A CHRISTMAS memorial will be held at Simplicity Laurieton on Saturday, 13 December, supporting locals to manage grief at a time of year difficult for many. “Christmas is often described as the season of joy – twinkling lights, family gatherings, and cherished traditions,” said Simplicity Funerals manager Michelle Freeman. “Yet for many in our community, […]

SINCE 2023 a free mobile phone app has been revolutionising how the NSW community can provide potentially lifesaving assistance when someone goes into cardiac arrest. The GoodSAM app allows individuals to register their willingness to help provide simple chest compressions by listing their details, location and any clinical or first aid training they may have. […]

COMMERCIAL DNA kits that can be completed at home are a popular Christmas gift, and in the first few months of the New Year thousands of Australians open their results excited to see where their ancestors came from. The excitement can turn to confusion however, if the results don’t match expectations, which can be followed […]

THE Camden Haven Anglican Church and the $5 Coffee Club are hosting a free community Christmas lunch on Christmas Day and would like the entire community to know they are welcome. The Camden Haven region is an attractive location for retirees and empty nesters, but this comes with the potential challenges of distance from family […]

MAL McKinlay is the Mid North Coast’s highly regarded gardening guru who enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge and love of all things horticultural. 2025 marks 40 years of his continuous employment in the field, and his devotion to providing his skills to numerous local community groups and organisations. Garden Clubs of Australia (GCA) […]

CAMDEN Haven Community at 3 Inc has announced the appointment of Kew Country Club Manager Dean Noble as a patron of the organisation. Mr Noble joins the group’s existing patrons, Staffan Andler, Dr Sam Nelapati and Chan Ansell, strengthening a team of respected local supporters who play a vital role in guiding and championing the […]

THE Nurtured Village Hampers charitable organisation was founded in 2019 with the goal of bringing back the concept of a supporting village. Their mission statement is, “forging connectedness in early parenthood to create nationwide change for maternal mental health.” The local chapter covers Port Macquarie, Bonny Hills, North Haven, Laurieton, Dunbogan and Wauchope. In the […]

A PARLIAMENTARY committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW. The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions. The Committee will look into issues such as: ● current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and […]

FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition. The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026. “The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived […]

DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December. The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years. Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches. Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the […]