February 7, 2026
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’ The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
Local News

Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’

The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]

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NSW Government completes first statewide koala survey The government says the updated estimate of 274,000 koalas reflects ‘improved technology and more extensive survey work’. Photo: Koala Conservation Australia.
Local News

NSW Government completes first statewide koala survey

THE NSW Government has completed its first comprehensive statewide koala survey. It says it provides the most accurate picture to date of where koalas live and how populations are distributed across the state. Using new tools such as heat-detecting drones and acoustic recorders, scientists surveyed more than 1,000 locations across national parks, state forests and […]

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Memories of a 1964 summer family road trip Dad’s pride and joy - his 1964 Ford Falcon station wagon. Photos: Pauline Cain.
Local News

Memories of a 1964 summer family road trip

Dad’s pride and joy – his 1964 Ford Falcon station wagon. Photos: Pauline Cain. My grandmother and aunt with my siblings and cousins in the mid-1970s in Murwillumbah. Photos: Pauline Cain. THE car was packed and we were off – heading north on the Pacific Highway. The car, a 1964 Aqua Blue Ford Falcon Station […]

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New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
Local News

New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression, paving the way for earlier and more precise treatments. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather […]

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Council to lobby MPs over ‘outrageous’ Crown land fee increases Port Macquarie Historical Courthouse Museum has copped a massive increase in Crown land fees by the State Government. Photo: Matt Taylor
Local News

Council to lobby MPs over ‘outrageous’ Crown land fee increases

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will push back against “outrageous” increases to Crown land lease and licence fees, warning the changes could threaten community access to key heritage, cultural and recreational facilities across the region. The move follows fee increases introduced by NSW Crown Lands in August 2024, after the council had already finalised its 2024-25 operational […]

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Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too Dolphin friendships can last decades­ - they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research.
Local News

Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too

Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research. Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: […]

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Report confirms drinking water across the Hastings is safe A new report shows drinking water is safe across the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA.
Local News

Report confirms drinking water across the Hastings is safe

THE region’s drinking water continues to meet health and safety standards, with Council noting strong performance across all water supply systems during the past financial year. The Drinking Water and Recycled Water Reports for 2024-25, which assess water quality across five supply systems servicing Port Macquarie and Camden Haven, Wauchope, Comboyne, Telegraph Point and Long […]

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Marine Rescue volunteers return 800-plus boaters to safety A Marine Rescue crew member with a rescued sailor.
Local News

Marine Rescue volunteers return 800-plus boaters to safety

MARINE Rescue NSW volunteers across the state returned 823 people safely to shore during November, completing more than 370 search and rescue missions including 108 emergency responses. Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said demand remains high for the volunteer service. “Following successive record months in September and October, our volunteers were in high demand throughout November, […]

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Christmas visits inspire joy at Camden Haven aged care facilities True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief.
Local News

Christmas visits inspire joy at Camden Haven aged care facilities

True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief. True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief. FESTIVE cheer was delivered to residents at Laurieton Lakeside Nursing Home and Lake Cathie Manor earlier this month, with Christmas visits that brought smiles, music and laughter to both facilities. The visits were organised by Simplicity Funerals, […]

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Community Santa photos bring joy and support to local charity
Local News

Community Santa photos bring joy and support to local charity

Santa (Luke Hadfield) with Amy Vandenhurk and Dan Fox (Bower On Lake). Deb from Aussie Battlers with Amy from Bower On Lake. FESTIVE spirit was on full display in Laurieton as Bower On Lake, in collaboration with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, hosted community Santa photos for charity. Just under $200 was raised, with […]

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