Councillor Nik Lipovac. Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer. A NSW GOVERNMENT commitment to provide $5.5 million for a noise wall as part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass has been met with contempt from Port Macquarie-Hastings councillor Nik Lipovac. Cr Lipovac, speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the wider council, has strongly […]
‘The physical scars are there for all to see’: floods the focus of Penfold’s first speech
THE ongoing challenges of the May floods were the focus of Alison Penfold’s first speech to Federal Parliament on Wednesday 30 July. Ms Penfold was elected the new Nationals MP for Lyne on 3 May. The poll was yet to be officially declared when record flooding hit parts of the electorate, claiming lives and livestock, […]
Severe storms wreak further havoc as SES heroes respond again
THE region has again been battered by wild weather, with emergency services mounting a second major response in just over two months. On Saturday 2 August, severe storms lashed the Mid North Coast, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey and Nambucca regions. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) received […]
Hastings Farm Gate Tour postponed due to weather concerns
PLANNED for this weekend, the Hastings Farm Gate Tour has been postponed until 18-19 October 2025 due to weather concerns. A self-drive tour of host properties across the greater Hastings, Port Macquarie and Camden Haven region, the event serves as a “celebration of quality locally grown produce”. A diverse array of properties will open their […]
Camden Haven schools commemorate 50 years of NAIDOC
Kenzley, Inarla, Aleira, Jai’Ahlie, Macey and Yindii. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Brice Hayward. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Birpai Elder Uncle Bill O’Brien OAM performing a traditional smoking ceremony. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Tiata, Ivy and Alaska at the bush body scrub activity. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Jikyha playing the didjeridoo. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography. Aboriginal dance group member Jai’Ahlie. Photo: […]
State’s ‘Take Off Fund’ a vital boost to aviation and regional tourism
THE NSW Tourism Association has applauded the launch of the $12.5 million NSW “Take Off Fund”, calling it a strategic investment that will help grow aviation capacity and fuel tourism-led economic development across the state. Natalie Godward, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Tourism Association, said the new fund highlights the importance of air connectivity. […]
Statewide land clearing data raises alarm
ALARM bells are ringing after the release of statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) data. It shows that 66,498 hectares of native vegetation, including 32,847ha of forest and woodland, was cleared across NSW in 2023, compared to the clearing of 47,388ha of native vegetation and 21,137ha of forest and woodland in 2022. This represents a […]

‘We have not forgotten you’: flood recovery coordinator reassures Mid North Coast
Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens with Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffins, at the Wingham Food Hub. Photo: supplied Dave Owens with Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Disaster Recovery Australia volunteers at Smithtown. Photo: supplied Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied Dave Owens speaking with farmers […]

Rooster rookie’s rapid rise from Camden Haven to the NRL
Blake Steep celebrates after scoring a try for the Roosters in the NRL Round 16 match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts. Blake’s passion for the game began as a junior with the Camden Haven Eagles: Photo: supplied. Supporting the next generation of potential NRL stars. Photo: supplied. Supporting the next generation of […]

Rooster rookie’s rapid rise from Camden Haven to the NRL
Blake Steep celebrates after scoring a try for the Roosters in the NRL Round 16 match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts. Blake’s passion for the game began as a junior with the Camden Haven Eagles: Photo: supplied. Supporting the next generation of potential NRL stars. Photo: supplied. Supporting the next generation of […]