AUTISM Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has announced the development of a new K-6 campus in Port Macquarie. Set to open in early 2026, the new campus in Thrumster is designed to meet the growing demand for autism-specific education in the region. It will provide a purpose-built learning environment for primary schoolchildren on the autism spectrum and […]

Dreams of a puppy and meeting Oscar Piastri come true for two of Port’s ‘wish kids’
VOLUNTEERS from Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie are helping local children facing serious illness. The branch, founded in 2015, has 10 active volunteers from Crescent Head to Diamond Beach. Together, they create tailored Wish Journeys that give children a chance to focus on something positive, even in the middle of treatment. Tammy Frater has been a volunteer […]

Veteran organisation deployed to flood clean-up
MORE than 100 Disaster Relief Australia volunteers have deployed to assist communities of the Hunter and Mid North Coast with flood recovery. The veteran-led volunteer organisation has mobilised its volunteers into communities including Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Nambucca to begin clean-up efforts after the recent devastating weather event that has hit the region. Tasked […]
‘Adopt a Street’ to connect businesses with flood-affected neighbourhoods
A NEW community-driven initiative is bringing together local businesses and residents from flood-impacted streets, in a demonstration of support and kindness. “Adopt a Street – Flood Support” is a grassroots response that invites local businesses to “adopt” a flood-affected street within the community. By offering everything from coffee vouchers and meals, to clean-up help or […]

MP recounts how the Camden Haven rallied to return a flood favour
Rob Dwyer (second from right) with clean-up volunteers Cr Hamish Tubman, Jedd Clarke, Simon Hancox, Tony Johnson, Brian Barry, Aisher Hanington, Aimee Cooke, Shelby Mackenzie, Sarah Feldman and Marine Rescue Commander Greg Davies (far right). The clean-up crews on their way to the North Shore. Mayor Adam Roberts and MPs Pat Conaghan and Rob Dwyer […]

Residents counting costs after ‘heartbreaking’ floods
DANIEL Fitzgerald slept in his car for five days, watching helplessly as floodwaters slowly destroyed everything inside his home for the second time. Deadly flooding has lashed parts of NSW, resulting in five deaths, damaging up to 10,000 properties and cutting off more than 50,000 people in regional towns. The deluge did not spare Mr […]

Landslips close Oxley Highway at Mt Seaview in both directions
THE Oxley Highway between Forbes River and Clay roads will remain closed until further notice because of landslips. More than 100 new landslips have been detected on this section of the highway since heavy rainfall over the past week. Engineers are urgently assessing damage and planning clean-up operations and long-term repairs. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) […]

Tyrrell foster mum spared intimidation conviction
THE foster mother of missing toddler William Tyrrell has been spared conviction for intimidating and assaulting another child while mentally distressed over his disappearance. A magistrate in 2024 found her threats to slap the child on two occasions amounted to intimidation. The woman, who cannot be legally identified, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts […]

Police warn against looting in flood-stricken towns
POLICE are pouring resources into Australia’s flood-ravaged towns to prevent a breakdown in law and order after two men were arrested for alleged looting. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said extra officers were on the beat in NSW’s mid-north coast and Hunter regions after the men, both aged 20, were arrested for allegedly stealing […]

Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster
PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]