January 18, 2026
New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
Local News

New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression, paving the way for earlier and more precise treatments. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather […]

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Council to lobby MPs over ‘outrageous’ Crown land fee increases Port Macquarie Historical Courthouse Museum has copped a massive increase in Crown land fees by the State Government. Photo: Matt Taylor
Local News

Council to lobby MPs over ‘outrageous’ Crown land fee increases

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will push back against “outrageous” increases to Crown land lease and licence fees, warning the changes could threaten community access to key heritage, cultural and recreational facilities across the region. The move follows fee increases introduced by NSW Crown Lands in August 2024, after the council had already finalised its 2024-25 operational […]

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Code-of-conduct complaints cost council more than $47,000
Camden Haven

Code-of-conduct complaints cost council more than $47,000

CODE-of-conduct complaints cost Port Macquarie-Hastings Council more than $47,000 over the past year, according to an annual report tabled at last week’s council meeting. The Code of Conduct Complaint Statistics report, covering the period from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025, details the number of complaints made against councillors and the general manager, how […]

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Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too Dolphin friendships can last decades­ - they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research.
Local News

Friends with benefits: Social connections slow ageing in dolphins, too

Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: Dr Simon Allen, Shark Bay Dolphin Research. Dolphin friendships can last decades­ – they surf waves together, rest side-by-side and build deep, stable alliances that look remarkably like human relationships. Photos: […]

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Report confirms drinking water across the Hastings is safe A new report shows drinking water is safe across the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA.
Local News

Report confirms drinking water across the Hastings is safe

THE region’s drinking water continues to meet health and safety standards, with Council noting strong performance across all water supply systems during the past financial year. The Drinking Water and Recycled Water Reports for 2024-25, which assess water quality across five supply systems servicing Port Macquarie and Camden Haven, Wauchope, Comboyne, Telegraph Point and Long […]

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Police re-release security video of car near Port Macquarie shooting The silver Toyota RAV4 seen leaving the area.
Police

Police re-release security video of car near Port Macquarie shooting

DETECTIVES have re-released security video as investigations continue into a shooting in Port Macquarie in October. About 2.10am Friday 17 October, police were called to Park Street following reports of a home invasion. They were told multiple people had entered a home and confronted a 26-year-old man. Shots were fired by the intruders, who fled […]

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Donation to RFS Lorne to help volunteers during bushfire season Martin Newell with members of Lorne RFS.
Community

Donation to RFS Lorne to help volunteers during bushfire season

PORT Macquarie-based Real Estate Agent Martin Newell loves Lorne. “I have been a real estate agent in the area for more than 23 years. I lived in Lorne for many years and have had family living there; it is quite simply one of my favourite places in Australia,” he told News Of The Area. To […]

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Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country Free camping is available at Chichester State Forest, near Dungog. Photo: NSW State Forests.
Community

Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country

NSW State Forests are open for free, pet‑friendly camping from the coast to the high country. There are almost 500 State Forests and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome. Campfires are also permitted, outside of fire bans. “State Forests are a fabulous resource for the community,” Manager Tourism and […]

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Indigenous artist Bryce Moran joins CHL exhibition to promote mental health awareness Bryce Moran and his sea life-inspired artworks on display at the Port Macquarie Library. Photograph: supplied.
Community

Indigenous artist Bryce Moran joins CHL exhibition to promote mental health awareness

A PICTURE can tell a thousand words, but for 76-year-old Bryce Moran, a paintbrush can also tell a story of culture, healing and hope. The proud Indigenous artist, Elder, and Community Housing Limited (CHL) tenant, has exhibited his work across Australia. Yet, it’s a local art show that holds the deepest meaning for him. This […]

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Marine Rescue volunteers return 800-plus boaters to safety A Marine Rescue crew member with a rescued sailor.
Local News

Marine Rescue volunteers return 800-plus boaters to safety

MARINE Rescue NSW volunteers across the state returned 823 people safely to shore during November, completing more than 370 search and rescue missions including 108 emergency responses. Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said demand remains high for the volunteer service. “Following successive record months in September and October, our volunteers were in high demand throughout November, […]

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