LOCAL Land Services (LLS) is encouraging landholders impacted by the recent floods to access the support, services and advice available to help them recover. Andrew Mulligan, Recovery Coordinator for LLS, said recovery is a process, but landholders don’t have to face it alone. “Our team of experts is on hand to assist with advice on […]
Increase in domestic violence, sexual assaults and retail theft, data shows
NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline […]
Leadership competition invites young leaders to life-changing Power Trip in Canberra
YOUNG rural women and non-binary students in Years 10 to 12 from across Australia will have the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Power Trip’ to the nation’s capital. Country to Canberra’s (C2C) prestigious Leadership Competition launched on Monday, opening the door for young rural leaders to embark on a four-day leadership experience designed to help […]

Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks
THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders. Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW’s 895 national parks and reserves. A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free. The pass is […]
Treasurer throws down gauntlet for ‘crucial’ tax reform
THE groundwork has been laid for Australia’s most substantive attempt at tax reform in more than two decades as the treasurer promises to “grasp the nettle” on the thorny issue. Outlining his government’s economic agenda for its second term of parliament, Jim Chalmers threw down the gauntlet to industry, media, civil society and the political […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, WHEN I was in the hairdresser last week, I overheard the woman opposite me tell the hairdresser that she wanted a new style because she was about to leave her husband after 18 years of marriage. On my way out, I took a quick glance at the person in question, and realised, to […]
The Big Screen
ANOTHER week, another long-awaited “legacy sequel” in 28 Years Later, the pseudo-zombie, post-apocalyptic, horror film from director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). As the title implies, it has now been 28 years since the “rage virus” was initially unleashed upon the world, causing those exposed to instantaneously become uncontrollably violent. A small group of survivors living […]
Steve Brbich ready for dance challenge to raise money for Cancer Council
“JUST give it a go,” is Steve Brbich’s message as he prepares to take to the dancefloor in this year’s Cancer Council Stars of the Hastings. With seven to eight weeks left of training with his partner from Coastal Performing Arts Studio, Steve’s Bruno Mars-inspired Funk Jazz number is not something that comes naturally. “Dance […]
Sunsets to inspire snappers ahead of solstice and photography conference
Jesse Green’s photo of Tuesday’s sunset shows why Port Macquarie is a haven for photographers. Matthew Doyle used a drone to capture Tuesday’s sunset from Ascot Park. Photo: Unearthed by Matt. PROFESSIONAL photographers and happy snappers were quick to capture this week’s stunning sunsets across the Hastings Valley. Hues of bright red, orange and purple […]
Oxley Highway reopens but expect delays until November
TfNSW workers stabilise a hillside near Mt Seaview. Photos: TfNSW. Scores of landslips have been cleared since May’s severe weather. Photo: David Heffernan. The Oxley Highway will remain single lane in parts until at least November. Photo: David Heffernan. THE Hasting Valley’s and Camden Haven’s primary connection to the North West and New England has […]