April 19, 2026
Wauchope and Kempsey high schools among state’s most improved Year 11 and 12 students from Wauchope High visit the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health in Taree. Photo: Wauchope High School.
School

Wauchope and Kempsey high schools among state’s most improved

WAUCHOPE and Kempsey high schools are two of the most improved schools in regional and rural NSW. They were among 45 public high schools recognised for delivering outstanding improvements in Higher School Certificate results. Deputy Premier Prue Car said, “These results show what can be achieved when teachers can focus their time and expertise in […]

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Port ‘tradie’ leading the way for women Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen is part of a growing band of women entering the male-dominated construction industry. Photo: supplied.
School

Port ‘tradie’ leading the way for women

NEW data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in the construction industry. The number of women enrolling in construction trades courses has more than doubled in the five years to 2025, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). Among them is Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen, 19, a promising rugby […]

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Retired teacher speaks out in support of $6.3m preschool The government bunting torn down out the front of Tacking Point Public School last month. Photo: supplied.
Government, School

Retired teacher speaks out in support of $6.3m preschool

SUPPORTERS of a new preschool at Tacking Point Public School (TPPS) have emerged publicly following weeks of tense debate about the $6.3 million project. Philip von Shoenberg, a retired teacher who lives near the school on Bangalay Drive, has expressed his strong support for the State Government’s plan to build a free public preschool on […]

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CSU study reveals the ‘ecosystem’ feeding on great whites
National, School

CSU study reveals the ‘ecosystem’ feeding on great whites

A WORLD-FIRST study by Charles Sturt University (CSU) has identified an ecosystem of parasites inside great white sharks. The global study by researchers in CSU’s School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, and the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture Water and Environment, found evidence of at least 116 parasites inside the apex predator. Professor in Veterinary […]

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Birpai custodians urge rethink of Tacking Point preschool over Country, children and Guula Birpai man Mat Rumble says consultation over the proposed Tacking Point preschool has been disrespectful to Country. Photo: @Matt Taylor - Journalist/FB.
School

Birpai custodians urge rethink of Tacking Point preschool over Country, children and Guula

TRADITIONAL custodians have joined growing community opposition to the NSW Government’s proposed preschool at Tacking Point Public School, describing the consultation process as “tokenistic” and disrespectful to Country. Proud Birpai man Mat Rumble, speaking on behalf of himself and senior Birpai Elder Aunty Rhonda, said Aboriginal concerns about the project were “not heard” by the […]

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Koalas, kids in tears and 1000 signatures: community demands pause on Tacking Point preschool These parents and students of Tacking Point PS are opposed to the preschool - mostly on environmental grounds. Photo: Matt Taylor
Community, School

Koalas, kids in tears and 1000 signatures: community demands pause on Tacking Point preschool

These parents and students of Tacking Point PS are opposed to the preschool – mostly on environmental grounds. Photo: Matt Taylor A koala in one of the trees at the Tacking Point school site last week. Photo: Matt Taylor. Another koala in the school grounds last week. Photo: Matt Taylor. One of the five koalas […]

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Careers advisor says HSC results do not define long term success Senior students at Heritage Christian College. Photo: HCC.
School

Careers advisor says HSC results do not define long term success

WITH Year 12 students having received their HSC results on Thursday 18 December, a local careers advisor said it’s an important time to remind students that final scores don’t determine long term success. Heritage Christian School Careers Advisor Liza Hone said results represent one step, not an end point. “Your result isn’t everything. “If you […]

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Addison Lunn takes out Young Women in Leadership Award
School

Addison Lunn takes out Young Women in Leadership Award

Addison Lunn. Addison Lunn and Charlotte Gillespie. ADDISON Lunn is the 2025 winner of the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie’s Young Women in Leadership Award. The year 12 student from Hastings Secondary College was presented with her award and $500 prize money at a recent dinner with club members. “Addi has shown leadership qualities from […]

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Applications now open for 2026 Youth Parliament Program Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, create Youth Bills on issues for change, and have their voices and recommendations heard by Members of Parliament.
Community, School

Applications now open for 2026 Youth Parliament Program

THE Y NSW is calling for passionate young people from across the state to apply for the 2026 Youth Parliament program, now open to students in Years 10 to 12 across NSW. Operated for over 20 years by the Y NSW (formerly YMCA), Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to debate in NSW Parliament, […]

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