October 16, 2026
Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date Measles often manifests with a characteristic rash and a fever that often peaks when the rash is at its worst. Photo: Physicians Premier.
Community, Health, Local News

Measles is about – check that your immunisations are up to date

IF you were born in the late 1970s onwards, you are advised to check their immunity to measles. An estimated 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, putting individuals and communities at risk of more outbreaks, according to new analysis from the peak immunisation research organisation. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) […]

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Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying Bullying No Way Week has ended, however conversations can’t stop. Photo: Shutterstock.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional, School

Port Stephens families urged to keep talking about bullying

FOR Port Stephens families, the end of Bullying No Way Week should not mean the end of conversations about bullying. Parents, schools, sporting clubs and community groups are being encouraged to keep checking in with young people after new Kids Helpline figures highlighted the seriousness of the issue. More than 627,000 students nationally took part […]

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Heart of the Haven:  Patrick Austin
Local News

Heart of the Haven: Patrick Austin

Patrick Austin. A passion for running fuelled decades of enjoyment and fitness Patrick Austin. A passion for running fuelled decades of enjoyment and fitness BEHIND every inspiring story is often someone who is incredibly proud to tell it. When I spoke with Patrick Austin’s wife, it was clear just how much admiration she has for […]

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Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan sits with members of the crossbench as he crosses the floor during a division on the Gambling Reform Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Image.
Community, Government, Health, Local News, National, Regional

Pat Conaghan crosses the floor on gambling

COWPER MP Pat Conaghan crossed the floor in the Federal House of representatives for the first time in his parliamentary career on Tuesday, 18 August, to vote against watered-down legislation governing gambling advertising. Mr Conaghan said he did not believe the legislation adequately considered the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary […]

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Whale off Crescent Head freed from rope in multi-agency operation Supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Community, Local News, Regional

Whale off Crescent Head freed from rope in multi-agency operation

Supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. AN eight-metre humpback whale was disentangled from rope and floats off Port Plomer last weekend in a successful multi-agency response. “Volunteers and a […]

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Port Macquarie police take the Plunge for charity
Community, Local News, Police

Port Macquarie police take the Plunge for charity

ON Sunday, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and a group of dedicated supporters gathered in Westport Park to raise funds for local competitors at the Special Olympics. The LETR is the world’s largest law enforcement charity. It works to raise awareness and money for the inspiring athletes of Special Olympics NSW & ACT. Its […]

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Celebrating Community at 3’s amazing volunteers
Community, Local News

Celebrating Community at 3’s amazing volunteers

THERE was plenty of laughter, dancing and friendship on Thursday, 30 July, as Community at 3 held its Annual Volunteers’ Morning Tea at The Jetty Café, Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC), to thank the amazing volunteers who give so much to the Camden Haven community. Most people know Community at 3 for its free weekly […]

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Heartbeat of the Hastings – Ben Cudmore
Community, Local News

Heartbeat of the Hastings – Ben Cudmore

FOR Ben Cudmore, giving back to the community isn’t just something he does – it’s become his life’s purpose. A born and bred Port Macquarie local, Ben has proudly called the region home his entire life. He’s a devoted husband, father of three, founder of Unstoppable Community, co-founder of Self Seen, a floor and wall […]

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Aboriginal organisations strengthen partnerships through Healthy Country forum Participants at the Visions for Healthy Country forum. Photo: Supplied.
Community, Health, Local News, Regional

Aboriginal organisations strengthen partnerships through Healthy Country forum

ABORIGINAL organisations from across the North Coast gathered at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to share knowledge, celebrate progress and strengthen partnerships through the Visions for Healthy Country project. The forum brought together Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Traditional Owner groups, industry representatives and project partners to discuss Aboriginal-led land management and environmental stewardship. Funded by the […]

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