AFTER moving to Camden Haven from Orange in 1998 and serving the local community at the Commonwealth Bank Branch in Laurieton for the past 23 years, Anissa Hilton began a journey in martial arts that has since grown into a passion and a purpose. What started in 2011 as a mum watching her daughter train […]
Celebrating the heart of Little Wings during Volunteer Appreciation Week
LITTLE Wings is putting its helpers in the spotlight during Volunteer Appreciation Week, 19-23 May. As a 90 percent volunteer-led organisation, Little Wings relies on the dedication of its pilots, drivers, ground crew and events team: each playing a critical role in supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families. The service is honouring […]
NPWS responds to fears families will lose out if camping fee changes go ahead
WITH the cost-of-living already making holidays inaccessible for many families, there are fears a proposed increase in National Park camping fees is set to deliver another blow. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp says some fees could increase so dramatically that a week-long stay at a national park campground may exceed $600, potentially pricing out local […]
Campaigns to spread the warmth in Port Macquarie and Wauchope
THE wet and chilly weather is an important reminder to consider donating a little warmth to the Hastings’ most vulnerable residents. New and next-to-new blankets, doonas and other warm items are currently being accepted by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West through its Winter Woollies Drive, and by Wauchope Rotary through its Winter Blanket […]

Street count shows surge in homelessness across Port Macquarie LGA
THE NSW Government’s annual street count shows the number of people sleeping rough across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA) has increased over the past 12 months. Sixty-nine people were sleeping rough in February, up from 53 in 2024 and 43 in February 2023. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the increase was […]
Public meeting called over delays to Wauchope Community Gardens
THE Hastings Residents Association (HRA) has called a public meeting to address ongoing concerns surrounding the delayed opening of the Wauchope Community Gardens, which remain in limbo. The meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 28 May at the Wauchope RSL Club. It aims to update the community on the progress of the gardens […]
Bullocky, soldier, builder, technician; 101yo Max’s incredible life
Max Ramsey celebrates his 101st birthday. Photo: supplied. Max Ramsey with his daughter Brenda Lee and staff members of Whiddon Laurieton. Photo: supplied. WAR veteran Max Ramsey certainly dressed the part for his 101st birthday celebrations at Whiddon Laurieton. Wearing his favourite red bow tie and suspenders, and matching cardigan, Max enjoyed the occasion surrounded […]
Laurieton firies welcome community to annual open day
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) stations across the state opened their doors to the public on Saturday, 10 May. The annual open day provides firefighters the opportunity to share vital safety tips in the lead up to winter. Visitors can view live demonstrations, participate in station tours, or climb into the driver’s seat of a […]
VALE Kevin Baker
Kevin and Judy Baker with Mark Vaille. Kevin Baker playing Captain Cook in the bi-centenary celebrations. Kevin Baker. PROMINENT former local pharmacist Kevin Baker was laid to rest by family last month. Kevin was born on 6 January 1935 at Abbotsford, Sydney to John and Edna Baker. He was the youngest of seven children. Educated […]
Tribute for the 73 women killed in another year of domestic and family violence in Australia
A rose is placed to honour the women tragically lost to violence. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Stories were shared to honour and remember victims. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Rose tributes on National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day. Photo: supplied by Liberty. A ROSE to honour each of the 73 women who tragically lost their […]