NEW research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance lead a $4.2 million NSW Government initiative to keep people safer in the water this summer. The investment follows an unprecedented number of attacks in recent weeks and the need for better education and community messaging on shark behaviour – particularly before and after weather events. Surf […]
CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
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.
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 […]
The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors. Photo: Leanda Connor.
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to help farmers and primary industries reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity and sustainability. The NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors including livestock production, […]
PRIMARY producers across NSW will operate under tighter firearm regulations following new legislation. The State Government emphasises that the reforms recognise the legitimate needs of farmers while strengthening community safety. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 24 December in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi […]
Port Writers’ members at lunch. Photos: supplied. Port Writers regular Susan Ash is looking forward to W4W WRITERS for Writers 2026 (W4W) will be held on 6-8 March 2026 at Port Panthers. It will include a mix of workshops and panels, with something for every writer at any stage of their writing journey. “W4W 2026 […]
Visitors pose at the well recognised entrance of Timbertown. Photos: Timbertown, FB.
Visitors pose at the well recognised entrance of Timbertown. Photos: Timbertown, FB. Fun times by visitors over the years. Showcasing timber work at the park. Friendly residents of the park The Iconic steam train. TIMBERTOWN Heritage Park will close permanently on 28 January 2026, bringing to an end more than 50 years of operation – […]
Some of the symbols and decorations associated with Christmas date to ancient times.
HAVE you ever wondered why we decorate cone-bearing trees, eat turkey and ham, light candles, pull bonbons, hang Christmas stockings, decorate homes, make wreaths and credit Santa with delivering presents via flying reindeer? Most of us know that many Christmas traditions from the Northern Hemisphere sailed south with immigrants. But many so-called Christmas traditions originated […]
Santa’s Link-Dasher 8 delivered cheer to children from Coopernook Public School.
Santa’s Link-Dasher 8 delivered cheer to children from Coopernook Public School. Red Cross volunteers with Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer. The Red Cross Bear with children from Coopernook. The children’s faces were filled with joy. Red Cross volunteers with Port Macquarie Airport staff. QANTAS team members and Australian Red Cross volunteers delivered hundreds of presents […]
The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]
