April 23, 2026
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]

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Humpback whale migration begins with prime viewing from Port Macquarie’s Coastal Walk A humpback whale breaching off the east coast. Photo: Jonas Liebschner, NPWS.
National

Humpback whale migration begins with prime viewing from Port Macquarie’s Coastal Walk

A humpback whale breaching off the east coast. Photo: Jonas Liebschner, NPWS. A playful humpback close to the shoreline. Photo: Jonas Liebschner, NPWS. HUMPBACK whales have been sighted off the coast of Port Macquarie, signalling the start of their annual migration. Each year, approximately 40,000 humpback whales leave their Antarctic feeding grounds and travel north […]

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John Vipond (1932–2025): a ‘man of loyalty, passion and selfless service’ John, 92, is survived by his wife Judy (left). Photo: supplied.
Community

John Vipond (1932–2025): a ‘man of loyalty, passion and selfless service’

John Vipond keeping an eye on the beach from his favourite spot on the Camden Haven SLSC verandah. Photo: supplied. John, 92, is survived by his wife Judy (left). Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. John at […]

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Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages Telcos will need to provide users with more info about outages under stricter new rules. Photo: Jack Atley/AAP
National

Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages

CONSUMERS must be told why their phone or internet service has been disconnected during major outages and when they can expect it to return under stricter telecommunication rules. Providers will also have to improve the way they deal with triple-zero outages under the regulations and issue detailed plans to prevent recurrences. The Australian Communications and […]

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Laurieton team embark on cross-country fundraising adventure Leisha McKay and Kelly Webster.
Community

Laurieton team embark on cross-country fundraising adventure

INTREPID adventurers Leisha McKay and Kelly Webster set off from Laurieton last Wednesday afternoon to take part in the 2025 Autumn “Shitbox Rally”. The rally challenges teams to drive cars worth less than $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, serving as a fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Considered a challenge rather […]

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Pests, weeds to cost $30 billion a year without action Almost 1000 native animals and plants are at risk of extinction due to invasive species. Photo: Stuart Walmsley/AAP PHOTOS.
Health, National

Pests, weeds to cost $30 billion a year without action

MORE than 350 invasive plant and animal species are causing about $2 billion worth of damage every year in one of Australia’s most populated states. But that annual figure could balloon to a whopping $30 billion by 2030 without investment in a long-term biosecurity management system, a government body has warned. A report released on […]

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Kendall Op Shop grants celebrates 16th year and $2 million milestone 2025 grant recipients from across the region.
Regional

Kendall Op Shop grants celebrates 16th year and $2 million milestone

THE KENDALL Community Op Shop has celebrated a remarkable milestone, announcing that it has now distributed more than $2 million to local groups and organisations since the launch of its grants program in 2009. This year alone, the Op Shop has provided $366,191 in funding, bringing the total distributed to an extraordinary $2,165,292 in 16 […]

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Local businesses urged to nominate for a place in the tourism spotlight Port Macquarie foreshore shines bright. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Business

Local businesses urged to nominate for a place in the tourism spotlight

TOURISM operators across the Mid North Coast are encouraged to put themselves forward for one of the industry’s highest honours, with nominations now open for the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards. This year marks a new era for the awards program, which has undergone a national review to streamline the entry process. With new categories, simplified […]

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Laurieton Rotary Club restores historic Harbour Construction Monument at North Haven The original plaque was removed but has since been located and restored to the monument.
Community

Laurieton Rotary Club restores historic Harbour Construction Monument at North Haven

The three metre tall monument has stood for 55 years. The original plaque was removed but has since been located and restored to the monument. The monument had been degraded by exposure over its time standing. A significant piece of Camden Haven’s maritime history has been lovingly restored, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the […]

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