‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, Now that the flood waters are starting to subside, I have a new problem – swarms of blood-sucking mosquitoes. What earthly purpose do they serve and what can I do to avoid the bites and potentially Ross…
Category Opinion
Times Gone By: Lighting up the Coast: Formation, Facts & Figures (Part 5)
ONE of the first indications to the general public that the lighthouse had been completed was a newspaper notification that the temporary light, used since 13 August 1878, was to cease operating and the permanent light displayed from 13…
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I am trying to settle a score. Is the word bullsh-t offensive or just vernacular? Ditto for other commonly used swear words. Miss Wendy P. Dear Miss Wendy, I am having trouble imagining a Miss Wendy saying…
Legal Hypothetical: Guardianship goes unrewarded
JOHN lives alone in rental accommodation. He has a relatively small bank account and apart from his car and household effects, his only other significant asset is a substantial superannuation fund that he conscientiously contributed to during his working…
OPINION: CHCC Equality of votes
DEAR News Of The Area, DR Jan Strom’s comments of 12 Mar 2021 NOTA re representative democracy as it relates to the casting vote of the Chair, is unarguably correct. Nevertheless, there is an additional relevant fact not included:…
OPINION: Paying the price for climate inaction
DEAR News Of The Area, WHO will pay for the massive and extensive flooding on our east coast over the past week? And who is paying for the most extensive bushfire event in memory only a year earlier? The…
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I recently made a negative comment about someone jet skiing in the duck pond during the floods and now I’m apparently a whinger. I was concerned about the safety aspect and flood water whooshing into houses, but…
Mayoral Column: Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer
WE’VE experienced some heavy rain and downpours this month with severe weather lashing our coast and inland areas. The damage across our region has been substantial and I thank everyone for your patience while we restore damaged roads, drainage…
Lighting up the Coast: Danger, Death and Destruction (Part 4)
FROM 19 August 1878, a temporary light had been erected on a flagstaff on the Island to aid general ship navigation, however vessels contracted directly to the site and the workers needed to overcome additional issues. To unload the…
Legal Hypothetical: What is a “Pest”?
WHAT is a “Pest”? Ronald is charged by the RSPCA with serious animal cruelty under the Crimes Act, alleging that he committed a serious act of cruelty upon a dog, with the intention of inflicting severe pain and that…