October 10, 2026
Rate rise puts pressure on Camden Haven households, housing and businesses Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock announces the decision to increase the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent. Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP Image.
Business, Community, Government, Local News, National

Rate rise puts pressure on Camden Haven households, housing and businesses

MORTGAGE holders, home buyers and businesses that rely on discretionary spending are among those expected to feel the effects of this week’s Reserve Bank decision. The RBA increased the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent on Tuesday. While the decision was made for the national economy, its effects will be felt […]

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Cattai Wetlands open after extended closure A Comb-crested Jacana at home in the Cattai Wetlands. Photo: MidCoast Council.
Community, Government, Local News

Cattai Wetlands open after extended closure

ONE of the Myall Coast’s most valued natural attractions, the Cattai Wetlands and its iconic boardwalk network, has reopened following an extended closure brought about by significant damage during the May 2025 flood event. Following the successful completion of repair works, the boardwalks are now safe and accessible, allowing residents and visitors to once again […]

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Port teen gets inside view of democracy at National Youth Parliament
Community, Government, Local News, School

Port teen gets inside view of democracy at National Youth Parliament

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 […]

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Libs and Nats vow to enact stronger laws and tougher penalties for young offenders Member for Port Stephens, Robert Dwyer.
Community, Government, Local News, Police

Libs and Nats vow to enact stronger laws and tougher penalties for young offenders

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 […]

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Laurieton business owner steps up to remove offensive graffiti Katherine Asquith and her son Jacob Asquith. Photo: Rachael Thorpe.
Government, Local News

Laurieton business owner steps up to remove offensive graffiti

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. […]

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Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost

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 […]

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Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling 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.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, National, Regional

Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling

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 […]

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