October 14, 2026
Lens and Laughter the secret to enjoying photography
Community, Local News

Lens and Laughter the secret to enjoying photography

FOR 20 years, Hastings Photography Group has been combining socialising with encouraging its members to foster a passion for capturing images. Long-time member John Upton enjoys photographing still-life and landscapes. For newbies, he recommends forgetting about the technical aspects. Instead ‘get your eye in’ first, he says. The group’s 50-plus members meet on each Wednesday […]

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Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force.
Community, Local News, Police

Police seize 36 illegal e-bikes under new legislation

The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW […]

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Hastings stars shine as community raises more than $285,000 The Stars of Hastings 2026 cast and event team, including Stars, dance teachers, MCs, judges and crew, celebrate raising more than $285,000 for Cancer Council NSW. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography.
Community, Health, Local News

Hastings stars shine as community raises more than $285,000

The Stars of Hastings 2026 cast and event team, including Stars, dance teachers, MCs, judges and crew, celebrate raising more than $285,000 for Cancer Council NSW. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography. Judges’ Choice winners Abby Koch and Miranda Webster perform their winning theatrical routine. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography. People’s Choice winners Jacob Fardy and Jorjia-Rose Styles […]

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Libs and Nats vow to enact stronger laws and tougher penalties for young offenders Member for Port Stephens, Robert Dwyer.
Community, Government, Local News, Police

Libs and Nats vow to enact stronger laws and tougher penalties for young offenders

PORT Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer has thrown his voice behind the push to introduce tougher penalties for serious offences committed by youth. Mr Dwyer, a member of the Liberal Party, is calling for reforms that would see sentences that “reflect community expectations” in line with the catchcry: “Adult Crime, Adult Time laws”. “The face of […]

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Farmers: don’t wait for disaster – register now for Rural Aid’s assistance A scene from a 2025 bush fire ground.
Community, Local News, Regional

Farmers: don’t wait for disaster – register now for Rural Aid’s assistance

WITH summer approaching and the risk of bushfires and other severe weather increasing across parts of Australia, Rural Aid is encouraging farmers to register now. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer and drier conditions across parts of the country this Spring, with increased bushfire risk in several areas. The months ahead also bring the […]

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Local poet wants to help women find connections and support for their creativity Baylee Forbes wants to help women connect in creative spaces. Photo: Supplied by Baylee Forbes.
Community

Local poet wants to help women find connections and support for their creativity

WHEN 29-year-old performance poet Baylee Forbes relocated from the Gold Coast to Lake Cathie earlier this year, she was in search of cultural connections. The new mum values spending time with other creative women. “I love seeing women connect in creative spaces,” she said. “I feel like we have a biological need to create, and […]

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Police RAID road blitz nets more than 7000 drivers across NSW
Police

Police RAID road blitz nets more than 7000 drivers across NSW

NSW Police officers issued almost 1800 infringements in the Northern Region during Operation Remove All Impaired Drivers (RAID) across the weekend. Photos: NSW Police. NSW Police officers issued almost 1800 infringements in the Northern Region during Operation Remove All Impaired Drivers (RAID) across the weekend. Photos: NSW Police. NSW Police officers issued almost 1800 infringements […]

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Heart Health team donates $7200 in equipment to Port Macquarie Base Hospital Heart Health NSW Inc. new Committee members, from left, Bill Peck, Dennis Bridgeland, Jim McClellan, Phil O'Donnell, Ruth Comish, and Reg Wilkinson. Photo: Supplied.
Highlights

Heart Health team donates $7200 in equipment to Port Macquarie Base Hospital

HEART Health NSW volunteers have been recognised for their ongoing support of cardiac patients at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and their work promoting heart health across the Hastings Macleay region. The group supports people recovering from cardiac events, as well as encouraging healthier lifestyles within the community. Its walking groups have continued to grow in […]

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ADVERTORIAL: Dementia Matters awareness and education seminar comes to Port Macquarie Dementia-friendly volunteers.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

ADVERTORIAL: Dementia Matters awareness and education seminar comes to Port Macquarie

NEXT week the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) will hold a community seminar to explore what those living in the region can do to reduce their risk of dementia. The DFCA is a not-for-profit organisation that is striving to ensure the Port Macquarie–Hastings region is more inclusive and supportive, for those with […]

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