LYNE MP Alison Penfold has announced her intention to provide a pre-Budget submission to the Federal Government’s Treasury Department to highlight community and infrastructure funding needs across the electorate. Ms Penfold said pre-Budget submissions offer an opportunity to highlight local priorities for consideration in the 2026-27 Federal Budget. “The Albanese Government needs to hear loud […]
Crackdown on illegal tobacco trade gains bipartisan support
MEMBER for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, has welcomed the Minns Government’s introduction of a new licensing scheme designed to crack down on the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across NSW. The new laws require all retailers and wholesalers to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. The three-month grace […]
NSW Women over 50invited to join free program for active living
WOMEN across NSW are being invited to take part in a major government-funded health initiative designed to support active, independent ageing. The program, Active Women over 50, is led by Professor Anne Tiedemann from the University of Sydney and supported by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. It will provide free, tailored support to […]
Coalition’s youth crime laws voted down in parliament
THE NSW Labor Government has voted down the Opposition’s Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025, which proposed changes to bail and sentencing laws. The Coalition’s bill sought changes including: – Expanding the definition of repeat offences beyond break and enter and car theft, to include serious indictable crimes like murder and sexual assault. – […]
Government release 20,000 Home Care Packages
THE Federal Government has announced it will deliver 20,000 Home Care Packages in the next eight weeks. A further 20,000 packages are set to be released between November and the end of the year, with the remainder of the promised 43,000 to be delivered by mid-2026. The Australian Government subsidises organisations to provide home care […]
Community and Major Events grants now open
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) is now accepting applications for its Major Events and Community Grants Program. Major Events Sponsorship offers up to $5,000 for events occurring between January and June 2026 that attract visitors from outside the region, boost the local economy, and enhance community wellbeing. PMHC is especially keen to support “standout, unique […]
Port Macquarie CWA’s International Day focuses on the Republic of Korea
MEMBERS of the Port Macquarie Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) hosted an international day in their rooms on Wednesday 20 August, focusing on this year’s Country of Study, the Republic of Korea. International Officer Christa Lobb was instrumental in organising the day, decorating the CWA rooms and tables with Korean colours and presenting […]
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition. The nation’s science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK. […]
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne. Authorities have […]
Council clarifies decision on Laurieton Play Space location
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council says it is committed to engaging with the community as the Laurieton Regional Play Space project progresses. In last Friday’s edition of NOTA, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce president Luke Hadfield expressed concern over the process which had led to the selection of Bruce Porter Reserve, Laurieton as the site for the […]
