January 1, 2026
Donation to RFS Lorne to help volunteers during bushfire season Martin Newell with members of Lorne RFS.
Community

Donation to RFS Lorne to help volunteers during bushfire season

PORT Macquarie-based Real Estate Agent Martin Newell loves Lorne. “I have been a real estate agent in the area for more than 23 years. I lived in Lorne for many years and have had family living there; it is quite simply one of my favourite places in Australia,” he told News Of The Area. To […]

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Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country Free camping is available at Chichester State Forest, near Dungog. Photo: NSW State Forests.
Community

Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country

NSW State Forests are open for free, pet‑friendly camping from the coast to the high country. There are almost 500 State Forests and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome. Campfires are also permitted, outside of fire bans. “State Forests are a fabulous resource for the community,” Manager Tourism and […]

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Indigenous artist Bryce Moran joins CHL exhibition to promote mental health awareness Bryce Moran and his sea life-inspired artworks on display at the Port Macquarie Library. Photograph: supplied.
Community

Indigenous artist Bryce Moran joins CHL exhibition to promote mental health awareness

A PICTURE can tell a thousand words, but for 76-year-old Bryce Moran, a paintbrush can also tell a story of culture, healing and hope. The proud Indigenous artist, Elder, and Community Housing Limited (CHL) tenant, has exhibited his work across Australia. Yet, it’s a local art show that holds the deepest meaning for him. This […]

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Hastings community reminded to review bushfire plan Robert Dwyer MP with Johns River Brigade Captain Chris Bawn.
Community

Hastings community reminded to review bushfire plan

WITH the summer season well underway, emergency services are urging the community to prioritise safety and take simple steps to prepare for extreme weather and potential emergencies. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said, “Summer is one of the busiest periods for emergency responders, with increased risks of bushfires, storms, floods and water-related incidents. “Agencies […]

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SES interns pass with flying colours The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns.
Community

SES interns pass with flying colours

The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns. Caz Dobson and Katie Green. The Baptist Church choir in full voice. SES units at the church function. NOVEMBER was a busy month for the Camden Haven State Emergency Service (SES), with key management appointments, community outings and the finalisation of an intern program. The unit’s leadership […]

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Long-standing FAWNA member Meredith Ryan recognised with prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitator Award Meredith Ryan is awarded the NSW Wildlife Council’s Inaugural Wildlife Rehabilitator Award.
Community

Long-standing FAWNA member Meredith Ryan recognised with prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitator Award

AFTER 34 years of dedicated service, Meredith Ryan has been recognised for her incredible work with FAWNA. Meredith received the NSW Wildlife Council’s “Wildlife Rehabilitator Award”, during the council’s 20th anniversary event on Friday 28 November. NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment Penny Sharpe, presented the inaugural award to Meredith, for […]

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New committee elected for community radio station Kevin Carter, Shaz Salter and Mal Salter.
Community

New committee elected for community radio station

Jean White has joined the volunteer team at 2Way FM. Outgoing Secretary Ross Cutrupi, Treasurer Greg Hayward, Vice President Ken Lindsay and President Dennis Owen. Kevin Carter, Shaz Salter and Mal Salter. Liz Faassen was awarded life membership. HASTINGS Community Radio (2Way FM) held its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 25 November at the […]

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New data reveals Camden Haven among state’s strongest coastal markets
Community

New data reveals Camden Haven among state’s strongest coastal markets

CAMDEN Haven has emerged as one of the Mid North Coast’s strongest post-pandemic property hotspots, with dwelling values rising nearly 60 percent since December 2019, outpacing Sydney and the national market. Cotality’s latest figures show buyers have increasingly turned to the local area for lifestyle, affordability and hybrid-work flexibility. The Port Macquarie Hastings LGA’s result […]

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The Welfare Ladies offering vital support for grieving families Kay Dollery, June Swan, Sylvia Pommerening and Denise McCosker.
Community

The Welfare Ladies offering vital support for grieving families

FORTY years ago, June Swan realised that when family members died, and people were grieving, they often didn’t have the funds or the capacity to organise food for wakes and memorial services. From this came The Welfare Ladies, a not-for-profit group that provides catering at cost helping to relieve financial burdens during bereavement, with the […]

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