June 4, 2025
Street count shows surge in homelessness across Port Macquarie LGA Sixty-nine people were sleeping rough in February across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area. Photo: AAP Image/Darren England.
Community, Government

Street count shows surge in homelessness across Port Macquarie LGA

THE NSW Government’s annual street count shows the number of people sleeping rough across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA) has increased over the past 12 months. Sixty-nine people were sleeping rough in February, up from 53 in 2024 and 43 in February 2023. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the increase was […]

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NPWS responds to fears families will lose out if camping fee changes go ahead Local favourite, the Point Plomer campground. Photo: NSW National Parks.
Community, Government

NPWS responds to fears families will lose out if camping fee changes go ahead

WITH the cost-of-living already making holidays inaccessible for many families, there are fears a proposed increase in National Park camping fees is set to deliver another blow. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp says some fees could increase so dramatically that a week-long stay at a national park campground may exceed $600, potentially pricing out local […]

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Port Mac Goss: Reggie D Reggie D at a local shopping centre BBQ with a young fan.
Community

Port Mac Goss: Reggie D

WELCOME to Port Macquarie Goss, a new regular NOTA feature from Dave “Scoop” Lazarus. This week I chatted to Reggie D, a muso, busker, spruiker, BBQ chef and sometimes even a marriage counsellor. Reggie, how long have you lived in Port Macquarie? I arrived on 1 May 1986 and worked my first job at the […]

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A taste of What’s On in Port Macquarie for National Volunteer Week The Friends of Mrs York’s Garden are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to support the Cancer Council Photo: Pauline Cain.
Community

A taste of What’s On in Port Macquarie for National Volunteer Week

THE community’s volunteers are being celebrated during the week starting 19 May, with anyone else leaning towards freely helping others encouraged to join them. National Volunteer Week highlights the important role of volunteers in our community, with this year’s theme “Connecting Communities”. Erin Denham, co-founder of Making A Difference (MAD), stresses the importance of volunteers. […]

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Friends step in for families on special day
Community

Friends step in for families on special day

FAMILIES weren’t the only ones to gather on Mother’s Day to honour the women in their lives. Members of the Port Macquarie Seniors Club also celebrated the occasion in the company of others, with lunch at the Hot Wok Chinese Restaurant. Held annually, the get-together is for members – both women and men – who […]

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Hastings Cancer Trust fundraising events selling out, raising at least $45k Vital equipment purchased from funds raised by the Trust. Photo: The Hastings Cancer Trust.
Community, Health, Regional

Hastings Cancer Trust fundraising events selling out, raising at least $45k

COMMUNITY support for the Hastings Cancer Trust remains strong, with tickets selling fast for two of its annual fundraising events. The High Tea and Fashion Parade, to be held at the Port City Bowling Club on 25 May, reached full capacity with 114 guests securing tickets soon after release. The event is expected to raise […]

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Wrights Road the focus of Dwyer’s maiden speech Rob Dwyer is congratulated by Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman after making his maiden speech in the NSW Parliament.
Community, Government, Regional

Wrights Road the focus of Dwyer’s maiden speech

NEWLY elected Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has used his inaugural speech in Parliament to highlight the growing traffic congestion on the Oxley Highway. Backed by his new colleagues and party leader Mark Speakman, Mr Dwyer said something needed to be done now to fix the huge volume of traffic, particularly between the Wrights […]

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