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 […]
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Dr Kristy Kostalas
HAVING practiced medicine for more than 15 years, Dr Kristy Kostalas maintains a burning passion for giving back and building community. A working general practitioner (GP), Kristy is also the founding doctor of Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic. Kristy told News Of The Area it wasn’t until she moved to Port Macquarie that she discovered the […]
Bird Rock background: 45 years of honouring lost mates
AS heavy rain continues to wreak havoc up and down the coast, the surf community is calling upon Huey to deliver the goods for this weekend’s 45th Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic. At 6pm on Friday, surfers, families and friends will firstly gather at the Bird Rock memorial at Town Beach Headland to honour the […]
Coastal Crafters to host Biggest Morning Tea in Port Macquarie
MEMBERS of the Port Macquarie Seniors Club will be putting the kettle on for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on 24 May. Hosted by The Coastal Crafters, the event is to support the national Cancer Council in its quest to raise funds for those impacted by cancer. Starting at 10am at The Senior Citizens Hall at […]
Rainbow Beach to host the annual Bird Rock Memorial Classic on 17 May
THE Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic is on again this weekend, Saturday 17 May, to remember all past surfers. The competition is to be held at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills. Among the prizes will be a board shaped by Scott Wylie and glassed by Tony from Spade Surfboards. There will be two competitions running side […]

Event and community funding announced
PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has allocated almost $75,000 to local organisations through its Major Events and Community Grants programs. “These grants reflect our commitment to supporting the people and organisations who enrich our communities, promote cultural expression, and contribute to our growing local economy,” Mayor Adam Roberts said. “By supporting both grassroots initiatives and large-scale events, […]
Like-minded community members invited to ‘Discover Zonta’
Margaret Bateman and member Evelyn promoting Zonta’s mission in the Town Square. Photo: supplied. Elaine Schofield (R) presents a 30-year service award to Joy Whiting. Photo: supplied. The preparation and global distribution of Birthing Kits is a Zonta initiative. Photo: supplied. THE Zonta Club of Port Macquarie is inviting like-minded community members and organisations to […]