CYCLIST Matt Hockings is gearing up for a gruelling challenge to raise awareness and funds for R U OK?, the national suicide prevention charity that inspires people to meaningfully connect with those around them. For R U OK? day on 11 September, Matt will cycle from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie and then back to […]
Residents offered free after-disaster help following May floods
THE Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre (KNC) is offering free help with community recovery in the aftermath of the May 2025 floods. Running until October and funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, residents in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie can phone or drop in to the centre on […]
Call for volunteers to join Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Event in Wingham
THE charity Rural Aid has put the call out for volunteers willing to lend a hand at this coming week’s Farm Recovery Event in Wingham. Like many on the Mid North Coast and hinterland, the town is still reeling from May’s record-breaking floods. From 7-13 September, teams will be on the ground helping local farmers […]
State Government to convene regional advisory group
THE Premier and Minister for Regional NSW will convene an advisory group to address the challenges faced by people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of the state. Announced at the 2025 Bush Summit, the NSW Premier’s “Rural, Remote & Regional Advisory Council” (PRRRAC) will meet twice annually with Premier Chris Minns […]
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils.
New Code of Meeting Practice for local councils
A NEW Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released and will come into effect in local councils from 1 January 2026. All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025. Key changes to the […]
Life without laundry: How astronauts survive in space
SPARE a thought for the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They may float 400 kilometres above Earth at 28,000 km/h, eating their dinner out of pouches while gazing down at the swirling blue planet below – but they have one very down-to-earth problem: laundry. Or rather, the complete lack of it. That’s right. […]
Crowdy Head Harbour upgrade set to begin next week
AN upgrade to improve safety, navigation and access at Crowdy Head Harbour will begin next week, with work expected to take around 12 months to complete. The project includes the removal of the existing concrete Jetty 1 structure and replacement with a new floating pontoon, and the construction of 18 new vessel berths, each with […]
Port Macquarie CWA’s International Day focuses on the Republic of Korea
MEMBERS of the Port Macquarie Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) hosted an international day in their rooms on Wednesday 20 August, focusing on this year’s Country of Study, the Republic of Korea. International Officer Christa Lobb was instrumental in organising the day, decorating the CWA rooms and tables with Korean colours and presenting […]
Consultation to begin on illegal tobacco offences for landlords
THE NSW Government has begun consultation on potential offences for landlords who knowingly lease premises to retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. The consultation includes engagement with landlord representatives, retailers, health advocates, partner government agencies and other key stakeholders. The outcomes of the consultation will be reviewed by the Government’s cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco […]
‘Looking Back Moving Forward’ exhibition at The Glasshouse
FAN Artists at their exhibition opening. Photo: Pauline Cain Gloria Muddle ‘Tidal Edge’, textile. Photo: Pauline Cain. Catherine Erskine’s ‘Swamp Creature’ and ‘Falling Leaf’ make use of dead vine wood. Photo: Pauline Cain A chest made in China in 1879 and belonging to T.K. Steanes, inspired Joanne Steanes’ work. Photo: Pauline Cain “LOOKING Back Moving […]
