PORT Macquarie and Camden Haven residents are being urged to stay alert as cyber criminals step up efforts to recruit so-called “money mules” through social media, fake job offers and online scams. NGM Group, the parent company of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has reported a 20 percent rise in fraudulent online account openings, with […]
Port Mac Goss: Greg Ballesty
PEOPLE walking along the Hastings River sometimes have cause to look twice when they see a man or woman appearing to fly above the water on a surfboard. It is the result of a new wave of water enthusiasts taking to the region’s waterways on high-tech surf gear called electric hydrofoils (eFoils). eFoiling is a […]
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast takes out Branch of the Year
Executive Committee Members of the Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch. Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club members. Paul Rayner from Tacking Point SLSC with Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald and SLSNSW Director Dr Dean Dudley. SURF lifesavers on the Mid North Coast are celebrating this week after winning five state awards. Almost 600 volunteer […]
Port Dojo remembers Hanshi Kevin Blundell Kaicho
Hanshi Kevin Blundell Kaicho. Photo: supplied THE martial arts community is mourning the loss of Hanshi Kevin Blundell Kaicho, founder of the Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System, who passed away peacefully on Monday 11 August. Hanshi Kevin began his martial arts journey as a young man, pursuing excellence across multiple disciplines and achieving high ranks […]
Man charged with dumping dead cattle in Macleay River
A MAN has been charged with dumping dead cattle in the Macleay River. The 79-year-old is due to return to Kempsey Local Court on Thursday 2 October to face two counts of pollute waters. Police say that between May and August, deceased cattle were observed floating in McCabes Drain – a waterway running through properties […]
Amputee ‘Delungra Nigel’ an ambassador for Guulabaa and koala conservation
‘Delungra Nigel’ in his new ‘digs’. Photos: KCA. Nigel after his rescue. MUCH-LOVED koala amputee “Delungra Nigel” is now a permanent resident of the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa. After months of dedicated care and rehabilitation, he will serve as an ambassador for Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) and for wildlife resilience and conservation […]
Security bodycams to be rolled out at Port Macquarie Base Hospital
SECURITY staff at Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) will wear body worn cameras as part of a 12-month trial to reduce incidents of violence and aggression. The cameras will be activated whenever there is a risk of harm to staff, patients and visitors. In the most serious cases, the footage may be used as evidence. […]
Experienced Mid North Coast fire specialist deploys to Canada
FORESTRY Corporation’s Chris Scollen, a seasoned Crew Leader and Operations Planner, deployed to Canada this week to assist with the nation’s fire containment efforts. Chris, who is based at Taree, has worked with Forestry Corporation for five years and volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service for 25 years. He flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba with […]

From awards night to the frontline of emergency response
JUST hours after receiving one of Rotary’s highest honours for his more than 50 years of dedication, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) member Garry Whitaker was back supporting his community through a significant storm and flooding event. The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and […]
SES springs into action with more wet weather on the way
Port Macquarie SES members were called to secure a severely damaged skylight at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Port Macquarie SES members were called to secure a severely damaged skylight at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Members secured broken windows and damaged roofs, with many homes experiencing a ‘near miss’. Members secured broken windows and damaged roofs, […]