A POWERFUL symbol of wartime sacrifice and family legacy now soars above shoppers at Gowings Port Central. Owner John Gowing has unveiled a suspended replica of a Sopwith Snipe aircraft in the centre’s atrium, honouring his late father, WWII Royal Air Force pilot Ted Gowing. John, 63, led the project to celebrate his father’s life […]
Aerial inspections to safeguard transmission network
TRANSGRID will be deploying a helicopter across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region this month to inspect high-voltage electricity transmission lines for the network’s annual bushfire prevention program. The comprehensive inspections help identify any potential bushfire risks and assess the condition of towers and transmission lines to ensure the safe operation of the network in the lead-up […]
Locals treated to two stellar phenomena in one night
Sunday’s space junk flying to the right of Watonga Rocks. Photo: Steve Phelps. The magic of Aurora Australs from North Brother Mountain. Photo: Steve Phelps. THE sky came alive on Sunday evening, 1 June, with Port Macquarie locals stopped in their tracks by colourful lights, flashes, and luminous glowing. Leaving a trail […]

Solo sailor saved after losing power near the Hastings Bar
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie secures the yacht and takes its skipper to safety. Photos: Marine Rescue NSW. THE volunteers of Marine Rescue Port Macquarie have had no time to rest in the wake of the recent floods, with a solo sailor the latest to benefit from their skills and swift response. The sailor’s vessel lost […]
Port Macquarie Goss: NSW coach Laurie Daley
AS his side celebrated an important victory in Game One of the State of Origin, NSW coach Laurie Daley’s mind was on the Mid North Coast. “I hope this victory lifts everyone’s spirits,” he said in a Channel 9 interview following the win, sending a “shout out” to all those dealing with the impact of […]
Guulabaa – Place of Koala recognised with international award
Tom Owens, Principal at Gensler Sydney (centre), receiving the ULI Award. Guulabaa – Place of Koala is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre. Photo: FCNSW. GUULABAA – Place of Koala, the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre, has been named a winner of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) […]
‘Harry and Pearl’ to perform latest play in Port and Taree
AN inspirational chat over a cup of coffee led to the formation of the Harry and Pearl Ensemble Theatrical Group. Bill Harrow and Judy Campbell had performed many plays together in “The Night for Murder Group” and for the Players Theatre. The first show they were in was “Get Knitted” and their characters were Harry […]
Local ‘Star of the Hastings’ Madison Wilson calls on community to dig deep
DANCING was never part of Port Macquarie business owner Madison Wilson’s career path, but the multi-award winner and devoted mum of four couldn’t say no to the chance to hit the dance floor to raise much-needed funds for the Cancer Council. Taking part in this year’s Stars of the Hastings fundraiser, you would be forgiven […]
SES volunteer said extent of flooding took his ‘breath away’
The legends of Port Macquarie SES the night before the flood hit. The indoor basketball stadium had been set up as accommodation for rescue services. Photo: NSW Fire and Rescue The combined efforts of local and out of area rescue personnel in the wake of the region’s inundation. The combined efforts […]
‘Cheers Queers’ group calls for community’s support during Pride Month
WITH Pride Month just days away, the team from “Cheers Queers” is inviting the community along to Stick Bar on 5 June for “Beers 4 Queers” – an inclusive event to celebrate the month ahead. Organisers Mark and Abbey stress that the event is open to everyone wanting to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s […]