PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has endorsed a new Draft Master Plan for Port Macquarie Airport, setting out a 20-year vision for the key regional infrastructure asset. At the 17 April meeting, councillors voted unanimously to place the draft plan on public exhibition for at least 28 days, inviting community feedback on the future direction of the […]

Overwhelming turnout for Laurieton Anzac Day dawn service
IN the stillness of the morning on Friday, 25 April, more than 1000 community members gathered in silence at the Cenotaph at Laurie Memorial Park, Laurieton, to commemorate the nation’s veterans on Anzac Day. The annual event embodies the unyielding spirit of remembrance and pays tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives […]

Anzac Biscuits and a cuppa as Birdon honours veterans
NO cup of tea or coffee is complete at this time of year without an Anzac Biscuit – or three. Birdon made sure they didn’t run short on Tuesday, when 300 were on offer for staff at its Port Macquarie headquarters. It was part of a company-wide morning tea to honour Australian Defence Force (ADF) […]

Boy’s drowning adds to ‘most horrific’ Easter toll
HOLIDAYMAKERS are warned to avoid any unnecessary risks as powerful swells lash the east coast, resulting in record drownings in one state. Seven people are confirmed dead – six in NSW and one in Victoria – with the search for two others missing since Good Friday continuing on Easter Monday. In the latest tragedy, a […]
Public input sought on hemp industry’s future
A DRAFT NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is now open for public comment. The draft plan from the NSW Government proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW. “Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities […]
Meet your Gloucester Australia Day award nominees
MEET the nominees for the 2025 Gloucester Australia Day awards. Winners will be announced across four categories: Local Young Citizen of the Year; Local Citizen of the Year; Local Project of the Year; and Local Community Business of the Year. Local Young Citizen of the Year Nominee Findlay McIntosh Findlay is the youngest Gloucester […]