STRONGER-THAN-EXPECTED figures for building approvals have not dispelled concerns national housing targets might not be able to be reached. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a 10.4 per cent increase in the number of dwelling approvals during July; a sharp turn-around from a 6.4 per cent drop in June. Advertise

THIRTY-SEVEN candidates are hoping to secure a position on Port Stephens Council when voters go to the polls on Saturday, 14 September. Three councillors will be elected in each of the three wards - Central, East and West. Advertise with News of The Area today. It's worth it for your business. Message

ALTHOUGH Mike Shaw says he is “by no means unique” in his capacity as a 32-year veteran in community volunteering, he has contributed significantly to land conservation in Shoal Bay. Of particular interest to Mike is the preservation of Shoal Bay Beach through a Landcare Australia program he coordinates. Advertise with News

THE expansion of Newcastle Airport’s terminal is progressing rapidly, on track for completion in mid-2025. With the concrete terminal structure almost complete, the immediate focus is on the installation of structural steel and a vaulted roof. Advertise with News of The Area today. It's worth it for your business. Message us.

A BRAND new and state-of-the-art amenities building has been officially opened at Yulong Oval, Medowie. Designed in consultation with Port Hunter Touch Football, Medowie Football Club, and Medowie Cricket Club, the $2.6 million facility features modern amenities to cater to the growing needs of these local sporting groups. Advertise with News

THREE runners from Tateyama in the Chiba Providence of Japan participated in the Hunter Valley Winery Run on Sunday 21 July, as part of the Port Stephens Sister Cities exchange program. Hirokazu Ebato and Masashi Abe ran in the H Events Half Marathon, while Toshiyuki Hirayama competed in the tough

VETERAN volunteer staff at Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch hosted a very special guest on Tuesday 16 July. David ‘Eric’ Brae recently celebrated his 100th Birthday, and is believed to be the last surviving World War Two combat veteran living in Port Stephens. Advertise with News of The Area today. It's worth it

GREENS MLC Abigail Boyd joined local candidates Kim Scott and Mark Adamski in Salamander Bay on Saturday 6 July to launch The Greens campaign for the Port Stephens Council elections on 14 September. A key theme of the day, according to local candidates, was The Greens' “rejection of simple answers

HARD work is paying off for the Hunter River High School (HRHS) Cattle Show Team, returning from the Maitland, Newcastle, Gresford and Upper Hunter Shows with outstanding results. The team meets during break Monday to Thursday, providing students from different year groups the opportunity to refine their animal handling skills,

ENJOYING a recent membership boost which group veterans put down to people wanting to engage socially more post-Covid, the Port Stephens Friendship Group has been taking on some adventurous outings. The local Friendship Group, whose ethos is all about getting out and socialising, recently took members on a six-day trip