October 26, 2026
Heartbeat of the Hastings: Joan Burley
Local News

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Joan Burley

SOME people in our community quietly make a difference every single day not for recognition or reward, but simply because they care. Joan Burley is one of those people. For the past 14 years, Joan has volunteered at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to thousands of locals and visitors. She […]

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Advocate calls for community input into parking plan Noel Hiffernan OAM is a long-term advocate for people with disability.
Local News

Advocate calls for community input into parking plan

A FULL-TIME wheelchair user for 54 years, Noel Hiffernan OAM is calling on residents to provide extensive feedback to Council on the Port Macquarie Town Centre Parking Precinct Plan. A fierce advocate for people with a disability, Mr Hiffernan is passionate about ensuring accessible, safe and effective parking for all. The draft plan proposes several […]

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B-double accident adds to Oxley Highway chaos Dashcam shows the moment the B-double’s rear wheels lifted off the pavement. Photo: supplied to @PortMacquarieOnScene.
Local News

B-double accident adds to Oxley Highway chaos

Dashcam shows the moment the B-double’s rear wheels lifted off the pavement. Photo: supplied to @PortMacquarieOnScene. The B-double tipped on its side at the John Oxley Drive and Oxley Highway roundabout. Photos: supplied by @PortMacquarieOnScene. The B-double tipped on its side at the John Oxley Drive and Oxley Highway roundabout. Photos: supplied by @PortMacquarieOnScene. The […]

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Wauchope op-shop calls for support as community demand grows The Lifeline Shop in Wauchope is working to meet increased community demand.
Local News

Wauchope op-shop calls for support as community demand grows

THE Lifeline Shop in Wauchope is calling for new volunteers as the organisation works to meet increasing demand for crisis support funding and local community services. The Wauchope op-shop – together with Lifeline Shops in Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Wingham and Forster – forms an essential fundraising network for Lifeline Mid Coast and relies heavily […]

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Farmers share insights on mental health realities in the bush Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters.
Local News

Farmers share insights on mental health realities in the bush

RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land. Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows […]

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Lord Street footpath upgrade completed A section of the completed Lord Street footpath. Photo: PMHC.
Local News

Lord Street footpath upgrade completed

THE Lord Street footpath upgrade between Flynn and Herschell streets is complete. The work involved laying 265 metres of accessible pavement and the relocation of a pedestrian refuge. The $412,000 upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal and State governments under the Road Safety Program, and aligns with Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Walking and Cycling […]

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Momentum builds on Wrights Road in lead-up to budget announcements Rob Dwyer is reminding Oxley Highway/Wrights Road users to leave feedback on the TfNSW website. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Momentum builds on Wrights Road in lead-up to budget announcements

HUNDREDS of locals have heeded the call to submit feedback on the worsening congestion on the Oxley Highway at Wrights Road, but more are needed to strengthen the case for its upgrade. Feedback can be left on the Transport for NSW website at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/north-coast. Head to the “pin on the map’ section and select “add […]

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Port Macquarie’s ready to Ride the Wave for MAD
Local News

Port Macquarie’s ready to Ride the Wave for MAD

THE countdown’s on to this coming week’s Ride The Wave Festival in support of locals doing it tough. Over five days from 24 March, Port Macquarie will host surf, skate and live music events – all centred on Town Beach. Organised by Make A Difference (MAD), the event raises funds for the frontline services providing […]

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Review into feral animal management in NSW Minister Moriarty with landholder Andrew McIntyre.
Local News

Review into feral animal management in NSW

A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW. The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years. The control program has been built […]

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Tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat
Local News

Tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat

THE NSW Food Authority says consumers can feel confident enjoying locally grown berries, with NSW Government laboratory testing confirming they meet food safety standards for pesticide residues. Twenty-five kilograms of blueberries and raspberries, representing 100 samples of 250 grams each, were purchased from a range of Sydney retail stores in November 2025. They were tested […]

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