July 21, 2026
New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group
Business, Regional

New editor for News Of The Area newspaper group

Freckles, the sick little bird who grew up and identified as a homing pigeon, with his rescuer. Photo: Angus Cheetham. News Of The Area media group owner Michael Wright. EVE Nesmith has been named Editor of News Of The Area, the family-owned independent local newspaper group. The News Of The Area (NOTA) media group publishes […]

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CSU Port Macquarie professor leads research revealing rising discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in regional Australia LGBTQ+ adults living in rural and regional Australia, found more than 40 percent of respondents had experienced discrimination. Photo: news.csu.edu.au.
Health, Regional

CSU Port Macquarie professor leads research revealing rising discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in regional Australia

REGIONAL Australians who identify as LGBTQ+ are reporting growing levels of discrimination, with new research led by Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics revealing many people still do not feel safe being themselves in country communities. Professor Suzanne McLaren, from CSU’s School of Psychology in Port Macquarie, co-led the second Regional Rainbow Survey alongside Associate Professor […]

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East coast NSW councils encourage residents to take the Plastic Free July pledge Council encourages the community to get involved in the Plastic Free July pledge. Photo: @pmhcouncil.
Regional

East coast NSW councils encourage residents to take the Plastic Free July pledge

THOUSANDS of Australians are being encouraged to make one simple change this month by taking the Plastic Free July pledge. Councils along the east coast of New South Wales are supporting the global campaign, encouraging residents to refuse just one unnecessary plastic item during July and help reduce plastic waste in their communities. The Plastic […]

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Council expresses disappointment with the 2026–27 NSW Budget Council will continue advocating for funding for local projects. Photo: supplied.
Government, Regional

Council expresses disappointment with the 2026–27 NSW Budget

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council remains focused on delivering more than $200 million in infrastructure projects after adopting its operational plan, despite missing out on funding for several key priorities in the 2026–27 NSW Budget. General manager Robert Fish said council’s recently adopted budget included one of the largest capital works programs ever undertaken by the organisation. […]

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Kudos for Port Macquarie and wider Mid North Coast tourism operators Port Macquarie’s Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats is named a finalist in the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. Photo: Lindsay Moller.
Business, Regional

Kudos for Port Macquarie and wider Mid North Coast tourism operators

SEVERAL Port Macquarie and Hastings tourism operators have been recognised among the finalists in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, highlighting the region’s strength as a visitor destination. Presented by NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast, the awards celebrate businesses, experiences and organisations delivering exceptional visitor experiences while contributing to the growth of […]

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Business Port Macquarie celebrates teamwork behind successful 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Event-goers were entertained throughout the night by performers and musicians. Photo: Lucy Humphries.
Business, Regional

Business Port Macquarie celebrates teamwork behind successful 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards

Business Port Macquarie president Peter Jones addresses the room. Photo: Lucy Humphries. Event-goers were entertained throughout the night by performers and musicians. Photo: Lucy Humphries. THE success of the 2026 Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards was measured by more than trophies and accolades, according to Business Port Macquarie executive officer Kylie Morris. Following […]

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Thousands of new books delivered to local schools by Westport Club and Dymocks Children’s Charities Long Flat Primary School students after receiving their books.
Regional, School

Thousands of new books delivered to local schools by Westport Club and Dymocks Children’s Charities

Local Comboyne Donkey enjoying ‘The Bear Who Went Boo!’ book by David Walliams. Photos: Supplied. Comboyne Primary School students with Principal Darren Isaacs and Angie Hazelton-Kelly. Long Flat Primary School students after receiving their books. MORE than 3000 new books were provided to local schools during the past week through the Library Regeneration Program and […]

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Fire and Rescue NSW launches Winter Fire Safety campaign with free home visits and Bunnings outreach Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms this winter. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Government, Regional

Fire and Rescue NSW launches Winter Fire Safety campaign with free home visits and Bunnings outreach

WINTER fire safety advice will be served alongside sausage sandwiches at Bunnings stores across New South Wales this month as firefighters launch a campaign aimed at reducing house fires and saving lives. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews will visit Bunnings stores throughout June to promote free home fire safety visits and encourage residents to […]

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