THOUSANDS of campers have headed to the Hastings hinterland this Autumn, drawn by the promise of stunning bushwalks, clear and crisp waterholes, misty mornings, fireside chats – and a little peace and quiet. Normally, Swans Crossing ticks every box on that checklist. Situated 20 minutes west of Kew, the former dairy and beef farm was […]
Stargazing: Fishing by the moon phases
EVERY fisherman dreams of catching the big one – the fish that turns an ordinary day on the water into a season-long bragging right. But what if I told you there’s a way to plan your fishing trips like a pro, know when the bite will be at its best, and head home feeling like […]
New Peer Leader to advocate for locals with spinal cord injuries
NOEL Hiffernan OAM, a full-time wheelchair user and longtime disability advocate, is the new Peer Leader of the Mid North Coast Advocacy Community Network. The network takes in Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), which has grown to be the peak body for more than 20,000 people in Australia living with life-changing spinal cord injuries. Services […]
Deer tracking project underway across Port Macquarie region
GPS TECHNOLOGY is being used to track fine-scale feral deer movement patterns, habitat use and home range behaviour within the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. The program will be carried out by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) and staff from North Coast Local Land Services (LLS), with support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council. It will […]
Stargazing: April showers set to thrill
EVER stood under a quiet night sky and caught a sudden flash, like the heavens just struck a match? That fleeting streak we casually call a “shooting star” is anything but ordinary. And over the coming week, the sky is set to put on a show that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to lose […]
A fire training camp held at Guulabaa – Place of Koala in Cowarra State Forest last year. Photo: Forestry Corporation.
Cultural burn undertaken in Cowarra State Forest
BUNYAH Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) community firefighters carried out a cultural burn in Cowarra State Forest on Wednesday, marking the return of traditional Aboriginal fire practices to State Forest management. The burn brought together 15 community members, Elders, knowledge holders and young people, working alongside Forestry Corporation fire crews, to apply traditional fire knowledge […]
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 […]
Pathway upgrade to improve foreshore accessibility
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has commenced works on the Westport Link Pathway, aimed at enhancing community access and improving connectivity along the Kooloonbung Creek foreshore. The project will upgrade the pedestrian pathway linking the base of the Buller Street/Hollingworth Street footbridge with the end of the Comfort Resort Waters Edge precinct. “Once complete, the upgraded […]
Premier Chris Minns and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe want to boost NSW's EV charging network. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
Electric truck transition preparing for the long haul
WAR in the Middle East and associated spiralling diesel costs could spell the perfect time for truck fleets to keep edging closer to electrification. On Tuesday, the NSW government announced an expansion of heavy vehicle electrification incentives as part of its EV roadmap, along with investment in more fast chargers and kerbside charging stations for […]
Celebrations for Tacking Point Dippers
The Dippers celebrate their Presentation Day. The donation of $10k will go towards specialist equipment. (L-R) Laurie and Barb Smith, Page Leishman, Fran Scutts, Di Collocott, Sue Warner, Brian Johnson and Stephen Collocott. TACKING Point Dippers (Autism Swim) celebrated their presentation day on Saturday 28 March, with many smiles on the faces of the medal […]
