March 5, 2026
Committee to investigate service delivery in regional NSW
Community

Committee to investigate service delivery in regional NSW

A PARLIAMENTARY committee has launched an inquiry into the delivery of government-funded services in regional NSW. The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development will investigate the “oversight, management and accountability of service provision” in the state’s regions. The Committee will look into issues such as: ● current performance measurements, accountability mechanisms, monitoring metrics, and […]

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Sea Scouts launch popular Christmas Tree fundraiser
Community

Sea Scouts launch popular Christmas Tree fundraiser

WITH the festive season fast approaching, the 1st Port Macquarie Sea Scouts have launched their popular Christmas Tree fundraiser. The group fundraises throughout the year to cover ongoing running costs and the upkeep of the Scout Hall, but this year’s Christmas tree fundraiser has the additional goal of renovating the hall kitchen. As well as […]

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Port Macquarie Combined Probus celebrates 20 years of community, connection and active membership The cake was cut by President Myrna Bristowe, surrounded by founding members and past presidents. Photo: supplied.
Community

Port Macquarie Combined Probus celebrates 20 years of community, connection and active membership

  The cake was cut by President Myrna Bristowe, surrounded by founding members and past presidents. Photo: supplied.   Over 80 pieces of cake, baked and decorated by Myrna’s daughter, Claire Loveday. Photo: supplied.   THE Port Macquarie Combined Probus Club is celebrating 20 years of connection, community and good times. Since forming in November […]

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Stories of dementia resilience wanted for second edition of ‘Unforgettable Voices’ Brian Tolagsom, Alison Davey, Lyn Murphy and Barbara Bushe at the 2024 launch of the first edition. Photo: supplied.
Community

Stories of dementia resilience wanted for second edition of ‘Unforgettable Voices’

FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition. The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026. “The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived […]

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Salvation Army accepting donations to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal The community is encouraged to give the gift of happiness.
Community

Salvation Army accepting donations to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal

DONATIONS for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive Appeal are now being accepted at Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank branches until 12 December. The joint appeal has supported local families for nearly 40 years. Last year the community donated a record 7500 gifts through the branches. Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel said the […]

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Hastings Cancer Trust join country music fundraiser at Kew Hastings Cancer Trust directors and friends
Community, Health

Hastings Cancer Trust join country music fundraiser at Kew

HASTINGS Cancer Trust (HCT) was formed in 2005 with a goal to mobilise funding and volunteers to assist cancer patients in the region. Administration Co-ordinator Sue Ryan told News Of The Area, “We aim to fund and provide a full spectrum of equipment so that patients can be treated locally instead of travelling long distances […]

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‘Amazing’ Pink Ladies launch Christmas fundraiser The Port Macquarie Pink Ladies.
Community, Health

‘Amazing’ Pink Ladies launch Christmas fundraiser

IF you’ve ever spent time in Port Macquarie Base Hospital, it is likely that you have interacted with one of the “Pink Ladies”. This dedicated group of approximately 70 women and 30 men can be found in almost every ward of the hospital and refer to themselves as ‘gophers’. With one volunteer scheduled on most […]

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Citizen scientists recording the Coffs Coast’s frogs for FrogID Week Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID Dr Jodi Rowley.
Community

Citizen scientists recording the Coffs Coast’s frogs for FrogID Week

THE Australian Museum’s FrogID Week is on, finishing at midnight on Sunday 16 November. Australia’s biggest citizen science project and the world’s biggest frog count, FrogID Week encourages the public to make a meaningful contribution to scientific understanding of the world. The free FrogID app enables anyone with a smartphone to record different frog species […]

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