April 7, 2026
Hastings businesses encouraged to apply for grants to install EV charging station MP Robert Dwyer and Phil Cassegrain with some of the EV charging stations at Cassegrain Wines. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Hastings businesses encouraged to apply for grants to install EV charging station

THE PUSH for clean transport means grants are available for Hastings businesses wanting to install electric vehicle fast-charging stations. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses to apply for funding, now available under Round 4 of the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy. The program has been updated to better reflect its long-term […]

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Government’s Koala Baseline Survey results questioned A paddock to the north-east of Kyogle, which is claimed to have a koala density higher than the best habitat in the GKNP. Photo: NEFA.
Local News

Government’s Koala Baseline Survey results questioned

THE North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has questioned the NSW Government’s Koala baseline assessments, saying that a review has found the Government’s models of koala densities broad and inaccurate. This includes claims that cleared paddocks near Kyogle have higher densities of koalas than the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). NEFA says the survey results, often […]

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Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes. Photo: NSW Police.
Police

Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown

POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour. Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called ‘fat bikes’ and other throttle-only devices. The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group […]

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Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley an Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalist
Local News

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley an Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalist

DR AUNTY Rhonda Radley has been named a finalist for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. The awards celebrate trailblazers, changemakers and role models from across NSW, with winners to be announced on Thursday 5 March. Dr Aunty Rhonda’s life and work reflects a deep and enduring connection to Country, culture and community across the […]

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Kew Bowling Club Dean Noble (KCC) and Barrie Isaac (Australia Day).
Sport Results

Kew Bowling Club

1st FEBRUARY, 2026 Please note that Wednesday Social is the only MUFTI day for Kew Mens Bowls. Bowls Australia approved attire (shirt with Bowls Australia Logo) must be worn on Friday and Saturday. Bowls Australia approved footwear is also required (a list of approved shoes is on our Notice Board). A special Australia Day Fun […]

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Letter to the Editor: the Blame Game
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: the Blame Game

DEAR News Of The Area FIRST the Federal Coalition blamed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Bondi terror attack, highlighting how low politics has sunk. This couldn’t be better expressed than in the pre-Christmas newsletter of our Federal MP Alison Penfold who wrote in relation to anti-Semitism and hate speech legislation: “the failure of the […]

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Legal Hypothetical: elder abuse, a cautionary tale
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: elder abuse, a cautionary tale

KAREN is concerned that her elderly mother, Mary, is lacking the ability to manage her affairs. Karen makes an appointment with a solicitor, with a view to drafting a Power of Attorney and an Appointment of Enduring Guardian for Mary. Karen is present at the appointment with the solicitor and she does most of the […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

Dear Jasminda, Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them? Hayley S. Dear Hayley, Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is […]

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Hastings Landcare recognised in Parliament for major community impact Local Landcare Volunteers.
Community

Hastings Landcare recognised in Parliament for major community impact

Local Landcare Volunteers. Landcare Volunteers on one of their planting days. HASTINGS Landcare has been formally recognised in the NSW Parliament for its outstanding contribution to environmental protection, community education and volunteer engagement across the Hastings region.  Local MP Robert Dwyer acknowledged the organisation during a parliamentary address, praising Hastings Landcare volunteers as a driving […]

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