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 […]

Funding committed for Rainbow Beach sports complex
NATIONALS candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold has committed to provide $350,000 for improvements to the Rainbow Beach sporting complex, if the Coalition is elected after the 3 May Federal election. Ms Penfold said the funding would install lighting at the existing multi-purpose court and three cricket nets on the grounds. “These sports fields offer district […]
Boaters urged to remain vigilant on NSW waterways
MARINE Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to remain vigilant on the state’s waterways, despite the official boating season concluding on Anzac Day. Commissioner Alex Barrell said incidents and emergencies could happen at any time, on any day. “Even though the boating season is coming to an end, the risk never goes away. Always check and […]

Cardinal mourns ‘death of much-loved’ Pope
AUSTRALIANS have recalled Pope Francis’s profound love for the poor, diverse people and all of humanity as millions mourn the pontiff’s passing. His death, on Monday after a recent serious battle with double pneumonia, was marked by tolling church bells and preparations for scores of memorial masses for the Catholic figurehead. It may also prove […]

Laurieton RSL sub-Branch keep Anzac spirit alive with community programs
THE Laurieton RSL sub-Branch has been providing community education programs and commemorative services in schools and aged care facilities in the lead up to Anzac Day. Sub-Branch President Allan “Buster” Beatty and School Liaison Officer Pat Slee have engaged with a variety of groups in recent weeks, helping to foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s […]

Anzac Biscuits and a cuppa as Birdon honours veterans
NO cup of tea or coffee is complete at this time of year without an Anzac Biscuit – or three. Birdon made sure they didn’t run short on Tuesday, when 300 were on offer for staff at its Port Macquarie headquarters. It was part of a company-wide morning tea to honour Australian Defence Force (ADF) […]
How to honour our defence forces on one of the most important days on the national calendar
Rhys Birrane of Club Lake Cathie and Alistair Flower of Flower Hotels will be encouraging patrons to “shout a veteran a beer”. Photos: supplied. The Cenotaph at the end of Horton Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Sue Stephenson. VETERANS and serving defence force personnel have been busy steaming their suits and polishing their […]
Early voting locations in the Camden Haven
PRE-POLL voting in Lyne for the Federal election opened on Tuesday, ahead of the main polling day of 3 May. Given past trends in early voting, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) anticipates that approximately half of all voters will cast their vote during the early voting period (a combination of in-person early votes, mobile and […]

How early voting has upended pollies’ election pledges
PARTIES have been forced to ditch last-minute policy reveals as millions of Australians choose to skip polling day. Pre-polling centres opened from Tuesday, offering voters a chance to get in well before the 3 May election date. Analysts expect many voters going away for the upcoming Anzac Day weekend and school holidays will take advantage […]