September 5, 2026
Gambling reforms welcomed but fall short
Community, Health, Local News

Gambling reforms welcomed but fall short

NEW South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has welcomed the gambling reform package announced by the Minns Government, saying the changes include practical measures that will reduce gambling harm in NSW. However, the peak body for the state’s social and community services warns that the package leaves out important measures recommended by the Independent […]

Read More
Camden Haven Concert welcomes all ages and skill levels Camden Haven Band entertaining the crowd at Laurieton Markets.
Community, Local News, Regional

Camden Haven Concert welcomes all ages and skill levels

Camden Haven Band entertaining the crowd at Laurieton Markets. Kurtis Lavender with the new portable drum kit. CAMDEN Haven Concert Band offered the perfect way to while away an hour in the Spring-like sunshine for patrons at Laurieton Markets on Sunday, 30 August. Established in 1995, the band was incorporated in 2002 to include the […]

Read More
Port Macquarie-Hastings residents urged to report cane toad sightings Cane toads pose a risk to the Mid North Coast. Photo: ToadScan.
Community, Local News, Regional

Port Macquarie-Hastings residents urged to report cane toad sightings

CAMDEN Haven residents are being urged to remain alert for cane toads after a live animal was confirmed at Lakewood. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) received a report from a member of the public on 27 August, with photographs provided allowing officers to confirm the animal was a cane toad. […]

Read More
Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Palliative needs missing in aged care assessments

THE question of whether elderly Australians with serious, life-limiting illness are getting timely access to palliative care has been raised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The ABC’s Four Corners investigation The Waiting Game put the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), an automated decision-making system used to assess older Australians seeking government-funded aged care, under a spotlight. […]

Read More
Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Flying Doctor Service gets $15m funding boost

THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]

Read More
Camden Haven creatives receive Arts Mid North Coast SEED Grants
Community, Local News

Camden Haven creatives receive Arts Mid North Coast SEED Grants

CAMDEN Haven artists and community groups are among nine recipients to receive funding through Arts Mid North Coast’s SEED Grants Program. The grants support community-driven and place-based creative projects, with 24 applications received for the latest funding round. The applications demonstrated the ingenuity of regional creatives and their desire to connect with their communities, according […]

Read More
Port Macquarie and Kempsey welcome 10 new police recruits Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, welcomed Port Macquarie and Kempsey’s 10 new probationary constables this week. Images: Supplied.
Community, Local News, Police, Regional

Port Macquarie and Kempsey welcome 10 new police recruits

  Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, welcomed Port Macquarie and Kempsey’s 10 new probationary constables this week. Images: Supplied.   Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, welcomed Port Macquarie and Kempsey’s 10 new probationary constables this week. Images: Supplied.   TEN new probationary constables have commenced duties across the Mid North Coast this week, with six […]

Read More
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Community, Health, Local News

Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date

IF you were born in the late 1970s onwards, you are advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) […]

Read More
Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying Bullying No Way Week has ended, however conversations can’t stop. Photo: Shutterstock.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional, School

Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying

FOR Port Stephens families, the end of Bullying No Way Week should not mean the end of conversations about bullying. Parents, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are being encouraged to keep checking in with young people after new Kids Helpline figures highlighted the seriousness of the issue. More than 627,000 students nationally took part […]

Read More