BRIAN Roberts emigrated to Australia from the UK as a “Ten Pound Pom” in 1960. He married at 17 and lived in Sydney for many years before moving to Laurieton Residential Resort in 2016. After being retrenched at 60, Brian discovered volunteering, a passion that has brought him so much joy and purpose ever since. […]

DOCTOR Kristy Kostalas has been named the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for the Port Macquarie electorate, in recognition of her commitment to women and children experiencing domestic violence. The Local Women of the Year Awards shine a light on extraordinary women whose compassion, courage and leadership strengthen communities across New South Wales. A […]

Marine Rescue Camden Haven received a distress call on Saturday night, 7 March. Photo: supplied, MRCH. The volunteer crew spotted the solo sailor off Camden Head. Photo: supplied, MRCH. The rescue volunteers on CH30 returned the skipper and vessel to port around 5am. Photo: supplied. VOLUNTEERS from Marine Rescue Camden Haven successfully completed a difficult […]

FIREFIGHTERS were kept on the run in Wauchope overnight Monday with three separate wheelbie bins set alight, causing damage to buildings. A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW said that just before 11.15pm, several Triple Zero (000) calls were received about a rubbish fire near the Post Office in High Street. One truck and four […]

Robert Dwyer MP, Hastings Co-op Chair Louise Eyres and Interim CEO Matthew Lumsden. Local artisans Kev Conroy and Danny Mitchell. Member for Lyne Alison Penfold with Interim CEO Matthew Lumsden. Oxley MP Michael Kemp with Interim CEO Matthew Lumsden. Tina Jakobsson of The Red Door on Cameron. Mathew Lumsden pictured with builders of a new […]

FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, with expressions of interest now open. Volunteer Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible community organisations that rely on volunteers. The program is designed to strengthen local volunteering by helping […]

THE Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) has welcomed 25 new medical interns to hospitals across the Coffs Harbour and Hastings Macleay clinical networks. Having completed their orientation, the junior doctors are already providing care to local patients and support to the region’s health staff. MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong said, “These junior doctors […]

THE Port Macquarie Hastings region is one of Australia’s biggest supporters of second-hand items, based on the overwhelming success of last year’s Garage Sale Trail. Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) was among the top performers in both the state and national leaderboards, ranking second in New South Wales and fourth nationally for the highest number […]

The women’s surf boat crew took bronze at the state championships. Photo: CHSLSC. The ladies of the women’s surf boat crew. Photo: CHSLSC. The women’s surf boat crew took on challenging surf conditions in Lake Macquarie. Photo: CHSLSC. Club members wore pink to celebrate the contribution of women to surf life saving. Photo: CHSLSC. Club […]

The home that has long stood at the corner of Ocean Drive and Beach Street has been knocked down. Photo: Bonny Hills Progress Association. The property as it stood before demolition crews moved in. Photo: Sue Stephenson. Concept drawings of the property from its approved development application. Concept drawings of the property from its approved […]