PORT Macquarie teenager Hunter Davis was among 150 students from across Australia chosen for this year’s National Youth Parliament. He was selected from nearly 3000 applicants, representing the federal electorate of Cowper in an immersive five-day program that included simulated parliamentary debates, hands-on learning experiences, and workshops with parliamentary leaders. A MacKillop College student, Davis […]
Member for Port Stephens, Robert Dwyer.
PORT Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer has thrown his voice behind the push to introduce tougher penalties for serious offences committed by youth. Mr Dwyer, a member of the Liberal Party, is calling for reforms that would see sentences that “reflect community expectations” in line with the catchcry: “Adult Crime, Adult Time laws”. “The face of […]
NEW data shows thousands more alleged offenders, including domestic violence perpetrators, are coming before the courts. The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows legal action for domestic violence offences rose by more than 14 per cent in the two years to June. This equates to an additional 6,128 defendants appearing before a […]
LOCAL patients are set to benefit from expanded access to planned surgery, with new High Volume Short Stay surgical services being delivered at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state, helping patients across […]
Katherine Asquith and her son Jacob Asquith. Photo: Rachael Thorpe.
LAURIETON residents and business owners were appalled to discover hate symbols had been scrawled in a telephone box and on several signs in the town last week. Concerned that the graffiti could cause distress, local business owner Jacob Asquith armed himself with cleaning supplies and removed the offending symbols himself. “They were offensive,” he said. […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]
Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan sits with members of the crossbench as he crosses the floor during a division on the Gambling Reform Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Image.
COWPER MP Pat Conaghan crossed the floor in the Federal House of representatives for the first time in his parliamentary career on Tuesday, 18 August, to vote against watered-down legislation governing gambling advertising. Mr Conaghan said he did not believe the legislation adequately considered the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary […]
The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce has successfully trialled a new community initiative, with its inaugural Community Connection Day attracting strong support from both local organisations and residents. Held at Laurieton United Services Club, the free event brought together 45 local clubs, charities, sporting groups, service organisations and special interest groups, creating an opportunity for […]
Volunteers at work, caring for the environment. Photo: Supplied by Hastings Landcare.
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 […]
