THE 2025 Aussie Bird Count, one of Australia’s largest citizen science events, began on Monday. This national celebration of our unique and diverse birdlife will run to Sunday, 26 October 2025. BirdLife Australia invites people of all ages to take just 20 minutes out of their day to spot, identify, and count the birds around […]
Foster carers in high demand on the Mid North Coast
MID NORTH COAST residents are being urged to consider becoming foster carers due to a significant demand for children needing the love and support of a safe and stable home. Life Without Barriers’ NSW regional director for NSW Family Base Care North services, Benn Anderson, said many children are unable to live with their families […]
Robert Fish is Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s new General Manager
ROBERT Fish has been confirmed as the new General Manager of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Mr Fish has been acting in the role since the sudden departure of Dr Clare Allen in March. “Robert’s leadership during the May weather event was a particular highlight for me,” said Mayor Adam Roberts in announcing the appointment. “His strength […]
Garage Sale Trail to be held over two weekends in November
Liz Stephens welcomes the neighbourhood to the Big Block Sale in 2024. Barry and Jenny Watson enjoying the community atmosphere at last year’s Big Block Sale. THE Garage Sale Trail began as a small community event at Bondi Beach 16 years ago and has grown into an Australia-wide event. It is being held this year […]
MP to highlight funding needs ahead of budget
LYNE MP Alison Penfold has announced her intention to provide a pre-Budget submission to the Federal Government’s Treasury Department to highlight community and infrastructure funding needs across the electorate. Ms Penfold said pre-Budget submissions offer an opportunity to highlight local priorities for consideration in the 2026-27 Federal Budget. “The Albanese Government needs to hear loud […]
Laurieton RSL sub-Branch President Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty and sub-Branch Sport and Recreation Coordinator Fliur-Louise Genevieve. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
Gone Fishing connects military veterans at Dunbogan Reserve
Laurieton RSL sub-Branch President Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty and sub-Branch Sport and Recreation Coordinator Fliur-Louise Genevieve. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Casting, catching and cheers. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Prize recipient Savannah Thomas. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. The many hooked participants enjoying the day. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. The many hooked participants enjoying the day. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. The many hooked […]
Crackdown on illegal tobacco trade gains bipartisan support
MEMBER for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, has welcomed the Minns Government’s introduction of a new licensing scheme designed to crack down on the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across NSW. The new laws require all retailers and wholesalers to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products. The three-month grace […]
Citizen scientists called on to spot underwater flowers
A NEW citizen science project led by UNSW Sydney is inviting beachgoers, snorkelers and divers to spot and share photographs of seagrass flowers along Australia’s coasts. The endangered seagrass Posidonia australis forms rich underwater meadows that capture carbon, support fisheries, and help stabilise shorelines. It’s one of the most important habitats in coastal ecosystems but […]
Brigade Captain Chris Bawn, Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer, Dep. Comm. Peter McKechnie, and Mid Coast Mayor Claire Pontin open the new Johns River station.
New Johns River Rural Fire Station officially opened
AFTER more than six years of planning, the new Johns River Rural Fire Station is ready for action – just in time for Summer. The $1.6 million purpose-built facility was officially opened on 9 October by RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie AFSM and special guests including Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer and Mid Coast […]
Government sows the seeds for plant-based protein manufacturing on the North Coast
THE North Coast has been identified by the NSW Government as a region ready to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector. Plant-based protein manufacturing is the process of turning crops such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils and grains into high-protein food products like meat alternatives, protein powders, dairy-free drinks and snacks without […]
