Generations come together to celebrate. Photo: supplied. Tambourines and drums were out, ready to make music. Photo: supplied. MUSIC rang down the hallways as the Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance celebrated the first anniversary of its weekly musical program “Memories in Melodies”. The group supports people living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other similar […]
Port Mac Goss: Blake’s Adventures
A 13-YEAR-OLD who needs no introduction, Blake Herbert is fast becoming a local celebrity through his enthusiasm for everything outdoors. For the past six months, Blake, who lives with ADHD and dyslexia, has been a regular feature alongside “Sarge” on Triple M on a Friday morning, telling listeners where and when the fish are biting. […]

‘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 […]
Former cop and PI Drew Lindsay is up to his 46th book
OVER A writing career spanning 15 years, Drew Lindsay has published 46 novels. Drew tinkered with writing short stories and essays prior to embarking on serious novel writing. “My inspiration is an active imagination and wishing to share stories with others.” he told News Of The Area. “I always say, this is the last one […]
Belt from TV series ‘Castaway’ returned to its Bonny Hills maker
The Bonny Hills-made belt gifted to the cast and crew of Castaway. Mike Dodkin and Ross Bennett with the Castaway belt. A LEATHER belt gifted to one of the cast and crew of the ABC TV series “Castaway” has been returned to its maker, Ross Bennett of Bonny Hills. Castaway was a 1974 Australian drama […]

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. FROM backyard tackling battles to crossing the try line in his first ANZAC Day clash, […]
Add Up
Letter to the Editor: A question of sovereignty lost
DEAR News Of The Area, THE growing calls from eminent and expert Australians for an urgent review of the AUKUS strategic defence pact and issues over sovereignty are sadly 50 years too late. The recent US Administration pressing Australia to up our defence spending and make a pre-commitment to engage in conflict with our major […]
Port Macquarie teen boxer takes out tournament win in first bout
WITHOUT a single prior fight under his belt, 16-year-old Harley Rayment made a statement in the boxing world last week at the 2025 Boxing Queensland Open International Golden Gloves tournament in Brisbane. Facing just one opponent due to a late withdrawal, Harley entered a professional boxing ring for the very first time, immediately competing for […]
Small businesses on the Mid North Coast left behind in flood recovery funding
SMALL businesses across the Mid North Coast have been left behind in the wake of the devastating May floods, according to local business leaders who say the NSW Government has failed to deliver critical support. Team Taree (Taree Business Chamber) and the Macleay Business Representative Group are jointly calling on the NSW Premier to act […]