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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
New grants to help bush connectivity
THE Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia. The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity. Regional Tech Hub General Manager, Jennifer Medway, said the program is about […]

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms
The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. MARINE algal blooms are the […]

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms
NEWS_ALGAL BLLOMS1 NEWS_ALGAL BLLOMS2 MARINE algal blooms are the result of a rapid increase of phytoplankton in the ocean. While phytoplankton and algae are essential to marine ecosystems, forming the base of the marine food web, producing much of the world’s oxygen, and are a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, their excessive growth can […]
Coalition’s tobacco legislation to be introduced next month
THE NSW Coalition will introduce its proposed Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 when Parliament resumes next month. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the legislation could see people who sell illegal tobacco and vapes be jailed for up to seven years. “The increased activity involving the illegal sale of tobacco […]
Belt from TV series ‘Castaway’ returned to its Bonny Hills maker
The Bonny Hills-made belt gifted to the cast and crew of Castaway. Mike Dodkin and Ross Bennett with the Castaway belt. A LEATHER belt gifted to one of the cast and crew of the ABC TV series “Castaway” has been returned to its maker, Ross Bennett of Bonny Hills. Castaway was a 1974 Australian drama […]