AS his side celebrated an important victory in Game One of the State of Origin, NSW coach Laurie Daley’s mind was on the Mid North Coast. “I hope this victory lifts everyone’s spirits,” he said in a Channel 9 interview following the win, sending a “shout out” to all those dealing with the impact of […]
Guulabaa – Place of Koala recognised with international award
Tom Owens, Principal at Gensler Sydney (centre), receiving the ULI Award. Guulabaa – Place of Koala is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre. Photo: FCNSW. GUULABAA – Place of Koala, the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre, has been named a winner of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) […]
‘Harry and Pearl’ to perform latest play in Port and Taree
AN inspirational chat over a cup of coffee led to the formation of the Harry and Pearl Ensemble Theatrical Group. Bill Harrow and Judy Campbell had performed many plays together in “The Night for Murder Group” and for the Players Theatre. The first show they were in was “Get Knitted” and their characters were Harry […]
Local ‘Star of the Hastings’ Madison Wilson calls on community to dig deep
DANCING was never part of Port Macquarie business owner Madison Wilson’s career path, but the multi-award winner and devoted mum of four couldn’t say no to the chance to hit the dance floor to raise much-needed funds for the Cancer Council. Taking part in this year’s Stars of the Hastings fundraiser, you would be forgiven […]
SES volunteer said extent of flooding took his ‘breath away’
The legends of Port Macquarie SES the night before the flood hit. The indoor basketball stadium had been set up as accommodation for rescue services. Photo: NSW Fire and Rescue The combined efforts of local and out of area rescue personnel in the wake of the region’s inundation. The combined efforts […]
‘Cheers Queers’ group calls for community’s support during Pride Month
WITH Pride Month just days away, the team from “Cheers Queers” is inviting the community along to Stick Bar on 5 June for “Beers 4 Queers” – an inclusive event to celebrate the month ahead. Organisers Mark and Abbey stress that the event is open to everyone wanting to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s […]

Tyrrell foster mum spared intimidation conviction
THE foster mother of missing toddler William Tyrrell has been spared conviction for intimidating and assaulting another child while mentally distressed over his disappearance. A magistrate in 2024 found her threats to slap the child on two occasions amounted to intimidation. The woman, who cannot be legally identified, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts […]

Locals find connection in flood-isolated communities
MARGRET Meagher knows what it’s like to be alone in an flood-isolated community with a dead phone, no electricity and water the only sound from the outside world. She lives on Port Macquarie’s North Shore, which was again surrounded by water last week, four years after devastating floods ravaged the town. “Last time those six […]
Marine Rescue volunteers go ‘above and beyond’ during flood emergency
Marine Rescue Port Macquarie’s flood rescue and support crew. Marine Rescue Port Macquarie crew assists on the North Shore. Marine Rescue Port Macquarie deploys its multipurpose vessel. Marine Rescue Port Macquarie crew performs a medical evacuation from the North Shore. MORE than 35 Port Macquarie volunteers have been praised by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex […]
VALE Mary Kiehne
TRIBUTES have flowed for the late Mary Kiehne of Port Macquarie, who passed away in April after a life of service to others. Mary was born in Badsey, Worcester in England on 23 November 1937 to Charles and Betty Hurman. She was the eldest of seven siblings. Mary trained as a nurse and came to […]