AS we bid farewell to 2022 I can’t help but think about the year and the important issues that I have shared with my local community through the NOTA.

I can say with some pride that I write for a growing, sustainable publication which shares local news from Port Stephens to north of the Coffs Coast.

For me the highlight of the year has to be seeing the Green Sea Turtles being released back into the wild by the incredible team at Sea Shelter – Beryl, the last release, literally created a bow wave in her rush to freedom.

However, for me this has created deeper awareness of the problems associated with pollution in our marine environment.

One of the turtles released lost a flipper due to a fishing line tangle.

These creatures are categorised as vulnerable and they are particularly at risk from pollution including fishing line tangles, plastic bags and balloons abandoned in the environment.

In the Myall Coast NOTA, I have written extensively about the local dingo population and I hope that the articles, based strongly on University research and input from ecologists, will help to preserve our five local packs of dingoes and see a change in the way the community views what a dingo is and what a wild dog is.

In sharing information about this ancient species I hope to break some of the stereotypes and potentially help to change the management of dingoes in our state – something which I have become very passionate about.

The key message for these wonderful animals is “Please Don’t Feed The Dingoes!”.

For those that aren’t aware, the dingoes around Hawks Nest and the Myall Coast need protection, and one of their greatest threats is human interaction.

Again in the animal kingdom, writing about our local koala population and the work of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital has been a rewarding experience.

From the responses to the stories that I have written about these beautiful creatures and the dedicated volunteers that care for those in need, I know their tales have brought joy and hope to our readers.

Writing about citizen scientists and environmental groups like Landcare has also been a wonderful experience.

Of course there have also been stories about politics, and COVID.

The year has also seen the ongoing fight to save vulnerable land from development and sale including the now infamous 109 Foreshore Drive at Salamander Bay and another plot of foreshore land at Anna Bay.

Our community also came together to fight what it saw as the inappropriate development of a heliport adjacent to the Anna Bay Cemetery – an issue which incensed locals who wish to be able to take time to reflect at the graves of their loved ones in peace.

This issue is now going before the Land and Environment Court.

The community is on notice in relation to the Tomaree Lodge site and sharing the potential future that this site offers as a tourism hub inspires me to remind everyone to get online and have your say – you only have until 6 January to let the powers that be know what you want to see on this site!

The controversial issues that I have written about this year include the incursion on to the public domain by foreshore residents, the Council’s proposed SRV, the proposed development of Bannisters, roaming of goats on environmentally sensitive land at Anna Bay, the now iconic “Anna Bay Eyesore” and the issue of Port Stephens councillors going missing from council action.

I have been privileged to share stories of strength and courage and of our community coming together to support those in need.

To all the amazing charities and for all the wonderful work you do that I have been able to share, it has been an honour to share your work and selflessness – I find the selfless acts of our community’s volunteers humbling.

On a slightly different note, sharing the milestones of the PBL award winners throughout the year is one of the things which I feel is important – not because of the individual acts – but because these awards recognise the good in our youth.

The students who win these awards are not necessarily the fastest or the smartest, but they are the kindest, the most caring and honest and as a parent I know how important awards like these are.

I have connected with local groups and associations like Probus, the CWA, the RSL sub-Branches, Emergency Services, Rotary, Lions Clubs, schools, arts, sporting groups and more – there are simply too many to name.

All of these connections have been an enriching experience.

All of these groups provide wonderful benefits to our community; from keeping us safe to keeping us connected, the spirit of our local community is strong.

I would like to also thank all the contributors that share ideas, stories and images for the reading pleasure of our community.

I have shared the highs and the lows – and while not everyone will agree with all of the stories that the NOTA has shared, I have faith in the process and balance which the NOTA brings to local issues.

My message to family and friends and community for the holiday season is to stay safe, be happy, tell those who matter to you that you love them and take the time to stop and smell the roses.

By Marian SAMPSON