THE Department of the House of Representatives has announced that entries are now open for the 2026 Yarning Competition. ‘Yarning’ is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament. “The Yarning Competition is a wonderful new […]
Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers
UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay. Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly […]
Girl Guides celebrate friendship in Laurieton
HAVING been involved in Girl Guides for more than 25 years, Sally Woodhouse is testament to the movement’s power to build lifelong connections. “I have been a leader for fifteen years, and took part all through university,” said Sally, who is the dedicated leader of the Camden Haven Girl Guides chapter. “It’s something that my […]
Rotary Club of Laurieton celebrates 60 years of service
Rotary Club of Laurieton members at their 60th Anniversary Dinner Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce President Luke Hadfield, Port Macquarie-Hastings councillor Danielle Maltman and Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold. SIXTY years ago a group of businesspeople gathered at the Laurieton Hotel and agreed to form the Rotary Club of Laurieton. To celebrate the six […]
Port mum taking on Kilimanjaro for breast cancer support
PROUD Jawoyn and Wiradjuri woman and Port Macquarie local, Kristal Kinsela, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise critical support for First Nations people affected by breast cancer – less than two years after facing the disease herself. In 2024, just months after trekking to Everest Base Camp, the business leader and author received […]
MP Robert Dwyer and Phil Cassegrain with some of the EV charging stations at Cassegrain Wines. Photo: supplied.
Hastings businesses encouraged to apply for grants to install EV charging station
THE PUSH for clean transport means grants are available for Hastings businesses wanting to install electric vehicle fast-charging stations. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses to apply for funding, now available under Round 4 of the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy. The program has been updated to better reflect its long-term […]
A paddock to the north-east of Kyogle, which is claimed to have a koala density higher than the best habitat in the GKNP. Photo: NEFA.
Government’s Koala Baseline Survey results questioned
THE North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has questioned the NSW Government’s Koala baseline assessments, saying that a review has found the Government’s models of koala densities broad and inaccurate. This includes claims that cleared paddocks near Kyogle have higher densities of koalas than the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). NEFA says the survey results, often […]
Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown
POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour. Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called ‘fat bikes’ and other throttle-only devices. The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group […]
Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley an Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalist
DR AUNTY Rhonda Radley has been named a finalist for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. The awards celebrate trailblazers, changemakers and role models from across NSW, with winners to be announced on Thursday 5 March. Dr Aunty Rhonda’s life and work reflects a deep and enduring connection to Country, culture and community across the […]
Hastings Landcare recognised in Parliament for major community impact
Local Landcare Volunteers. Landcare Volunteers on one of their planting days. HASTINGS Landcare has been formally recognised in the NSW Parliament for its outstanding contribution to environmental protection, community education and volunteer engagement across the Hastings region. Local MP Robert Dwyer acknowledged the organisation during a parliamentary address, praising Hastings Landcare volunteers as a driving […]
