PORT Macquarie teenager Hunter Davis was among 150 students from across Australia chosen for this year’s National Youth Parliament. He was selected from nearly 3000 applicants, representing the federal electorate of Cowper in an immersive five-day program that included simulated parliamentary debates, hands-on learning experiences, and workshops with parliamentary leaders. A MacKillop College student, Davis […]
Johnathon Cains is studying nursing at Monash University in Melbourne. Photo: Supplied. Jonothan Cains with mentor, Monica Atkinson. Photo: Supplied. HASTINGS Education Fund (HEF) has been supporting local students since 2011, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocational aspirations. Johnathon Cains is among those benefiting from the local […]
FOR 20 years, Hastings Photography Group has been combining socialising with encouraging its members to foster a passion for capturing images. Long-time member John Upton enjoys photographing still-life and landscapes. For newbies, he recommends forgetting about the technical aspects. Instead ‘get your eye in’ first, he says. The group’s 50-plus members meet on each Wednesday […]
The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force.
The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW Police Force. The first operation targeting illegal e-bikes, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, saw 36 e-bikes seized. Photo: NSW […]
The Stars of Hastings 2026 cast and event team, including Stars, dance teachers, MCs, judges and crew, celebrate raising more than $285,000 for Cancer Council NSW. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography.
The Stars of Hastings 2026 cast and event team, including Stars, dance teachers, MCs, judges and crew, celebrate raising more than $285,000 for Cancer Council NSW. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography. Judges’ Choice winners Abby Koch and Miranda Webster perform their winning theatrical routine. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography. People’s Choice winners Jacob Fardy and Jorjia-Rose Styles […]
Member for Port Stephens, Robert Dwyer.
PORT Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer has thrown his voice behind the push to introduce tougher penalties for serious offences committed by youth. Mr Dwyer, a member of the Liberal Party, is calling for reforms that would see sentences that “reflect community expectations” in line with the catchcry: “Adult Crime, Adult Time laws”. “The face of […]
NEW data shows thousands more alleged offenders, including domestic violence perpetrators, are coming before the courts. The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows legal action for domestic violence offences rose by more than 14 per cent in the two years to June. This equates to an additional 6,128 defendants appearing before a […]
A scene from a 2025 bush fire ground.
WITH summer approaching and the risk of bushfires and other severe weather increasing across parts of Australia, Rural Aid is encouraging farmers to register now. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer and drier conditions across parts of the country this Spring, with increased bushfire risk in several areas. The months ahead also bring the […]
Baylee Forbes wants to help women connect in creative spaces. Photo: Supplied by Baylee Forbes.
WHEN 29-year-old performance poet Baylee Forbes relocated from the Gold Coast to Lake Cathie earlier this year, she was in search of cultural connections. The new mum values spending time with other creative women. “I love seeing women connect in creative spaces,” she said. “I feel like we have a biological need to create, and […]
Dementia-friendly volunteers.
NEXT week the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) will hold a community seminar to explore what those living in the region can do to reduce their risk of dementia. The DFCA is a not-for-profit organisation that is striving to ensure the Port Macquarie–Hastings region is more inclusive and supportive, for those with […]
