MORE than 20 Laurieton Public School (LPS) students have stepped into leadership roles in 2025, including as School, Vice, Sporting and House captains. Nine students have joined the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC). School Captains Felix and Maya, and Vice Captains Ivy and Kiera, chatted to NOTA about leadership. “We are all very proud to […]

Around 100 graduate nurses and midwives a boost to Mid North Coast healthcare
NURSING ranks across the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) have received a much-needed boost. Around 100 graduates have started working in public health facilities and hospitals between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. As part of the GradStart program, they will rotate through all clinical areas including emergency departments, acute hospital services, maternity services, […]

Bittersweet tributes as Laurieton United Services Club staff bid farewell to the boss
IT’S the end of an era at Laurieton United Services Club where staff have spent the past fortnight preparing to bid farewell to their long-time colleague and boss Rob Dwyer. The team is “proud” of Rob’s success in the Port Macquarie by-election but after more than 32 years at the club, 24 as general manager, […]
Indigenous Elders lead cultural camp on Biripi Country
ABORIGINAL Elders and youth converged on Brigadoon Caravan Park at North Haven for a cultural camp from 21-23 March. The camp’s purpose was to provide opportunities for Indigenous young people to learn about and connect with their heritage, as well as exploring potential career pathways. The event was funded by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and delivered […]

Coalition pledge Harrington-Crowdy Head bikepath funding
THE COALITION has pledged to deliver $300,000 to establish a bike path linking Harrington to Crowdy Head if elected at the upcoming Federal election. Nationals candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold, said the community has “called for this infrastructure for decades”, citing safety concerns with existing cycling routes. “You take your life into your own hands […]

Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
TAXPAYERS are being promised $10 a week of relief in a pre-election sweetener, as Jim Chalmers lays out the economic case for a second term of a Labor government. In his fourth federal budget handed down on Tuesday night, weeks before Australians go to the polls, the treasurer revealed the average earner would be $536 […]

Community rallies to support Laurieton Fisherman’s co-op after devastating fire
THE Camden Haven community has come together in a show of support for the Laurieton Fisherman’s Co-op and Laurieton Seafoods after a devastating fire destroyed the building on Wednesday, 15 January. Community members, groups and organisations gathered at the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) on Sunday to discuss how best to assist the Co-op […]
Liberals call for more trainee tradies during Port Stephens site visit
A HOME under construction in Anna Bay was host to visiting politicians on Wednesday, 15 January. Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Sussan Ley was joined by NSW Senator Maria Kovacic and the Liberal candidate for Paterson, Laurence Antcliff. It was an opportunity for Mr Antcliff, who has worked in the building industry, to […]
Storms wreak havoc leaving thousands in the dark
RESIDENTS of Port Stephens continue to clear debris and assess damage following major storms that hit multiple parts of NSW from Wednesday 15 January. Persistent, heavy rainfall, strong winds and extraordinary displays of lightning preceded power outages that affected more than 220,000 homes across the state, with more than 70,000 of those located in […]
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 […]