The Stone family: Brooke Rayner-Stone (and son Hugo), Blake, Mark and Danena. Photo: supplied. Billabong Zoo Koala Keeper Kelsie Redman was named ‘Employee of the Year’ Photo: supplied. PORT Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo achieved outstanding recognition at the 2025 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards on Friday night, taking out four major categories and receiving a […]

THE release of the “National Climate Risk Assessment” (NCRA) earlier this week has alarmed climate groups around the country. The assessment analyses 11 priority risks under three scenarios of 1.5°C, 2°C and 3°C warming. The 3°C warming by 2090 scenario includes warnings that heat-related deaths will rise by 444 percent in Sydney and 423 percent […]

GUMBAYNGGIRR woman Dr Julie Ballangarry has been named a 2025 Churchill Fellow. The Mid North Coast scholar and educator is committed to Reconciliation and said she was inspired by her first role model, Uncle Kevin “Porky” Ballangarry of Bowraville. “[He was] a strong Aboriginal man, proud of who we are and where we come from,” […]

Celebrations as the ribbon is cut officially opening the D5 section. Penny Small, surrounded by other Beach to Beach Committee members, addresses attendees. COMMUNITY members and dignitaries gathered in Dunbogan last week to celebrate the official opening of the D5 section of the Beach-to-Beach Shared Path. The newly completed section features 240 metres of boardwalk, […]

THE Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre (PMACC) has received a lifesaving boost, with two new defibrillators purchased through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, joined members of the Centre this week to celebrate the $2500 grant and tour the vibrant creative hub. Newly appointed President Kevin Carmody said […]

BUSHFIRE Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) have spoken out following the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA). The group is urging the Albanese Government to set a 2035 climate target strong enough to save lives. They are also calling for coal and gas corporations to pay a climate pollution levy to fund the […]

Locals support the rally in Port Macquarie. Photo: Sis Higgins. Kidney Kar Rally participants. Photo: Facebook THE Kidney Kar Rally rolled into town on Tuesday 9 September, raising vital funds for children living with kidney disease and youth health programs. For the first time, Car Lovers Port Macquarie took part in the event, fielding a […]

BRAVEHEARTS Day is on Friday, 12 September, during National Child Protection Week. Bravehearts is an Australian child protection organisation, solely dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Here in Port Macquarie, there is a very active committee headed by Jenny Watts. Jenny and her wonderful group of volunteers are passionate about making […]

TENDER Funerals Mid North Coast has received a $70,000 funding boost from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF), strengthening its mission to provide affordable and community-centred funeral services. The Wauchope based not-for-profit supports socially disadvantaged individuals and marginalised groups by offering transparency, choice and dignity in after-death care. General Manager Samuel Clowes said the support […]

PORT Macquarie readers have a rare opportunity to meet two of Australia’s most respected journalists and authors when Michael Brissenden and Paul Daley visit Collins Bookstore in Clarence Street on Wednesday, 17 September. Brissenden, a Walkley Award-winning political reporter and author, and Daley, an acclaimed columnist and author, are embarking on a joint tour to […]