Matt with the Lions Wauchope volunteers. Photo: supplied. Darran from IGA at Wauchope cheers on Matt. Photo: supplied. THE Hastings community turned out in support of cyclist Matt Hockings as he passed through the region on his 1000km charity ride for R U OK? – the charity raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. […]

Endeavour Clubhouse celebrates 10 years of supporting mental health recovery and reducing loneliness in the Hastings
ENDEAVOUR Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse in Port Macquarie is celebrating its 10th year of supporting people living with mental illness. The anniversary coincides with a new report highlighting the urgent need for stronger community-based mental health support. A recent government report on loneliness found that “about 15 percent of people in NSW feel lonely ‘often’, […]
Trivia and Tee-Off fundraiser in Port Macquarie to support Hastings Cancer Trust
Kiran with a HCT funded ECG. Photo: supplied. Patient with a HCT funded Paxman. Photo: supplied. THE Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) nursing team is rallying the community with a new fundraiser for the Hastings Cancer Trust (HCT), on Sunday 12 October. Kirsty Baxter, HCT board member and nurse at the MNCCI in Port […]
Headspace Port Macquarie celebrates $148,000 upgrade to support youth mental health
HEADSPACE Port Macquarie officially unveiled its newly refurbished centre on Monday 8 September, marking a major step forward in providing vital mental health support for young people in the region. The much needed enhancement resulted from $148,000 received under Stream 3 of the Federal Government’s Headspace Demand Management and Enhancement program. It included a reconfiguration […]
Willing & Able Port Macquarie invites locals to get involved
WILLING & Able Port Macquarie is inviting locals to get involved in a range of safe, inclusive and engaging activities that foster connection, skills and personal growth. Groups run Tuesday to Friday each week between 8.30am and 3.30pm, with times varying across different days. Participants can take part in structured group programs or one-on-one support […]
Theatre Bites: HSC drama students from across the Mid North Coast to tread the boards at The Glasshouse
DRAMA students from across the Mid North Coast will gather at The Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Saturday 13 September to perform in “Theatre Bites”. The students have just completed their HSC performance exams. Markers representing NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) travelled to each school to assess performances. Some students chose to submit individual projects […]
Port Macquarie and Wauchope key destinations for R U OK? fundraiser for mental health awareness
CYCLIST Matt Hockings is gearing up for a gruelling challenge to raise awareness and funds for R U OK?, the national suicide prevention charity that inspires people to meaningfully connect with those around them. For R U OK? day on 11 September, Matt will cycle from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie and then back to […]

Port Macquarie Base Hospital ‘deeply grateful’ for Pink Ladies
PORT Macquarie Pink Ladies have donated a total of $17,643.55 in patient comfort items and other equipment to Port Macquarie Base Hospital this year. This includes a blanket warming cabinet and a digital chest drain unit. Mid North Coast Local Health District Corporate Relations Manager Tiffany Ball, said the hospital was “deeply grateful” for the […]

Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker
THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]

Port Macquarie marine rescuer ready to inspire women after international training
Port Macquarie’s Alison Cameron-Brown was one of 15 women from around the world selected for the course. The Deputy Unit Commander took part in exercises off Sydney Heads and around Cottage Point. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW. ALISON Cameron-Brown is returning to Port Macquarie with a raft of new marine rescue skills after completing an elite […]