October 20, 2026
Port Macquarie’s Repair Fair celebrates sustainability and new skills Last year’s leathercraft workshop was popular with 2026 Repair Fair patrons. Photo: PMH Council.
Business, Community, Local News, Regional

Port Macquarie’s Repair Fair celebrates sustainability and new skills

Last year’s leathercraft workshop was popular with 2026 Repair Fair patrons. Photo: PMH Council. Craft workshops are among the activities for all ages at the 2026 Repair Fair next month. Photo: PMH Council. The needlecraft workshop drew a crowd at last year’s inaugural Repair Fair. Photo: PMH Council. Around 1500 people attended last year’s Repair […]

Read More
Rate rise puts pressure on households, housing and businesses Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock announces the decision to increase the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent. Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP Image.
Business, Community, Government, Local News, National

Rate rise puts pressure on households, housing and businesses

MORTGAGE holders, home buyers and businesses that rely on discretionary spending are among those expected to feel the effects of this week’s Reserve Bank decision. The RBA increased the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent on Tuesday. While the decision was made for the national economy, its effects will be felt […]

Read More
Birdon, Linked head 2026 Mid North Coast Business Awards winners list Birdon Group was a dual Mid North Coast Business award winner, along with Linked Community Services. Photo: Birdon Group.
Business, Local News, Regional

Birdon, Linked head 2026 Mid North Coast Business Awards winners list

BIRDON has been named the 2026 Mid North Coast Business of the Year, leading a diverse field of winners recognised at this year’s Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards in Coffs Harbour. The global maritime engineering company capped off a successful evening by also receiving the Excellence in Large Business award. The awards celebrated the […]

Read More
Port cafe owner refuses to serve up AI ‘slop’ Andy Hoffman is saying ‘no’ to AI artwork.
Business, Community, Local News, Regional

Port cafe owner refuses to serve up AI ‘slop’

ANDY Hoffman is taking a small but very personal stand against the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). The 44-year-old graphic designer, who also leases and runs the cafe Home at Roto House in Port Macquarie, has banned posters, flyers, and other visual art produced using AI from the cafe’s noticeboard. Hoffman wants to ‘keep it […]

Read More
New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group
Business, Regional

New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group

Freckles, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. News Of The Area media group owner Michael Wright. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor of News Of The Area, the family-owned independent local newspaper group. The News Of The Area (NOTA) media group publishes […]

Read More
Kudos for Port Macquarie and wider Mid North Coast tourism operators Port Macquarie’s Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats is named a finalist in the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. Photo: Lindsay Moller.
Business, Regional

Kudos for Port Macquarie and wider Mid North Coast tourism operators

SEVERAL Port Macquarie and Hastings tourism operators have been recognised among the finalists in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, highlighting the region’s strength as a visitor destination. Presented by NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast, the awards celebrate businesses, experiences and organisations delivering exceptional visitor experiences while contributing to the growth of […]

Read More
Business Port Macquarie celebrates teamwork behind successful 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Event-goers were entertained throughout the night by performers and musicians. Photo: Lucy Humphries.
Business, Regional

Business Port Macquarie celebrates teamwork behind successful 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards

Business Port Macquarie president Peter Jones addresses the room. Photo: Lucy Humphries. Event-goers were entertained throughout the night by performers and musicians. Photo: Lucy Humphries. THE success of the 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards was measured by more than trophies and accolades, according to Business Port Macquarie executive officer Kylie Morris. Following […]

Read More
Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Photo: Tara Moriarty LMC FB.
Business

Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers

THE NSW Government has announced a $15 million investment to extend the AgSkilled program over the next three years. Announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the funding will support the continued delivery of practical, hands-on training across key agricultural sectors including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre. The program is designed to give workers job-ready […]

Read More
Mid North Coast students and experts discuss AI and the future of the workforce St Columba Anglican School students share perspectives to a full house at the Technology Summit. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Business

Mid North Coast students and experts discuss AI and the future of the workforce

AROUND 150 business leaders, industry representatives and technology practitioners from across the Mid North Coast attended a “Future of Business – Technology Summit” in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, 17 March. Hosted by Business NSW at Panthers Port Macquarie, the summit’s primary focus was how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are reshaping education, healthcare and […]

Read More