DESPITE the persistent rain that has plagued the region, some dedicated anglers have managed to find windows of opportunity this week. In the Hastings, bream fishing has been a highlight during these breaks in the weather, particularly at night when mullet strips have proven to be the most effective bait. Lure enthusiasts have also capitalised […]
Students thrive with parliamentary responsibility at Kendall Public School
THE democratically-elected Kendall Public School (KPS) student leadership team is going from strength to strength in 2025. The selection process for these esteemed positions begins well before the start of the school year, with candidates requiring endorsement from teaching staff and parents. They then attempt to gain student support by putting up posters and delivering […]
Kendall students inspired at leadership conference
THE young parliamentarians of Kendall Public School (KPS) travelled to Sydney at the end of Term 1, attending the 2025 Halogen Young Leaders Conference (HYLC) at the International Convention Centre. Since its conception in 1997, the conference has welcomed over 437,000 attendees and 350 guest speakers from across Australia. This year’s primary school conference included […]
Average speed camera trial begins between Kew and Lake Innes
AVERAGE speed cameras have been turned on between Kew and Lake Innes, operating in warning mode for light vehicle speeding offences. In a NSW Government trial which started on 1 May, average speeds are now being measured over a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway. The Kew to Lake Innes stretch is one of two […]
‘The Last Lap’: RSCPA to host final Million Paws Walk fundraiser
PORT Macquarie RSPCA is inviting the community to join them for the final lap of their Million Paws Walk. After 30 years of branches around the country raising $17m to fight animal cruelty, this will be the event’s last. The decision to hang up the leash was due to cost-of-living pressures and the rise in […]

Camden Haven Historical Society honours two life members
THE CAMDEN Haven Historical Society has proudly awarded Life Memberships to two of its long-serving members, Jan Mitchell and Beryl Ferrett, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the organisation. Life Membership is reserved for members who have actively served the Society for more than ten years, and both recipients have certainly exceeded this requirement. […]
Alison Penfold succeeds Dr David Gillespie as Lyne MP
THE National Party’s Alison Penfold will be the next Federal Member for Lyne, succeeding the long-serving Dr David Gillespie. As of Monday morning, Ms Penfold held 60.55 percent of the Two candidate preferred count over Labor’s Digby Wilson (39.45 percent) after Saturday’s federal election. Ms Penfold took 37.20 percent of first preference votes, with Mr […]

Cass Garvan faces unexpected challenges in debut Ironman appearance
CAMDEN Haven’s Cass Garvan dug deep to accomplish a personal milestone on Sunday, 4 May, completing the Port Macquarie IRONMAN race for the first time. Her journey into this demanding sport was spurred by a desire for a new challenge, along with an invitation from her close friend Louise Beale. “I had set myself a […]
Letter to the Editor: Defending the LNP’s policy platform
DEAR News Of The Area, I wish to reply to the Letter to the Editor in last week’s News Of The Area, by Sue Baker. It was Goebbels, Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda, who said if you tell a lie often enough people will believe it. There are a number of statements in Sue Baker’s letter […]
Laurieton picnic raises awareness of epilepsy impacts
AWARENESS of the impacts of epilepsy was raised at a Teddy Bears Picnic in Laurieton on Sunday, 6 April. Hosted by the Little Red Van cafe, the event provided a chance for community members to picnic together, along with their bears, and raise funds for the Paediatric Ward at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Food items […]