“OVER the past 40 years the share of votes going to independents and minor parties has risen in both state and federal elections,” the Australia Institute stated in a research article in October 2024. “In the 1980 federal election, the combined primary votes for minor parties and independents accounted for only eight percent.” At the […]
Applications now open for live music opportunity
APPLICATIONS are now open for Outset, a new opportunity for the Mid North Coast’s live music producers of tomorrow. Guided by inspirational music industry professionals, up to 10 local young people will be selected to work together and create their own all-ages live music event. Presented by MusicNSW, Outset is a free program that offers […]
Heart Health NSW: Supporting recovery and building community for over 20 years
Heart Health NSW at work in the community. Heart Health NSW at work in the community. Heart Health NSW at work in the community. FOR more than two decades, Heart Health NSW Inc. – formerly known as Heart Support Australia – has been quietly making a big difference in the Port Macquarie-Hastings community. Entirely volunteer-run, […]
Bird Rock background: 45 years of honouring lost mates
AS heavy rain continues to wreak havoc up and down the coast, the surf community is calling upon Huey to deliver the goods for this weekend’s 45th Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic. At 6pm on Friday, surfers, families and friends will firstly gather at the Bird Rock memorial at Town Beach Headland to honour the […]
Help warm a heart and support Community at 3’s Winter Appeal
AS WINTER begins to tighten its grip on the Camden Haven, the harsh reality of homelessness and hardship becomes even more pronounced. For many of us, the colder months are about warm homes and hearty meals. But for too many in our region, winter brings an even heavier burden of cold nights, empty stomachs, and […]
Pope Leo XIV’s election celebrated across Australia, including the Mid North Coast
THE Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has welcomed the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the ACBC, extended his congratulations on behalf of the Church in Australia. “The Catholic Church in Australia assures Pope Leo […]

Event and community funding announced
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has allocated almost $75,000 to local organisations through its Major Events and Community Grants programs. “These grants reflect our commitment to supporting the people and organisations who enrich our communities, promote cultural expression, and contribute to our growing local economy,” Mayor Adam Roberts said. “By supporting both grassroots initiatives and large-scale events, […]
Government funding to fast-track more than 1800 new homes in Port Macquarie
MORE than 1800 new homes are to be fast-tracked across the Port Macquarie-Hastings following a major investment in housing and planning by the Minns Government. Council will receive $200,000 through round three of the NSW Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for its “Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing”. The funding will support the […]
State awards to recognise emergency services volunteers
EMERGENCY services volunteers will be recognised for the first time in the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. The Centre for Volunteering added this seventh category to its annual celebration, following the announcement in March of the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation. The citation ensures that the unique and vital contributions of emergency responders and […]
Humpback whale migration begins with prime viewing from Port Macquarie’s Coastal Walk
A humpback whale breaching off the east coast. Photo: Jonas Liebschner, NPWS. A playful humpback close to the shoreline. Photo: Jonas Liebschner, NPWS. HUMPBACK whales have been sighted off the coast of Port Macquarie, signalling the start of their annual migration. Each year, approximately 40,000 humpback whales leave their Antarctic feeding grounds and travel north […]