April 30, 2026
Eight charged in Port Macquarie drug crackdown
Police

Eight charged in Port Macquarie drug crackdown

EIGHT people have been charged with alleged drug offences following a police operation in Port Macquarie last week. On Friday 24 April 2026 and Saturday 25 April 2026, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District – assisted by the Dog Unit – conducted Operation Safeguard across licensed premises in the Port Macquarie and Hastings […]

Read More
Mixed emotions on Mother’s Day Jo Dempsey with her mother Vicki Dempsey on the Great Wall of China.
Community

Mixed emotions on Mother’s Day

IN 1924 Sydney resident Janet Heyden initiated Mother’s Day in Australia to support lonely, elderly mothers who had lost their husbands and sons to World War One. While intended as a day of charity, the second Sunday in May quickly became a day for recognising mothers everywhere, with Australians spending a record $1 billion annually […]

Read More
What to know about the often overlooked larval tick nest
Regional

What to know about the often overlooked larval tick nest

TICK nests, or tick bombs to some, are a common phenomenon in the Australian bush. However, few people have heard of them, let alone know what to do when encountering one. News Of The Area spoke with Bellingen local Rosie Lewis, who recently had a severe reaction to a tick nest. She ended up in […]

Read More
Registrations open for Lifeline Mid Coast Push-Up Challenge
Health

Registrations open for Lifeline Mid Coast Push-Up Challenge

LIFELINE Mid Coast is urging locals to register now for The Push-Up Challenge, Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event. The tenth annual challenge runs from 3 to 26 June. Community members are encouraged to sign up as individuals or teams, with funds raised directly supporting Lifeline Mid Coast’s vital local services. Lifeline Mid Coast […]

Read More
New $65m flood recovery package for the Mid North Coast Inundation along the Hastings River in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES.
Local News

New $65m flood recovery package for the Mid North Coast

Inundation along the Hastings River in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. THE State and Federal Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May […]

Read More
EOIs open for Community Building Partnership grants Wauchope Men's Shed was granted $39,000 for a workshop extension.
Community

EOIs open for Community Building Partnership grants

Wauchope Men’s Shed was granted $39,000 for a workshop extension. The Camden Haven Rural Fire Service received $54,792 for station upgrade works in last year’s CBP grants. EXPRESSIONS of Interest (EOIs) are now open for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants Program, with up to $450,000 available for projects in each electorate. Local […]

Read More
West Haven ‘Epilepsy warrior’ tackling ultra marathon for charity Lachie Price was diagnosed with epilepsy at age four.
Community

West Haven ‘Epilepsy warrior’ tackling ultra marathon for charity

WEST Haven resident Lachie Price, 29, will attempt an 80-kilometre ultra marathon from Bondi to Manly in October, using the event as an opportunity to raise funds for Epilepsy Action Australia. Lachie was diagnosed with epilepsy at just four-years-old, and it has impacted every part of his life. “School was difficult as all my friends […]

Read More
Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state. Photo: NSW Government.
Community

Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW

A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW. Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months. Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations […]

Read More