April 8, 2026
Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

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Cairncross recycling facility set to become transfer station The Cairncross Waste Management Facility. Photo: PMHC.
Local News

Cairncross recycling facility set to become transfer station

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will transition the Cairncross Materials Recycling Facility from a local processing plant to a large-scale transfer station. A council report says major changes across the recycling industry have made small regional facilities increasingly unviable. The decision last week confirms Council will move away from plans first flagged in 2022 to establish a […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY husband’s Netflix viewing history shows an abnormal amount of True Crime shows, serial killer series, and murder mysteries. Should I be worried? Petra L. Dear Petra, For some strange reason, many people like having the living daylights scared out of them for relaxation. I’m not one of them, and it sounds as […]

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SES interns pass with flying colours The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns.
Community

SES interns pass with flying colours

The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns. Caz Dobson and Katie Green. The Baptist Church choir in full voice. SES units at the church function. NOVEMBER was a busy month for the Camden Haven State Emergency Service (SES), with key management appointments, community outings and the finalisation of an intern program. The unit’s leadership […]

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Legal Hypothetical: Boy sues Santa!
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: Boy sues Santa!

TIMMY wakes on Christmas morning, rubs his eyes and stumbles downstairs to the Christmas tree. He is overjoyed to find three presents, bearing a special stamp, stating that they are “Shipped from the North Pole”. “Thank you, Santa!” he exclaims. When Timmy’s brother and sister join him, they begin unboxing their Christmas gifts. His sister […]

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Last days to donate to Toy Drive NGM Group's Rubi Stitt and Alexandra Tompkins with the Salvos' Joey Newman.
Local News

Last days to donate to Toy Drive

AS the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season. Each year the annual Toy Drive delivers thousands of gifts to children and families facing hardship at Christmas time. […]

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New system for road recategorisation unveiled in NSW
Local News

New system for road recategorisation unveiled in NSW

THE NSW Government is rewriting the framework that determines road management in NSW, announcing a new road recategorisation system this week. The move comes in an attempt to provide local councils with certainty over who will manage and maintain different roads, allowing for more targeted investment where it is most needed. Road recategorisation is the […]

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Early mackerel, Lake Cathie prawns and coastal conditions
Local News

Early mackerel, Lake Cathie prawns and coastal conditions

BEACHES across the Mid North Coast are currently experiencing a bloom of red algae. Locally known as “red weed”, this natural phenomenon is vital for marine ecosystems but can create unpleasant odours as it decomposes on the sand. Beachgoers should be prepared for the smell, though only temporary. Prawning has been the highlight of the […]

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Final touch-ups to go but Ocean Drive Duplication declared ‘complete’ Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison (in blue), Mayor Adam Roberts (l) and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer (r) on Wednesday, near the new Matthew Flinders Drive traffic lights. Photo: David Heffernan.
Local News

Final touch-ups to go but Ocean Drive Duplication declared ‘complete’

Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison (in blue), Mayor Adam Roberts (l) and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer (r) on Wednesday, near the new Matthew Flinders Drive traffic lights. Photo: David Heffernan. A before and during aerial view of Ocean Drive. Photo: NSW Government. How the roadway looked before Wednesday’s announcement. Photos: Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac. […]

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