The cruel taunt left behind by the memorial vandal. Photo: supplied. Kenn Brown with his late son Andrew. Photo: supplied. The Brown family’s plaques, before they were removed by vandals. Photo: supplied. IN what many are calling “disgusting”, “distressing”, and “downright disrespectful”, vandals have left a Port Macquarie family heartbroken after a memorial seat honouring […]

TOURISM operators across the Mid North Coast are encouraged to put themselves forward for one of the industry’s highest honours, with nominations now open for the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards. This year marks a new era for the awards program, which has undergone a national review to streamline the entry process. With new categories, simplified […]

Richelle and Susan served up democracy sausages near the PCYC. All photos: Bill Harrow. Voter Judy Campbell was impressed by the PCYC. Richelle and Susan served up democracy sausages near the PCYC. Arriving to join the queue to vote. New locals Ros Winchester and David Lawrence. Sausage king, Andrew. Sarah, Tracey, Brian and William raised […]

A PROPOSAL to investigate drainage options at Tuffins Lane sports fields has sparked debate at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, with councillors split over whether to commit $500,000 for an environmental assessment and development application. At the 17 April meeting, Council voted 6-3 to consider funding the works in a future Operational Plan or Long-Term Financial Plan. […]

The Port Macquarie News Of The Area team: (L-R back row) Sue Stephenson, Luke Hadfield, Rikki Waller, Sis Higgins, Group Editor Douglas Connor, (front row) Bill Harrow, Lilly McCloskey, Client Account Manager Chan Ansell and Pauline Cain. News Of The Area Group Editor Douglas Connor and Client Account Manager Chantelle Ansell. The family behind News […]

  Curator Debbie Sommers and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer following the museum’s recent Tourism Awards win. Photo: supplied.   The opening of the Port Macquarie Museum in 1960. Photo: supplied.   The Conservation Management Strategy shows how the ‘Store’ building has changed since 1836. Image: supplied.   THE accolades keep coming for the Port […]

A NEW map and app have been launched to guide drivers on a tour of Port Macquarie’s history – from colonial settlement through to the mid-1900s. Created by the Port Macquarie Museum, the Historic Places Guide features iconic landmarks and hidden gems and complements the existing Heritage Walk, which focuses on convict-era sites around the […]

Students play the roles of Jesus and Simon of Cyrene, who helped Christ carry the cross. Photos: Pauline Cain.   ST AGNES’ Catholic Parish chose Oxley Beach as the place to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday morning, the holiest of days in the Christian calendar. “Good Friday” comes from the word […]

MORE than 20 Laurieton Public School (LPS) students have stepped into leadership roles in 2025, including as School, Vice, Sporting and House captains. Nine students have joined the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC). School Captains Felix and Maya, and Vice Captains Ivy and Kiera, chatted to NOTA about leadership. “We are all very proud to […]

NURSING ranks across the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) have received a much-needed boost. Around 100 graduates have started working in public health facilities and hospitals between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. As part of the GradStart program, they will rotate through all clinical areas including emergency departments, acute hospital services, maternity services, […]