LOCALS watched in amazement last week as Port Macquarie Marine Rescue crews abandoned a training session to rescue a 50-foot cruiser that had lost power as it crossed the bar into the Hastings River. Engine failure and a strong run-out tide created a precarious situation that saw the skipper of the cruiser drop anchor to […]

Street count shows surge in homelessness across Port Macquarie LGA
THE NSW Government’s annual street count shows the number of people sleeping rough across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA) has increased over the past 12 months. Sixty-nine people were sleeping rough in February, up from 53 in 2024 and 43 in February 2023. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the increase was […]
NPWS responds to fears families will lose out if camping fee changes go ahead
WITH the cost-of-living already making holidays inaccessible for many families, there are fears a proposed increase in National Park camping fees is set to deliver another blow. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp says some fees could increase so dramatically that a week-long stay at a national park campground may exceed $600, potentially pricing out local […]
Timeless Quilters stitching up preparations for biannual exhibition in Port Macquarie
Quilters Carol Feehan and Lorraine Clancy doing Sashiko stitching with Jill Pierce supervising. Photo: supplied. Quilters Vere Gray and Annette Peterson doing some handwork. Photo: supplied TIMELESS Quilters are preparing for their biannual show, to be held at Panthers Auditorium on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May. Behind the scenes, members have been working quietly […]
Port Mac Goss: Reggie D
WELCOME to Port Macquarie Goss, a new regular NOTA feature from Dave “Scoop” Lazarus. This week I chatted to Reggie D, a muso, busker, spruiker, BBQ chef and sometimes even a marriage counsellor. Reggie, how long have you lived in Port Macquarie? I arrived on 1 May 1986 and worked my first job at the […]

A taste of What’s On in Port Macquarie for National Volunteer Week
THE community’s volunteers are being celebrated during the week starting 19 May, with anyone else leaning towards freely helping others encouraged to join them. National Volunteer Week highlights the important role of volunteers in our community, with this year’s theme “Connecting Communities”. Erin Denham, co-founder of Making A Difference (MAD), stresses the importance of volunteers. […]
Friends step in for families on special day
FAMILIES weren’t the only ones to gather on Mother’s Day to honour the women in their lives. Members of the Port Macquarie Seniors Club also celebrated the occasion in the company of others, with lunch at the Hot Wok Chinese Restaurant. Held annually, the get-together is for members – both women and men – who […]
Hastings Cancer Trust fundraising events selling out, raising at least $45k
COMMUNITY support for the Hastings Cancer Trust remains strong, with tickets selling fast for two of its annual fundraising events. The High Tea and Fashion Parade, to be held at the Port City Bowling Club on 25 May, reached full capacity with 114 guests securing tickets soon after release. The event is expected to raise […]

Wrights Road the focus of Dwyer’s maiden speech
NEWLY elected Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has used his inaugural speech in Parliament to highlight the growing traffic congestion on the Oxley Highway. Backed by his new colleagues and party leader Mark Speakman, Mr Dwyer said something needed to be done now to fix the huge volume of traffic, particularly between the Wrights […]
Tribute for the 73 women killed in another year of domestic and family violence in Australia
A rose is placed to honour the women tragically lost to violence. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Stories were shared to honour and remember victims. Photo: supplied by Liberty. Rose tributes on National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day. Photo: supplied by Liberty. A ROSE to honour each of the 73 women who tragically lost their […]