March 19, 2026
Essential workers back union campaign for pay rise and extra leave
Local News

Essential workers back union campaign for pay rise and extra leave

RETAIL, fast-food and warehouse workers from across the Mid North Coast gathered in Port Macquarie on Thursday 5 March, to join the bid for improved pay and work-life balance. Delegates from the Union for Workers in Retail, Fast Food, Warehousing (SDA) NSW, met at the Mercure Centro to officially kick off the statewide “Better Wages […]

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Weed action program gets an update
Local News

Weed action program gets an update

FOUR-YEAR funding is being made available to local organisations to combat the impact of priority weeds, updating a previously annual grant program. The new $40.7 million NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) is a key component of the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Action Plan, with funding being provided to 97 Local Control Authorities (LCA). Minister for Agriculture […]

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Connectivity boost for Karuah, Taree and Wauchope
Local News

Connectivity boost for Karuah, Taree and Wauchope

THE Federal Government will provide grant funding for new mobile base stations at Karuah, Taree and Wauchope in the latest round of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP), delivering 4G and 5G mobile coverage to these areas. Each site will include back-up power, with some also incorporating additional hardening measures to reinforce mobile telecommunications infrastructure. […]

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Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life Mikaela Carroll and her partner Ryan have left Brisbane behind and relocated to Tasmania. Photo: Mikaela Carroll.
Local News

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

GEN Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors. Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 percent considering the […]

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Sold-out Port Macquarie IWD event raises funds and awareness for Liberty Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb and event host Peta Alexopoulos. Photo: Lucy Humphries.
Local News

Sold-out Port Macquarie IWD event raises funds and awareness for Liberty

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb and event host Peta Alexopoulos. Photo: Lucy Humphries. DFV Prevention Manager Brooke Maggs. Photo: Lucy Humphries. SOME 80 local women gathered on Friday 6 March for the ninth “PA YourWay” International Women’s Day Lunch to support Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. The sold-out […]

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Iran War causes instant price spikes in basic commodities
Local News

Iran War causes instant price spikes in basic commodities

WAR in the Middle East is having direct impacts on the prices of basic commodities in Australia, including petrol and other fuels that keep the local economy going. Almost overnight, the geopolitical shape of the world instigated panic that filtered through global supply chains. Unleaded petrol is now averaging over $2/litre in many areas of […]

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Heart of the Haven: Brian Roberts Brian Roberts is this week’s Heart of the Haven.
Local News

Heart of the Haven: Brian Roberts

BRIAN Roberts emigrated to Australia from the UK as a “Ten Pound Pom” in 1960. He married at 17 and lived in Sydney for many years before moving to Laurieton Residential Resort in 2016. After being retrenched at 60, Brian discovered volunteering, a passion that has brought him so much joy and purpose ever since. […]

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Dr Kristy Kostalas named 2026 Local Woman of the Year for Port Macquarie Dr Kristy Kostalas and Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer at the awards ceremony. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Dr Kristy Kostalas named 2026 Local Woman of the Year for Port Macquarie

DOCTOR Kristy Kostalas has been named the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for the Port Macquarie electorate, in recognition of her commitment to women and children experiencing domestic violence. The Local Women of the Year Awards shine a light on extraordinary women whose compassion, courage and leadership strengthen communities across New South Wales. A […]

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Marine Rescue volunteers complete difficult night rescue off Camden Head Marine Rescue Camden Haven received a distress call on Saturday night, 7 March. Photo: supplied, MRCH.
Local News

Marine Rescue volunteers complete difficult night rescue off Camden Head

Marine Rescue Camden Haven received a distress call on Saturday night, 7 March. Photo: supplied, MRCH. The volunteer crew spotted the solo sailor off Camden Head. Photo: supplied, MRCH. The rescue volunteers on CH30 returned the skipper and vessel to port around 5am. Photo: supplied. VOLUNTEERS from Marine Rescue Camden Haven successfully completed a difficult […]

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Suspicious bin fires in Wauchope keep firies on the run The Community Arts Hall in Bain Park was damaged by fire. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Suspicious bin fires in Wauchope keep firies on the run

FIREFIGHTERS were kept on the run in Wauchope overnight Monday with three separate wheelbie bins set alight, causing damage to buildings. A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW said that just before 11.15pm, several Triple Zero (000) calls were received about a rubbish fire near the Post Office in High Street. One truck and four […]

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