THE wet and chilly weather is an important reminder to consider donating a little warmth to the Hastings’ most vulnerable residents. New and next-to-new blankets, doonas and other warm items are currently being accepted by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West through its Winter Woollies Drive, and by Wauchope Rotary through its Winter Blanket […]

Street count shows surge in homelessness across Port Macquarie LGA
THE NSW Government’s annual street count shows the number of people sleeping rough across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA) has increased over the past 12 months. Sixty-nine people were sleeping rough in February, up from 53 in 2024 and 43 in February 2023. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the increase was […]
Public meeting called over delays to Wauchope Community Gardens
THE Hastings Residents Association (HRA) has called a public meeting to address ongoing concerns surrounding the delayed opening of the Wauchope Community Gardens, which remain in limbo. The meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 28 May at the Wauchope RSL Club. It aims to update the community on the progress of the gardens […]
Bullocky, soldier, builder, technician; 101yo Max’s incredible life
Max Ramsey celebrates his 101st birthday. Photo: supplied. Max Ramsey with his daughter Brenda Lee and staff members of Whiddon Laurieton. Photo: supplied. WAR veteran Max Ramsey certainly dressed the part for his 101st birthday celebrations at Whiddon Laurieton. Wearing his favourite red bow tie and suspenders, and matching cardigan, Max enjoyed the occasion surrounded […]
Laurieton firies welcome community to annual open day
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) stations across the state opened their doors to the public on Saturday, 10 May. The annual open day provides firefighters the opportunity to share vital safety tips in the lead up to winter. Visitors can view live demonstrations, participate in station tours, or climb into the driver’s seat of a […]
VALE Kevin Baker
Kevin and Judy Baker with Mark Vaille. Kevin Baker playing Captain Cook in the bi-centenary celebrations. Kevin Baker. PROMINENT former local pharmacist Kevin Baker was laid to rest by family last month. Kevin was born on 6 January 1935 at Abbotsford, Sydney to John and Edna Baker. He was the youngest of seven children. Educated […]
Tribute for the 73 women killed in another year of domestic and family violence in Australia
A rose is placed to honour the women tragically lost to violence. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Stories were shared to honour and remember victims. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Rose tributes on National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day. Photo: supplied by Liberty. A ROSE to honour each of the 73 women who tragically lost their […]
St Joseph’s Primary School celebrates mums
Evangeline and Georgia share stories about their mums. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Oliver and Lincoln entertain the crowd. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Andréa and Yasmin share flowers. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Leighton and mum Samantha. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Andréa with mum Jess. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Smiling faces of the SJPS choir. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. THE students of St […]
Rainbow Beach to host the annual Bird Rock Memorial Classic on 17 May
THE Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic is on again this weekend, Saturday 17 May, to remember all past surfers. The competition is to be held at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills. Among the prizes will be a board shaped by Scott Wylie and glassed by Tony from Spade Surfboards. There will be two competitions running side […]

Roads, housing and surf club upgrades among the priorities in Rob Dwyer’s maiden speech
NEWLY elected Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has used his inaugural speech in Parliament to call for an overpass at Houston Mitchell Drive between Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. He also highlighted the growing traffic congestion on the Oxley Highway, the need for surf club upgrades, and improved housing affordability. Backed by his new […]