JUST hours after receiving one of Rotary’s highest honours for his more than 50 years of dedication, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) member Garry Whitaker was back supporting his community through a significant storm and flooding event. The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and […]

LET’S say you woke up this morning, stretched, had your coffee, and thought, “I wonder how long it would take me to get to the nearest star?” First, good morning. Second, buckle up! Because this trip takes long-haul travel to a whole new level. Our destination? Proxima Centauri, the closest star beyond our Sun, is […]

FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?” It comes with a national call to action. “If you’ve had a near miss on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect […]

THREE and six month NSW TrainLink Discovery passes have been reinstated, after being “paused” for a review of their suitability. A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network, with 14-day, one-month, three-month and six-month passes available. The six-month pass costs $420. The passes have not […]

OVER 2000 students from more than 55 schools across the Mid North Coast challenged their numeracy and problem-solving abilities this week, during the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition. Starting Monday, Year 5 and 6 students brimmed with excitement as they prepared to showcase their mathematical talents. This year’s event followed a strong performance […]

LET’S say you woke up this morning, stretched, had your coffee, and thought, “I wonder how long it would take me to get to the nearest star?” First, good morning. Second, buckle up! Because this trip takes long-haul travel to a whole new level. Our destination? Proxima Centauri, the closest star beyond our Sun, is […]

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has launched a new payment platform to give ratepayers flexibility and control over rates and water payments. Called “Payble”, the platform allows property owners to pay in full before the due date or split their bills into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. SMS and email reminders can be set up […]

Port Macquarie Museum on Clarence Street shines. Photo: Facebook Soul Surf School’s Corey and Loren Enfield smashing waves. Photo: Facebook Positive Energy Lord Howe Island Retreat led by Belinda Johnson and Peta Alexopoulos. Photo: Facebook Reflections Cadet Cup at Bonny Hills attracts the crowds including Callum Robson. Photo: Facebook HASTINGS region tourism operators are making […]

Tom Sheppard’s winning photo ‘Googik Dreaming’. Photo: supplied. Tom Sheppard out and about capturing photo opps. Photo: supplied. Bronwyn Ellis’ digital photo of penguins in South Georgia. Photo: Sis Higgins. Sharryn Sykes’ print photos of tiled mosques in Uzbekistan. Photo: Sis Higgins. PORT MACQUARIE photographer Tom Sheppard has taken out first place in the Australian […]

HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]