THE Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic is on again this weekend, Saturday 17 May, to remember all past surfers. The competition is to be held at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills. Among the prizes will be a board shaped by Scott Wylie and glassed by Tony from Spade Surfboards. There will be two competitions running side […]

Roads, housing and surf club upgrades among the priorities in Rob Dwyer’s maiden speech
NEWLY elected Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has used his inaugural speech in Parliament to call for an overpass at Houston Mitchell Drive between Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. He also highlighted the growing traffic congestion on the Oxley Highway, the need for surf club upgrades, and improved housing affordability. Backed by his new […]
Heart Health NSW: Supporting recovery and building community for over 20 years
Heart Health NSW at work in the community. Heart Health NSW at work in the community. Heart Health NSW at work in the community. FOR more than two decades, Heart Health NSW Inc. – formerly known as Heart Support Australia – has been quietly making a big difference in the Port Macquarie-Hastings community. Entirely volunteer-run, […]
Help warm a heart and support Community at 3’s Winter Appeal
AS WINTER begins to tighten its grip on the Camden Haven, the harsh reality of homelessness and hardship becomes even more pronounced. For many of us, the colder months are about warm homes and hearty meals. But for too many in our region, winter brings an even heavier burden of cold nights, empty stomachs, and […]
State awards to recognise emergency services volunteers
EMERGENCY services volunteers will be recognised for the first time in the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. The Centre for Volunteering added this seventh category to its annual celebration, following the announcement in March of the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation. The citation ensures that the unique and vital contributions of emergency responders and […]
John Vipond (1932–2025): a ‘man of loyalty, passion and selfless service’
John Vipond keeping an eye on the beach from his favourite spot on the Camden Haven SLSC verandah. Photo: supplied. John, 92, is survived by his wife Judy (left). Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. Dignitaries joined family and friends for John’s 90th birthday. Photo: supplied. John at […]
Laurieton team embark on cross-country fundraising adventure
INTREPID adventurers Leisha McKay and Kelly Webster set off from Laurieton last Wednesday afternoon to take part in the 2025 Autumn “Shitbox Rally”. The rally challenges teams to drive cars worth less than $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, serving as a fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Considered a challenge rather […]
Laurieton Rotary Club restores historic Harbour Construction Monument at North Haven
The three metre tall monument has stood for 55 years. The original plaque was removed but has since been located and restored to the monument. The monument had been degraded by exposure over its time standing. A significant piece of Camden Haven’s maritime history has been lovingly restored, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the […]
Heart of the Haven: Brenda Green
THERE are people in our community who go about their day without fuss or praise, quietly making life better for those around them. Brenda Green is one of those people. At 83 years young, Brenda has called the Camden Haven home for most of her life. She grew up in Herons Creek as one of […]
‘The Last Lap’: RSCPA to host final Million Paws Walk fundraiser
PORT Macquarie RSPCA is inviting the community to join them for the final lap of their Million Paws Walk. After 30 years of branches around the country raising $17m to fight animal cruelty, this will be the event’s last. The decision to hang up the leash was due to cost-of-living pressures and the rise in […]