February 7, 2026
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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Hastings community reminded to review bushfire plan Robert Dwyer MP with Johns River Brigade Captain Chris Bawn.
Community

Hastings community reminded to review bushfire plan

WITH the summer season well underway, emergency services are urging the community to prioritise safety and take simple steps to prepare for extreme weather and potential emergencies. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said, “Summer is one of the busiest periods for emergency responders, with increased risks of bushfires, storms, floods and water-related incidents. “Agencies […]

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Christmas symbols and decorations steeped in ancient history Some of the symbols and decorations associated with Christmas date to ancient times.
Regional

Christmas symbols and decorations steeped in ancient history

HAVE you ever wondered why we decorate cone-bearing trees, eat turkey and ham, light candles, pull bonbons, hang Christmas stockings, decorate homes, make wreaths and credit Santa with delivering presents via flying reindeer? Most of us know that many Christmas traditions from the Northern Hemisphere sailed south with immigrants. But many so-called Christmas traditions originated […]

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Christmas visits inspire joy at Camden Haven aged care facilities True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief.
Local News

Christmas visits inspire joy at Camden Haven aged care facilities

True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief. True to character, the Grinch added a little mischief. FESTIVE cheer was delivered to residents at Laurieton Lakeside Nursing Home and Lake Cathie Manor earlier this month, with Christmas visits that brought smiles, music and laughter to both facilities. The visits were organised by Simplicity Funerals, […]

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Community Santa photos bring joy and support to local charity
Local News

Community Santa photos bring joy and support to local charity

Santa (Luke Hadfield) with Amy Vandenhurk and Dan Fox (Bower On Lake). Deb from Aussie Battlers with Amy from Bower On Lake. FESTIVE spirit was on full display in Laurieton as Bower On Lake, in collaboration with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, hosted community Santa photos for charity. Just under $200 was raised, with […]

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