World Photography Day image competition online
NEWCASTLE Airport is calling for residents throughout the broader region to showcase the region through the eyes of the people who know it best. To celebrate World Photography Day, the airport is running an online competition. Photographers can enter across five categories including Junior, Youth, Community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Aviation. Each category […]
Water a key ingredient in food security menu
WATER is critical to Australia’s food security strategy, according to irrigation industry leaders attending the recent National Farmers’ Federation Summit in Canberra. National Irrigators’ Council, NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC), Ricegrowers’ Association, Citrus Australia and Cotton Australia were united in their call that water policy belonged in Australia’s food security conversation. Australia must stop treating healthy […]
ON THE COUCH WITH JASMINDA: Keep it short and sweet
DEAR Jasminda, WHEN I am asked, “How are you”, at the supermarket, I always ask the same question back and continue with some friendly smalltalk. My wife tells me the cashier has no interest in how I am, nor are they interested in extending the conversation, and it’s just a platitude. What do you think? […]
Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date
PORT Stephens residents are being advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data shows more than 80,000 Australian […]
Printed Edition 26 AUGUST 2026
Local photographer’s rare bee shot wins big
The winning photograph, ‘R.I.P. Queen’. Photo: Nikki Kenwrick. Usually the one behind the camera, Nikki Kenwrick captured “in the wild”. A RARE moment in a Port Stephens backyard has earned local wildlife photographer Nikki Kenwrick two major honours in the 2026 Australian Native Bee Association Photography Competition. Nikki was named both Overall Winner and People’s […]
Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying
FOR Port Stephens families, the end of Bullying No Way Week should not mean the end of conversations about bullying. Parents, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are being encouraged to keep checking in with young people after new Kids Helpline figures highlighted the seriousness of the issue. More than 627,000 students nationally took part […]
Koalas can travel much greater distances when looking for a potential breeding partner. Picture: MidCoast Council.
Slow down – koalas out and about looking for love
DRIVERS travelling through known koala habitation zones are being urged to slow down and stay alert as the annual koala breeding season gets under way. Warmer weather signals the start of the season and there have been increased sightings of the iconic marsupials attempting to cross roads. Koalas can travel greater distances during this time, […]
LETTER: Democracy must begin within political parties
DEAR News Of The Area, AS someone born in Burma (now Myanmar) I understand the value of democracy in a way that many people fortunate enough to grow up in a democratic country may never experience. I spent 15 years of my life involved in the struggle for democracy and basic human rights under a […]
