Changes to facilities and services

Last updated: 6 January 2022

Administration Building

Our Administration Building is open to the public. Our Customer Experience team are here to help you from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

You can also access our services over the phone on 02 4988 0255 or email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au. This will save you time, as well as keeping yourself and our staff safe.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries remain open. Please follow the public health order for funerals.

Childcare — Thrive Kids

Thrive Kids is still operating with an increased focus on health and hygiene. Please ensure you notify your childcare provider of any concerns you may have or if you or a family member are diagnosed or come into contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. As always, we ask that children who are unwell stay at home to recover and reduce the risk to others.

Council meetings

You can watch all our Council meetings via our webcast live.
Find out more about Council meetings.

DA Advice — Duty Counter

You can still contact us for DA advice over the phone on 02 4988 0255.

Events

See advice under the public health order
Weddings can be held under the public health order for weddings

Holiday Parks

Our Holiday Parks have reopened – find out more and make a booking.

Libraries

Port Stephens Library branches are open. It remains a condition of entry that all visitors to Port Stephens Library branches are required to check in using the Service NSW app and wear a face mask.

Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Library opening hours are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm, Saturday.
The Mobile Library has returned to its regular timetable.
Library branches will continue to offer Call & Collect and a limited Contactless Home Delivery Service. To take advantage, simply call the library to request a loan. Our staff will then select items for you and phone you to arrange a time for collection. Call Raymond Terrace and Mobile Library on 4988 0111 or call Tomaree Library on 4988 0670
The Stories in the Street program will continue as per our current contactless model.
Tilligerry Community Library opening hours are from 10am to 12pm, Monday to Saturday.

Recreation facilities

Status	Facility	Details
	Aquatic and leisure centres	Lakeside Leisure Centre, Tomaree Aquatic Centre and Tilligerry Aquatic Centre have reopened to the community. Visit your local pool's website for opening times and restrictions. All visitors to pools will be required to follow current mask and physical distancing requirements under the public health order. Learn to swim programs will resume at Lakeside and Tomaree on Monday 18 October 2021 with Tilligerry resuming on Monday 25 October 2021. This will provide staff and trainers with sufficient time to prepare for return to full business operations.
	BBQ facilities and picnic tables	Maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order.
	Beaches	Lifeguard and life saving services have resumed. Please follow the public health order and physical distancing rules. Samurai Beach Campground is closed and there is no vehicle access to the campground. For National Park information, check the NSW NPWS webpage for updates.
	Boat ramps	Port Stephens boat ramps are open to all users. Please practice physical distancing and abide by the public health order.
	Community centres and halls	Our community centres and halls are closed under the current public health order.
	Fenced dog parks	Use with caution. Maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order.
	Outdoor fitness equipment	Use with caution. Wash your hands before and after use. Assume the person who used the equipment before you has the virus.
	Parks and reserves	Maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order. For National Park information, check the NSW NPWS webpage for updates.
	Playgrounds and play equipment	Check in using the QR code if available. Use with caution. Wash your hands before and after use. Assume the person who used the equipment before you has the virus.
	Skate and BMX parks	Check in using the QR code if available. Use with caution. Wash your hands before and after use. Assume the person who used the equipment before you has the virus.
	Sporting venues	Open for informal exercise and sport provided users follow the public health order.

Visitor Information Centre

Our Visitor Information Centre is open. Our friendly staff are also available to help on 1800 808 900.

Volunteers

Outdoor volunteers can now recommence if there is a COVID Safe plan in place. Hall volunteers can recommence from 18 October with COVID Safe plans in place under the public health order.