July 21, 2026
Broughton Island fishing hotspots revealed Broughton Island holds many secrets. Photo: Supplied.
Highlights

Broughton Island fishing hotspots revealed

I AM continually amazed that so many residents of Port Stephens are yet to visit Broughton Island. I recently returned from a few days, fishing, swimming and wandering around the island, which I believe to be a ‘jewel in the crown’ of this beautiful region. Despite the many times I have visited the island and […]

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New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group Eve with a few of her favourite things - eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham.
Business, Community, Local News, Regional

New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group

Eve with a few of her favourite things – eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham. Freckle, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor of News Of The Area, the family-owned independent local […]

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Thousands gather for biggest Port Stephens Car Show yet Vehicles of all kinds, both historical and modern, were exhibited in the streets of Nelson Bay. Photo: Nico Lombardo.
Event, Highlights

Thousands gather for biggest Port Stephens Car Show yet

Vehicles of all kinds, both historical and modern, were exhibited in the streets of Nelson Bay. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Thousands of visitors showed up at the biggest edition of the Port Stephens Car Show yet. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Special guest, motorsports legend John Bowe. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Ron Goodman’s impressive Porsche collection. Photo: Nico Lombardo. […]

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Native bird flu case sparks ‘nightmare’ wildlife fears Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP,
Health, National

Native bird flu case sparks ‘nightmare’ wildlife fears

A KILLER  bird flu strain has been discovered in an Australian native seabird for the first time, sparking fears it could trigger a wildlife emergency. Testing detected the H5N1 strain in a greater crested tern discovered at Robe in South Australia. The case marked a major escalation in the crisis, Invasive Species Council policy director […]

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Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa shares the joys and challenges of raising free-range heritage chickens The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied.
Highlights

Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa shares the joys and challenges of raising free-range heritage chickens

The kids also thrive when they’re out in the paddock with the chooks. Photo: Supplied. Healthy chooks at Barrington Brahmas free-ranging in the sunshine. Photo: Supplied. FREE-ranging heritage chickens are more than a hobby for Barrington Brahmas owner Melissa Hunt, who says every bird has its own personality and an important role in the flock. […]

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UTS Students make a big difference in Paterson and Gresford Mayor Digby Raywood at the Paterson Hub and Harvest community gardens with UTS students.
Regional, School

UTS Students make a big difference in Paterson and Gresford

Kings Wharf Park UTS student plantings. UTS Big Lift 2026 students in Paterson with locals. Mayor Digby Raywood at the Paterson Hub and Harvest community gardens with UTS students. MORE than 80 student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) rolled up their sleeves over the weekend as part of The Big Lift, delivering […]

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Mobile Service NSW Centres hit the road The new fleet of Service NSW vehicles offers “branch in a box” technology. Photo: Supplied by Service NSW.
Government, Regional

Mobile Service NSW Centres hit the road

REGIONAL and remote communities across NSW are set to benefit from a major boost in access to government services, with new Service NSW Mobile Service Centres hitting the road this month. Four tough new four-wheel-drive single-cab utes will replace the existing Mobile Service Centres, which have reached their end of life after covering more than […]

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Penfold seeks community feedback on gambling advertising
Dungog Shire

Penfold seeks community feedback on gambling advertising

FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is calling on local Lyne residents to have their say on proposed gambling advertising reforms with legislation now before the Federal Parliament. “Many Australians enjoy a punt on the races, a bet on the footy or a flutter with friends. For most people, gambling is a form of entertainment […]

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Dungog Shire Council opens Community Small Grants Program applications
Dungog Shire

Dungog Shire Council opens Community Small Grants Program applications

COMMUNITY groups, sporting clubs and local organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding through Dungog Shire Council’s Community Small Grants Program. The program offers grants of up to $2,500 to support projects, events and initiatives that strengthen the local community. Deputy Mayor Liam Ley said the funding was available to help community organisations turn […]

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