PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will revisit its approach to sporting venue sponsorship after unanimously backing a move to consult with the Sports Council before making any final decisions on fees. The motion, put forward by Councillor Nik Lipovac and seconded by Cr Rachel Sheppard, marked a clear departure from the original staff recommendation, which had proposed […]
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Kylie Brown
WELCOME to Heartbeat of the Hastings, a regular NOTA feature which highlights the incredible people that make our region so special. If you know of someone making a difference in the community, who is deserving of some recognition, let us know! Email Chan@newsofthearea.com.au. WHEN Kylie Brown moved to Port Macquarie in 2001, she didn’t know […]
Last chance to visit Koala Hospital before redevelopments begin
FOR the first time since 2004, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is closing its doors. Ahead of the site’s redevelopment, Koala Conservation Australia is inviting the community to attend a farewell event on Saturday 3 May, to experience the current hospital for one last time. “The whole Community Open Day is free and is our way […]
Hooked On: Wet weather doesn’t dampen fishing spirits
WHILE the Mid North Coast has experienced a significant downpour for what feels like a few months, local anglers know a bit of rain is often beneficial for the waterways in the long run, though some sunny days would certainly be appreciated. Unfortunately, the forecast suggests continued wet conditions for the rest of May. The […]
Airport’s 20-year vision takes flight: draft master plan heads to public exhibition
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has endorsed a new Draft Master Plan for Port Macquarie Airport, setting out a 20-year vision for the key regional infrastructure asset. At the 17 April meeting, councillors voted unanimously to place the draft plan on public exhibition for at least 28 days, inviting community feedback on the future direction of the […]

Overwhelming turnout for Laurieton Anzac Day dawn service
IN the stillness of the morning on Friday, 25 April, more than 1000 community members gathered in silence at the Cenotaph at Laurie Memorial Park, Laurieton, to commemorate the nation’s veterans on Anzac Day. The annual event embodies the unyielding spirit of remembrance and pays tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives […]
Police legal action rates rise across most offences
THE NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new report examining the proportion of recorded crimes that result in an offender being charged by NSW Police. The study, “Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023”, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 […]
NSW Gov moves to crackdown on illegal tree clearing
THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW. An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework. A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has […]
More funding available for war memorials in NSW
APPLICATIONS for the Community War Memorials Fund 2025/26 are open, with $250,000 in funding available for the protection and conservation of war memorials. The program supports the conservation, repair and protection of local memorials throughout NSW. “Our war memorials are the cornerstones of commemoration on Anzac Day and other important days that honour the service […]

Camden Haven High School cultivates social connections with seniors
RESIDENTS from Laurieton Lakeside Aged Care returned to the classroom on Friday, 4 April, when they paid a special visit to Camden Haven High School (CHHS). Staff members, along with students of the CHHS Agricultural Team, warmly greeted the visitors, before escorting them to the school’s on-site farm. The day’s activities began with a cattle […]