July 16, 2025
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Photo: DPI.
Local News

Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads

FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads last week. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland. On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature […]

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Regional buses get real-time travel technology Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information.
Local News

Regional buses get real-time travel technology

Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information. All buses are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology. FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices. All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional […]

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Affinity Education moves to reassure parents amid fallout from Victorian worker arrest Affinity Education Group has come under fire following the arrest of a childcare worker in Victoria. Photo: Affinity Education Group website.
Local News

Affinity Education moves to reassure parents amid fallout from Victorian worker arrest

EVERY morning, hundreds of families across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region drop their children off at a registered childcare centre. With a kiss on the forehead and a hug goodbye, they expect them to be fed, educated, and cared for. But above all else, they expect them to be safe. Following the arrest of a male […]

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Police seek public help to locate missing Mid North Coast teen
Local News

Police seek public help to locate missing Mid North Coast teen

NSW POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate 16-year-old Shantana Cowan, who has been reported missing from the Mid North Coast. Shantana was last seen in the West Kempsey area on Sunday, 25 May 2025. When she could not be located or contacted, officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were notified […]

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Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests The Pyrmont Bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber.
Local News

Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests

HERITAGE timber bridge restoration experts from Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Broockmann Water Advisory have visited the North Coast for a guided tour of native hardwood production forests. The tour, facilitated by the Forestry Corporation of NSW’s (FCNSW) Sales and Planning teams, offered an opportunity for the NSW Government’s bridge team to see first-hand […]

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Category D support for primary producers A rally in Taree calls for Category D funding to be announced.
Local News

Category D support for primary producers

ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025. This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW […]

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Port Macquarie resident’s distress at noise from shooting complex on Lady Nelson Drive Hastings Valley Hunting Club, located within the shooting complex. Photo: Hastings Valley Hunting Club Inc. website.
Local News

Port Macquarie resident’s distress at noise from shooting complex on Lady Nelson Drive

FROM the minute she wakes up, Port Macquarie local Gillian Spence is anxious – with the sounds of gunfire ringing close by. She jumps at every bang, the noise increases her heart rate, and she is constantly reminded of the atrocities going on in the world right now. But instead of being in the Middle […]

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Grants up for grabs to boost community projects Hastings Valley Archery Club, a potential contender for a grant.
Local News

Grants up for grabs to boost community projects

NOT-FOR-PROFITS schools and councils are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, which is now open and offering between $50,000 and $300,000 to fund community-focused projects. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund is an excellent opportunity to secure funding for projects that make a lasting impact […]

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NSW residents urged to purchase firewood collection authorisations this winter
Local News

NSW residents urged to purchase firewood collection authorisations this winter

FORESTRY Corporation is reminding residents to purchase firewood authorisations before collecting wood from State forests. Recent updates have been made to Forestry Corporation’s online firewood permit page. The conditions for firewood collection have also been updated and should be understood prior to entering State forests. The system now distinguishes some locations between pine and native […]

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Steve Brbich ready for dance challenge to raise money for Cancer Council Steve Brbich all suited-up ahead of this year’s Stars of the Hastings. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Steve Brbich ready for dance challenge to raise money for Cancer Council

“JUST give it a go,” is Steve Brbich’s message as he prepares to take to the dancefloor in this year’s Cancer Council Stars of the Hastings. With seven to eight weeks left of training with his partner from Coastal Performing Arts Studio, Steve’s Bruno Mars-inspired Funk Jazz number is not something that comes naturally. “Dance […]

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