DEAR News Of The Area, OF concern in the recent federal election was a “swing” towards informal voting, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) reporting a national average of 5.55 percent ballot papers that could not be counted. Within the electorates of Cowper and Page, the AEC’s corresponding local figures were 9.03 percent and 9.15 […]
DEAR Jasminda, WE are organising a large birthday function and there are relatives that don’t get along with each other. How do we ensure no one feels left out while still making it an enjoyable experience for everyone? Harriet P. Dear Harriet, If your large family events traditionally look like an episode of Dr Phil, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
