A MASSIVE dust storm that blanketed Melbourne in 1983 shone a light on the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices and became a catalyst for a grassroots partnership between farmers and conservationists. That cooperative initiative formed Landcare, a movement with over 100,000 volunteers across the country who are dedicated to restoring local bushland, coastlines, and sustainable […]

Caroline Micallef with her late son Bailey Jones. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. Bailey’s rock at the Port Macquarie breakwall. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. IN December of 2022, 18-year-old Bailey Jones had his whole life ahead of him. He had goals of becoming a welder, and was on the cusp of falling in love […]

THE exhibition period for the Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan has now closed, with council staff set to review community feedback before presenting a final version of the document to councillors for consideration later this year. The draft plan generated significant discussion throughout the exhibition period, with residents, businesses and community organisations taking a […]

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe announces next steps in the creation of the GKNP. Photo: DCCEEW. Glenn Storrie from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe with representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. NSW ENVIRONMENT Minister Penny Sharpe was in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, 12 May to outline progress […]

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council leaders participated in a series of high-level meetings and regional advocacy forums in Sydney last week. Mayor Adam Roberts and General Manager Robert Fish joined council leaders from across the region as part of a Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) delegation to NSW Parliament. Discussions were held with senior NSW Government […]

TWELVE community groups and five major event organisers have been awarded funding by Port Macquarie Hastings Council. They are Lifeline Mid North Coast, St Agnes’ Care and Lifestyle, My Selfcare Community, Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie, Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council, St Thomas Anglican Church, Hastings District Flying Club and Flying School, Pappinbarra Progress Association, Laurie […]

THE Camden Haven community is being invited to attend a town meeting on the Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan, hosted by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will focus on gathering feedback from residents on key aspects of the plan to assist the Chamber in preparing its submission to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. […]

PEOPLE with Disability Australia (PWDA) President Jeramy Hope has used an address to the National Press Club to repeat calls for a Human Rights Act. He said that without enforceable rights, people with disabilities will continue to be exposed to harm with limited pathways to challenge their treatment. “Australia’s human rights framework has gaps, and […]

The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades. Sydney to Grafton train services – travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter […]