HEADSPACE Port Macquarie officially unveiled its newly refurbished centre on Monday 8 September, marking a major step forward in providing vital mental health support for young people in the region. The much needed enhancement resulted from $148,000 received under Stream 3 of the Federal Government’s Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement program. It included a reconfiguration […]
Community and Major Events grants now open
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) is now accepting applications for its Major Events and Community Grants Program. Major Events Sponsorship offers up to $5,000 for events occurring between January and June 2026 that attract visitors from outside the region, boost the local economy, and enhance community wellbeing. PMHC is especially keen to support “standout, unique […]
The program is designed to inspire greater civic participation among Year 10 students across Australia.
Applications open for National Youth Parliament
A NEW National Youth Parliament program has been launched, designed to inspire greater civic participation among Year 10 students across Australia. Students aged 16–17 are invited to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their federal electorate in an immersive five-day parliamentary experience in Canberra. One student from each of Australia’s 150 electorates will be […]
Australians warned to pay attention to superannuation paperwork
MILLIONS of Australians are putting their superannuation at risk by not following-through with proper, and legally binding, beneficiary paperwork, according to a nation-wide survey. Research conducted by Super Consumers Australia, an advocate for people on low and middle incomes in Australia’s superannuation system, shows that more than one in three Australians with super say they […]
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp discusses flood recovery with Premier Chris Minns and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders in May. Photo: Michael Kemp FB.
Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker
THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]
The crew of Camden Haven 30 assisted the search for a swimmer missing off Shelly Beach. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW.
Marine Rescuers log intense week of search and rescues
MARINE Rescue volunteers have logged an intense 10 days of search and rescues, including being part of the multi-agency operation to find a swimmer who disappeared off Shelly Beach. The 20-year-old man failed to surface after entering the water with another person on Wednesday 27 August, sparking a land, sea and air search that continued […]
Health alert: Australian bat lyssavirus warning for Port Macquarie residents
AS bat season nears in the Hastings region, health authorities are warning residents to take extra care and avoid all contact with flying foxes or microbats. A spike in sick and distressed bats arriving at wildlife hospitals across Northern NSW and Southern Queensland in recent weeks has prompted the alert. Authorities stress that touching or […]
Heart of the Haven: Brendan Crabtree
BRENDAN Crabtree may not have grown up in Camden Haven or Port Macquarie, but over the past decade he’s become a familiar face in the community. “I moved here with my family about 10 years ago and I’m so glad to be raising my kids here,” Brendan said. “I just love how welcoming and tight-knit […]
Port Macquarie and Wauchope key destinations for R U OK? fundraiser for mental health awareness
CYCLIST Matt Hockings is gearing up for a gruelling challenge to raise awareness and funds for R U OK?, the national suicide prevention charity that inspires people to meaningfully connect with those around them. For R U OK? day on 11 September, Matt will cycle from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie and then back to […]
Residents offered free after-disaster help following May floods
THE Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre (KNC) is offering free help with community recovery in the aftermath of the May 2025 floods. Running until October and funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, residents in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie can phone or drop in to the centre on […]
