‘Delungra Nigel’ in his new ‘digs’. Photos: KCA. Nigel after his rescue. MUCH-LOVED koala amputee “Delungra Nigel” is now a permanent resident of the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa. After months of dedicated care and rehabilitation, he will serve as an ambassador for Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) and for wildlife resilience and conservation […]
Security bodycams to be rolled out at Port Macquarie Base Hospital
SECURITY staff at Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) will wear body worn cameras as part of a 12-month trial to reduce incidents of violence and aggression. The cameras will be activated whenever there is a risk of harm to staff, patients and visitors. In the most serious cases, the footage may be used as evidence. […]
Experienced Mid North Coast fire specialist deploys to Canada
FORESTRY Corporation’s Chris Scollen, a seasoned Crew Leader and Operations Planner, deployed to Canada this week to assist with the nation’s fire containment efforts. Chris, who is based at Taree, has worked with Forestry Corporation for five years and volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service for 25 years. He flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba with […]

Dunbogan parents ‘disappointed and confused’ by response to road safety concerns
THE parents of “little” Longworth Road in Dunbogan say they are “disappointed” and “confused” at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s response to their traffic concerns. As reported in News Of The Area on 6 April, GPS systems have been sending trucks, caravans and even semi-trailers down their narrow cul-de-sac. When drivers realise it is not a through […]
Survey reveals patients mostly satisfied with public hospitals
THE Bureau of Health Information (BHI) has released a report showing how 25,658 patients rated the care they received in NSW public hospitals between January and December 2024. BHI Acting Chief Executive Hilary Rowell, said the Adult Admitted Patient Survey 2024 showed that more than nine in 10 patients (92%) rated their experience of overall […]
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council appoints new Utilities Director
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has appointed a new Director of Community Utilities. Narelle D’Amico previously spent seven years at Bundaberg Regional Council, where she was Branch Manager of Water Services and Director of Infrastructure Services. Her career achievements include implementing major water wastewater treatment upgrades, streamlining development and compliance processes, and driving digital transformation initiatives that […]
Oxley electorate secures $450,000 for 20 community infrastructure projects
COMMUNITY groups across the Oxley electorate will benefit from $450,000 in funding for 20 grassroots infrastructure projects through the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP). Member for Oxley Michael Kemp announced the successful projects, which aim to create more welcoming public spaces and strengthen social inclusion across the region. In the Port Macquarie-Hastings […]

From awards night to the frontline of emergency response
JUST hours after receiving one of Rotary’s highest honours for his more than 50 years of dedication, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) member Garry Whitaker was back supporting his community through a significant storm and flooding event. The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and […]
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 […]
Spinal Cord Injury group offering local connections and advocacy
Mid North Coast SCIA’s previous meet-ups. Photo: supplied. Sarah-Lynn at a meet and greet earlier this year. Photo: supplied. PEOPLE living with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions on the Mid North Coast now have a dedicated space to connect, share, and advocate for change. The Mid North Coast Spinal Injuries Australia (SCIA) group meets […]