Contemporary dancers Bejae Ingate and Steph Maddren. Photo: supplied. Tim Maddren and Mat Brooker tell the story of ‘The Man From Snowy River. Photo: supplied. THE crew from Got Ya Back Productions is weaving their way through Banjo Paterson country this week, as they begin a NSW run of their theatrical production, “BANJO”.  The musical […]

AUSTRALIA’S childcare workers are on “ick” alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns. A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nation’s early childhood education and care system. It […]

THE dedicated team of volunteers at Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie have been busily preparing for their biggest fundraising event of the year, a trivia night at the Settlers Inn Hotel on Saturday 14 March. Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing “wishes” for Australian children with critical illnesses since 1985. The community is being encouraged to support this […]

INDIGENOUS creatives across the Mid North Coast are being encouraged to apply for the fourth annual Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications now open for the 2026 program. The initiative offers meaningful financial backing and professional mentorship, creating a pathway for Indigenous creatives to develop their work and confidence while remaining connected to culture and community. […]

TEACHERS and support staff at Wauchope High School recently welcomed Karen Noble as their new principal. Ms Noble’s most recent role was Relieving Principal at Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus. She began her teaching career at Rolland Hassall School in Chester Hill, Sydney, where she worked with students with diverse and complex learning needs. The […]

Leah Doeland at the Port Central concierge desk where yarn packs can be collected. Photo: supplied. The Murray Street Yarn Bomb was for ArtWalk 2023. Photo: Pauline Cain. PORT Macquarie’s yarnies are being called upon to join a community Yarn Bomb project.  In partnership with Port Central Shopping Centre and ArtWalk Port Macquarie, the aim […]

MEMBERS of the University of the Third Age (U3A) Port Macquarie Hastings branch returned to the classroom on Monday, 2 February, as classes for the new year officially began at its Lochinvar Place campus. There was a buzz of activity as members signed in, reconnected with friends and welcomed new faces, embracing the organisation’s motto, […]

Glasshouse Gallery Curator Bridget Purtill, Councillor Danielle Maltman and Port Macquarie artist Kay Thurston with her artwork, ‘Tranquil Retreat’. Photo: Pauline Cain. The crowd at the opening of the Northern Exposure exhibition. Photo: Pauline Cain. THE Northern Exposure exhibition officially opened to a capacity crowd at The Glasshouse Gallery on Saturday, 30 January, in support […]

SELECT 2026, the theatre program for The Glasshouse, launched its season on Thursday, 29 January to a full house. MC and comedian Bob Downe, resplendent in a gold glitter tracksuit, welcomed and warmed-up the 400-strong crowd, setting the tone for a warm and engaging night. Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said The Glasshouse is now […]

Stephanie Dun, Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus. Molly Bridle, MacKillop College. Will Corrigan, St Columba Anglican School. Dominic Matheso, St Joseph’s Regional College. Photos: supplied. FOUR local HSC music graduates have been selected to perform their examination pieces at the annual Bravissimo showcase at The Glasshouse on Tuesday, 17 February.   The not-for-profit event celebrating […]