November 5, 2026
Hastings Landcare receives NSW Government grant Volunteers at work, caring for the environment. Photo: Supplied by Hastings Landcare.
Government

Hastings Landcare receives NSW Government grant

A MASSIVE dust storm that blanketed Melbourne in 1983 shone a light on the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices and became a catalyst for a grassroots partnership between farmers and conservationists. That cooperative initiative formed Landcare, a movement with over 100,000 volunteers across the country who are dedicated to restoring local bushland, coastlines, and sustainable […]

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New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group Eve with a few of her favourite things - eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham.
Business, Regional

New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group

Eve with a few of her favourite things – eight different mastheads of News Of The Area. Photo: Angus Cheetham. Freckles, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. News Of The Area media group owner Michael Wright. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor […]

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Veterans welcome funding for cenotaph upgrades Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan MP at the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph recently to discuss the repairs and upgrades, made possible through the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, with the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch. Pictured are, from left: Pat Conaghan MP; sub-Branch Treasurer Gayle Keenan; President Denis Lane; Secretary Brad D’Elbuox; and Trustee John Kent OAM.
Highlights

Veterans welcome funding for cenotaph upgrades

THE Nambucca Heads Cenotaph is set to undergo much-needed repairs and security upgrades following the successful award of funding through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan recently joined Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch President Denis Lane and Trustee John Kent OAM to celebrate the successful funding application. […]

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Bailey’s Law campaign gains momentum
Government

Bailey’s Law campaign gains momentum

Caroline Micallef with her late son Bailey Jones. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. Bailey’s rock at the Port Macquarie breakwall. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. IN December of 2022, 18-year-old Bailey Jones had his whole life ahead of him. He had goals of becoming a welder, and was on the cusp of falling in love […]

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Free smoke detector checks save lives
Highlights

Free smoke detector checks save lives

FIRE & Rescue NSW FRNSW statistics record that more than 1000 accidental house fires occur across the state each winter, with the incidents accounting for up to 50 per cent of the deaths that occur each year in fires. May 2026 marked 20 years since the installation of smoke detectors became mandatory, but research by […]

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Mid North Coast Police District officers recognised at NSW Police Force Awards 2026 NSW Police Force Awards 2026. Photo: Supplied.
Police

Mid North Coast Police District officers recognised at NSW Police Force Awards 2026

MEMBERS of the Mid North Coast Police District have been recognised for their dedication and years of service at the NSW Police Force Awards 2026. The awards acknowledged officers and staff for their commitment to protecting the community, with long service medals, commendations and certificates presented across a range of categories. State Member for Port […]

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CSU Port Macquarie professor leads research revealing rising discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in regional Australia LGBTQ+ adults living in rural and regional Australia, found more than 40 percent of respondents had experienced discrimination. Photo: news.csu.edu.au.
Health, Regional

CSU Port Macquarie professor leads research revealing rising discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in regional Australia

REGIONAL Australians who identify as LGBTQ+ are reporting growing levels of discrimination, with new research led by Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics revealing many people still do not feel safe being themselves in country communities. Professor Suzanne McLaren, from CSU’s School of Psychology in Port Macquarie, co-led the second Regional Rainbow Survey alongside Associate Professor […]

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Biripi artwork features on environmental monitoring boat The newly designed First Nations boat. Photo: pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Highlights

Biripi artwork features on environmental monitoring boat

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has unveiled a First Nations design on one of its environmental monitoring boats, marking another step in the development of its Sea Country Action Plan with the Birpai community. The unveiling took place at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Macquarie, where Mayor Adam Roberts joined Biripi artist Jacinta Janik and Council staff […]

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Marine Rescue Camden Haven urge boaties to be flare aware Members of Marine Rescue Camden Haven carry out a flare awareness demonstration. Photo: Supplied by Marine Rescue Camden Haven.
Featured

Marine Rescue Camden Haven urge boaties to be flare aware

ACCORDING to statistics tabled by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 4174 marine incident reports were logged in Australian waters in 2025, with the most common incident types including collisions, groundings, and propulsion or systems failures. In the event of an emergency on the water, distress flares are used as visual distress signals to attract attention […]

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