September 11, 2025
Stargazing: How far to the nearest star? How far is it to the nearest star?
Local News

Stargazing: How far to the nearest star?

LET’S say you woke up this morning, stretched, had your coffee, and thought, “I wonder how long it would take me to get to the nearest star?” First, good morning. Second, buckle up! Because this trip takes long-haul travel to a whole new level. Our destination? Proxima Centauri, the closest star beyond our Sun, is […]

Read More
Regional train passes reinstated by NSW Government A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network.
Local News

Regional train passes reinstated by NSW Government

THREE and six month NSW TrainLink Discovery passes have been reinstated, after being “paused” for a review of their suitability. A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network, with 14-day, one-month, three-month and six-month passes available. The six-month pass costs $420. The passes have not […]

Read More
Record number of Mid North Coast students test their maths skills Students sit the Newcastle Permanent Maths test. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Record number of Mid North Coast students test their maths skills

OVER 2000 students from more than 55 schools across the Mid North Coast challenged their numeracy and problem-solving abilities this week, during the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition. Starting Monday, Year 5 and 6 students brimmed with excitement as they prepared to showcase their mathematical talents. This year’s event followed a strong performance […]

Read More
Stargazing: How far to the nearest star? How far is it to the nearest star?
Local News

Stargazing: How far to the nearest star?

LET’S say you woke up this morning, stretched, had your coffee, and thought, “I wonder how long it would take me to get to the nearest star?” First, good morning. Second, buckle up! Because this trip takes long-haul travel to a whole new level. Our destination? Proxima Centauri, the closest star beyond our Sun, is […]

Read More
Ratepayers have new way to pay
Local News

Ratepayers have new way to pay

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has launched a new payment platform to give ratepayers flexibility and control over rates and water payments. Called “Payble”, the platform allows property owners to pay in full before the due date or split their bills into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. SMS and email reminders can be set up […]

Read More
Port Macquarie finalists recognised in 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Port Macquarie Museum on Clarence Street shines. Photo: Facebook
Local News

Port Macquarie finalists recognised in 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards

Port Macquarie Museum on Clarence Street shines. Photo: Facebook Soul Surf School’s Corey and Loren Enfield smashing waves. Photo: Facebook Positive Energy Lord Howe Island Retreat led by Belinda Johnson and Peta Alexopoulos. Photo: Facebook Reflections Cadet Cup at Bonny Hills attracts the crowds including Callum Robson. Photo: Facebook HASTINGS region tourism operators are making […]

Read More
Tom Sheppard wins top honours at Northern Zone photo competition Tom Sheppard’s winning photo ‘Googik Dreaming’. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Tom Sheppard wins top honours at Northern Zone photo competition

Tom Sheppard’s winning photo ‘Googik Dreaming’. Photo: supplied. Tom Sheppard out and about capturing photo opps. Photo: supplied. Bronwyn Ellis’ digital photo of penguins in South Georgia. Photo: Sis Higgins. Sharryn Sykes’ print photos of tiled mosques in Uzbekistan. Photo: Sis Higgins. PORT MACQUARIE photographer Tom Sheppard has taken out first place in the Australian […]

Read More
Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun
Local News

Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun

HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]

Read More
EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon An Eastern Blue Groper posing. Photo: Malcolm Nobbs.
Local News

EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon

THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]

Read More