The winning photograph, ‘R.I.P. Queen’. Photo: Nikki Kenwrick.
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 […]
Bullying No Way Week has ended, however conversations can’t stop. Photo: Shutterstock.
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 […]
Emma and Sienna both study vocational education and training in addition to other high-school subjects. Photo: Andrew Vivian.
Record enrolments in vocational education as public schools mark National Skills Week
AN increasing number of students are signing up in NSW public schools to vocational education and training courses, which are helping them gain practical, job-ready skills for rewarding careers. This week is National Skills Week and new National Centre for Vocational Education Research figures show that NSW vocational education and training (VET) in-school commencements increased […]
Paterson Golf Club
SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD FIELD | 35 members & 1 visitor. DIV 1 (<15) | Winner Michael Shanley (15) 39 Points, Runner Up Paul Geddes (7) 36 Points, 3rd Place Simon Dunn (9) 35 Points DIV 2 (16-36) | Winner Margaret Walker (24) 34 Points, Runner Up Benjamin Herden (17) 33 Points, 3rd Place […]
Call to protect farmers and their livestock from wild dogs
THE emotional, economic and environmental impact of wild dogs is in the spotlight as the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) calls for a Government commitment to fund the National Wild Dog action plan and the role of National Wild Dog management coordinator. The Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Darren Chester, is championing the cause […]
WRITE DIRECTION: Canada, a great experience
HAVING spent 40 years in business with an economic background, that is the way my thinking is wired. When taking these extended overseas journeys many people just go to a travel agent so that their transport and accommodation needs are provided to them, packaged to their needs. For me, it is part of the experience […]
STARGAZING: Imagine a million satellites overhead
IMAGINE looking up at the night sky and seeing not stars, but thousands of moving lights crossing overhead. Now imagine that number growing into the millions. It sounds like science fiction, yet that’s the scale of a proposal now being fiercely debated by scientists around the world. SpaceX has filed plans that could eventually see […]