MAL McKinlay is the Mid North Coast’s highly regarded gardening guru who enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge and love of all things horticultural. 2025 marks 40 years of his continuous employment in the field, and his devotion to providing his skills to numerous local community groups and organisations. Garden Clubs of Australia (GCA) […]
COMMUNITY members in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are invited to wear white and join the Liberty Coastal Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on Sunday 30 November. The walk is in support of safer futures for women and children. Hosted by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, this annual event begins at 8am in […]
Port Macquarie’s flash mob crew. Photograph: supplied.
WITH a burst of music and a flood of red t-shirts, Town Beach came alive on Saturday 22 November as part of a series of flash mobs appearing around the country. Led by Rachel Leman of Miss Motivator, 25 mums descended on the local beach with one mission in mind: to highlight the importance of […]
A PARLIAMENTARY committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW. The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions. The Committee will look into issues such as: ● current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and […]
WITH the festive season fast approaching, the 1st Port Macquarie Sea Scouts have launched their popular Christmas Tree fundraiser. The group fundraises throughout the year to cover ongoing running costs and the upkeep of the Scout Hall, but this year’s Christmas tree fundraiser has the additional goal of renovating the hall kitchen. As well as […]
The cake was cut by President Myrna Bristowe, surrounded by founding members and past presidents. Photo: supplied.
The cake was cut by President Myrna Bristowe, surrounded by founding members and past presidents. Photo: supplied. Over 80 pieces of cake, baked and decorated by Myrna’s daughter, Claire Loveday. Photo: supplied. THE Port Macquarie Combined Probus Club is celebrating 20 years of connection, community and good times. Since forming in November […]
Brian Tolagsom, Alison Davey, Lyn Murphy and Barbara Bushe at the 2024 launch of the first edition. Photo: supplied.
FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition. The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026. “The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived […]
The community is encouraged to give the gift of happiness.
DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December. The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years. Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches. Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the […]
Hastings Cancer Trust directors and friends
HASTINGS Cancer Trust (HCT) was formed in 2005 with a goal to mobilise funding and volunteers to assist cancer patients in the region. Administration Co-ordinator Sue Ryan told News Of The Area, “We aim to fund and provide a full spectrum of equipment so that patients can be treated locally instead of travelling long distances […]
The Port Macquarie Pink Ladies.
IF you’ve ever spent time in Port Macquarie Base Hospital, it is likely that you have interacted with one of the “Pink Ladies”. This dedicated group of approximately 70 women and 30 men can be found in almost every ward of the hospital and refer to themselves as ‘gophers’. With one volunteer scheduled on most […]
