MORE than 300 koala food and shelter trees have been planted during a community day aimed at creating better habitat for koalas and other native wildlife. Hastings Landcare joined The Nature School; National Parks and Wildlife Service; Koala Conservation Australia; the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; and community volunteers to […]

Members of a working bee battle the invasive strangler vine, Claw Creeper. Photos: submitted Members of a working bee battle the invasive strangler vine, Claw Creeper. Photos: submitted TREES that are hundreds of years old are being strangled by the rapidly growing and highly invasive Claw Creeper. This introduced vine forms dense mats, covering and […]

IN 1960 Lakewood resident Brian Roberts said goodbye to England and has never looked back. He emigrated to join his then-fiancée after she relocated to Australia with her family. Mr Roberts originally lived in Macquarie Fields, working as an administrator, before moving to the Mid North Coast 10 years ago. He described it as the […]

SEVERAL Port Macquarie and Hastings tourism operators have been recognised among the finalists in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, highlighting the region’s strength as a visitor destination. Presented by NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast, the awards celebrate businesses, experiences and organisations delivering exceptional visitor experiences while contributing to the growth of […]

VISITORS to some of the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley’s most popular national parks could benefit from improved facilities and infrastructure under a new $130 million funding commitment announced in the NSW Budget. The NSW Government says the funding will be used to upgrade and maintain national park infrastructure across the state, including walking tracks, […]

DURING recent weeks large swells and severe weather took their toll on Town Beach in Port Macquarie. Sand eroded from the beach, leaving steps and drops of one and two metres in places. The erosion was so pronounced along the section leading to the breakwall that barriers were erected as a precaution and the foot […]

ARTS Mid North Coast has launched “Shared Practice”, an 18-month regional artist development program designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists. The program connects local artists with experienced mentors to foster professional growth, artistic exploration, and community engagement. Through mentoring, group sessions, and creative development, participants will have the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, […]

KOALA Azaliah and her joey Zali were hit by a car not long after 40 eucalyptus trees in their home were destroyed. Mother and baby recovered after intensive care at Northern Rivers Koala Hospital in Lismore, NSW, and were released back into the wild in October. But another joey, Guinevere, was not so fortunate, dying […]

  Bec Washington and Bridget Purtill launched next year’s education program.   Teachers from across the region attended the launch event.   GLASSHOUSE Port Macquarie has launched its 2026 Education Program. Designed to ignite creativity in students from pre-school through to Year 12, “Education@Glasshouse” engages more than 7000 young people each year from across the […]

COFFS HARBOUR MP Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders earlier this week. It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024. […]