NOT-FOR-PROFITS schools and councils are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, which is now open and offering between $50,000 and $300,000 to fund community-focused projects. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund is an excellent opportunity to secure funding for projects that make a lasting impact […]
Police seek public help to locate missing Mid North Coast teen
NSW POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate 16-year-old Shantana Cowan, who has been reported missing from the Mid North Coast. Shantana was last seen in the West Kempsey area on Sunday, 25 May 2025. When she could not be located or contacted, officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were notified […]
Flying fox saved from fishing line in dramatic Lake Cathie rescue
A MORNING dog walk turned into a wildlife emergency on Friday 27 June, when a local spotted a distressed flying fox suspended from a tree near the Lake Cathie foreshore. It was entangled in a fishing line with a hook lodged through its mouth and nose. The witness quickly called Wildlife Rescue. A concerned FAWNA […]
Samaritan’s Purse clocks up 9000 hours of hands-on help for flood-hit Mid North Coast communities
Ray Vasukinausori, Tarai Kubukawa and Semi Kubunavanua rolled up their sleeves to help rebuild lives and communities. Photo: supplied. Ray Vasukinausori and Tarai Kubukawa install new windows as they rebuild homes one frame at a time. Photo: supplied. SAMARITAN’S Purse officially wrapped-up more than 9000 hours of hands-on flood disaster response, on Tuesday 1 July. […]
Local encouraged to tune-up as Australian Idol recruits in Port Macquarie for the first time
CHECK the mics and tune up the vocal chords – Australian Idol wants to hear from you. The much-loved reality singing TV show has been uncovering some of the country’s most formidable musical geniuses since 2003 and, for the first time ever, Channel 7 wants to hear the incredible talent this region has to offer. […]

More Aussies wanting to live regionally, work remotely
NEW research has uncovered the immense potential of ‘working from home’ to regional Australia, with data capturing the nation’s growing desire to live in a regional setting but work in an urban one. A nationwide survey, commissioned by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), showed two-in-five city dwellers would consider a move to regional Australia, up […]
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Lyn Murphy
LYN Murphy is one of those people whose presence makes you feel calm, inspired and hopeful all at once. From a young age, Lyn had a deep sense of compassion. She began fundraising at school, drawn to helping others and making a difference. That sense of community never left her. Over the years, Lyn has […]
NSW residents urged to purchase firewood collection authorisations this winter
FORESTRY Corporation is reminding residents to purchase firewood authorisations before collecting wood from State forests. Recent updates have been made to Forestry Corporation’s online firewood permit page. The conditions for firewood collection have also been updated and should be understood prior to entering State forests. The system now distinguishes some locations between pine and native […]

Junior surf life savers ride the wave to community service
Lillian Hosick, Leah Rumsby and Thomas Maxwell from Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Leah Rumsby. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Lillian Hosick. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. THREE junior members of Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club (CHSLSC) were celebrated at the club’s annual Awards of Excellence held at Laurieton United Services Club on Friday, […]
Campaign to promote state’s Great Walks
THE State Government is rolling out a new ‘Find Your Path on a NSW Great Walk’ campaign that highlights seven spectacular multi-day walks across NSW. The new campaign highlights an impressive 275km of walking tracks in regional NSW that have opened to the public within the last two years. The walks showcase some of the […]