IN March this year, Kerry Baxter reached a turning point. He had been self-medicating with alcohol, and this increased after he lost both of his parents to cancer. Mr Baxter, married with a loving wife and two children, experienced an acute period of crisis. This made him realise he had to make changes. Born in […]
The impacts of domestic violence can have lifelong consequences for children's safety, wellbeing, and development. Photo: Magnific.
THERE’S been an alarming rise in the number of family and domestic violence offences against women and children in Australia. Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed the number of offenders increased by eight per cent in 2024-25, to 97,800 offenders nationally, representing the largest annual increase since national reporting began. The statistics on violence […]
Last year’s leathercraft workshop was popular with 2026 Repair Fair patrons. Photo: PMH Council.
Last year’s leathercraft workshop was popular with 2026 Repair Fair patrons. Photo: PMH Council. Craft workshops are among the activities for all ages at the 2026 Repair Fair next month. Photo: PMH Council. The needlecraft workshop drew a crowd at last year’s inaugural Repair Fair. Photo: PMH Council. Around 1500 people attended last year’s Repair […]
Kelly, a support worker with Mission Australia, and David, from Carer Gateway, at The Glasshouse event. Photo: Pauline Cain. Clarissa Hawkins, left, and carer Carole Hawkins. NATIONAL Carers Week is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the more than three million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. […]
Hastings Secondary College principal Meaghan Cook with HSC students Lachlan Browne and Cameron Carson, and Year 12 Advisor Rory Willaton. Photo: Pauline Cain.
YEAR 12 students across NSW began their Higher School Certificate written examinations this week. Hastings Secondary College students from Port Macquarie campus are sitting their exams at the Salvation Army Hall in Lord Street. After the first English paper, student leaders Lachlan Browne (vice captain) and Cameron Carson (Towns house captain) were quietly confident about […]
Transgrid's bushfire prevention helicopter patrols. Photo: Supplied.
WITH much of Australia bracing for heightened bushfire danger this summer and authorities calling for early preparations for the season ahead, Transgrid has completed its bushfire prevention throughout NSW. Transgrid’s transmission network spans 12,200km and its prevention work included extensive surveys, inspections and preventative maintenance. About half of Transgrid’s annual maintenance expenditure is directed to […]
APPLICATIONS opened this week for a new scholarship program from St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, designed to help local students pursue careers in nursing and early childhood education. ‘Parish Pathways’ will provide eligible students with up to $12,000 over the duration of their degree to help with tuition fees and other study-related expenses. The program is […]
The Mark Hughes Foundation is a past recipient of a Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant. Photo: MHF.
CHARITIES and not-for-profit organisations in regional NSW with inspiring ideas are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through a grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF). This year the NPCF’s annual grassroots grants program has more than $540,000 available to support the health and social wellbeing of communities in regional NSW. The program offers […]
OCTOBER is Bat Appreciation Month, with 1300-1500 species globally representing one-fifth of all mammal species on Earth. Bats are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight, with the Australasian Bat Society recording 81 distinct species across our continent and offshore islands. These are broadly separated into two distinct ecological groups: insectivorous microbats and megabats, […]
A crocheted blanket made by Roz Fraser of North Haven. Photo: Supplied. A knitted jumper made by Lake Cathie’s Joy Pengilly. Photo: Supplied. The scarf designed and made by Kendall’s Debra Parker. Photo: Supplied. THE local show is a highlight of the year for many – especially for those who regularly enter its competitions. The […]
