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 […]
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.
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. […]
PMHC releases Disability Inclusion Plan featuring Town Beach Mobi Mats
INTERNATIONAL Day of People with Disability on 3 December, was marked by the release of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2025-2029, alongside the NSW Government’s Disability Inclusion Plan 2025-2029. The Port Macquarie Hastings plan is named, “Make a bigger circle”. It originated from a community forum where a participant […]
Long-standing FAWNA member Meredith Ryan recognised with prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitator Award
AFTER 34 years of dedicated service, Meredith Ryan has been recognised for her incredible work with FAWNA. Meredith received the NSW Wildlife Council’s “Wildlife Rehabilitator Award”, during the council’s 20th anniversary event on Friday 28 November. NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment Penny Sharpe, presented the inaugural award to Meredith, for […]
Letter to the Editor: Our climate always changes
DEAR News Of The Area, AROUND 20 years ago, I was one who believed in so-called “climate change”. I do not any longer, and that is because I had the wisdom to put my position to one side, and honestly listen to the other side of the argument (which I recommend people also do). Real […]
Printed Edition 12 DECEMBER 2025
Oxley MP Michael Kemp returns for 2027 election tilt
MICHAEL Kemp has been unanimously re-endorsed as the National Party’s candidate for the Oxley electorate in the 2027 state election. The incumbent MP again received the support of his party at the Nationals’ Oxley division State Electorate Council meeting on Saturday, 6 December. Mr Kemp said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him […]
Forestry losses criticised after release of annual report
GREENS MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson says that Forestry Corporation NSW’s (FCNSW) 2024-25 Annual Report, recently tabled in the NSW Parliament, reveals that the state has spent $76 million over the last three years to keep the native forest logging division in business. Ms Higginson said that having to pay to destroy […]
Precious discovery leads to successful Transit Hill rescue and release of endangered Powerful Owl
A PORT Macquarie resident made a very precious discovery last month, rescuing a young, endangered Powerful Owl in the Transit Hill area. The exquisite bird was found on 30 November following a crow attack, with the resident calling FAWNA’s rescue hotline for advice and delivering the owl to a local FAWNA coordinator. In NSW, the […]
Port Makos make their mark at Senior State Cup
Try time for Makos Club President Wayne Gleeson. Photo: Jenna Bryan. Steve Roberts crossing the line. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Darcie Gleeson, co-captain of the W20s, stopping the opposition. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Milla Swain adding to her team’s tally. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Matt Bale finding the line. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Glen Kightley in action. Photo: Kim […]
