May 6, 2026
Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry
Government

Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry

OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry. While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays. The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing […]

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Rainbow Beaches celebrates pride, inclusion and diversity in Port Macquarie An inclusive ‘colour run’ on the sand of Flynns Beach. Photos: SoftCut Studios-Katie Long.
Community

Rainbow Beaches celebrates pride, inclusion and diversity in Port Macquarie

An inclusive ‘colour run’ on the sand of Flynns Beach. Photos: SoftCut Studios-Katie Long. A paddle out celebrated inclusion and diversity. Pride flies high at Flynns Beach. Pride flies high at Flynns Beach. MORE than 200 people gathered across the Valentine’s Day weekend for a vibrant celebration of pride, inclusion and surf lifesaving at Flynns […]

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NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
Government

NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.         Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]

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Newman College opens Sustainable and Future Industries building The new Sustainable and Future Industries building. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Newman College opens Sustainable and Future Industries building

NEWMAN Senior Technical College will officially open its new Sustainable and Future Industries building on Monday, 23 February. The College says it has replaced ageing facilities with contemporary, industry-aligned learning environments designed to prepare students to drive Australia’s economy through to 2035. Principal Mark Nunan said the development demonstrates the College’s commitment to future-focused education. […]

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Measles alert for Mid North Coast after state confirms four new cases NSW Health is advising people to look out for measles symptoms. Photo: Engin Akyurt.
Local News

Measles alert for Mid North Coast after state confirms four new cases

MID North Coast residents are being urged to monitor for the symptoms of measles after NSW Health confirmed four new cases across the state, including one in Coffs Harbour. That person was infectious while visiting the following locations. Sunday, 8 February: Hyde Café at Bellingen from 10.45am to 11.40am. Monday, 9 February: Coffs Harbour Emergency […]

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Letter to the Editor: New leader, same old Liberals
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: New leader, same old Liberals

DEAR News Of The Area, NEW Liberal leader Angus Taylor promises that by returning to Liberal values he will restore our standard of living, protect our way of life and restore the Australian dream of home ownership. In trying to sell this snake oil, he turns a blind eye to the fact that successive Liberal/Nationals […]

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Is romance still alive in Port Macquarie? Florist sees shift in Valentine’s Day trends Stephen Wall and Chloe Rose celebrate their love with the popular red rose. Photo: Charlie Edwards.
Local News

Is romance still alive in Port Macquarie? Florist sees shift in Valentine’s Day trends

FROM classic red roses to native bouquets that last long after 14 February, locals embraced love in all its forms on Valentine’s Day this year. While red roses remained a firm favourite, many customers opted for mixed seasonal bouquets and native arrangements. Studio Verde owner Tilly Edwards told News Of The Area there was a […]

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Flurry of shark alerts off Port Macquarie beaches A sign at the northern end of Shelly Beach showing where the local SMART drumlines are deployed each day. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Flurry of shark alerts off Port Macquarie beaches

A FLURRY of shark activity has been recorded off Port Macquarie beaches this month, with nine separate reports logged in seven days, including the evacuation of swimmers at Town Beach last Monday. The alerts were published through Dorsal Shark Reports – Australia, a national reporting service that compiles information from official government channels, the public, […]

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