Noel Hiffernan OAM.
NORTH Haven’s Noel Hiffernan OAM is a full-time wheelchair user and longtime disability advocate who is also the new Peer Leader of the Mid North Coast Advocacy Community Network. The network takes in Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), which has grown to be the peak body for more than 20,000 people in Australia living with […]
Some of the Willing & Able team showcasing their many chairs on sale. Photo: @WillingandAbleFoundation.
ONE of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region’s most recognised organisations, Willing & Able marks 60 years of supporting people with disability, while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Despite its long history, many people are still unaware of the full scope of services it provides and the impact it has had on […]
Liz Faassen at the desk for 2WAY FM.
BETWEEN 2pm and 4pm on 29 April, Hastings Community Radio presenter Liz Faassen will broadcast her final program of “The Sounds of the Swinging 60’s and 70’s”. Liz became a 2WAY FM presenter in 2014 after completing the required training. She had listened to 2WAY FM for many years prior to this, and was a […]
A 49-YEAR-OLD married father of three, Dylan Luke is very clear on his life goals. He wants to play more cricket with his kids, spend time with his devoted wife, and hang out at the beach. In early February, a niggling pain that wouldn’t go away saw him visit the hospital for scans, leading to […]
Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
WITH Anzac Day around the corner, News Of The Area gets to know Laurieton RSL sub-Branch president Allan ‘Buster’ Beatty. Buster, tell us about your journey to the Hastings region. My wife Sandie lived in Port Macquarie for most of her life before joining the Army. We met in Townsville in 1982 and spent many […]
Committee President Penny Small addresses the community meeting.
THE Laurieton United Services Club was the venue for a lively community meeting held by the Beach to Beach Shared Pathway Committee on Tuesday, 31 March. More than 180 people joined Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts, Council General Manager Robert Fish, and Director of Community Infrastructure Ben Wood to […]
WHILE rising fuel prices continue to create challenges for households and businesses across the country, one Camden Haven business owner says the response from his customers has been a reminder that community support remains strong during difficult times. Jake Thrash, owner and operator of Coastside Gardens, recently made the difficult decision to introduce a temporary […]
The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]
Inaugural award recipients Bill Howell, Melinda Robinson and Brian Barker with BHPA Vice President, Roger Barlow. Photo: NHPA.
BONNY Hills residents Bill Howell, Melinda Robinson and Brian Barker, have been recognised for their service to the local community. They are the recipients of the inaugural Bonny Hills Progress Association’s Community Awards, which were presented on 17 March following the association’s annual general meeting. The meeting included updates on key projects. Re-elected Vice-President Kathy […]
Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Kristy Kostalas from Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic and Regional Australia Bank Chief Risk Officer Les Bailey. Photo: Atlantis Creative.
Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Kristy Kostalas from Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic and Regional Australia Bank Chief Risk Officer Les Bailey. Photo: Atlantis Creative. Dancers entertain the crowd at the fundraiser. Photo: Atlantis Creative. THE Hastings community has again given generously in support of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence […]
