January 19, 2026
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Sheryl Barnett
Community

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Sheryl Barnett

SHERYL Barnett has long been a driving force in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie communities. Her passion for helping others extends far beyond her professional work, focusing especially on supporting women facing breast cancer. “Being involved in the local community helped others as well as my own work,” Sheryl said. . “Plus, there’s such […]

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Celebrating Port Macquarie’s carers
Community

Celebrating Port Macquarie’s carers

SEVENTEEN years ago, Michelle and Steven Hedger moved from Sydney to Port Macquarie in search of a better life for their family, especially their daughter Demi. Now a 30-year-old woman Demi has an intellectual disability and lives full time with her parents, who celebrated 36 years of marriage this year. They love how welcoming and […]

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Port Macquarie men’s group celebrates major milestone John Chandler and John Crisp at the Breakwall .
Community, Health

Port Macquarie men’s group celebrates major milestone

JOHN Crisp is not ashamed of his past and will openly talk about his experiences with homelessness, mental health challenges and addiction. With 33 years of sobriety under his belt, he is an advocate for all aspects of men’s health, and as a peer support worker the Port Macquarie resident spends many hours a week […]

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Disabled Surfers Association holds surfing events at Flynns Beach Chris Gaunt at Flynn’s Beach.
Community

Disabled Surfers Association holds surfing events at Flynns Beach

DAVE Hancock was involved in the Rural Fire Service for many years, but when he moved to Pappinburra he decided he’d like a new challenge. He has always loved the beach, so he joined the Disabled Surfers Association (DSA). For the last 15 years he has helped the community enjoy the ocean at Flynn’s Beach. […]

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Port Macquarie Surf Club’s lifesaver on wheels Michael Lord is part of the action on Flynns Beach.
Community

Port Macquarie Surf Club’s lifesaver on wheels

DURING his younger years Michael Lord enjoyed participating in Surf Lifesaving, now as a 69-year-old he is back in the red and yellow at Flynns Beach. The difference is he has been a full-time power wheelchair user for the last six years. In 2024 Michael contacted the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club and enquired […]

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Crime Stoppers and NSW Police are encouraging the community to continue reporting criminal activity Contact Crime Stoppers to report criminal activity. Photo: crimestoppersact.com.au.
Community, Police

Crime Stoppers and NSW Police are encouraging the community to continue reporting criminal activity

CRIME Stoppers and NSW Police are urging the community to continue to speak up and report crime. This encouragement follows News Of The Area’s report last week about an apparent increase in youth crime in Wauchope. Residents say there has been a lack of police action in response to their multiple calls. Crime Stoppers and […]

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Broken Bago RSL Day Club connecting the community through adventure, exercise and good old-fashioned friendship Club members, together with volunteer driver Scott, ready to board the Wauchope RSL Courtesy Bus to Kempsey. Photo: supplied.
Community

Broken Bago RSL Day Club connecting the community through adventure, exercise and good old-fashioned friendship

MEMBERS of the Broken Bago RSL Day Club hopped aboard the Wauchope RSL Courtesy Bus on Thursday 25 September to enjoy a wonderful outing to Kempsey. Starting their day off with a visit to the Anglican Op Shop, where a bargain is always waiting, members took to the main shopping area to browse the shops […]

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