THREE regional MPs are pressing the NSW Government for a clear timeline on the reopening of the Oxley Highway, which has been closed since a major wet weather event in May caused 100 new landslips between Forbes River and Clay Road. Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer and Member […]

Ex-PM lauded over honours gong but not everyone’s happy
FORMER prime minister Scott Morrison has been congratulated after receiving Australia’s highest civilian honour, but there is at least one call for him to decline the gong. Mr Morrison is one of 14 people named as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the annual King’s Birthday Honours List, alongside filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and […]

PM commits to ‘lasting change’ in second-term agenda
ANTHONY Albanese has pledged to implement lasting and meaningful change in his second term as prime minister, promising his government can meet the moment against challenging circumstances. In his first major speech since winning an expanded majority at the May election, the prime minister said the government had a responsibility to disprove the doubters. Speaking […]

Animal advocates shoot down bill for enabling ‘yahoos’
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a “fringe minority of men” to let loose. A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday. It would better enable […]

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains
Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

Landslips close Oxley Highway at Mt Seaview in both directions
THE Oxley Highway between Forbes River and Clay roads will remain closed until further notice because of landslips. More than 100 new landslips have been detected on this section of the highway since heavy rainfall over the past week. Engineers are urgently assessing damage and planning clean-up operations and long-term repairs. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) […]

Tyrrell foster mum spared intimidation conviction
THE foster mother of missing toddler William Tyrrell has been spared conviction for intimidating and assaulting another child while mentally distressed over his disappearance. A magistrate in 2024 found her threats to slap the child on two occasions amounted to intimidation. The woman, who cannot be legally identified, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts […]

Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster
PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]
Koalas ‘safe’ as hospital’s tree giveaway continues
ALL the furry residents of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Guulabaa Visitor Centre are safe after last week’s deluge. “Despite the extreme weather, our dedicated koala care team has been onsite every day to ensure they’re protected, well-fed with fresh leaves, and closely monitored,” a spokesperson from Koala Conservation Australia told News Of The […]
Bonny Hills father and son rolling-up to one of Australia’s fastest growing sports
Jake Everden joins his father Scott on the basketball court. Photo: Sue Stephenson. The Rollers lost to the Coffs Stingrays but won against Newcastle in Round 11. Photos: Sue Stephenson. The Rollers lost to the Coffs Stingrays but won against Newcastle in Round 11. Photos: Sue Stephenson. Hub leader Meredith Evans with four-time Paralympian Gerry […]