THREE and six month NSW TrainLink Discovery passes have been reinstated, after being “paused” for a review of their suitability. A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network, with 14-day, one-month, three-month and six-month passes available. The six-month pass costs $420. The passes have not […]

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has launched a new payment platform to give ratepayers flexibility and control over rates and water payments. Called “Payble”, the platform allows property owners to pay in full before the due date or split their bills into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. SMS and email reminders can be set up […]

Port Macquarie Museum on Clarence Street shines. Photo: Facebook. Soul Surf School’s Corey and Loren Enfield smashing waves. Photo: Facebook. Positive Energy Lord Howe Island Retreat led by Belinda Johnson and Peta Alexopoulos. Photo: Facebook. Reflections Cadet Cup at Bonny Hills attracts the crowds including Callum Robson. Photo: Facebook. HASTINGS region tourism operators are making […]

Tom Sheppard’s winning photo ‘Googik Dreaming’. Photo: supplied. Tom Sheppard out and about capturing photo opps. Photo: supplied. Bronwyn Ellis’ digital photo of penguins in South Georgia. Photo: Sis Higgins. Sharryn Sykes’ print photos of tiled mosques in Uzbekistan. Photo: Sis Higgins. PORT MACQUARIE photographer Tom Sheppard has taken out first place in the Australian […]

A 13-YEAR-OLD who needs no introduction, Blake Herbert is fast becoming a local celebrity through his enthusiasm for everything outdoors. For the past six months, Blake, who lives with ADHD and dyslexia, has been a regular feature alongside “Sarge” on Triple M on a Friday morning, telling listeners where and when the fish are biting. […]

OVER A writing career spanning 15 years, Drew Lindsay has published 46 novels. Drew tinkered with writing short stories and essays prior to embarking on serious novel writing. “My inspiration is an active imagination and wishing to share stories with others.” he told News Of The Area. “I always say, this is the last one […]

WITHOUT a single prior fight under his belt, 16-year-old Harley Rayment made a statement in the boxing world last week at the 2025 Boxing Queensland Open International Golden Gloves tournament in Brisbane. Facing just one opponent due to a late withdrawal, Harley entered a professional boxing ring for the very first time, immediately competing for […]

THE NSW Coalition will introduce its proposed Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 when Parliament resumes next month. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the legislation could see people who sell illegal tobacco and vapes be jailed for up to seven years. “The increased activity involving the illegal sale of tobacco […]

HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]

LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]