A Comb-crested Jacana at home in the Cattai Wetlands. Photo: MidCoast Council.
ONE of the Myall Coast’s most valued natural attractions, the Cattai Wetlands and its iconic boardwalk network, has reopened following an extended closure brought about by significant damage during the May 2025 flood event. Following the successful completion of repair works, the boardwalks are now safe and accessible, allowing residents and visitors to once again […]
Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock announces the decision to increase the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent. Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP Image.
MORTGAGE holders, home buyers and businesses that rely on discretionary spending are among those expected to feel the effects of this week’s Reserve Bank decision. The RBA increased the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6 per cent on Tuesday. While the decision was made for the national economy, its effects will be felt […]
PORT Macquarie teenager Hunter Davis was among 150 students from across Australia chosen for this year’s National Youth Parliament. He was selected from nearly 3000 applicants, representing the federal electorate of Cowper in an immersive five-day program that included simulated parliamentary debates, hands-on learning experiences, and workshops with parliamentary leaders. A MacKillop College student, Davis […]
Member for Port Stephens, Rob Dwyer.
PORT Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer has thrown his voice behind the push to introduce tougher penalties for serious offences committed by youth. Mr Dwyer, a member of the Liberal Party, is calling for reforms that would see sentences that “reflect community expectations” in line with the catchcry: “Adult Crime, Adult Time laws”. “The face of […]
NEW data shows thousands more alleged offenders, including domestic violence perpetrators, are coming before the courts. The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows legal action for domestic violence offences rose by more than 14 per cent in the two years to June. This equates to an additional 6,128 defendants appearing before a […]
Additional funding will allow the RFDS to do more for regional, rural and remote communities. Photo: RFDS.
THE NSW government is investing $15 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to continue providing its lifesaving services across NSW. Part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the funding will enable the RFDS to deliver primary health care, dental and mental health services, retrievals, and patient and clinician transport in regional, rural and […]
Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan sits with members of the crossbench as he crosses the floor during a division on the Gambling Reform Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Image.
COWPER MP Pat Conaghan crossed the floor in the Federal House of representatives for the first time in his parliamentary career on Tuesday, 18 August, to vote against watered-down legislation governing gambling advertising. Mr Conaghan said he did not believe the legislation adequately considered the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary […]
Should the pool reach construction stage it would be the first ocean pool constructed in Australia in more than 50 years. Image: Magnific.
SINCE the 1970s a dedicated group of locals have been lobbying for an ocean pool at Port Macquarie, with an official Ocean Pool Committee forming in 2016. Recently a major hurdle was cleared after the pool reached strategic merit approval to advance through the NSW statutory planning. However, there is a growing and vocal group […]
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign to be held from 25 November to 10 December. Photo: Canva.
COMMUNITY organisations across the Port Macquarie electorate are being encouraged to apply for funding to deliver projects that help prevent gender-based violence, with grants of up to $5,000 now available through the NSW Government’s 2026 16 Days of Activism Grant Program. The program offers a share of $100,000 for grassroots initiatives that will be delivered […]
Caroline Micallef with her late son Bailey Jones. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. Bailey’s rock at the Port Macquarie breakwall. Photo: Supplied by Caroline Micallef. IN December of 2022, 18-year-old Bailey Jones had his whole life ahead of him. He had goals of becoming a welder, and was on the cusp of falling in love […]
