April 25, 2026
Event and community funding announced Council has announced 22 recipients of its Major Events and Community Grants program. Photo: PMHC FB.
Local News

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, […]

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Government funding to fast-track more than 1800 new homes in Port Macquarie Council is looking to ‘unlock’ housing across the LGA. Photo: Matthew Doyle.
Government, Regional

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 […]

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State awards to recognise emergency services volunteers
Community, Government, Regional

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 […]

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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.
National

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 […]

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John Vipond (1932–2025): a ‘man of loyalty, passion and selfless service’ John, 92, is survived by his wife Judy (left). Photo: supplied.
Community

John Vipond (1932–2025): a ‘man of loyalty, passion and selfless service’

John Vipond keeping an eye on the beach from his favourite spot on the Camden Haven SLSC verandah. Photo: supplied. John, 92, is survived by his wife Judy (left). Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. John at […]

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Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages Telcos will need to provide users with more info about outages under stricter new rules. Photo: Jack Atley/AAP
National

Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages

CONSUMERS must be told why their phone or internet service has been disconnected during major outages and when they can expect it to return under stricter telecommunication rules. Providers will also have to improve the way they deal with triple-zero outages under the regulations and issue detailed plans to prevent recurrences. The Australian Communications and […]

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Laurieton team embark on cross-country fundraising adventure Leisha McKay and Kelly Webster.
Community

Laurieton team embark on cross-country fundraising adventure

INTREPID adventurers Leisha McKay and Kelly Webster set off from Laurieton last Wednesday afternoon to take part in the 2025 Autumn “Shitbox Rally”. The rally challenges teams to drive cars worth less than $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, serving as a fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Considered a challenge rather […]

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Pests, weeds to cost $30 billion a year without action Almost 1000 native animals and plants are at risk of extinction due to invasive species. Photo: Stuart Walmsley/AAP PHOTOS.
Health, National

Pests, weeds to cost $30 billion a year without action

MORE than 350 invasive plant and animal species are causing about $2 billion worth of damage every year in one of Australia’s most populated states. But that annual figure could balloon to a whopping $30 billion by 2030 without investment in a long-term biosecurity management system, a government body has warned. A report released on […]

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Kendall Op Shop grants celebrates 16th year and $2 million milestone 2025 grant recipients from across the region.
Regional

Kendall Op Shop grants celebrates 16th year and $2 million milestone

THE KENDALL Community Op Shop has celebrated a remarkable milestone, announcing that it has now distributed more than $2 million to local groups and organisations since the launch of its grants program in 2009. This year alone, the Op Shop has provided $366,191 in funding, bringing the total distributed to an extraordinary $2,165,292 in 16 […]

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Local businesses urged to nominate for a place in the tourism spotlight Port Macquarie foreshore shines bright. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Business

Local businesses urged to nominate for a place in the tourism spotlight

TOURISM operators across the Mid North Coast are encouraged to put themselves forward for one of the industry’s highest honours, with nominations now open for the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards. This year marks a new era for the awards program, which has undergone a national review to streamline the entry process. With new categories, simplified […]

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