September 24, 2026
The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
Regional

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 […]

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NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost Member for Port Stephens and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
Regional

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 […]

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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.
Sport

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 […]

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221 Wharf Road, Johns River is on the market with Harcourts Laurieton
Property

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 […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

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, […]

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New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
Local News

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 […]

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Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Government, National

Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website

THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]

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Camden Haven community support shines through for the homeless.
Local News

Camden Haven community support shines through for the homeless.

COMMUNITY at 3 Inc. Chairman Theo Hazelgrove has thanked the local community for its remarkable support of people doing it tough over the Christmas period. In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, Community at 3 assisted 164 people, providing food, support and connection at a time when many experienced heightened isolation and hardship. One […]

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Creative talents on display at Bonny Hills Arts Prize The 5th Bonny Hills Art Prize is now underway.
Event

Creative talents on display at Bonny Hills Arts Prize

The 5th Bonny Hills Art Prize is now underway. The 5th Bonny Hills Art Prize is now underway. The 5th Bonny Hills Art Prize is now underway. THE 2026 Bonny Hills Art Prize is underway at the Francis Retreat until 11 January, and is again showcasing the creative talents of artists from across the Mid […]

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Crime data shows sharp rise in domestic and family violence over the Christmas holiday period St Columba Anglican School delivered a bus load of gifts to Liberty.
Local News

Crime data shows sharp rise in domestic and family violence over the Christmas holiday period

St Columba Anglican School delivered a bus load of gifts to Liberty. Lewis Land donated gifts, including vouchers and toys, for women and children supported by Liberty. Miss Motivator Women’s Workouts collected vouchers to empower women during the festive season. Photos: supplied. FOR women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, the holiday period often […]

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