July 26, 2026
New national warning system comes online Your phone might make some strange noises next week. Image: DC Studio on Magnific.
National

New national warning system comes online

Your phone might make some strange noises next week. Image: DC Studio on Magnific. You might receive a message that looks similar to this. Image: AusAlert. A NEW national warning system, AusAlert, is being rolled out and a test message will be sent next Monday, 27 July, at 2pm. The AusAlert website spells out what […]

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Broughton Island fishing hotspots revealed
Local News

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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Community wants recreation and conservation in GKNP according to report The State Government says locals value recreation and conservation in the GKNP. Photo: Environment NSW.
Community

Community wants recreation and conservation in GKNP according to report

THE State Government has released a report that indicates recreation and conservation are significant priorities for the community for the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP). The ‘What We Heard’ report summarises feedback from members of the public about how they currently use the area, and what they envisage for the park in the future. […]

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Broughton Island wonderland Broughton Island holds many secrets. Photo: Supplied by John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
Highlights

Broughton Island wonderland

“I HAVE just returned from a fantastic overseas holiday where the weather was perfect and the fishing excellent. Magnificent scenery and a fascinating local history. Travel time by boat around about 40 minutes from the entrance to Port Stephens.  “Broughton Island is an absolute wonderland with high peaks rolling down to long golden beaches. The […]

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Fire and Rescue NSW urges winter fire safety after two deaths in one week The damaged home where a woman died from injuries after escaping a fire that gutted an apartment. Photo: Andrew Stafford, AAP.
Highlights

Fire and Rescue NSW urges winter fire safety after two deaths in one week

WINTER has claimed two more lives in separate house fires, prompting Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to issue an urgent reminder for residents to check smoke alarms and take extra care with heating appliances. Two people, both believed to have been in their 70s, died in separate residential fires within five days of each other. […]

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NSW Farmers welcome improved primary producer vehicle registration concessions The revised concessional registration rules now use the Australian Taxation Office's definition of a primary producer. Image: magnific.
Highlights

NSW Farmers welcome improved primary producer vehicle registration concessions

STATE farmers will benefit from simpler vehicle registration rules after changes to primary producer concessional registrations came into effect on 1 July. NSW Farmers welcomed the updated eligibility requirements, which replace the previous 50 per cent primary production income rule introduced in 2021. The organisation said the former rule created barriers for genuine farming businesses […]

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Historic Allman Hill Burial Ground holds more secrets than first thought
Highlights

Historic Allman Hill Burial Ground holds more secrets than first thought

A GROUND-penetrating radar survey at Port Macquarie’s historic Allman Hill Burial Ground could reshape understanding of the town’s earliest colonial years, with researchers hoping to reveal the true extent of the forgotten cemetery. The survey, being undertaken by University of New England Professors David Andrew Roberts and Martin Gibbs, will examine the site without disturbing […]

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Finding purpose beyond dementia
Health

Finding purpose beyond dementia

LYNNY Murphy has been living in the Camden Haven for 30 years. She plays bocce, indoor bowls and cards, and surrounds herself with positive people at every opportunity. Eating well, gardening, socialising and laughing as much as possible are important facets of her everyday life, and she is adamant that she is much more than […]

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Veterans welcome funding for cenotaph upgrades Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan MP at the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph recently to discuss the repairs and upgrades, made possible through the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, with the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch. Pictured are, from left: Pat Conaghan MP; sub-Branch Treasurer Gayle Keenan; President Denis Lane; Secretary Brad D’Elbuox; and Trustee John Kent OAM.
Featured

Veterans welcome funding for cenotaph upgrades

THE Nambucca Heads Cenotaph is set to undergo much-needed repairs and security upgrades following the successful award of funding through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan recently joined Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch President Denis Lane and Trustee John Kent OAM to celebrate the successful funding application. […]

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