‘Delungra Nigel’ in his new ‘digs’. Photos: KCA. Nigel after his rescue. MUCH-LOVED koala amputee “Delungra Nigel” is now a permanent resident of the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa. After months of dedicated care and rehabilitation, he will serve as an ambassador for Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) and for wildlife resilience and conservation […]
Security bodycams to be rolled out at Port Macquarie Base Hospital
SECURITY staff at Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) will wear body worn cameras as part of a 12-month trial to reduce incidents of violence and aggression. The cameras will be activated whenever there is a risk of harm to staff, patients and visitors. In the most serious cases, the footage may be used as evidence. […]
Experienced Mid North Coast fire specialist deploys to Canada
FORESTRY Corporation’s Chris Scollen, a seasoned Crew Leader and Operations Planner, deployed to Canada this week to assist with the nation’s fire containment efforts. Chris, who is based at Taree, has worked with Forestry Corporation for five years and volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service for 25 years. He flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba with […]

From awards night to the frontline of emergency response
JUST hours after receiving one of Rotary’s highest honours for his more than 50 years of dedication, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) member Garry Whitaker was back supporting his community through a significant storm and flooding event. The NSW SES Hastings Cluster Deputy Local Commander was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Officer of the Year and […]
SES springs into action with more wet weather on the way
Port Macquarie SES members were called to secure a severely damaged skylight at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Port Macquarie SES members were called to secure a severely damaged skylight at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Members secured broken windows and damaged roofs, with many homes experiencing a ‘near miss’. Members secured broken windows and damaged roofs, […]

Community grants awarded to 22 groups across Port Macquarie electorate
MEMBER for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has announced the successful recipients of Community Building Partnership Grants. Twenty-two community groups across Harrington, the Camden Haven and Hastings, will share the $450,000 allocated to the Port Macquarie electorate. Mr Dwyer said the State Government funds will deliver much needed improvements to local facilities. “The Community Building Partnerships […]

Lord Howe volunteers return exhausted sailors to safety
The sailors and their 10m yacht were rescued in rough seas and towed to shore. Photo: NSW Marine Rescue. The sailors and their 10m yacht were rescued in rough seas and towed to shore. Photo: NSW Marine Rescue. The sailors and their 10m yacht were rescued in rough seas and towed to shore. Photo: NSW […]
Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band prepares for 2025 NSW State Band Championships
NEWS_Port Mac Band Prep for Champioships_SH_PY1 NEWS_Port Mac Band Prep for Champioships_SH_PY2 NEWS_Port Mac Band Prep for Champioships_SH_PY3 THE Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band stepped up preparations for next month’s NSW State Band Championships with an intensive workshop held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July. The prestigious championships are being […]
Hastings Farm Gate Tour postponed due to weather concerns
PLANNED for this weekend, the Hastings Farm Gate Tour has been postponed until 18-19 October 2025 due to weather concerns. A self-drive tour of host properties across the greater Hastings, Port Macquarie and Camden Haven region, the event serves as a “celebration of quality locally grown produce”. A diverse array of properties will open their […]
Record number of Mid North Coast students test their maths skills
OVER 2000 students from more than 55 schools across the Mid North Coast challenged their numeracy and problem-solving abilities this week, during the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition. Starting Monday, Year 5 and 6 students brimmed with excitement as they prepared to showcase their mathematical talents. This year’s event followed a strong performance […]