BETWEEN 2pm and 4pm on 29 April, Hastings Community Radio presenter Liz Faassen will broadcast her final program of “The Sounds of the Swinging 60’s and 70’s”. Liz became a 2WAY FM presenter in 2014 after completing the required training. She had listened to 2WAY FM for many years prior to this, and was a […]
The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week
AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community […]
Top marks for sports uniform proposal to boost students’ physical activity
NEW research suggests most Australians support a simple change that could significantly boost children’s physical activity levels: letting students wear sports uniforms every day. The majority of young Australians are still not active enough, despite well-established evidence that regular physical activity improves children’s physical and mental health. Schools are seen as an important setting to […]
Doing it for Dylan: Fundraiser launched for beloved family man
A 49-YEAR-OLD married father of three, Dylan Luke is very clear on his life goals. He wants to play more cricket with his kids, spend time with his devoted wife, and hang out at the beach. In early February, a niggling pain that wouldn’t go away saw him visit the hospital for scans, leading to […]
Hastings Valley Fine Art Society Prize highlights creative hub
Carly Marchment won Best in Show. Photos: Pauline Cain. Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, Hastings Fine Art Society committee member Jill Cairns and judge Vivianne Hazenveld. Suzanne and David Edwards, Christina Unger, Michelle Randone, Kerry Fox and Chris Higginbotham. Artist Maddalena Piola with friend Suzi Nichols. Julie Mills with her artwork ‘Bonny’s Due North.’ Artist Kim […]
Get to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty
WITH Anzac Day around the corner, News Of The Area gets to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty. Buster, tell us about your journey to the Hastings region. My wife Sandie lived in Port Macquarie for most of her life before joining the Army. We met in Townsville in 1982 and spent many […]
$1 million reward for information into 2003 death of Harmony Bryant in Bonny Hills
A $1 million reward has been announced as police renew their appeal for information into the death of Harmony Bryant, more than two decades after the tragic incident in Bonny Hills. Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the increased reward aims to prompt new information from the community. “It has been two decades […]
Community displays ongoing support for B2B shared pathway
THE Laurieton United Services Club was the venue for a lively community meeting held by the Beach to Beach Shared Pathway Committee on Tuesday, 31 March. More than 180 people joined Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts, Council General Manager Robert Fish, and Director of Community Infrastructure Ben Wood to […]
More people are contemplating buying e-bikes, Bicycle Industries Australia members say. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales
ELECTRIC bike sales are surging as rising fuel costs push commuters to find a cheaper way to get around, industry figures say. While Australian e-bike sales have been climbing for years, retailers say recent fuel price pressures have sharply accelerated the trend. “We’ve seen a massive spike in interest in e-bikes in the last couple […]
CCTV released in Port Macquarie assault investigation
DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of a vehicle as an investigation continues into a serious assault in Port Macquarie late last year. About 10.20pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025, emergency services were called to the corner of Buller and Hollingsworth Street, Port Macquarie, following reports of an assault. Inquiries revealed that a man was walking […]
