Council’s Group Manager for Utilities Planning and Design, Cameron Hawkins. Cameron Hawkins during his time serving with the ADF. PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) is hosting a Veterans Information Session, featuring representatives from the NSW Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA), TAFE NSW and RSL. The session will be held on Monday 28 July from 4:00-6:30pm […]
Dry July fundraiser now in full swing
TUESDAY 1 July saw the annual Dry July fundraiser kick-off with individuals and teams committing to going alcohol-free for the month to raise funds for people affected by cancer. The funds provide services for cancer patients, their families and carers, whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to […]

Chronic pain research project starts across the North Coast
RESEARCHERS at the University Centre for Northern Rivers (UCRH) spent two days training 20 local physiotherapists to deliver integrated care treatments for people suffering from hip and knee pain, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. The training marks the first step in a four year research project that will run in the physiotherapy departments of […]
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
WHEN Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. “Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge […]

Health district awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership
Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer Reg Craig with Aboriginal Health Practitioner Laurie Clay accepting the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare award for the Hastings Aboriginal Diabetes Education Service. NSW Health Chief Experience Officer Anne-Marie Hadley with Tara O’Brien and Zoe Chaffer from the Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Service who won the Transforming the Patient Experience Award. MNCLHD […]
SES helps nurse deliver lifesaving chemo to flood isolated patient
PORT Macquarie-based cancer nurse Helen Adair delivered vital chemotherapy to a Crescent Head resident on Wednesday 28 May, thanks to the quick response of the State Emergency Service (SES). Helen is a registered nurse with chemo@home and needed to reach her patient Christopher Dockrill, to administer his scheduled chemotherapy infusion for multiple myeloma. With Crescent […]
Community rallies around injured mountain biker James Lowe
THE Port Macquarie community is rallying around James Lowe, 33, following a “traumatic” mountain bike accident. The husband, father and skilled refrigeration mechanic and electrician, is well-known for his jovial spirit and love of the outdoors. Friend Allie Isaacs describes him as a “beautiful, kind man who has touched the lives of many.” She has […]
Local crafter bringing joy to PMBH’s emergency department
Six-year-old Ella with her handmade bear Beary (aka Tuesday). Photo: supplied. Ingrid Kennewell with some of her handmade toys. Photo: supplied. Bears and bunnies sent to PMBH. Photo: supplied HOSPITAL can be a scary place for many, but for six-year-old Ella, nerves turned to joy recently thanks to the generosity of one local crafter. No […]

Graduate nurse says CSU First Nations scholarship made the difference
OSCAR Wills of Telegraph Point says a scholarship was invaluable in bringing him peace of mind when studying for his Bachelor of Nursing. Oscar graduated from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences during a ceremony in Port Macquarie on 14 May. The Yindyamarra Scholarship he received is one of several […]

Garden Village Auxiliary funds scholarships for future nurses
Vaughan Howarth and Jessee Bevan, Enrolled Nurse Scholarship Recipients, with CEO Craig Wearne and Kate Boath of TAFE NSW: Photo. supplied. Residents and retired nurses, June, Jill, Glenda, Daphne, Janette and Faye, pictured with Cheryl Pearson, the Garden Village Auxiliary President. Photo: supplied. Donna Scott NUM, Tammie Gough GM, Jessee Bevan PCA, Narin Searle EN, […]