The NSW Rural Fire Service is carrying out a hazard reduction burn.

The 2 hectare burn at 14 Frost Road, One Mile began at 10am.

"Smoke and fire activity may visible from the surrounding areas during and after the hazard reduction operation," the RFS said. "Ongoing patrols of the burn will be conducted as required."

It is currently koala breeding season.

This means the Port Stephens resident koala population are active as they move across the area in search of a mate, increasing the risk of the animals crossing roads.

Residents and visitors to the area are being urged to keep an eye out for koalas when driving through Port Stephens, particularly at dawn, dusk and night when the animals are most active.

Where possible, make sure to keep dogs on leads to minimise the chance of injury to koalas.

Register your sightings on our Port Stephens Koala's sightings map: portstephenskoalas.com.au/sighting

"Koala sightings help us learn more about and keep track of koalas in our region," the koala care organisation said.

If you see a sick or injured koala in Port Stephens phone the 24-hour rescue line: 1800 775 625.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens' annual general meeting will be held at 10.30am on Tuesday, November 17.

All volunteers, members, friends and supporters of the Heatherbrae-based gardens are invited to attend.

COVID-19 regulations will apply. Morning tea will be provided.

A highlight of the November 17 meeting, to be held at the gardens, will be the presentation of service awards to 26 volunteers.

Nominations from financial members for positions on the Board of Directors for 2020-2021 close at 4pm on Tuesday, October 20. For a nomination form phone (02) 4987 1655 or email admin@huntergardens.org.au.

Young surfers with an interest in surf photography and filming now have a chance to develop their content creation skills.

As part of the Surfing NSW Creative Kids program, high school-aged youths can sign up for a new six-week course where participants learn the basics of content creation as well as tips to build a portfolio and get their work seen.

The program will develop a creative skill set for high-school-aged participants through a series of online modules.

"The Surfing NSW Creative Kids program is an initiative that I'm extremely passionate about and I believe that budding photographers and hobbyists will be able to learn a lot about how they can create decent imagery and film pieces," Surfing NSW chief executive officer Luke Madden said.

All classes are covered by the $100 Creative Kids voucher available through Service NSW.

All participants of the course will receive a prize pack from program sponsors Havaianas, discounts on equipment from AquaTech and experiences with some renowned surf photographers and filmers.

Madden said during the course of the program, Surfing NSW will aim to provide all students with skills that they will be able to grow and use to "best capture their love of the ocean and showcase each of their unique perspectives".

Participants can join any time and are free to binge-watch all six episodes at their convenience.

For more information on Surfing NSW Creative Kids go to surfingnswcreativekids.com or email creativekids@surfingnsw.com.au.

Hunter Water is encouraging Port Stephens residents to join in a social media campaign to celebrate its first Love Water Day.

Held on Saturday, October 24, Love Water Day aims to raise awareness of water conservation and promote smart water choices.

The online event encourages residents and businesses to show the water saving choices they make by posting a photo or short video on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @ourhunterwater and using the hash tags #LoveWater and #LoveWaterDay.

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary encouraged residents and businesses to get involved on Love Water Day.

"We know our community is smart in how it uses water, whether it's by watering their garden to avoid the hottest part of the day, taking shorter showers, scraping dishes instead of rinsing them or fixing leaks around their homes," Mr Cleary said.

"It's important that we maintain these water saving behaviours, particularly as we head into summer, and ensure that we're saving our precious resource now and for future generations."

For more information on ways you can love water, visit www.hunterwater.com.au/lovewater

How to get involved in Love Water Day, Saturday October 24: Post a photo or short video on Facebook or Instagram to show us how you love water Tag @ourhunterwater in your caption Use the hash tags #LoveWater, #LoveWaterDay and #National Water Week