DEAR Jasminda, THE other night, my brother-in-law invited himself over for dinner. However, I had not prepared enough for him (as he was unannounced), and he got annoyed and left. Now he won’t reply to either my husband’s or my messages. How do you suggest I go about this? Normine B Dear Normine, I’m picking […]
Exploring the depths: A passion for deep drop fishing
WITH recent weather significantly impacting local fishing, I wanted to share insights into one of my favourite angling passions deep dropping. The Mid North Coast offers some of Australia’s premier deep drop locations. This technique, long utilised by commercial fishers, targets species found in depths of up to 600 metres. I still recall, as a […]

The Comedy of Errors brought to life in Taree
MIDCOAST Community Theatre brought Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” to life at Taree Universities Campus on Friday 16 May. “My love of Shakespeare began in 1993 while studying Othello and I continued studying him at university in literature and acting studies,” said Director and Producer Catherine Watson. “I also played The Abbess and Merchant One […]
A ‘magic carpet ride’ through the musical world in Lakewood
SYMPHONY orchestra Sinfonia MNC will bring their unique and classical sounds to Camden Haven Anglican Church in June. Sinfonia’s members come from across the Mid North Coast, including Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, Harrington, Taree, Wingham, Hallidays Point, Tuncurry and Nabiac. Elizabeth Berry, leader of the Board of Sinfonia, said the orchestra was formed in 1999 […]
Heart of the Haven: Anissa Hilton
AFTER moving to Camden Haven from Orange in 1998 and serving the local community at the Commonwealth Bank Branch in Laurieton for the past 23 years, Anissa Hilton began a journey in martial arts that has since grown into a passion and a purpose. What started in 2011 as a mum watching her daughter train […]

CSU awards more than $300k in scholarships to Hastings students
FIFTY-SEVEN students from the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will receive financial support through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust this year. The total value of the scholarships is $335,926. The amount is part of the $3m awarded to students across all six CSU campuses. Recipients in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region were the first to be presented with […]
Bonny Hills father and son rolling-up to one of Australia’s fastest growing sports
Jake Everden joins his father Scott on the basketball court. Photo: Sue Stephenson. The Rollers lost to the Coffs Stingrays but won against Newcastle in Round 11. Photos: Sue Stephenson. The Rollers lost to the Coffs Stingrays but won against Newcastle in Round 11. Photos: Sue Stephenson. Hub leader Meredith Evans with four-time Paralympian Gerry […]
ADVERTISING FEATURE: Elegance and connection at Laurieton Family Jewellers
NESTLED in the heart of Camden Haven, Laurieton Family Jewellers has long been a shining light in our community, offering beautiful, hand-selected pieces that mark life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’re celebrating love, honouring a milestone, or simply indulging in something special for yourself, Laurieton Family Jewellers brings decades of expertise, personalised service, and a […]
After 25 years, Radio 531 transforms into Cruze FM
IN the fast-paced world of radio and media, the team at Radio 531 has gone from celebrating its 25-years on air to entering a new era as CRUZE FM 93.5. One of the biggest changes that comes with the transformation is the introduction of the station’s very first local breakfast show hosted by Dave Sutherland. […]
Celebrating the heart of Little Wings during Volunteer Appreciation Week
LITTLE Wings is putting its helpers in the spotlight during Volunteer Appreciation Week, 19-23 May. As a 90 percent volunteer-led organisation, Little Wings relies on the dedication of its pilots, drivers, ground crew and events team: each playing a critical role in supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families. The service is honouring […]