LITTLE Wings is putting its helpers in the spotlight during Volunteer Appreciation Week, 19-23 May. As a 90 percent volunteer-led organisation, Little Wings relies on the dedication of its pilots, drivers, ground crew and events team: each playing a critical role in supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families. The service is honouring […]

CSU awards more than $300k in scholarships to Hastings students
FIFTY-SEVEN students from the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will receive financial support through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust this year. The total value of the scholarships is $335,926. The amount is part of the $3m awarded to students across all six CSU campuses. Recipients in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region were the first to be presented with […]
Port Mac Goss: In conversation with Marty Rhone
THE iconic sounds of Neil Diamond and Olivia Newton-John will grace the stage of The Glasshouse for one night in July, with Australian music royalty Marty Rhone producing the show. It was a pleasure to interview him for this week’s edition of Port Mac Goss. Marty, coming up in July your first Australian hit record […]
After 25 years, Radio 531 transforms into Cruze FM
IN the fast-paced world of radio and media, the team at Radio 531 has gone from celebrating its 25-years on air to entering a new era as CRUZE FM 93.5. One of the biggest changes that comes with the transformation is the introduction of the station’s very first local breakfast show hosted by Dave Sutherland. […]
Rain and wind lashes the Hastings leaving schools, libraries, roads and shops closed
The road from Wauchope to Port Macquarie. Photo: Troy Thompson. The Cutty Creek Bridge between Bonny Hills and Herons Creek. Photo: Nathan Marden. Flooding in Short Street, Port Macquarie. Sandbagging at Florence Jones Cheese and Wine. The Hastings River in flood. The Hastings River at Bain Bridge. Preparing sandbags at Wayne Richards Park. Photos: Kylie […]
Abbie and her rainbow beads take the stage at the Young Achiever Awards
FOLLOWING the release of her first children’s book in March, the local teenager who founded “The Rainbow Shoelace Project” (RSP) has received state recognition. Abbie Jane attended the Young Achiever Awards in Sydney where she was a finalist in the category “Create Change”. Although widely known for her innovative and love-fuelled initiative, being named as […]
Applications now open for live music opportunity
APPLICATIONS are now open for Outset, a new opportunity for the Mid North Coast’s live music producers of tomorrow. Guided by inspirational music industry professionals, up to 10 local young people will be selected to work together and create their own all-ages live music event. Presented by MusicNSW, Outset is a free program that offers […]

Oxley MP represents region at Anzac Cove
OXLEY MP Michael Kemp joined thousands of others at Anzac Cove in Turkey to mark the solemn anniversary of Anzac Day. Mr Kemp described attending the 110th Anniversary Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli as a “bucket list experience” and one of the greatest honours of his life. “Standing at Gallipoli as the sun rose […]
VALE Kevin Baker
Kevin and Judy Baker with Mark Vaille. Kevin Baker playing Captain Cook in the bi-centenary celebrations. Kevin Baker. PROMINENT former local pharmacist Kevin Baker was laid to rest by family last month. Kevin was born on 6 January 1935 at Abbotsford, Sydney to John and Edna Baker. He was the youngest of seven children. Educated […]
Government funding to fast-track more than 1800 new homes in Port Macquarie
MORE than 1800 new homes are to be fast-tracked in Port Macquarie following a major investment in housing and planning by the Minns Government. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will receive $200,000 through round three of the NSW Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for its “Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing”. The funding will support […]