Harry makes a Will, using a home-made Will kit, leaving his Smith Street property to his daughter, Wendy. The Will makes no reference to Harry’s other assets. Wendy had been living with Harry and assisting with his care. A few years later, Harry obtains a reverse mortgage, due to financial pressures. The mortgage is registered […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, HOW do I get my kids to pick up after themselves? It seems so simple, and yet we follow a continual pattern of them being told to pick up, falling back into bad habits, me getting annoyed and doing it for them, and returning to the beginning again. It’s driving me crazy. Gabrielle […]
All Yours
OPINION: Celebrating fatherhood in all its forms
AS we approach Father’s Day, we take a moment to honour the steadfast influence of fathers and father figures in our lives. Whether it’s a biological dad, a stepfather, a grandfather, an uncle, or even our teachers, Teachers Aides, and sports coaches, many of us can think of someone who’s made a big difference just […]
Letter to the Editor: Please no more greyhound articles
DEAR News Of The Area, WE have been reading this paper since its launch and enjoy the local news content. However a fortnight ago we were in disbelief that the paper chose to publish an article promoting greyhound racing at Taree as a sport article. Greyhound racing is not a sport, it is an industry. […]
Legal hypothetical: tragic end to family holiday
STEVE and his extended family go on a holiday to North Queensland. Following a heated debate regarding the sleeping arrangements and the activities itinerary, he takes a walk along the beach at dusk in an area known to be populated by crocodiles. He never returns. Steve owned real estate jointly with his wife, Linda. He […]
On the couch with Jasminda
Dear Jasminda, “On the weekend, my partner and I went to a Murder Mystery Lunch. We have since decided that we would actually prefer to remain in character. Is it okay to do this indefinitely? Cardinal Matteo Rossi. Dear Cardinal, I’m assuming that is your Murder Mystery name and not your current moniker and occupation. […]
Top Tip: How to get media attention and land your story in the paper
AS someone who wears two hats – newspaper reporter and marketing agency owner – I see first-hand the difference between stories that get picked up quickly and those that stall in the inbox. The good news? Most community organisations already have great stories to tell. The challenge is in how that information is shared with […]
Have your say on foreshore plan for Lake Cathie
THE draft Lake Cathie Foreshore Master Plan Review is now on public exhibition, with residents invited to have their say. “The draft builds on the 2018 Master Plan for this area and has been updated to reflect today’s challenges, opportunities, and aspirations for this much-loved space,” Port Macquarie-Hastings Council said in a statement. “From improved […]