Australian Army’s new Amphibious vehicle. Photo: supplied.
Port Macquarie-based Birdon awarded $125 million contract to build new Army amphibious vehicles
PORT Macquarie–based maritime engineering company Birdon has secured a $125 million contract to design and build a new fleet of Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L) for the Australian Army. The contract covers the construction of one prototype and 15 production vehicles, which will replace the Army’s ageing Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo vehicle (LARC-V). The new […]
Footage captured at Little Nobby’s of the whale. Photo: Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.
Authorities urge public to report sightings of rare white humpback
A RARE white humpback whale sighting off the Mid North Coast has prompted wildlife authorities to urge the public to report any further sightings immediately and to strictly observe exclusion zones. The whale was sighted off Little Nobby near Crescent Head approximately 5pm on Saturday 10 January, drawing the attention of marine scientists and conservation […]
Comboyne’s Meier-Smith won his first downhill World Cup at Lake Placid in October. Photo: Sven Martin/Giant Bicycles.
Comboyne downhill rider Meier-Smith to take on world’s best at Hardline Tasmania
Comboyne’s Meier-Smith won his first downhill World Cup at Lake Placid in October. Photo: Sven Martin/Giant Bicycles. Meier-Smith has been hand-picked for February’s Hardline Tasmania. Photo: Red Bull. COMBOYNE’S star mountain biker Luke Meier-Smith is about to take on the world’s best at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania. Described as the world’s toughest and most progressive […]
CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched
AS families across the Mid North Coast prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are […]
Member for Port Stephens and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost
FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
Wendy Hudson with Melissa Achten from Tennis NSW Facility Enhancement Fund, along with Robert Rule and a representative of Kendall Op Shop. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
Kendall Tennis Club aces 10-year anniversary celebration
Wendy Hudson with Melissa Achten from Tennis NSW Facility Enhancement Fund, along with Robert Rule and a representative of Kendall Op Shop. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Kendall junior players celebrating with Santa. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Celebration time. Photo: supplied. KENDALL Tennis Club served up quite a racket on Friday 12 December, as community members, players and […]
221 Wharf Road, Johns River is on the market with Harcourts Laurieton
221 Wharf Road, Johns River SET on an impressive 11.18 hectares of lush countryside, this beautifully presented property offers the perfect combination of space, serenity and lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, a picturesque tree-lined driveway welcomes you into your own private haven. The main residence is bathed in natural light and showcases stunning wooden […]
On the couch with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, There is only one New Year’s Resolution I have and that is to start doing some exercise. I know it’s good for me, but I detest physical activity. Now I’m in my mid-fifties, it hurts my joints and that just makes me feel worse. Do you have any suggestions? Evie H. Dear Evie, […]
New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
