WHAT’S HAPPENING
Local History
Website
Long time TMA supporters, Kevin and Mary McGuinness, have undertaken historical research for many years.
They have published over 160 papers of historical interest on their website and thus provided our community with a impressive resource of historical stories and records.
TMA recognises the vast amount of work and dedication in developing such a valuable resource for the community.
You can visit Port Stephens – A History Exploration via this link.
Museum Talks Video
Colin Mitchell
Colin Mitchell is a second-generation fisherman from Port Stephens whose life has been intricately woven into the fabric of the fishing industry, a legacy passed down from his father and uncle who were pioneers the trade in the 1930s.
In this interview, Colin takes us on a nostalgic journey through time, recounting the tales of his parents’ hard work and ingenuity in building their own fishing boats from scratch. Their dedication and craftsmanship laid the foundation for a thriving fishing community in Port Stephens.
New Audio Series
‘History Highlights’
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new audio series, History Highlights, exclusively on 100.9 PSFM.
Join us as we delve into the captivating stories and pivotal moments that have shaped our part of the world. Each episode will take you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating events, influential figures, and remarkable achievements that have left an indelible mark on our history.
Don’t miss out on this exciting series, airing across the day on our favorite local station, 100.9 PSFM.
Bunnings
Sausage Sizzle
Date: 7 June 2025
Time: 9am to 4pm
Place: Bunnings Taylors Beach
Thank you for supporting our fund-raising efforts at the Bunnings BBQs.
We use only the tastiest & finest grade sausages skilfully barbecued by experienced sausage chefs and artfully placed onto the softest white bread with your choice of caramelised onions and/or barbecue, tomato and mustard sauce to make your perfect sausage sanga.
You can then wash it down with a Coke classic or Coke no sugar, Sunkist or Solo beverage and chat with TMA members about the Museum Project.
Permanent
Exhibition
Date: Everyday
Time: 10am to 4pm
Place: Inner Light, 5 Lighthouse Road, Nelson Bay
Why not visit our display at the Inner Light?
Originally developed by the Port Stephens Historical Society, and recently updated, the display provides a snapshot into our local history at a beautiful location.
Be sure to set aside some time to savour some treats in the Inner Light Tea Rooms!
Join the
TMA
We want to build a multi-faceted Museum for the many historical, cultural and ecological organisations in the area to exhibit alongside our own.
Exhibitions that will enlighten and surprise visitors and locals in an eventual permanent Museum as well as here on our website. Can we let you in on a little secret? We have a lot of fun!
If you’re curious about the unique history and ecology of Port Stephens and want to research, learn and share that information and fun with us – then we hope you’ll press the `Join Us’ button below and sign up for a Tomaree Museum membership.
OUR BLOG
Visit by Bobs Farm Public School
An absolute privilege to host a visit by the students, teachers and parents of Bobs Farm Public School.
Click the title to see their video “Discovering the Past”.
Memories from 1947
By John ‘Stinker’ Clarke Reproduced with kind permission of News Of The Area (Modern Media) A HIGHLIGHT of the year for all the kids and their parents in and around Nelson Bay, was the Annual Picnic Day. From what I have gathered any visitors arriving in Nelson Bay on...
The Dutch Connection
Dutch oystermen have contributed significantly to the local Port Stephens Industry. The Second World War had a massive impact particularly in Europe and led to a wave of migration of a war-torn population seeking a better life in another country. Many eyes focused on...
DID YOU KNOW?
Port Stephens was going to be a Navy Base?
Around 1910 to 1913, a huge 1190 hectare Submarine Navy Base as part of the Commonwealth’s long term defence strategy was proposed for Port Stephens and work commenced in 1916.
The area included was Salamander Bay from Corlette Point (where the Anchorage Resort is now), the entire Soldiers Point Peninsula and down past Cromarty Bay almost to Taylors Beach. The Commonwealth had gazetted the entirety of the Mambo Wetlands and past where the Salamander Shopping Centre is now located.
Work began in 1916 with 250 unemployed miners from Newcastle used to blast rock from the base of Wanda Wanda Head (and anecdotally destroying Aboriginal Artwork in caves there). Surveyors were hard at work and drainage ditches and roads were constructed as well as a wharf to berth Australia’s then two RAN Submarines.
After the finish of the first World War and the loss of our only 2 submarines, work on the base slowed and stopped completely in 1922. The Naval Base land was sold by the Commonwealth to the Port Stephens Shire Council for a bargain £50,000 or about $1.6 million in todays money.
Source: Mike Scanlon, Port Stephens Examiner
VIDEO
Original Museum Artefacts Collection
Members of the Tomaree Museum Association catalogue and collect historical artefacts that have been held in storage by the Carroll Family for 45 years.
AUDIO
`Excavations' Ep 01 (upcoming)
Listen to our Podcast `Excavations’.
Keep an ear out for our Podcast about matters related to the history, geology, wildlife, culture and related issues of Port Stephens titled ` Tomaree Museum; Excavations’.
IN THE NEWS
Telling The Tales Of Pioneer Families
by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 20, 2025 The Tomaree Museum Association are active in the local community in readiness for the day when they find a permanent venue. Chairman Doug Cross and committee members Warwick Mattherson and Noel Shang have formed a...
Ray Alley photo collection donated to museum
Charlie Elias
Port Stephens Examiner,
13th August 2020.
“Nearly 50 years of work from one of the Port’s most prolific photographers will go on display at the Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) to be preserved for future generations.”
New Tomaree Headland Heritage group unveiled
Charlie Elias
Port Stephens Examiner
18th June 2020.
“Plans for Tomaree Headland Heritage Group…”
DO YOU HAVE A STORY ABOUT PORT STEPHENS?
We invite the community to contribute stories of about 200 words on any topic connected to the Port Stephens region including people, places, buildings, or events.
JOIN in the FUN!
Are you interested in joining the Tomaree Museum Association?
The TMA is a young community driven organisation with the goal of building a permanent Museum on the Port Stephens Peninsula for all of Port Stephens and everyone interested in the area.
We want to collect, learn and share the knowledge of the many facets of our area – it’s ecology and history, and the many paths our investigations lead us down. It’s a detective story we’d love you to join us in.
