DEAR News Of The Area, WHILE we may congratulate Pat [Conaghan] and his Nationals team on their election win, and thank the other candidates – especially Independent Caz Heise and her hard working team, for putting their hands up and at least giving us a choice – it might be worth reflecting on how our […]
The Big Screen
A TWIST on an established horror franchise has been applied to Final Destination: Bloodlines. The original Final Destination was born from a fairly ingenious idea for the genre: a horror film in which Death itself was the “villain”, orchestrating Rube-Goldberg machinations of misfortune that result in suspenseful, grisly deaths. In this latest instalment, college student […]
Letter to the Editor: Federal election remorse
DEAR News Of The Area, NOW that the Federal Election is finally over (thank God) it seems a few are grieving the result, and as a consequence their current thinking, as well as their memories, lack clarity. Mr Williamson in his letter of 9 May 2025 laments the fact that we have elected a lying […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]
Letter to the Editor: A distinct lack of democracy (sausages)
DEAR News Of The Area, WHY am I not surprised? Another election letdown, promises out the window. After voting at my polling station at Lake Cathie I looked around to purchase my democracy sausage, but there were no sausages to be had! What was I to say to my faithful dog, waiting in my car […]
Letter to the Editor: Free press feels the pulse of the community
DEAR News Of The Area, FRIDAY 2 May, and our visit to Port Macquarie brought forth an unexpected surprise in the form of a free masthead! In an age that has seen the rapid demise of regional newspapers it is refreshing that local news continues to meet the needs of a community that relies on […]
Winner
Polling Booth
Legal Hypothetical: Deathbed promise and bank withdrawals
SCOTT, battling cancer, has a prognosis of just 12 months to live. Scott calls his sister, Mary, and asks her to come and live with him as his full-time carer. He tells her that if she does so, he will give her half of his estate when he passes-away. Mary tells Scott that she will […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter. The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year’s resolution are back on the scales. It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy. Do I just give in and give up? Tina P. Dear Tina, […]